The simplest answer is maybe. But, that doesn’t really help you make an informed decision does it? That’s why I want to tackle this question today with an in depth explanation. Everywhere you go it seems like the magic number for laser hair removal is 6 sessions. That is likely because most spas sell packages of 6 treatments, along with a statement that reads something like, “6-8 treatments for 70-90% permanent hair reduction”.
Is this false advertising or what? No, not really. There are cases when 6-8 treatments are enough to zap 70-90% of hair follicles for good. But, that’s the exception not the rule. It is more common to need 10 or 12 treatments and in some cases even 15 treatments to reach optimal results.
Optimal results with laser hair removal is always 70-90% permanent hair reduction. This is another commonly misunderstood point about laser hair removal. In our spa, we turn away 10-20% of clients who want to buy more laser treatments for areas they have already had treated. One of our first questions during the initial consultation is, “have you had had laser on this area”? If the answer is yes, we move to the next question, “do you have 70-90% reduction in that area”? If the answer to that question is in the affirmative, we recommend considering treatment on a different area. Our philosophy is to earn trust from the start. We want our clients to have true and realistic expectations. And just as important, we don’t want our clients to waste their hard earned money on something that is not going to give them the results they are paying for.
So, what determines how many treatments I might need on an area to get optimal results? There are a number of factors that determine the answer. The color of your skin, the thickness of your hair, the density of hair and hormonal levels are all factors in predicting how many sessions you might need. The best any skilled laser technician can do, in determining the number of laser treatments you will need, is a prediction. But, a skilled tech can get it within 1 or 2 treatments.
Here is what you need to know about areas that require more than 6 treatments.
Area treated- There are a couple of small areas that 6 treatments are sufficient for optimal results. These include navel, feet, hands, fingers, toes and lower back. Almost every other area is going to require more than 6 treatments. The actual number will depend on how you stack up in the categories below.
Hormones- One of the biggest factors and hardest to predict is the interference of hormones. Hormones are the cause of excessive hair growth. Women who have hair on the chin, sideburns, breasts or butt are likely to have a hormonal imbalance and can require 10-15 treatments on those areas. For the men there is already a higher hormone level, however, men tend to have fewer hormonal balance issues than the ladies. But, you guys should still be prepared to undergo more than 6 treatments for great results.
Skin tone- The color of your skin is another factor. Lighter skin types have less pigment making it easier for the laser energy to absorb straight into the hair follicle, killing it off. For darker skin types and African Americans with more pigment the laser energy is absorbed by the skin and the hair follicle, slightly affecting the strength of the laser pulse. As a result, The Weeknd might need a couple of more treatments than Emma Stone.
The hair- Thickness and density are commonly used interchangeably. To my surprise many skilled laser techs do this and it confuses people. Don’t make the same mistake. Thickness directly relates to the hair follicle and density is how many hair follicles you have in a given area. You can easily diagnose yourself on this one. If you your stubble grows back dark and feels course after 2 days of shaving then you have thick hair. If there are lots of follicles in an area then you have dense growth. Easy peasy!
The popularity of laser hair removal has given way to a trove of incorrect information. You need the facts when it comes to determining if laser hair removal is safe and affordable for you. You should always have a consultation before you elect to have treatment.
Skin Bar NYC offers complimentary consultations. Our laser technicians are the most experienced in the business and you can be confident knowing that your safety is always our first concern. Schedule a complimentary evaluation today, 212-889-1171.