The number of laser hair removal sessions you need is decided by the area and your hair type, and we plan it for you at your first consultation. Sessions are spaced apart because hairs do not all grow at the same time: each one follows its own natural growth cycle. Below we explain what decides the number of sessions and the gap between them, how much hair reduction to expect with regular sessions, and how we plan your programme with you.
Why does laser hair removal take more than one session?
Laser hair removal is a programme made up of regular sessions. The hairs in any one area do not all grow at the same time; each follows its own natural growth cycle, so sessions are repeated at set intervals.
What decides how many sessions you need?
Between them, the factors below decide how long your programme takes.
- The area: Hair density and growth can differ between areas such as the legs, arms, underarms, bikini line and face.
- Hair type: The colour and thickness of your hair can affect how the programme progresses.
- How regularly you come: Keeping to the planned intervals between sessions helps the programme move along steadily.
- How you remove hair in between: Throughout your programme, it is important to avoid waxing, tweezing and epilators and to stick to shaving.
- Personal factors: At your first consultation we talk about any medication you take and anything else we should know about you, and plan accordingly.
Because we plan and carry out every programme to a personalised protocol, the number of sessions and the gap between them may differ for you. That is why, at your first consultation, we look at the area and your hair together and suggest a session plan that suits you. As your programme goes on, we review it and update the plan with you.
What do we talk about at your first consultation?
Your session plan takes shape at your first consultation. We talk about what you are hoping for, the area we will work on, your hair and skin type, and whether there is anything we should know about you.
We also ask whether you have recently been in the sun, which medication and skincare products you use, and what holidays you have planned for the coming months. With all of this in mind, we set the gap between sessions and the dates together with you.
How much hair reduction can you expect from regular sessions?
With regular sessions, most of the hair in the area is reduced for the long term. Scientific studies of diode lasers (Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2009 and 2011) report hair reduction of up to 80-90% six months after a course of five sessions.
Some studies have found lower figures, and the outcome depends on your hair colour, skin tone, the area and how regularly you attend. That is why, rather than quote a single number, we talk through what you can expect at your first consultation, and at every stage of the programme we let you know how things stand.
How long should you wait between laser hair removal sessions?
We set the gap between sessions according to the area and your hair growth cycle. At your first consultation we will tell you how long to leave between sessions. We suggest keeping to the dates we have planned, rather than changing the gap on your own.
How long does a laser hair removal session take?
The length of a session depends on the area you choose and how large it is. A small area such as the underarms is quick, while a large area such as the legs takes longer. We will give you an approximate time when you book.
Our post on laser hair removal preparation and aftercare explains, step by step, how to prepare for a session and what to do afterwards.
What should you keep in mind during your programme?
Alongside the preparation and aftercare advice, all your programme needs to move along steadily is for us to stay in touch. If you miss an appointment, message us and we will set a new date together. If any of the following applies to you, or comes up during your programme, please tell us before your next session:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- An open wound, rash, irritation, sunburn or a tattoo on the area
- Recent sun exposure or sunbed use
- A medication or skincare product you have just started or use regularly, especially one that can make your skin more sensitive to light
- A long-term condition
We will plan around it together and, where needed, postpone the session or suggest you speak to your doctor first. Throughout your programme, your sessions are carried out by our expert team of qualified practitioners, who explain each step and look after your comfort.
What happens when your programme ends?
When your programme is complete, we look at the area with you and see how the hair is. It is normal for some hairs to grow back over time, and where needed, we plan an occasional maintenance session with you.
It is also important to plan your programme around the season and your holidays. Our post on when to start laser hair removal explains which time of year makes planning easier.
Frequently asked questions
Will I see a difference after the first session?
Most people notice some reduction in hair after the first session, and the change becomes clearer as the sessions go on. As hairs grow at different times, it is normal to still see hair in the area after your first session.
Can I shorten the gap between sessions myself?
No, please do not shorten it on your own. We set the gap between sessions together at your first consultation, according to the area and your hair growth cycle, and review it with you as your programme goes on.
Will the hair go away completely?
With regular sessions, most of the hair in the area is reduced for the long term, and the hair that does grow back is usually finer and lighter. An occasional maintenance session may be needed over time, and we plan this with you when your programme ends.
How do you plan sessions for more than one area?
We plan them together, around the areas that matter most to you. At your first consultation we talk through your priorities, then plan your sessions, and how long they take, around them.
Plan your first consultation
You can read how a session unfolds, step by step, on our Laser Hair Removal page. To talk through a plan that suits the area and your hair type, send us a message; our salon’s address in Nişantaşı, Istanbul is on our contact page.
