This month we’re delving into the hairy world of laser hair removal – a journey that’s all about timing and aligning your treatments with the hair growth cycle.
Many of you may be tired of the constant battle with your razor or the sting of waxing, and you’ve decided to take the plunge into the world of laser hair removal. But before you contact Face Medical and book an appointment to start zapping away those pesky hairs, let’s talk about the VIP guest of the day – the hair growth cycle.
Your hair follicles go through three main phases: Anagen (the growth phase), Catagen (the transitional phase), and Telogen (the resting phase). Understanding this cycle is crucial because laser hair removal is most effective during the Anagen phase – when the hair is actively growing.
Now, you might be thinking, “Is the hair growth cycle really that important? Can’t I just pop into Face Medical and ask them to laser away whenever I feel like it?” Our trained practitioners know it doesn’t work like that, and that timing is everything in the world of laser hair removal. Here’s why:
Anagen is the A-Lister of the hair party:
During the Anagen phase, hair follicles are in the active growth mode. Cells in the root of the hair divide rapidly, pushing the hair shaft up and out. During this phase the hair follicles are vibrant and full of life, making it the prime time for laser hair removal as the laser targets the pigment in the actively growing hairs.
Take full advantage of the first stage:
You’ll find that around 85-90% of your body hair will be in the Anagen phase at any one time, which may only last for 5-7 weeks. It’s essential to take full advantage of this stage of the cycle because once the hair transitions to Catagen or Telogen, it becomes less responsive to laser treatment. Therefore, it’s important to schedule your laser sessions strategically to make the most of the growth phase.
Multiple sessions for the win:
Laser hair removal isn’t a one-session wonder; it’s a journey. Since not all your hairs are on the same cycle at the same time, you’ll need multiple sessions to catch every strand in its Anagen glory. Consistency is key to your laser hair removal treatment. A typical treatment plan suggests that your sessions should be spaced 4 weeks apart. And, the number of sessions required will depend on location, thickness of hair and how much needs to be removed.
Patience is a virtue (and a necessity):
It takes time for the hair growth cycle to complete its dance, and for your laser hair removal treatment to deliver its final result – around 4 weeks. Our advice is to be patient and stay committed to your laser hair removal plan – the results are worth the wait!
Say goodbye to the razor and hello to smooth, hair-free skin:
Laser hair removal isn’t just about waving goodbye to unwanted hair; it’s also a farewell to time-consuming body grooming rituals. With laser hair removal, the appearance of annoying stubble can be a thing of the past, and so too is anxiously counting down the days until your next waxing appointment.