What to do When Laser Hair Removal Doesn’t Work?

Updated on: 12th August, 2023

Are you tired of constantly dealing with unwanted body hair but frustrated with your lack of success? Have you ever considered getting laser hair removal to remove unwanted hair?

Unwanted hair growth can be a frustrating and time-consuming problem for many people. That’s why laser hair removal has become popular for those seeking a more permanent solution. Laser hair removal uses a concentrated light beam to target and destroy hair follicles and prevent further growth.

But what to do when laser hair removal doesn’t work? Many people experience disappointment and dissatisfaction with laser hair removal, and knowing what to do next can be challenging.

Don’t worry! In this blog, we will explain when laser hair removal doesn’t work and what you can do if you find that laser hair removal isn’t working for you. Keep reading!

Laser hair removal is one of the popular methods for unwanted hair removal that uses laser light to target hair follicles, damaging them to prevent future hair growth. While it is generally effective for many people, there are several reasons why laser hair removal might not work for everyone. Here are some possible reasons why laser hair removal may not work for you:

• Hair Colour 

Laser hair removal works best on dark hair because the laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle. If you have light, grey or blonde hair, the laser may not be able to target the hair follicles effectively.

• Hair Type

Fine, thin hair may be more difficult for the laser to detect, leading to less effective hair removal. Additionally, curly or tightly coiled hair may be more difficult for the laser to penetrate, which can also impact the effectiveness of the treatment.

• Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes and certain medications or medical conditions that affect hormone levels can also impact hair growth. Laser hair removal may be less effective if hair growth is related to hormones.

• Certain Medications

Some medications can make your skin more light-sensitive, making laser hair removal less effective. It’s important to tell your dermatologist about any medications you are taking before starting treatment.

• Improper Settings

Laser hair removal must be performed by a trained and experienced dermatologist who understands how to adjust the laser settings based on your skin type and hair colour. If the settings are incorrect, it can result in less effective hair removal or even skin damage.

• Incomplete Treatment

Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions to achieve long-lasting results. You may not see the desired results if you miss appointments or do not complete the full treatment course.

• Not Following Post-Treatment Instructions

You can’t achieve your desired results if you are not following your dermatologist’s post-treatment instructions.

You might wonder what to do when laser hair removal doesn’t work. If you have undergone laser hair removal treatment and are not satisfied with the results, here are the steps you can follow:

• Consult Your Dermatologist

You should first speak to your dermatologist if you do not see the expected results. They will examine your skin and hair to determine why the treatment may not have worked and suggest alternative approaches.

• Schedule a Follow-up Appointment

It’s important to remember that hair grows in cycles, so you may need to undergo several treatments before seeing the full results of laser hair removal. Therefore, schedule a follow-up appointment with your dermatologist for a complete treatment.

• Consider a Different Type of Laser

Different types of lasers are available for hair removal; some may work better for your skin and hair type than others. For example, Alexandrite and Diode lasers are better suited for people with light skin and dark hair, while Diode and Nd:YAG lasers may be more effective for people with darker skin tones.

• Ensure that You Are a Good Candidate

If you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant, or are taking certain medications, you must discuss them with your dermatologist because they can affect your candidacy for laser hair removal sessions.

Remember that laser hair removal may not be 100% effective for everyone, and results can vary based on several factors, including skin and hair type. It’s essential to discuss your expectations and any concerns with your dermatologist before beginning treatment and know what to do when laser hair removal doesn’t work.