Key Takeaways
- Laser hair removal results vary widely depending on hair type, skin tone, hormone levels, and technology used.
- Understanding how hair growth cycles work is essential for setting realistic expectations.
- Modern systems like GentleMax Pro laser hair removal and Fotona laser hair removal are designed to treat a wider range of skin types effectively — but proper settings matter.
- Learn the most common reasons your sessions may not be progressing and how Philosophy of Beauty helps clients achieve long-lasting permanent hair reduction.
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular long-term hair reduction methods worldwide, yet some people feel frustrated when results seem slow or inconsistent. Let’s explore why this happens — and what you can do to improve outcomes.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal relies on a principle called selective photothermolysis: the laser targets melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle, heats it, and disables its future growth potential.
However — and this is critical — the laser can only treat follicles that are in the anagen (active growth) phase.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Each follicle cycles independently through:
- Anagen: active growth — the only phase the laser can disable
- Catagen: transition phase
- Telogen: resting/shedding phase
Only 20–30% of your hair is in anagen at any given moment, which is why multiple sessions are required.
Technology Matters
Philosophy of Beauty uses advanced, medical-grade systems designed to treat diverse hair and skin types safely:
- GentleMax Pro® (Alexandrite + Nd:YAG)
- Fotona Nd:YAG for deeper skin tones
These devices allow clinicians to customize wavelength, pulse duration, and energy levels for each patient.
Typical Treatment Flow
- Cleanse
- Pulse delivery
- Cooling
- Aftercare instructions
Understanding this foundation helps clarify why laser hair removal treatment outcomes differ from person to person.
Common Reasons You’re Not Seeing Results
You Haven’t Completed Enough Sessions
This is the most frequent reason clients worry that “why is my laser hair removal not working?”
To see noticeable reduction, you typically need:
- 6–8 sessions
- spaced 4–6 weeks apart
- with consistent timing
Skipping appointments or spacing them too far apart means new anagen hairs appear between sessions, delaying progress.
Your Hair or Skin Type Affects Response
Laser energy is absorbed by melanin, so several factors influence the outcome:
Lighter hair (blonde, grey, red)
These contain less melanin, making laser targeting more difficult.
Darker skin tones
Require specific wavelengths (Nd:YAG) to avoid overheating the skin.
This is why Philosophy of Beauty uses systems suitable for laser hair removal for dark skin, such as GentleMax Pro and Fotona.
Fine or vellus hair
These respond poorly to laser because the follicle is small and lacks strong pigment.
Hormonal or Genetic Factors
Conditions that increase androgen levels may stimulate new hair growth even after successful laser sessions:
- PCOS
- thyroid imbalance
- postpartum hormonal shifts
- testosterone sensitivity
- certain medications
Hormone-driven hair often improves with combined medical evaluation and aesthetic treatment.
If regrowth is persistent, we may recommend consulting an endocrinologist.
Incorrect Laser Settings or Technique
Your results depend heavily on:
- choosing the right wavelength
- adequate fluence (energy)
- correct pulse duration
- proper cooling
- consistent overlap
- matching the device to your skin type
Low or overly cautious energy settings can delay results. That’s why it’s essential to choose trained, certified providers using medical-grade devices — not low-power machines found in non-medical spas.
What You Can Do to Improve Your Results
Choose the Right Clinic and Laser Device
A reputable clinic should be using advanced, FDA-approved technologies such as:
- GentleMax Pro laser hair removal
- Fotona Nd:YAG
- Cynosure Elite (optional)
- Lightsheer Diode (older but still used in some settings)
Equipment should match your skin tone, hair colour, and hair thickness.
This is why Philosophy of Beauty performs a full assessment before developing your plan — each client requires tailored energy and wavelength combinations.
If a provider cannot explain which wavelength they’re using or why, it may not be the best laser hair removal clinic for your goals.
Follow Pre- and Post-Treatment Instructions
Your own routine can make or break the outcome.
Before your session
- Avoid tanning and self-tanners
- Shave the area the night before
- No waxing, plucking, or threading (these remove the follicle target)
- Avoid exfoliants or retinoids for 48 hours
After your session
- Avoid sun exposure
- Apply SPF daily
- No heat, saunas, or heavy workouts for 24–48 hours
- Avoid picking or exfoliating treated skin
Following these steps protects the skin and ensures stronger laser hair removal results.
Be Consistent and Patient
Results build gradually — this is normal.
You may notice:
- slower regrowth
- finer texture
- patchy reduction
- fewer ingrown hairs
Annual maintenance sessions are common, particularly for hormonal hair or dense areas like the lower face.
Laser Hair Removal at Philosophy of Beauty
Philosophy of Beauty uses advanced platforms — GentleMax Pro® and Fotona — chosen specifically for their safety, consistency, and ability to treat a wide range of tones and hair types.
Your treatment plan includes:
- expert assessment
- customized energy settings
- medical-grade technology
- precise spacing between sessions
- guidance for improving outcomes
- long-term planning for permanent hair reduction
“Each client’s hair growth pattern and skin type are unique. At Philosophy of Beauty, our team adjusts every setting and session schedule to ensure safe, effective, and lasting hair reduction.”
— Philosophy of Beauty Medical Team
FAQs
1. Why is my laser hair removal not working even after several sessions?
Most often, the issue is timing, incorrect settings, hormonal factors, or incomplete sessions.
2. How many sessions do I need to see noticeable results?
Most people need 6–8 sessions, though hormonal areas may need more.
3. Does laser hair removal work for all hair and skin types?
Modern systems — especially Nd:YAG — allow safe treatment of a wide range of tones, including darker skin. Very light or red hair may remain resistant.
4. Can hormones affect my laser hair removal progress?
Yes. PCOS, thyroid conditions, and androgen sensitivity can influence regrowth patterns.
5. Is laser hair removal permanent?
It offers long-term permanent hair reduction, but new follicles can become active over time, especially with hormonal changes.
6. Why does my hair seem to grow back thicker after the first few treatments?
This is an illusion caused by synchronized shedding. As follicles cycle together, regrowth may appear fuller temporarily.
7. How do I know if the clinic or laser device is the problem?
Ask about:
- device model and wavelength
- technician credentials
- treatment parameters
- expected timeline
If these explanations are unclear, results may not be optimal.
