So you’ve decided to get laser hair removal to achieve smooth and hairless skin. That’s great! Laser hair removal is an effective method for getting rid of unwanted body hair for the long term. However, the process can take repeated treatments to be fully effective and the results are not instant. After the procedure, the targeted hair follicles go into a “resting” phase before shedding the hair and then Re-growth, if any, begins.
Shedding the dead hair from the laser treatment can take time and patience. The good news is there are some tips and tricks you can use to help speed up the shedding process so you can enjoy hairless skin faster. By understanding the shedding process and properly caring for your skin after laser hair removal treatments, you’ll get the smooth results you want sooner.
What to Expect During the Shedding Process
After laser hair removal, the hair follicles in the treatment area go into a resting phase for about 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, the hair is still in place but will shed as the follicles push the dead hair out. You’ll notice the hair easily coming out with normal washing and cleansing or when combing the area with your fingers. Shedding all the hair in the treatment area can take 4 to 6 weeks total.
The time frame for shedding depends on several factors, including:
- The size of the treatment area. Larger areas like full legs or backs will take longer than upper lips or chins.
- The number of hair follicles. Areas with higher hair density will require more time to fully shed.
- The hair growth cycle. Hairs in the active growth phase are more susceptible to the laser and will shed faster than hairs in resting or dormant phases. Multiple treatments are needed as hair follicles cycle through different growth phases.
- Skin type. Shedding tends to be slightly faster for those with lighter skin tones versus darker skin tones. The laser light is better absorbed by darker hairs on lighter skin.
- Laser technology used. Some lasers, like diode and Nd:YAG, may produce slightly faster shedding than alexandrite lasers. However, alexandrite lasers typically achieve better results overall in fewer treatments.
- Following proper aftercare. Diligently following the provided aftercare instructions will help speed up shedding and avoid complications that could slow down the process.
While shedding can be frustrating to wait out, it’s important to be patient through the process. Laser hair removal works to damage hair follicles in a controlled manner, so the body needs time to shed the dead hairs. Attempting to speed up shedding too aggressively could irritate the skin and hair follicles, causing redness, inflammation, and discomfort.
5 Tips To Help Speed Up Shedding
While patience is key, there are a few tips you can follow to aid the natural shedding process after your laser hair removal treatment. Be very gentle with your skin during this time and avoid aggressive methods to remove dead hair. The following tips can help speed shedding while protecting your skin.
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Gentle exfoliation helps remove the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin that can trap dead hairs underneath. Use a soft washcloth, loofah sponge, or chemical exfoliant, like glycolic acid toner or lotion, to lightly buff away the top layer of skin cells. This opens up your pores and hair follicles so the dead hairs can shed more freely.
Exfoliate the treatment area 2-3 times a week starting about a week after your laser procedure. Be very gentle and avoid over-exfoliating which can lead to irritation. Discontinue exfoliating if your skin becomes red or inflamed. Exfoliation should stimulate shedding, not further irritate the skin.
2.Use a Gentle, Fragrance-Free Cleanser
After laser hair removal, switch to using a mild cleanser that is fragrance and dye-free. Harsh skin care products with strong fragrances and chemicals can dry out and irritate your skin, slowing down shedding. A gentle, hydrating cleanser helps loosen up dead skin and unclog hair follicles so hairs can shed while soothing the skin.
Look for cleansers containing hydrating ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone. Cetaphil, CeraVe, and Aveeno Ultra-Calming are excellent brands that offer fragrance-free cleansers for sensitive skin. Use lukewarm water when washing the area and gently massage the cleanser into your skin with your fingertips to loosen up dead hairs.
3. Stay Hydrated
Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water after your laser hair removal treatment. Staying hydrated helps keep your skin healthy, aids natural cell renewal, and promotes hair follicle function. Hydrated skin will shed dead hairs more easily than dry skin. Aim for 6-8 glasses of water per day to keep your skin in peak condition for shedding and hair removal.
In addition to drinking more water, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to your skin daily, especially right after cleansing. Look for hydrating ingredients like dimethicone, glycerin, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid. Moisturizer helps soften skin, open pores, and lubricate hair follicles to facilitate shedding. The more hydrated and soft your skin is, the more quickly dead hairs will shed from hair follicles.
4. Be Patient
Unfortunately, there is no way to speed up shedding overnight after laser hair removal. The shedding process takes time as hair growth cycles through its natural phases and follicles release dead hairs. Being patient and understanding that shedding can continue for 4 to 6 weeks will help avoid frustration and discouragement.
While exfoliating, hydrating, and using gentle skin care can aid the shedding process, these tips simply help facilitate your body’s natural mechanisms. For the first few weeks after treatment, hair shedding may seem minimal. But as hair follicles restart their growth cycles, shedding will usually increase rapidly before tapering off. Patience and consistency with your aftercare regimen will produce the best end results.
5. Avoid Hair Removal Methods
During the shedding period, avoid any hair removal methods like waxing, plucking, or shaving. These methods can damage hair follicles and remove hairs that were successfully treated, requiring touch-up treatments. Waxing, in particular, should be avoided for 7-10 days before laser treatment.
Let hairs shed on their own after laser removal. Do not pull out or pluck hairs that remain intact or seem loose. Plucking hairs can lead to ingrown hairs, damage the follicles, and slow future hair regrowth. Your laser technician will provide guidance on when it is safe to resume temporary hair removal methods, if needed. Typically 3-4 weeks after the initial treatment is recommended.
Caring for Your Skin After Laser Hair Removal
To properly care for your skin and speed up shedding after laser hair removal, follow these tips:
- Apply aloe vera gel immediately after treatment to soothe the skin and reduce redness. Continue using aloe gel 3 times a day for the first 3 days.
- Use cold compresses or ice packs on the treatment area for 10-15 minutes at a time, a few times per day, for the first day or two to reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
- Wash the area twice a day with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat dry instead of rubbing aggressively.
- Moisturize the area daily with a fragrance-free moisturizer to keep skin hydrated while soothing irritation.
- Avoid sun exposure or use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen for at least 4 weeks after treatment. Sun exposure can damage hair follicles and cause complications.
- Avoid heat and friction from exercise, hot tubs, saunas for 1-2 days.
- Allow 2-3 weeks before returning to waxing, plucking, or shaving (if needed at all). Your laser technician will provide exact guidelines for your hair removal schedule.
- Exfoliate very gently 2-3 times per week starting 1 week after treatment. Discontinue if irritation occurs.
- Contact your laser clinic with any concerns about increased pain, swelling, redness or signs of infection such as pus, fever, chills. Some redness and tenderness are normal, but if discomfort is severe or lasts longer than 1 week, consult your technician.
- Follow up with recommended touch-up treatments. Multiple treatments are required for best results as hair cycles through growth phases.
With proper at-home care and by allowing sufficient time for natural shedding, you can achieve smooth, hairless skin with laser hair removal. Be patient and consistent, avoid irritation, and speak with your laser technician if you have additional concerns about the speed of your shedding or results. Laser hair removal can provide permanent hair reduction and long-lasting smoothness when performed correctly and in multiple treatments.