You've had your first laser hair removal session. Now what? Many clients are surprised that their hair doesn't disappear straight away, and some worry when it seems to keep growing. Here's what's normal in the days and weeks after your first session, how to look after your skin, and when to get in touch.
Redness first, shedding later, results over a course
Straight after treatment, your skin may look pink and feel warm for a few hours. Over the next 1 to 3 weeks, treated hairs gradually shed. Some hair will grow back before your next session, which is completely normal. The real reduction builds up over a course of 6 to 10 sessions.
Your first few weeks, step by step
- The first 24 hours
The treated area may look pink or red and feel warm, a bit like mild sunburn. You might see small raised bumps around the hair follicles, similar to goosebumps. This is a normal reaction and usually settles within a few hours to a day or two.
- Days 2 to 7
Your skin should look back to normal. The treated hairs may still be visible, and can even look as if they're growing. They're not: your skin is slowly pushing the treated hairs out.
- Weeks 1 to 3
The shedding stage. Treated hairs loosen and fall out, often coming away easily in the shower or when you towel dry. Gentle exfoliation from around day 10 helps them along.
- Weeks 4 to 8
Some new hair appears. These are hairs that were in a resting stage during your first session, and they'll be treated next time. This is when your next session is due.
- After a few sessions
Most clients notice regrowth becoming slower, finer and patchier. By the end of a full course, most see a 70–90% reduction in hair.
Why doesn't all the hair fall out at once?
Hair grows in cycles, and at any one time your hairs are at different stages. The laser can only treat hairs in their active growth stage, when the hair is still connected to the follicle. Hairs that are resting, or just starting to grow, won't respond to that session.
That's why laser hair removal is done as a course, with sessions spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart. Each session catches a new group of hairs in their growth stage. Results & sessions explained
What's normal, and when to get in touch
Completely normal
- Redness and warmth for a few hours
- Small bumps around the follicles
- Mild itching as the skin settles
- Hairs that still look like they're there for a week or two
- Some regrowth before your next session
Message me if you notice
- Blisters or crusting
- Redness or swelling that lasts longer than a few days
- Pain that gets worse rather than better
- Patches of skin that turn darker or lighter
- Anything you're unsure about
Reactions like these are uncommon, but if one happens it's important to tell me straight away, so I can advise you and adjust your settings for next time. For anything severe, seek medical advice.
Your aftercare checklist
Following these simple steps helps your skin settle quickly and gets the best from every session:
- 24hNo deodorant or perfume on the treated area
- 48hNo hot baths, saunas, swimming or gym, to avoid irritation
- 48hWait before shaving. After that, shave as normal
- 7days with no fake tan on the treated area
- 10days, then exfoliate gently to help hairs shed
- 14days out of direct sun, and SPF 50 whenever the area is exposed
Between sessions, don't wax, pluck, epilate or use hair removal cream. These remove the hair root, which the laser needs to target at your next session. Shaving is the only hair removal you should use during your course. To soothe your skin, aloe vera gel or a clean cool pack works well. Full pre and post care guide
Frequently asked questions
Why is my hair still growing after laser?
For the first week or two, treated hairs can look as if they're growing while your skin pushes them out. Later, new hairs that were resting during your session will appear. Both are normal, and they're why laser hair removal is done as a course.
When will I see results?
Most people notice hairs shedding within 1 to 3 weeks of their first session. A clear reduction usually builds up over the first few sessions, and by the end of a full course most clients see a 70–90% reduction.
Can I shave after laser hair removal?
Yes, from 48 hours after your session. Shaving is the only hair removal you should use between sessions. Avoid waxing, plucking, epilating and creams.
Is it normal to have bumps after laser?
Yes. Small raised bumps around the follicles are a common reaction and usually settle within a few hours to a day or two. Cool packs or aloe vera can help.
When should I book my next session?
Sessions are usually spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, depending on the area and your hair growth. We'll plan your timing together so each session catches hairs in their growth stage.
Questions after your session?
Just send me a message, I'm always happy to help. And if you haven't started yet, your consultation and patch test are completely free.
Luminier Laser Aesthetics is a private laser studio in Leighton Buzzard, welcoming clients from Linslade, Dunstable, Tring, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury.