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Why Does Hair Still Grow After Laser Hair Removal?

Many people expect hair to disappear permanently after a single laser treatment . When hair still grows, doubt often arises: does laser hair removal actually work?

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The short answer is yes, but hair growth occurs in phases.

Laser hair removal only works on hairs that are currently in the active growth phase (anagen phase) . Because not all hairs grow simultaneously, multiple treatments are needed to effectively treat all hair follicles.

At Lana Skyn in Amsterdam, we therefore always explain to clients that it is normal to see hair growth between treatments.


Short Answer: Why Does Hair Still Grow After Laser Hair Removal?

Hair can still grow after laser hair removal because not all hair follicles are active at the same time . The laser only works on hairs that are in the growth phase. Therefore, during a treatment, usually only a portion of the hair is permanently removed . New hairs that enter the growth phase later are treated during subsequent sessions.

This is why a complete treatment usually consists of 6 to 8 treatments .


Laser hair removal works by directing light energy to the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle . The heat damages the hair follicle, causing hair to stop growing or grow back much more slowly.

This process works best when a hair:

  • actively growing

  • is connected to the hair root

  • contains sufficient pigment

That is why laser hair removal does not work on all hairs at the same time .


The Hair Growth Cycle

Hair grows in different phases. This explains why multiple treatments are necessary.

Phase

What's happening

Does laser work?

Anagen phase

Hair grows actively

Yes

Catagen phase

Growth stops

Less effective

Telogen phase

Her hair rests and falls out

No

During a treatment, usually 10–25% of the hairs are in the growth phase .



Why Do You Still See Hair Growth After Treatment?

There are several reasons why hair may still be visible after treatment.

1. Not All Hair Was In The Growth Phase

Because laser only works on hairs in the growth phase, some hair follicles remain active until the next treatment.

This is the most common reason for hair to still grow.

2. The skin later rejects treated hairs

Many clients think that hair grows back, but in reality the skin slowly pushes out treated hairs .

This process can take 1 to 3 weeks .

3. New Hair Follicles Become Active

Some hair follicles are in a resting phase and only become active later.

When this happens, new hairs may appear, so multiple treatments are necessary .

4. Hormones Can Affect Hair Growth

Hormonal changes can stimulate hair growth.

For example, we see this in:

  • pregnancy

  • hormonal fluctuations

  • PCOS

  • certain medications

In these cases, maintenance treatments may be necessary.


Normal Reactions After Laser Hair Removal

After treatment, temporary skin reactions may occur, such as:

  • mild redness

  • feeling of warmth

  • small bumps

  • skin sensitivity

This is usually a normal reaction of the hair follicles to the heat of the laser .

You can read more about this in our articles:

These reactions usually disappear on their own within a few hours to days.


Expert Tip from Lana Skyn

Many clients think that hair growth after treatment means that laser does not work.

In reality, this is a normal part of the hair growth cycle . By repeating treatments at the right time, more and more hair follicles can be permanently destroyed.

That is why at Lana Skyn we always create a personal treatment plan tailored to the growth phase of the hair .


How Do You Know That Laser Hair Removal Works?

You can often recognise effective treatment by these signs:

  • hair falls out 1 to 3 weeks after treatment

  • hair growth becomes thinner

  • hair grows back more slowly

  • some areas remain completely hair-free

This means that the hair follicles are successfully treated.


How Many Treatments Are Needed?

For most areas, the following are required on average:

6 to 8 treatments

at intervals of:

4 to 8 weeks

This ensures that all hair follicles can ultimately be treated in the growth phase.


Do you want to know if laser hair removal is suitable for your skin type or hair color?

At Lana Skyn in Amsterdam , we use professional laser technology and safe protocols. During an initial consultation, we'll determine which treatment plan best suits your skin and hair growth.


About Lana Skyn

Lana Skyn is a specialized skin and laser clinic in Amsterdam Noord. The clinic treats hundreds of clients each month and works according to medical protocols, offering professional aftercare and personalized guidance.

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