So, you’ve decided to take the plunge. You’re ready to say goodbye to the endless cycle of waxing, the daily chore of shaving, and the frustration of ingrown hairs. Welcome to the world of laser hair removal, the gold standard for achieving long-lasting smooth skin. But as you start your journey, one of the most crucial questions is: “How often do I need to come in?”
It’s tempting to think that more sessions, more quickly, will get you to the finish line faster. However, the secret to successful laser hair removal isn’t about rushing the process—it’s about smart timing. The frequency of your appointments is the single most important factor in getting the incredible, lasting results you’re paying for.
Here in London and across the UK, the best clinics all agree: the timing of your treatments is everything. Let’s break down why.
It’s All About the Hair Growth Cycle
Imagine each hair on your body is on its own individual schedule. This schedule, known as the hair growth cycle, has three distinct phases:
- The Anagen Phase (The Growth Phase): This is the magic moment for laser hair removal. During this phase, the hair is actively growing and is firmly attached to its follicle (the root). The laser works by sending a beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair, which travels down to the follicle and damages it, preventing future growth. For the laser to be effective, this connection must be intact.
- The Catagen Phase (The Transition Phase): In this short phase, the hair stops growing and detaches from the follicle. The laser can’t reach the follicle effectively at this stage.
- The Telogen Phase (The Resting Phase): The hair is now fully detached and is either resting or has already fallen out, while the follicle is dormant. The laser has no effect during this phase.
At any given time, only a fraction of your hair (around 15-20%) is in the active Anagen phase. This is precisely why you need multiple sessions. Sticking to a schedule ensures that with each visit, we can target the next crop of hairs that have moved into the perfect growth phase.
The Official Schedule: Recommended Timings by Body Area
Hair on different parts of your body grows at different speeds. A reputable clinic will never use a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, they will tailor your treatment plan based on the area you’re treating.
Here is a typical schedule recommended by leading London skin clinics:
- For the Face (Upper Lip, Chin, Sideburns): Every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Why? Facial hair has a much shorter and faster growth cycle, meaning the hairs enter the Anagen phase more frequently.
- For the Body (Underarms, Bikini Line): Every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Why? These areas tend to respond very well to treatment. The 6-8 week gap allows for the next cycle of hair follicles to become active and ready for treatment.
- For Larger Areas (Legs, Arms, Back, Chest): Every 8 to 10 weeks.
- Why? The hair growth cycle on these larger body parts is significantly slower. Treating them too early would be ineffective as not enough hair follicles will have reached the Anagen phase.
So, How Many Sessions Will I Need in Total?
For the best and most lasting results, a full course of 6 to 8 sessions is typically recommended. This allows us to catch the vast majority of your hairs in their active growth phase over time.
While you will see a noticeable reduction in hair after just a couple of sessions, completing the full course is essential for tackling as many follicles as possible and achieving that silky-smooth finish.
What Happens After My Initial Course? The Maintenance Phase
Laser hair removal offers a significant, long-term reduction in hair—up to 90%. It is not always 100% permanent, as hormonal changes or stubborn follicles can sometimes lead to new hair growth over time.
This is where maintenance comes in. Most people find that a single top-up session once or twice a year is all they need to keep any new, fine hairs at bay and maintain their perfectly smooth skin.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Too Long (or Come in Too Soon)
Life gets busy, and it can be tempting to postpone an appointment. However, leaving long gaps between your sessions can undo your progress. If you wait too long, the follicles you missed in the last session will have completed their growth cycle and become dormant again.
Conversely, coming in too early is a waste of your time and money, as there won’t be enough active follicles for the laser to target effectively. Sticking to the schedule recommended by your practitioner is your golden ticket to success.
