Is Laser Hair Removal a Permanent Solution?

Updated on: 24th June, 2025

Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicles with intense pulses of light energy. The pigment in the hair absorbs this energy and converts it into heat. The heat then damages the hair follicles cells, slowing down or stopping hair growth.

Laser hair removal is a method designed to target and reduce unwanted hair growth using advanced light technology. Intense pulses of light are absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair, turning into heat. This heat damages the hair follicle, slowing its ability to regrow hair over time. With repeated sessions, the treated area can experience a noticeable reduction in hair thickness and volume, leaving you with smoother skin.

It’s worth noting that while laser hair removal can deliver long-lasting results, it’s not always completely permanent. Occasional maintenance sessions may be required to manage regrowth effectively. At Clear Skin Clinic, our experienced skin specialists are here to guide you every step of the way, helping you achieve outstanding results suited to your unique needs.

Can Laser Treatment Provide Permanent Hair Removal?

This is a common question we hear at Skin Clinic, and it’s easy to see why. Shaving, waxing, and plucking can be time-consuming, painful, and frustrating when the hair keeps coming back. The idea of permanently reducing unwanted hair sounds like the ultimate solution—but how does it really work?

How Laser Hair Reduction Works?

Dermatologists often refer to laser treatment as “LHR” rather than permanent hair removal, as its purpose is to significantly reduce hair growth. The treatment targets hair follicle stem cells, putting them into a dormant state to prevent new hairs from growing. With each session, the hair becomes noticeably thinner, slower-growing, and less noticeable. Over time, the effects can last for months, especially with routine maintenance sessions. For some, hair growth may be permanently reduced.

However, not all hair follicles are destroyed completely. Hair may return to the treated areas gradually, but these hairs are usually lighter, finer, and much fewer in number. When this happens, additional laser sessions can help maintain results and further reduce regrowth.

Factors That Influence Results

Your results will depend on individual factors such as:

• Hair colour and thickness
• The growth cycle of the hair
• The number of sessions completed

It’s worth noting that laser treatments are most effective on darker hairs because they absorb laser light more readily. Your Skin Specialist can guide you on what to expect based on your specific skin and hair characteristics.

Laser treatment can provide significant, long-term hair reduction with consistent maintenance over time. While it might not guarantee 100% permanent hair removal, it’s an excellent option for minimising unwanted hair and enjoying smoother skin for longer.

Hair can grow back after LHR treatment, even though it’s often called a “permanent” solution. Here’s why:

• Not all hair follicles are treated in one session. Some hair may regrow between appointments.
• Hair grows in cycles. Only hair in the active growth phase is affected by the laser, so dormant hairs might grow back later.
• Hair colour and texture matter. Dark, thick hair responds better to the laser than lighter, finer hair.

While LHR treatment may not remove every hair permanently, regular touch-up sessions can help minimise regrowth and maintain smooth skin. At Clear Skin Clinic, we specialise in tailored Laser Hair Removal treatments designed to give you the best results.

Find out how Clear Skin Clinic’s expert treatments can help you.