Laser hair treatment targets hair growth with beams of laser light. When the laser hits your hair follicles, the light energy converts to heat energy, which is absorbed by the melanin in your hair. The laser damages the hair follicle, preventing future growth in that area.

Laser hair removal is considered a “long-term” hair removal method rather than a permanent solution. Results and longevity depend on the client, their hair color and thickness, and the area treated. Many laser hair treatment guests see permanent hair loss in their targeted area, while others may see results lasting several months or years. 

If hair in the treated area grows back, it becomes lighter, thinner, and less noticeable. Most guests report a drastic reduction in hair growth, even if their results weren’t 100% permanent. 

The average laser hair removal treatment takes six to eight sessions, with slow-growing areas (like the back) requiring more time between sessions. Guests typically lose 10% to 25% of the targeted hair per session and can experience 75% to 90% hair reduction by the end of their treatment. At European Wax Center, most guests start noticing significant hair reduction after three sessions¹'²'³ with results continuing to improve after each visit.  

Because laser hair removal focuses on melanin, guests with dark hair and fair skin may see results faster. New technology at European Wax Center offers customizable and effective treatment for guests of all complexions and skin types.

Laser hair removal keeps hair away much longer than shaving or waxing. However, is it the longest-lasting way to remove unwanted hair? Let’s compare:

• Shaving removes only the top of each hair, so stubble can return in just a day or two.
• Waxing pulls each hair out at the root, but the follicle stays intact, so hair growth resumes in a few weeks.
• Electrolysis can last longer than laser hair removal because it targets individual hair follicles, but it can be more painful and take longer to complete (up to 30 sessions).

Laser hair removal is a happy medium for guests looking for long-term hair removal without too much of a time commitment. While results from electrolysis may last longer than laser treatment, they take longer to achieve.

Hair Color

Guests with darker hair often see that their laser hair removal results last longer than those with lighter hair.
 

Quality of Treatment

Guests can prolong their results by visiting a high-quality provider with experienced technicians—like European Wax Center. We offer faster treatment times with the GentleMax Pro Plus® Laser.
 

Properly Timed Laser Sessions

If sessions are too close together, hair doesn’t have enough time to grow back and the laser can’t target the follicles as effectively. On the other hand, waiting too long between sessions takes the hair out of the growth phase and into the transition phase, where laser treatment isn’t as effective. Our experts recommend four to six weeks between sessions to allow a hair growth cycle to begin.
 

Shaving & Exfoliating Between Sessions

Shaving and exfoliating between laser treatment sessions can increase follicle activity, making laser hair removal more effective and longer lasting.
 

Regular Maintenance

Maintenance laser sessions (after your initial treatment) can also make your results last longer. Depending on the success of the initial treatment, dermatologists and technicians recommend scheduling a maintenance appointment once or twice a year to touch up your results.