What Are the Stages of Hair Growth in Laser Hair Removal?
- Juvenology Clinic
- Jun 27
- 13 min read
Table of Contents
The Hair Growth Cycle Explained: Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen
Why Timing Your Laser Hair Removal Treatments Really Matters
Factors That Affect Your Hair Growth Cycle and How That Affects Laser Results
How Our Laser Technology Works to Target Hair at Every Stage
Common Questions About the Hair Growth Cycle and Laser Hair Removal
Understanding Your Hair Growth Cycle Is Key to Successful Laser Hair Removal
“Is now a good time to start my laser hair removal treatments?”
It’s a question I hear all the time at our Maidstone clinic and honestly, it’s a brilliant one. Timing really does matter more than most people think. Laser hair removal isn’t just about showing up and zapping away the hair. To get those silky-smooth, long-lasting results, you need to understand when to treat the hair, not just where.
Let me explain why.
See, our hair isn’t always growing. It actually goes through a cycle, kind of like the seasons. And only during one particular stage, called the anagen phase, is the follicle “awake” enough for the laser to do its job. If the hair is “sleeping” (in the telogen or catagen phases), the laser just skims past it without making much impact.
That’s why we always recommend a course of treatments spaced out over a few months. It gives us multiple chances to catch each hair at just the right moment in its growth cycle.
But don’t worry, I’ll break it all down clearly in this guide, no jargon, no overwhelming science. Whether you’ve got stubborn chin hairs, unwanted back hair, or you’re just sick of shaving your legs every other day, this post will help you understand the hair growth cycle, why your timing matters, and how we tailor treatments right here at Juvenology Clinic.
We’ll cover:
What actually happens inside your hair follicle
Why some hairs disappear quickly and others seem to hang around
What affects your results (like hormones, skin tone, or PCOS)
Why our Alma Soprano ICE Platinum laser is gentle but super-effective
And how we make laser hair removal safe, comfortable, and genuinely personal to you
I’ve written this to help you feel confident, informed, and ready to decide if laser hair removal is right for you whether you’re just browsing or already booked in.
So, pop the kettle on and let’s have a proper chat about what’s going on beneath the skin because once you understand your hair’s little life cycle, everything else starts to make a whole lot more sense.
Let’s Talk Hair, What’s Really Going On Beneath the Surface?
So, before we talk lasers, we need to talk hair, not the part you shave or wax, but what’s happening underneath the skin. Trust me, this bit’s actually really interesting, and once you understand it, laser hair removal makes a lot more sense.
Picture this: every hair on your body sits in a tiny pocket in the skin called a follicle. Inside that follicle is the hair root, which is where the hair grows from. At the very bottom is the dermal papilla, think of it like the command centre. It’s packed with blood vessels that deliver nutrients and tell the hair when to grow.
Now here’s the key thing: lasers don’t remove the actual hair you can see. Instead, they target the pigment (melanin) deeper down in the follicle. That’s why people with darker hair tend to see results faster, the laser’s energy is drawn to that pigment like a magnet.
The heat from the laser travels down the hair shaft and into the root, where it disrupts the follicle just enough to slow down or stop future growth. This process is called selective photothermolysis, I know, it sounds like a spell from Harry Potter, but all it means is the laser picks out the pigment and heats it just enough to do the job, without damaging the surrounding skin.
And because your skin and hair aren’t the same as anyone else’s, we don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we work with the Alma Soprano ICE Platinum here in Maidstone, it combines three different laser wavelengths (including Alexandrite and Nd:YAG) to safely treat a wide range of skin tones and hair types.
👩⚕️ A Few Fun Hair Facts Clients Often Ask Me:
“Does the laser treat the hair shaft or the follicle?”→ Great question. The heat travels down the shaft to disrupt the follicle, that’s the target.
“Is it the same for everyone?”→ Not quite. If you’ve got lighter skin and dark hair, the contrast is perfect. But we also treat darker skin tones safely with Nd:YAG wavelengths, more on that soon!
“Why can’t I pluck before a session?”→ Because the laser needs that pigment pathway to reach the follicle. No root, no result!
The Hair Growth Cycle: Why Timing Your Laser Matters More Than You Think
Alright, now that we’ve talked about the hair’s anatomy, let’s chat about how hair actually grows. Because here’s the thing: your hair isn’t growing all the time. It goes through a cycle with different phases and understanding these is key to why laser hair removal needs more than one session.
Think of your hair growth cycle like a little rhythm happening under your skin, with three main stages:
1. Anagen Phase (Growth Stage)
This is when your hair is actively growing, the follicle is alive and kicking. The laser loves this phase because the hair is full of melanin, making it easy for the laser’s energy to target and damage the follicle. So, most permanent hair reduction happens here.
2. Catagen Phase (Transition Stage)
This phase is like a brief pause. The hair stops growing and the follicle shrinks a bit. Laser treatments aren’t as effective here because the follicle isn’t as active.
3. Telogen Phase (Resting Stage)
Here, the hair is basically “resting.” It eventually sheds, making room for new hair to grow. The laser doesn’t do much during this phase since there’s less pigment in the follicle.
So, what does this mean for your treatments?
Only about 15-30% of your hair is in the anagen phase at any one time, that’s why one session isn’t enough. When you come back every 4 to 8 weeks (depending on the area), we get the chance to catch more hairs as they enter the growth phase.
It’s a bit like fishing, you need several casts before you catch them all!
And here’s a little secret: different parts of your body have different hair cycles. For example, facial hair grows faster and cycles more quickly than leg hair, so treatment schedules vary.
Hair Growth Cycle Phases and Laser Effectiveness
Phase | Description | Hair Follicle Activity | Laser Effectiveness | Percentage of Hair in This Phase at a Time |
Anagen | Active growth phase | Follicle fully active | Highest - laser targets melanin effectively | 15-30% |
Catagen | Transitional phase | Follicle begins to shrink | Low - laser less effective | ~5-10% |
Telogen | Resting/shedding phase | Follicle inactive | Ineffective | 10-20% |
Exogen (optional) | Shedding phase after telogen | Hair sheds naturally | No effect | Varies |
Some questions I often get from clients about the hair cycle:
“Why do I have to wait weeks between sessions?”→ Because the laser targets only the hairs in the right growth phase. If we rush it, the hairs in the resting phase just slip through.
“Does everyone’s hair cycle work the same?”→ Nope! Things like hormones, genetics, and even skin type influence your cycle. That’s why treatment plans are personalised here at our Maidstone clinic.
“Can laser hair removal work if I have PCOS or hormonal hair growth?”→ It can, but results may take longer. We usually recommend additional sessions and sometimes combined treatments.
Why Timing Your Laser Hair Removal Treatments Really Matters
Now that we understand the hair growth cycle, let’s get to the heart of the matter, why timing your treatments just right makes all the difference.
Picture this: if we only treated your hair once, or too close together, the laser would miss a big chunk of hairs because they’re not ready, they’re just resting or transitioning. This means less permanent hair reduction and more frustration for you.
Here’s why we space your sessions about 4 to 8 weeks apart (sometimes a bit longer depending on the area treated):
It gives the hairs in telogen and catagen time to move into the anagen phase, where the laser can really work its magic.
It allows your skin to recover between treatments, especially if you’re using more powerful lasers like the Alma Soprano ICE Platinum.
It keeps the treatment safe and comfortable — no rushed sessions here!
In my experience, I’ve seen clients get the best results when they stick to this schedule and come back consistently for their recommended number of sessions. Typically, a full course is between 6 to 8 sessions, sometimes more if you have hormonal conditions or stubborn hair.
Recommended Laser Hair Removal Session Timing by Body Area
Body Area | Typical Hair Growth Cycle Length | Recommended Session Interval | Typical Number of Sessions |
Face (upper lip, chin) | 4-6 weeks | Every 4-6 weeks | 6-10 |
Underarms | 6-8 weeks | Every 6-8 weeks | 6-8 |
Bikini Line | 6-8 weeks | Every 6-8 weeks | 6-8 |
Legs (full) | 8-12 weeks | Every 8-12 weeks | 6-8 |
Back/Chest | 8-12 weeks | Every 8-12 weeks | 6-8 |
What happens if you miss a session or delay your treatment?
It’s a common worry! Missing a session means some hairs might grow back stronger because they got “missed” during their prime growth phase. But don’t panic, we can always adjust your plan to get you back on track.
Why are some treatments quicker or slower than others?
It depends on several things:
The body part: facial hair cycles faster than leg hair, so you might need more frequent sessions on the face.
Skin and hair colour: darker hair with lighter skin usually sees faster results, but we have great options for all skin tones.
Your unique hair growth pattern and lifestyle.
Nurse Marina’s quick tip:
Don’t expect instant results after one session. Laser hair removal is a process but trust me, the payoff is worth the patience. And at our clinic in Maidstone, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
What Influences Your Hair Growth Cycle and How That Affects Laser Results
So, you might be wondering: why do some people see quick, smooth results after just a few sessions, while others feel like their hair just keeps coming back? The answer lies in several personal factors that influence your hair growth cycle and how your body reacts to laser treatment.
Here’s a quick look at the main things that can affect your results:
1. Hormones
Hormones play a huge role, especially for anyone dealing with conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or hormonal imbalances. These can cause more hair to grow or make hair follicles more stubborn, meaning you might need extra sessions or maintenance treatments. Don’t worry, laser can still help, but it’s all about managing expectations and tailoring your plan.
2. Skin Tone and Hair Colour
The laser targets melanin (pigment) in the hair, so it works best on darker hair against lighter skin. That’s why people with blonde, grey, or very fine hair may not get the same level of permanent reduction. But thanks to advanced technology like the Alma Soprano ICE Platinum, which combines multiple laser wavelengths, we can safely treat a wider range of skin tones, even darker skin.
3. Age and Genetics
Your age and genetics affect your hair’s thickness, growth speed, and cycle length. Younger people often have faster hair cycles, meaning more frequent sessions might be needed. Genetics also influence how many hair follicles you have and how they respond to treatment.
4. Lifestyle Factors
Things like stress, diet, medications, and even skincare products can impact hair growth. For example, some medications stimulate hair growth, which might require adjustments in your treatment schedule.
How do we handle this at our clinic?
We take a personalised approach for every client. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and skin/hair type to build a plan that suits you. We’re here to answer your questions and adjust treatments as needed, so you get the best possible results.
How Our Laser Technology Works to Target Hair at Every Stage
You’ve heard about the hair growth cycle and why timing matters — now, let’s talk about the technology that makes laser hair removal effective, safe, and comfortable, no matter your skin type or hair colour.
At our Maidstone clinic, we use the Alma Soprano ICE Platinum laser system, a top-of-the-line device that combines three laser wavelengths — Alexandrite, Diode, and Nd:YAG. This unique combination means we can treat all hair types and skin tones more precisely than ever.
Why does this matter?
Each wavelength targets different depths and pigment types:
Alexandrite laser (755nm) is great for lighter skin tones with fine to medium hair.
Diode laser (810nm) is the workhorse — effective on a wide range of hair and skin types, especially medium skin tones.
Nd:YAG laser (1064nm) penetrates deeper and is ideal for darker skin tones because it’s less absorbed by melanin in the skin, reducing the risk of burns.
This multi-wavelength approach means fewer missed hairs, better results, and safer treatments for everyone.
How does the Alma Soprano ICE Platinum make treatments comfortable?
It features a cooling sapphire tip and in-motion technology, which glides smoothly over your skin and reduces discomfort. No more feeling like you’re being snapped with a rubber band, most clients find it surprisingly gentle.
Because the laser’s energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles without damaging surrounding skin, even sensitive areas can be treated safely.
What does this mean for you?
Faster treatments, because the device covers larger areas efficiently.
Fewer side effects like redness or irritation.
Effective results even if you have darker skin or lighter hair than average.
Laser Wavelengths in Alma Soprano ICE Platinum & Suitable Skin/Hair Types
Laser Type | Wavelength (nm) | Best For | Skin Tone Suitability | Notes |
Alexandrite | 755 | Light to medium hair | Best for fair to light skin | Highly absorbed by melanin |
Diode | 810 | Medium to coarse hair | Safe for light to medium skin | Versatile and most common laser |
Nd:YAG | 1064 | Darker, coarse hair | Safe for darker skin tones | Deep penetration, less melanin absorption |
What to Expect During Your Laser Hair Removal Course
Starting laser hair removal can feel a little overwhelming, so let’s walk through what your journey will look like step by step to make sure you feel calm, confident, and informed.
Your First Consultation
When you first come in, we’ll chat about your skin type, hair growth history, and any health conditions (like PCOS or skin sensitivities). This helps us tailor your treatment plan perfectly to you.
We’ll also explain how the hair growth cycle impacts treatment timing and answer any questions, no question is too small!
Preparing for Your Sessions
Before each appointment, you’ll be asked to shave the area (never wax or pluck!) so the laser can target the follicle pigment below the skin. Avoid sun exposure and tanning products, because the laser works best on untanned skin.
During Treatment
You’ll lie down comfortably while I move the Alma Soprano ICE Platinum laser smoothly over the target area. Thanks to the cooling technology, most clients describe the sensation as a gentle warming or mild snapping feeling, definitely tolerable.
Sessions usually last between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the area.
Aftercare and Results
After treatment, your skin might feel a little warm or slightly pink like a mild sunburn but this usually fades quickly.
Over the next few weeks, you’ll notice hairs shedding and your skin feeling smoother. Remember, results take time, typically, 6 to 8 sessions spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart give the best permanent hair reduction.
Why sticking to the schedule is so important
Consistency is key to catching hairs in the right phase of their cycle. Skipping sessions or changing your schedule too much can slow progress.
At our Maidstone clinic, we always review your progress and adjust your plan as needed, because your skin and hair are unique, and your care should be too.
Common Questions About the Hair Growth Cycle and Laser Hair Removal
It’s totally normal to have questions before or during your laser hair removal journey here are some of the most common ones I hear from clients, along with clear, friendly answers.
Q: Why does laser hair removal require multiple sessions?
Because hair grows in cycles, and the laser only works during the anagen (growth) phase when hair follicles are active. Only about 15-30% of hairs are in this phase at a time, so multiple sessions spaced weeks apart are necessary to catch all hairs in the right phase.
Q: Can laser hair removal work on all hair colours?
Laser targets the pigment (melanin) in hair, so it’s most effective on darker hair. Blonde, grey, or very fine hair may respond less well. However, with advanced systems like the Alma Soprano ICE Platinum, we can treat a wider range of hair types safely.
Q: Is laser hair removal safe for all skin tones?
Yes! Modern lasers, especially the Nd:YAG wavelength, allow us to treat darker skin tones safely by penetrating deeper without harming the skin. At our Maidstone clinic, we customise treatments for your skin type to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Q: Why can’t I wax or pluck before my treatment?
Waxing or plucking removes the hair root, and the laser needs the root’s pigment to target the follicle. Shaving is best because it leaves the root intact while clearing hair above the skin for treatment.
Q: How soon will I see results?
You’ll start to notice hair shedding and reduced growth after the first few sessions, but permanent reduction usually requires 6 to 8 sessions spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart.
Q: What if I have hormonal hair growth conditions like PCOS?
Laser can still be effective, but it might require more sessions or maintenance treatments because hormones influence hair growth cycles. We tailor plans specifically for clients with hormonal concerns.
Conclusion: Understanding Your Hair Growth Cycle Is Key to Successful Laser Hair Removal
Thanks for spending time with me to unpack the ins and outs of the hair growth cycle and why it’s so important for your laser hair removal journey.
Remember, laser hair removal isn’t a one-and-done deal , it’s about timing, patience, and personalised care. By understanding the phases your hair goes through and how advanced technology like the Alma Soprano ICE Platinum targets those hairs effectively, you’re setting yourself up for smoother skin and lasting results.
If you’re curious about how laser hair removal could work for you, or want to chat about a treatment plan tailored to your unique hair and skin type, I’d love to welcome you to our Maidstone clinic. No pressure, just honest advice and care every step of the way.
Ready to take the next step?
Juvenology Clinic NAP and Description
Name: Juvenology Clinic
Address:82 King Street, Maidstone, KentME14 1BHUnited Kingdom
Description: At Juvenology Clinic, located in the heart of Maidstone, we specialise in advanced aesthetic treatments tailored to your unique skin and beauty goals. Our expert team offers cutting-edge laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and bespoke skincare solutions, all delivered in a welcoming, professional environment. Whether you’re seeking permanent hair reduction or revitalising treatments, Juvenology Clinic is your trusted partner for natural, radiant results.