Hair Removal Myths, Busted (With Real Answers From Laser Experts) 💛

If you’ve ever been mid-shave and thought, “Wait, is this even true?”, you’re not alone.

Hair removal is full of old sayings, TikTok “facts”, and advice passed down like it’s law. Some of it is harmless. Some of it wastes your time. Some of it can mess with your skin. So here’s a straight-up guide to the biggest hair removal myths, and what you should actually do instead. Shaving, waxing, laser, creams, chin hair, summer regrowth, all of it.

Let’s go.

Myth 1: Shaving makes hair grow back thicker

Nope. Shaving cuts hair at the surface. It doesn’t change the follicle, the root, or how much hair you have.

Why it can feel thicker:

• You’re cutting off the tapered tip of the hair
• It grows back with a blunt edge
• Blunt edges can look darker and feel stubbly

If your hair has changed over time, it’s usually down to hormones, age, or your hair’s natural growth cycle. Not the razor.

What to do instead: If stubble is the main thing you’re trying to get rid of, laser can help because it targets the follicle, not just the surface.

Myth 2: If you pluck one chin hair, three grow back

Nope. One hair comes from one follicle. Plucking doesn’t create new follicles.

What can happen though:

• irritation
• redness
• ingrown hairs
• rough texture over time, especially if you pluck a lot

If chin hair is getting more frequent, it’s often hormonal (super common, and no, it doesn’t mean something is “wrong”). But it does mean plucking can feel like a never-ending battle.

What to do instead: If it’s persistent, consider laser (if you’re suitable) or speak to a professional about the safest option for your skin.

Myth 3: Laser hair removal doesn’t work on darker skin tones

This one is outdated. The real truth is:

Laser can work across many skin tones, but it has to be done properly with:

• the right technology (we use Soprano Titanium at Laser Me Out)
• the right settings for your specific skin tone
• a therapist trained to treat your skin tone safely
• a consultation and patch test first

The problem in the past was older laser systems and incorrect settings, which increased risk for deeper skin tones. That’s exactly why choosing a proper, experienced clinic matters.

What to do instead: Don’t book laser based on price alone. Book based on training, a patch test, and whether the clinic regularly treats your skin tone.

Myth 4: Laser is unbearable

A lot of people expect laser to feel like torture because of horror stories they’ve heard.

Modern laser usually feels like:

• warmth
• a quick snapping sensation
• mild prickly heat

Some areas can feel more intense (upper lip and bikini, we see you 😅), but it shouldn’t feel unbearable. If it does, something isn’t right.

If someone tells you to “just tolerate it”, that’s not good enough. Settings can often be adjusted safely based on your skin and comfort.

What to do instead: Tell your therapist if it feels too much. A good clinic will work with you, not dismiss you.

Myth 5: Laser is permanent forever

Laser is best described as long-term hair reduction, not permanent removal.

Most people need:

• a course of sessions (usually around 6-8, depending on the area and your hair type)
• spacing between sessions (face is often shorter gaps than body)
• maintenance sessions later for hormonal areas or any regrowth

Some people stay smooth for years with minimal top-ups. Others need a bit more maintenance. Hormones can play a role, especially around the chin, upper lip, and bikini.

What to do instead: Go into laser with realistic expectations. The goal is less hair, finer hair, slower regrowth, and fewer ingrowns. For most people, that makes day-to-day life a lot easier.

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Myth 6: You have to grow hair out before laser

No. That’s waxing rules, not laser rules.

Laser targets pigment in the follicle under the skin. Hair sitting above the skin doesn’t help.

In most cases, the best prep is:

• shave the area around 24 hours before your appointment (or follow your clinic’s guidance)
• arrive with clean, freshly shaved skin
• no fake tan, no heavy oils or lotions

What to avoid during your laser course:

• waxing
• plucking
• threading on the treated area

Those methods remove the root, which is exactly what laser needs to target.

What to do instead: Shave, don’t pluck. If you’re unsure about prep, ask your clinic for the exact steps for your area. It makes a real difference.

Myth 7: You can’t wax on your period

You can. It’s hygienic and completely safe.

The only thing to watch for is sensitivity. Some people feel more tender during their period, so waxing might feel sharper than usual.

What to do instead: If you know you’re more sensitive on your period, book outside that window. If you don’t mind, it’s totally fine to go ahead.

Myth 8: You can’t go in the sun after waxing

You can, but timing matters.

Waxing can leave skin more sensitive for a short time because it removes hair and can lightly lift dead skin from the surface.

Most pros recommend:

• avoid direct sun for 24-48 hours on the waxed area
• use SPF (always, but especially now)
• avoid hot baths, steam rooms, and heavy exfoliation right after

What to do instead: If you’ve got a holiday coming up, book your wax a couple of days before you fly, not the night before.

Myth 9: Hair grows faster in summer

It usually doesn’t. Hair growth speed is mostly down to genetics, hormones, nutrition, and overall health.

Why it can feel faster in summer:

• more skin is visible
• you’re shaving more often
• you notice regrowth more

You might also be showering more, exfoliating more, or wearing clothes that make you more aware of your skin.

What to do instead: If summer makes you notice hair more, plan your laser course early so your sessions line up with when you want to feel your smoothest.

Myth 10: Hair removal creams remove hair from the root

They don’t. They break down the hair shaft so it wipes away at the surface.

That’s why regrowth can come back quickly. Also, depilatory creams can irritate sensitive skin, especially on the bikini and face.

What to do instead: Always patch test first, follow timings exactly, and don’t use them on broken or freshly exfoliated skin.

Quick “what should I pick?” guide

If you’re choosing a method, here’s the honest breakdown:

Shaving: fast, cheap, easy. Can cause stubble, irritation, and ingrowns.
Waxing: smoother for longer. Can trigger ingrowns, can be painful, and you need regrowth.
Creams: smooth results fast. Risk of irritation, and regrowth comes back fairly quick.
Laser: long-term reduction, helps with ingrowns, saves time long term. Needs consistency and occasional maintenance.

There’s no “best” method for everyone. The best method is the one that suits your skin, your hair, your schedule, and your comfort.

Not sure what’s right for you?
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If you’re thinking about laser, here’s how to do it properly

This is where people waste money, so it’s worth doing right from the start.

Before starting laser, you want:

• consultation + patch test
• a clinic that treats your skin tone regularly
• clear guidance on shaving, sun exposure, and what products to avoid
• a realistic plan for session spacing and results

At Laser Me Out, we start every client with a consultation and patch test. We check suitability, see how your skin responds, and set things up safely before you commit.

FAQs (the ones people actually ask)

Is laser safe for sensitive skin?
Often yes, but it depends on your skin and what triggers it. The patch test helps us see how your skin responds before you commit to a full course.

Can I get laser if I have PCOS?
Yes. Many people with PCOS do laser. Hormonal areas can need more maintenance, but you can still get great results with the right plan.
[LINK: PCOS Membership]

How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the area, your hair type, and your growth cycle. Most clients start with a course, then top up when needed. We’ll give you a clearer picture in your consultation.

Can I shave between laser sessions?
Yes. Shaving is completely fine. Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading on the treated area during your laser course.

Does laser help with ingrown hairs?
For most people, yes. Reducing hair growth often reduces ingrowns and irritation too.

Ready to stop guessing?

If you’re tired of conflicting advice and want a clear plan, book a free consultation and patch test with the team.

We’ll check your skin, talk through your goals, explain what’s realistic, and share the best prep steps so you get the best results.

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