Why Laser Hair Removal Doesn’t Work for Some People (And What Actually Helps)

Let’s be honest for a second.

You’ve probably seen those smooth skin posts all over Instagram. People saying laser changed everything. So you booked your sessions in London, paid the money, showed up consistently… and then nothing really changed. Or the results were patchy. Or the hair came back.

If that’s you, here’s the most important thing you need to hear first.

It’s probably not your fault.

Laser hair removal doesn’t work the same way for everyone, and a lot of clinics don’t explain that properly before you commit. Once you understand why it didn’t work, you can fix the problem instead of giving up or blaming your body.

Does laser hair removal hurt? Let’s address this first

Yes, laser can be uncomfortable. But for most people it’s tolerable and usually less painful than waxing.

A common description is a quick rubber-band snap or a warm prickle. The pain level depends on the area. Underarms and Brazilian are usually more sensitive because the skin is thinner and the hair can be coarser. Legs and arms tend to feel easier. Upper lip can sting more.

Modern machines can make a real difference to comfort. Systems like Soprano Titanium use cooling and gradual heating, which helps a lot. At our Marylebone clinic near Baker Street, your therapist can adjust settings based on your sensitivity and your skin response. Laser should never feel unbearable. If it does, something is off with settings, prep, or technique.

The real reasons laser hair removal doesn’t work

1) The machine isn’t right for your skin tone or hair type

Not all “laser” is the same.

Some clinics use IPL (intense pulsed light), which is not a true single-wavelength laser. IPL can work for some people, but results are often less consistent than medical-grade laser, especially on stubborn hair or certain skin tones.

Even within true lasers, different wavelengths suit different skin and hair combinations. If a clinic can’t clearly explain what machine they use and why it suits you, that’s a red flag.

At Laser Me Out in London, we use the Soprano Titanium by Alma. It combines three wavelengths (755, 810, and 1064 nm) in one treatment, so it can treat a wide range of skin tones more safely and effectively, including Asian, South Asian, and Black skin. It also performs well on common “stubborn” areas like underarms, Brazilian, and full body treatments when the plan and settings are right.

The best results come from the right machine plus a therapist who knows how to use it properly on your skin tone.

2) Hormones are affecting your results (PCOS is a big one)

Okay, let’s talk hormones, because this is where things get complicated for a lot of people.

If you have PCOS, thyroid issues, or you’re going through hormonal changes (coming off birth control, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause), your body can increase hair growth in hormonally sensitive areas. That can look like “laser didn’t work” when actually the treated follicles reduced, but new growth has been triggered.

Laser can still work really well with PCOS, but the approach has to be honest:

• You may need 8–12 sessions rather than 6
• Maintenance sessions can be part of the plan
• You need realistic expectations and a tailored schedule

This is why we’re building PCOS-focused planning at Laser Me Out. It’s not one-size-fits-all, and pretending it is just wastes people’s money.

3) Sessions are rushed (and that leads to patchy results)

Here’s something that genuinely matters.

If your full legs appointment takes less than 15 minutes, the session is likely being rushed. For laser to be effective, the therapist needs consistent overlap, steady pacing, and enough time on each area so the energy can properly heat the follicle.

When clinics squeeze too many clients into a day, you can end up with missed patches. Then you’re left wondering why part of your leg is smooth and the rest is still growing hair as normal.

Good laser should never feel rushed.

4) Hair colour and skin tone combinations can make results harder

Laser targets pigment (melanin) in the hair.

The easiest hair to treat is usually dark, coarse hair. Lighter hair (blonde, red/ginger, grey) has less pigment, which can make laser less effective. Darker skin can be treated safely, but it needs the correct wavelength and settings to avoid overheating the skin while still targeting the follicle.

This is where experience matters as much as the machine. A therapist who understands skin tone settings and safe parameters will get better results over time.

5) The timing between sessions is off

Hair grows in cycles, and laser works best when hair is in the active growth phase.

If sessions are too close together, a lot of hair hasn’t cycled back into the stage where laser is most effective, so progress can be slower. If sessions are too far apart, you can lose momentum and extend the course.

Most body areas are commonly spaced around 4–6 weeks at the start, then the gap may increase later in the course depending on regrowth. A good clinic adjusts timing based on your response, not a generic calendar.

6) Prep and aftercare aren’t being followed

Real talk. This alone ruins results for loads of people.

Laser works best when the hair is shaved, not removed from the root. If you wax, tweeze, thread, or epilate, you remove the target the laser needs.

What to do instead:

• Shave 24 hours before your session (not right before, not a week before)
• Avoid sun exposure and fake tan before treatment
• Pause strong actives (like retinoids) for a few days beforehand
• Arrive with clean, product-free skin

Small habits make a big difference.

7) Expectations were set wrong

If someone told you laser is 100% permanent and you’ll never see hair again, they oversold it.

Laser is best described as long-term hair reduction. Many people see around 80–95% reduction. Any regrowth is usually finer, lighter, and slower. Hormonal areas may need maintenance sessions.

You’ll often notice shedding 10–20 days after a session. Visible, obvious reduction is usually clearer after 4–6 sessions, sometimes more depending on hair type, area, and hormones.

How much does laser hair removal cost in London?

Laser hair removal cost varies depending on:

• The area (underarms, Brazilian, full legs, full body)
• The machine and clinic
• How many sessions you need
• Whether maintenance is likely (common with hormonal hair)

In London, prices can range from smaller single-area sessions to larger full body packages that cost more. The important bit is value, not “cheap”. Cheap laser that doesn’t work is the most expensive option.

At Laser Me Out, consultations are £50 and redeemable against treatment. During the consult we assess your skin and hair, discuss any hormonal factors, patch test you, and give you a realistic plan before you commit.

What if laser genuinely isn’t the right option?

Sometimes the best answer is honesty.

If hair is very light (grey, white, some blonde, some red/ginger), laser may not be the best tool. In those cases, electrolysis can be a better fit, especially for small areas like upper lip or chin. It’s slower and more time-intensive, so it’s usually not the first choice for large areas like full legs.

How to tell if it’s the clinic, not you

If you’ve had multiple sessions with no change, ask:

• Can they clearly explain the machine and why it suits your skin tone?
• Are settings adjusted based on your response?
• Is the therapist thorough and consistent, not rushed?
• Are your session timings appropriate?
• Were expectations explained properly?

If the answer is no, switching clinics can completely change your results.

Looking for laser hair removal near you in London?

If you’re searching “laser hair removal near me” and you’re based around Marylebone or Baker Street, Laser Me Out is at 146 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5PH.

If you want straight answers about what will and won’t work for your body, book a consultation and we’ll talk it through properly.

Laser works when it’s done right, with the right machine, the right therapist, and a plan that actually fits you.