Frustrated with Laser Hair Removal Results? Here’s Why It Might Not Be Working

You’re Not Broken. But Something’s Off.

You’ve committed to laser. You’ve paid. You’ve shown up. But the hair’s still coming back and now you're wondering if you’ve wasted your time.

You haven’t.

Laser hair removal can work. But when it doesn’t, it’s usually not random. There are specific reasons it slows down or stops delivering results. We’ll walk you through them, step by step, and show you what you can fix.

1. You’re Skipping Sessions

Laser only works when it catches hair in the active growth phase. That phase doesn’t last long miss the timing, and you miss the target. Waiting too long between sessions (more than 6–8 weeks) can reset progress.

What to do:
Book your next appointment before you leave the clinic. Set reminders. Treat it like skincare consistent beats occasionally.

2. You’re Waxing or Plucking Between Sessions

Laser targets the root. If you’ve pulled the root out, there’s nothing to hit. Even one round of waxing, epilating, or threading can throw off your results.

What to do:
Stick to shaving only. No waxing. No tweezing. No threading. Ever while you're in treatment.

3. Your Hair or Skin Needs Different Settings

If the laser isn’t matched to your skin tone or hair type, it won’t work as well—and it might even cause side effects.

What to do:
Make sure your clinic uses tech that works across all skin tones and hair types. At Laser Me Out, we use Soprano Titanium, a triple-wavelength system backed by clinical studies to treat every Fitzpatrick skin type safely.

4. Hormones Might Be Working Against You

Hormonal changes like PCOS, thyroid issues, menopause, or testosterone therapy can trigger new hair growth even after follicles have been treated.

What to do:
You’ll likely need more sessions and ongoing maintenance. That doesn’t mean laser won’t work. It just means your hair has a stronger comeback instinct. Check in with your GP or endocrinologist, and stay on top of top-ups.

5. Your Clinic’s Tech or Training Isn’t Good Enough

Some clinics use older machines. Others don’t tailor settings to you. Both can lead to underwhelming results or worse, skin damage.

What to do:
Ask what laser they use. Ask if their therapists are certified. At Laser Me Out, all of our team are fully trained and we only use Soprano Titanium, designed for safe, fast, effective results across all skin tones.

6. You Haven’t Had Enough Sessions

Six sessions is an average not a guarantee. Areas with thick, dark, or hormonal hair may need 8–12+ sessions to get strong results.

What to do:
Track your sessions. If you’re at session 5 and not seeing change, it doesn’t mean it’s not working. It means it’s not finished. Everyone’s pace is different.

7. You’re Skipping Aftercare

Laser doesn’t end when the session does. If you’re skipping SPF, using harsh products, or spending time in the sun, you could be slowing your results or risking pigmentation.

What to do after each session:

• No hot showers, steam, or tight clothing for 48 hours
  
  
• No actives (retinol, glycolic, acids) for 5–7 days
  
  
• Always use SPF 30 or higher
  
  
• Stay out of the sun for at least 2 weeks
  
  

8. Your Expectations Might Be Off

Laser is hair reduction, not permanent removal. It doesn’t get rid of every single follicle forever. It gives you less hair, finer regrowth, and longer gaps between shaves.

What to do:
Reframe the goal. Most people see 70–90% less hair. And with maintenance (usually once or twice a year), it stays that way.

Bonus: Some Hair Types Just Don’t Respond

If your hair is very light, red, grey, or peach-fuzz soft, laser might not work well. That’s because laser targets melanin (dark pigment). No pigment = no hit.

What to do:
Don’t panic. You can still book a patch test to check response. For truly light or vellus hair, we may suggest electrolysis instead.

Bonus: At-Home Devices Are Not the Same

At-home IPL tools seem convenient, but studies show they deliver up to 30% less reduction than in-clinic laser and carry higher risk for darker skin tones.

What to do:
Use them with caution. Or skip them. In-clinic, tech like Soprano Titanium delivers better, faster, safer results.

Bonus: It’s Rare, But Regrowth Can Happen

In very rare cases, clients experience paradoxical hypertrichosis (new or increased hair growth). This usually happens in hormonal areas and is linked to incorrect settings or devices.

What to do:
If you see unexpected new growth, speak to your laser provider. At LMO, we always review and adapt your plan to your body’s response.

Quick Fix Table

FAQs

Q: Is laser safe for darker skin?
Yes with the right tech and trained staff. We use Soprano Titanium, which is safe for all skin tones.

Q: Will laser work if I have PCOS or take testosterone?
Yes, but you’ll likely need more sessions. Laser still reduces growth, even with hormone-driven hair.

Q: Can laser treat facial hair?
Yes. Facial areas may need more sessions due to hormones, but lasers are effective and safe when done correctly.

Q: Can I do laser on light or red hair?
Possibly, but results are limited. We always patch test to see how your hair responds.

Q: Will I need to shave forever?
No. Once you complete your sessions, you’ll likely only need 1–2 maintenance top-ups a year.

‍

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling discouraged, you’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean laser isn’t for you. It just means the settings, schedule, or strategy needs a reset. Laser Me Out is here to help with that.

We don’t sell false hope. We give honest advice, specialist support, and tech that works especially if others haven’t.

Ready to Get Back on Track?
✅ Fitzpatrick I–VI safe
✅ Experts in PCOS & trans-inclusive care
📍 146 Marylebone Rd, London
📞 Book now. Your skin deserves better.