Tick Tock: The Importance of Patience in the Laser Hair Removal Journey
- Kiran Massey
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Laser hair removal isn’t magic—it’s science. And science takes time. If you’re feeling impatient between sessions or worried that it’s not working, trust me, I’ve been there. Here’s what I learned about the hair growth cycle, why patience is key, and how I almost gave up too soon.
Impatience and the Mirror: My Own Laser Journey
Before I became a laser technician, I was a client—one who checked the mirror way too often, wondering if my treatments were actually doing anything.
I remember staring at my face after my second session, convinced it wasn’t working. Sure, I had a bit of shedding, but I could still see hair. I started doubting the process. Was I wasting my time? My money? My hope?
What I didn’t understand back then—but do now—is that laser hair removal isn’t instant. It works on nature’s schedule, not ours. And if you don’t trust the process, you might give up right before the magic happens.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle (a.k.a. Why Laser Takes Time)
Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin in active hair follicles. But here’s the catch: Not all hair is active at the same time.
Your hair grows in phases, and laser only works during the meta-anagen phase (the active growth stage). That means:
📌 At any given moment, only 10-20% of your hair is in the right phase to be treated.
📌 The rest is either resting, shedding, or preparing to grow—which means it won’t be affected by the laser yet.
📌 That’s why multiple sessions are necessary—to catch each hair in the right phase over time.
So when I looked in the mirror between sessions and saw new hairs, they weren’t "missed" hairs—they were new hairs that hadn’t been in the right phase yet.
The Turning Point: Session Five
I’ll admit, I struggled to trust the process. But I kept going. And around session five, something clicked.
The patches of hair I used to obsess over? They were nearly gone. The stubborn shadow on my face? Fading fast.
Looking back, I realize I almost quit when I was so close to success. And that’s why I always tell my clients: Don’t judge your progress too soon.
What to Expect Between Sessions
Since I know how frustrating the waiting game can be, let me break it down for you:
✅ Right After a Session: The hair is still visible—it hasn’t "disappeared" yet.✅ Week 1-2: The treated hairs start to shed. This looks like new hair growth, but it’s actually dead hair being pushed out.✅ Week 3-6: The next wave of hair (previously dormant) starts growing in—this is normal and expected.✅ Next Session: The laser targets the next batch of active hair follicles.✅ By Session 4-6: You’ll notice real reduction, with much finer regrowth.✅ By Session 6-12: Most clients see an 80-90% reduction, depending on their hormones and hair type.
Patience Pays Off: Trust the Science
I know waiting isn’t fun. We live in a world of instant gratification—where we want results now, not months from now. But laser hair removal is a long-term investment in yourself.
The good news? Once you finish your full treatment cycle, you won’t have to worry about shaving, waxing, or plucking ever again. That daily battle? Gone. The mental energy spent obsessing over hair? Freed up.
A few months of patience = years of smooth skin and confidence.
Final Words of Advice
💡 Don’t overanalyze—Looking in the mirror every day won’t speed up the process.💡 Don’t pluck or wax between sessions—Shaving is fine, but removing the root disrupts the cycle.💡 Stay consistent with sessions—Spacing them out properly ensures the best results.💡 Celebrate small wins—If you notice thinner hair or slower growth, that’s progress!
If you’re feeling impatient, frustrated, or discouraged, know that I’ve been exactly where you are. And I promise—it’s so worth the wait.
