Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? My Results After 3 Years & What to Anticipate

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       Source: Josie Santi for The Everygirl

      

      

      Throughout most of my life, despite my efforts to prevent them, I dealt with razor burn, skin irritation, and stubble after shaving. To combat this, I invested a significant amount in premium shaving creams, aloe vera gels, and soothing products, but nothing truly worked. The tipping point came during a beach trip when I realized I had forgotten to shave.

      After hearing a friend enthusiastically share her experience with LaserAway, I decided to take the leap—and booking my sessions during a major sale made the decision easy. If I could advise my younger self, I would tell her to invest in laser hair removal sooner without hesitation—here's why.

      

      My motivation for laser hair removal

      I began my laser hair removal journey with my underarms, as that area caused me the most irritation, razor burn, and persistent stubble. Additionally, I was considering the future—I knew I would eventually get engaged (which I did), plan a wedding (currently in the process), and celebrate with parties and a bachelorette bash. The thought of stressing over my underarms while wearing sleeveless dresses or bikinis motivated me to schedule my first session. Understanding that laser hair removal takes time to yield full results, I decided it was better to start sooner rather than later.

      

      Is laser hair removal painful?

      In my view, laser hair removal is significantly less uncomfortable than waxing. My initial session at LaserAway took just a few minutes per underarm. While I anticipated potential pain, the small stings were so mild that I hardly felt them. They used cooling air and a gentle tapping technique to distract from any discomfort (it sounds odd, but trust me, it works). The entire process was quicker than waiting for my intricate coffee order at my favorite café, and I experienced no irritation afterward.

      

      When I began noticing results

      While laser hair removal generally requires several sessions to see outcomes, I observed an improvement after my first session. By the end of my six-month treatment—completing three sessions in total—I achieved the anticipated results: minimal regrowth, no irritation, and a new reality without the need to shave.

      

      Is laser hair removal permanent?

      Laser hair removal is not a one-time solution, and the number of sessions needed varies by hair type. Over the years, I've noticed some regrowth post-treatment, which is normal due to hormonal fluctuations and hair growth cycles. When hair does return, it is significantly finer than before, and a quick touch-up session addresses it effectively.

      How frequently should you have laser hair removal?

      Typically, I schedule a touch-up session every six months to maintain smoothness. Your provider will help manage your expectations and advise how often you may need additional sessions.

      The unexpected benefits

      No more last-minute shaving panic: I can easily wear a tank top or head to the beach without any worries (or the frantic rush to shave just before leaving home).

      Traveling is simpler: I used to dread bringing razors and worry about dealing with razor burn while on vacation. Now? It’s no longer an issue.

      Razor burn and ingrown hairs are past problems: The effortless smoothness of my skin alone makes it worthwhile, but the absence of painful ingrown hairs or redness has been transformative.

      

      Does laser hair removal truly work?

      From my experience, laser hair removal has completely removed my unwanted hair and has saved me time, money, and frustration in the long term. The procedure was unexpectedly easy, and now that I’ve enjoyed the advantages, I can’t picture going back to shaving.

      If you’re anxious about laser hair removal, here’s what to keep in mind:

      It’s quick: My entire session took less than a minute for each underarm.

      Payment options are available: LaserAway provides interest-free payment plans, allowing you to pay gradually.

      Avoid sun exposure and spray tans before your treatments: Schedule your sessions around vacations or self-tanning to ensure optimal results.

      

      

       LaserAway

      

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      Would I do it again?

      With the results I’ve seen, I can confidently say that I would definitely choose laser hair removal again (and I plan to—I have my bikini line next on my agenda). LaserAway has made the process incredibly streamlined, and I appreciate how user-friendly their app and rewards system are for scheduling and saving on future sessions. If you're contemplating laser hair removal, let this be your sign to make the appointment—your future self will be grateful.

      

      

      

       MEET THE AUTHOR

       Josie Santi, Senior Wellness Editor & Podcast Host

      Josie has been an editor and writer for The Everygirl since 2017 and became a certified Holistic Health Coach in 2020. As the Senior Wellness Editor, she oversees, writes, and edits wellness content, while also covering wellness trends and interviewing leading experts in the field. Catch Josie on