Most people finish their laser hair removal course, enjoy weeks of smooth skin, and then wonder: is this going to last forever, or will the hair come back?
Laser hair removal delivers a 70 to 90 percent permanent reduction in hair growth after a full course of 6 to 8 sessions. It is not 100 percent permanent removal, but the hair that does grow back is typically finer, lighter, and far less noticeable than before treatment. Most patients stay smooth for months to years, with 1 to 2 maintenance sessions per year keeping results consistent long-term.
That distinction between “permanent reduction” and “permanent removal” matters. Understanding it before you start treatment sets the right expectations and prevents disappointment.
At Deep Aesthetics, we offer laser hair removal at our London Canary Wharf and Birmingham clinics, with treatments suitable for all skin types. Underarms start from just £7, bikini from £18.50, and full body and face at £89.
In this blog, we explain exactly how long laser hair removal lasts, why results vary by body area, what factors affect longevity, and how to make your results last as long as possible.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
The honest answer: not quite. But it is the closest thing to permanent that non-surgical hair removal offers.
After completing a full course of 6 to 8 sessions, most patients experience a 70 to 90 percent permanent reduction in hair growth. The follicles destroyed by the laser do not produce hair again. Ever.
But not every follicle gets destroyed.
Some follicles are in their resting phase during your treatment sessions and never get targeted. Others may be only partially damaged rather than fully destroyed. These can eventually recover and produce hair again, although that hair is usually much finer and lighter than the original.
Then there is the hormonal factor. Your body can create new hair follicles in response to hormonal changes. Pregnancy, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and thyroid conditions can all trigger new growth in areas that were previously treated. This is not the old hair coming back. It is genuinely new hair that was not there during your original course.
So while the results are long-lasting and the reduction is real, calling it “permanent removal” would not be entirely accurate. Permanent reduction is the correct term, and it is backed by decades of clinical evidence.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last by Body Area?
Not all body areas respond equally. Some hold results for years with minimal maintenance. Others need more frequent top-ups. The difference comes down to hormonal influence and hair growth patterns.
Face (Upper Lip, Chin, Jawline)
The face is the most challenging area for long-lasting laser hair removal. Results typically last 6 to 12 months before some regrowth becomes noticeable.
Why shorter? Facial hair is heavily influenced by hormones. Fluctuations in oestrogen, testosterone, and other hormones directly stimulate hair growth on the face. This is especially true for women with PCOS, during menopause, or during pregnancy.
The face also tends to need more initial sessions. While most body areas respond well to 6 to 8 sessions, facial hair often requires 8 to 10 sessions due to the hormonal complexity.
Annual maintenance sessions are common for facial areas. Many patients book a touch-up every 6 to 12 months to keep their upper lip and chin smooth.
Underarms
Underarms are one of the best areas for long-lasting results. After a full course, most patients enjoy smooth underarms for 12 to 24 months or longer before needing a maintenance session.
The underarm area has relatively low hormonal influence compared to the face. The hair is usually dark and coarse, which responds well to laser. And the treatment area is small, meaning each session covers every follicle thoroughly.
One maintenance session per year is usually enough to keep underarms consistently smooth.
Bikini and Brazilian
Bikini area results typically last 12 to 18 months after completing the full course. The bikini line tends to hold results slightly longer than a full Brazilian because there is less hormonal sensitivity at the edges.
Hormonal changes affect this area more than the underarms or legs but less than the face. Pregnancy and menopause can trigger some regrowth, but it is usually manageable with occasional maintenance.
This is one of the most popular treatment areas for a reason. The convenience of not having to wax every 4 to 6 weeks is life-changing for most patients.
Legs (Half and Full)
Leg hair responds very well to laser treatment. Results typically last 12 to 24 months, with some patients going even longer between maintenance sessions.
Legs are a large treatment area, so completing the full 6 to 8 session course is especially important. Each session covers a lot of ground, and skipping sessions means missing a significant number of follicles in their resting phase.
Body hair in general holds laser results longer than facial hair because it is less affected by hormonal fluctuations.
Arms, Back, Chest, Stomach
These areas follow a similar pattern to legs, with results lasting 12 to 24 months after a full course.
Male body hair on the back and chest may need additional sessions due to thicker, denser hair with stronger hormonal influence. But once the full course is complete, results are just as long-lasting.
Maintenance 1 to 2 times per year keeps these areas smooth and consistent.
Here is a quick reference:
| Body Area | Results Last | Maintenance Frequency |
| Face (lip, chin) | 6 to 12 months | Every 6 to 12 months |
| Underarms | 12 to 24 months | Once a year |
| Bikini / Brazilian | 12 to 18 months | Once a year |
| Legs | 12 to 24 months | Once a year |
| Arms / Back / Chest | 12 to 24 months | 1 to 2 times per year |
What Affects How Long Laser Hair Removal Lasts?
Two patients can have the same treatment at the same clinic and see different longevity. Several specific factors explain why.
Hair Colour and Skin Tone
Laser targets melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle. The more contrast between your skin and hair colour, the more effectively the laser destroys the follicle, and the longer results last.
Dark hair on light skin delivers the strongest, longest-lasting results. The laser can precisely target the dark follicle without interference from surrounding skin pigment.
Blonde, red, grey, and white hair contains less melanin. Laser struggles to target these effectively, which means results may fade faster or the treatment may not produce significant reduction at all.
Darker skin tones require Nd: YAG laser technology, which uses a longer wavelength to bypass skin melanin and target the follicle safely. With the right laser, results for darker skin can be equally long-lasting.
Hormonal Factors
Hormones are the single biggest reason laser hair removal results vary between patients.
PCOS causes elevated androgen levels, which stimulate hair growth particularly on the face, chin, and neck. Women with PCOS often need more sessions initially and more frequent maintenance.
Pregnancy triggers significant hormonal shifts that can cause new hair growth in previously treated areas. This growth typically slows after delivery, but some patients need additional sessions.
Menopause reduces oestrogen, which can lead to increased facial hair. Many women who had successful facial laser treatment in their 30s notice new growth in their 50s.
Thyroid conditions can also affect hair growth patterns and influence how long results last.
These hormonal triggers do not mean the treatment failed. They mean your body produced new hair that was not present during the original course.
Laser Technology Used
This is the factor most people overlook, and it has a huge impact on longevity.
Medical-grade diode lasers and Nd: YAG lasers deliver concentrated, precise energy that fully destroys targeted follicles. The results from these devices are strong and long-lasting.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is not a laser. It uses broad-spectrum light that is less precise and less powerful. IPL can reduce hair, but results typically fade faster and more sessions are needed. Home IPL devices produce even weaker results.
If you want results that last, choose a clinic that uses a genuine medical-grade laser. Ask which device they use by name. If they cannot tell you, that is a concern.
Number of Sessions Completed
This is the factor you have the most control over.
Patients who complete the full 6 to 8-session course see significantly longer-lasting results than those who stop after 3 or 4 sessions. The reason is the hair growth cycle.
At any given time, only 20 to 30 percent of your hair is in the active growth phase (anagen). The laser only works on hair in this phase. Each session catches a different batch of follicles as they cycle into active growth.
Stopping early means a large percentage of follicles were never targeted. They will produce hair, and it will look like the treatment “did not work.” In reality, the treatment was never completed.
Body Area Being Treated
As covered earlier, facial hair regrows faster than body hair due to hormonal influence. Low-hormone areas like underarms and legs hold results longest. High-hormone areas like the upper lip and chin need more frequent maintenance.
This is not a flaw in the treatment. It is simply how hair biology works.
How Many Sessions Do You Need for Long-Lasting Results?
The clinical standard is 6 to 8 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. This protocol is designed around the hair growth cycle.
Hair grows in three phases. Anagen is the active growth phase — this is when laser is effective. Catagen is the transition phase. Telogen is the resting phase. Laser cannot target hair in catagen or telogen because the follicle is dormant.
At any given moment, only 20 to 30 percent of your hair is in anagen. This is why a single session cannot treat all your hair. Each session catches a new batch of follicles entering the active phase.
Six to eight sessions, spaced consistently, gives the laser the best chance of catching every follicle at least once during its active phase. This is what produces the 70 to 90 percent reduction.
Facial hair may need 8 to 10 sessions because hormonal regrowth cycles are shorter and more active in that area.
The spacing between sessions matters too. Going too frequently does not help because the same follicles will still be dormant. Going too infrequently means you miss the optimal window. Four to six weeks is the sweet spot for most body areas.
Do You Need Maintenance Sessions After Laser Hair Removal?
Yes. And anyone who tells you otherwise is not being honest.
Most patients need 1 to 2 maintenance sessions per year to keep results at maximum reduction. Without maintenance, some gradual regrowth will occur over time as dormant follicles activate or hormonal changes trigger new growth.
Think of it like dental hygiene. You brush your teeth every day, but you still need a check-up and clean once or twice a year to catch anything building up. Maintenance laser sessions work the same way. They catch the small amount of regrowth before it becomes noticeable.
Maintenance sessions are quick. A full bikini touch-up takes 15 to 20 minutes. Underarms take 10 minutes. They are far less involved than the initial treatment course.
The cost of 1 to 2 maintenance sessions per year is also far less than monthly waxing or daily shaving. At Deep Aesthetics, a maintenance session for underarms costs just £7 and bikini just £18.50. Compare that to £30 to £40 every 4 to 6 weeks for waxing.
Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing vs Shaving: Which Lasts Longest?
If longevity is your priority, the comparison is straightforward.
| Method | How Long It Lasts | Pain Level | Long-Term Cost (5 Years) |
| Shaving | 1 to 3 days | None | £500 to £1,000 (razors, cream) |
| Waxing | 3 to 6 weeks | Moderate to high | £1,500 to £2,400 |
| Laser Hair Removal | Months to years | Mild | £500 to £1,200 (course + maintenance) |
| Electrolysis | Potentially permanent | High | £2,000 to £5,000+ |
Shaving is the cheapest per session but the most time-consuming. You are doing it every few days for the rest of your life.
Waxing lasts longer but requires an appointment every 4 to 6 weeks, costs £30 to £40 each time, and the hair always comes back at full strength.
Laser delivers the longest-lasting results of any practical option. After the initial course, you are spending a fraction of the cost on maintenance compared to waxing.
Electrolysis can be permanent but targets one follicle at a time, making it painfully slow for large areas. It works best for small patches of remaining hair after laser.
For a full breakdown of laser hair removal pricing by body area, read our guide on how much laser hair removal costs in the UK.
How to Make Your Laser Hair Removal Results Last Longer
A few simple steps can significantly extend how long your results last.
Complete the Full Course
Do not stop after 3 or 4 sessions because you see improvement. The full 6 to 8 sessions are designed to catch every follicle across multiple growth cycles. Stopping early leaves a significant percentage of follicles untreated.
Attend Maintenance Sessions
Book 1 to 2 maintenance sessions per year. This catches any regrowth early before it becomes noticeable. It is a short-term and cost commitment that keeps your results at 90% or better long-term.
Choose a Clinic with Medical-Grade Laser
IPL and home devices produce weaker, shorter-lasting results. Clinical-grade diode, Nd: YAG, and alexandrite lasers deliver stronger follicle destruction that lasts significantly longer. The device your clinic uses directly affects how long your results hold.
Avoid Waxing and Plucking Between Sessions
Waxing and plucking remove the hair root. The laser needs the root present in the follicle to work. If you wax between sessions, the laser has nothing to target during your next appointment.
Shaving is fine between sessions. It cuts the hair at the surface without disturbing the follicle underneath.
Protect Treated Skin from Sun
Sun exposure between sessions can cause complications, including burns and pigmentation changes. It can also reduce the effectiveness of subsequent treatments. Wear SPF on treated areas during your course and for at least 2 weeks after each session.
Laser Hair Removal at Deep Aesthetics
At Deep Aesthetics, we offer laser hair removal designed to deliver long-lasting results at prices that make treatment genuinely accessible.
Here is a snapshot of our pricing:
| Area | Price |
| Underarms | £7 |
| Any Bikini | £18.50 |
| Any Bikini and Underarm | £19.95 |
| Lip | £15 |
| Full Face | £30 |
| Lower Legs, Bikini and Underarm | £50 |
| Full Legs, Bikini and Underarm | £60 |
| Full Body and Face | £89 |
Compare those numbers to the cost of monthly waxing. Full body laser at most UK clinics costs £200 to £500 per session. Ours is £89. Underarms at most clinics cost £40 to £80. Ours is £7.
Every treatment is performed by trained specialists who assess your skin type and hair type before starting. We treat all skin types, including darker skin tones that require specialist laser technology.
Both our London Canary Wharf and Birmingham clinics offer the same pricing, same technology, and same standard of care. We also offer flexible payment options through our finance option for patients treating multiple areas.
Book your free consultation today. We will assess your hair type, skin type, and treatment areas, then give you a clear plan with realistic expectations for how long your results will last.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal delivers 70 to 90 percent permanent hair reduction after a full course of 6 to 8 sessions. Body areas like underarms and legs hold results for 12 to 24 months, while facial areas may need maintenance every 6 to 12 months. The key to long-lasting results is completing the full course, choosing a clinic with medical-grade laser technology, and attending 1 to 2 maintenance sessions per year.
It is not 100 percent permanent, but it is the closest thing to it. The hair that does return is finer, lighter, and far less noticeable. Compared to shaving every few days or waxing every month, laser is the most effective long-term solution for unwanted hair.
At Deep Aesthetics, we offer laser hair removal starting from just £7 per session at our London Canary Wharf and Birmingham clinics. With trained specialists, treatments for all skin types, and pricing well below the UK average, long-lasting, smooth skin has never been more accessible.
Book your free consultation today and find out how long your results can last with the right treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How long does laser hair removal last?
Answer: Laser hair removal provides 70 to 90 percent permanent hair reduction after a full course of 6 to 8 sessions. Most patients stay smooth for months to years after completing treatment. The remaining hair that regrows is finer and lighter. Maintenance sessions 1 to 2 times per year keep results consistent long-term. Results last longest on body areas and shorter on the face due to hormonal factors.
Question: Is laser hair removal permanent?
Answer: It is permanent hair reduction, not 100 percent permanent removal. After completing a full course, the majority of treated hair does not grow back. A small percentage may regrow over time, and hormonal changes such as pregnancy, menopause, or PCOS can trigger new growth. The hair that does return is typically much finer and less noticeable than before treatment.
Question: How long does laser hair removal last on the face?
Answer: Facial laser hair removal results typically last 6 to 12 months before maintenance is needed. The face is more affected by hormonal fluctuations than the body, which is why regrowth happens sooner. Patients may need 8 to 10 initial sessions instead of the standard 6 to 8, and maintenance every 6 to 12 months to maintain smooth results.
Question: Do you need maintenance sessions after laser hair removal?
Answer: Yes. Most patients benefit from 1 to 2 maintenance sessions per year to keep results at maximum reduction. Without maintenance, some gradual regrowth will occur over time. Maintenance sessions are quick, affordable, and far less expensive than ongoing waxing appointments. At Deep Aesthetics, maintenance for underarms costs just £7 per session.
Question: Does laser hair removal last longer than waxing?
Answer: Significantly longer: Waxing results last 3 to 6 weeks before hair grows back at full strength. Laser hair removal results last months to years, with 70 to 90 percent of treated hair permanently reduced. Over 5 years, laser costs less than regular waxing while delivering dramatically longer-lasting smoothness. It also eliminates the pain, ingrown hairs, and scheduling inconvenience of repeat waxing appointments.
