You should avoid pulling out loose hairs after laser hair removal. The laser reaches the root of the follicle and weakens it over time. When the root stays in place, each session can build on the last. When the root is removed by plucking, waxing or threading, the laser cannot reach its target during your next visit. For a full overview of treatment plans have a look at our Laser Hair Removal service.
Loose hairs that appear after a session are part of the natural shedding phase. These hairs are already detached from the root and will fall out on their own. Pulling them interrupts the gradual breakdown of the follicle, which may slow the progress of your course. The skin may also react if irritated, especially when it is still settling from the heat of the laser. Allowing hairs to fall naturally keeps the skin calm and helps the follicle weaken without disruption.
Why Loose Hairs Develop After Treatment
Loose hairs develop because the heat from the laser triggers a controlled response inside the follicle. The treated hairs move out of the skin as the follicle starts to shut down. This stage can last up to a few weeks, depending on the area and the depth of the follicle. Many clients think the darker hairs they see are regrowth when they are simply the last stage of shedding. The more sessions you complete, the smoother the shedding becomes as fewer follicles remain active.
Different body areas shed at different speeds. Underarms and the bikini area often show quicker shedding, while the legs or back may take longer due to deeper follicles. These patterns are normal and do not indicate the rate of long-term results. Each session targets a new group of follicles, so steady progress continues whether shedding looks fast or slow.
Managing Hair Between Sessions
You can shave the area around ten to fourteen days after your appointment. Shaving trims the hair above the skin without touching the root, so it does not disrupt your course. It also helps exfoliate the area, which supports the natural release of dead hairs. Many clients find that regular gentle shaving keeps the skin smooth while avoiding irritation.
You should avoid waxing, epilating, threading or plucking between visits. These methods remove the root, delay progress and make future sessions less effective. You may also notice uneven hair cycles if you switch between methods, which can lead to more visible patches. Sticking to shaving keeps everything consistent.
What Happens Inside the Follicle
Laser hair removal works by sending light into the melanin within the hair shaft. The light turns to heat, which damages the follicle. As the follicle weakens, the hair becomes thinner and grows back more slowly. Over a series of sessions, many follicles stop producing hair altogether. This is why keeping the follicle intact between treatments is so important. Every session relies on the presence of a full hair shaft so the light can travel down to the root. Good laser hair removal aftercare supports this process by keeping the skin calm, preventing irritation and allowing treated follicles to settle without disruption.
Most clients experience a drop in density after a few appointments. Areas that once needed daily shaving often become much easier to manage. The skin may also feel smoother because laser treatment rarely leads to ingrown hairs, which can be more common with waxing and epilating. The gradual reduction in thickness and number of hairs is one of the main reasons laser hair removal remains a popular choice for long-term results.
How To Care for the Skin After Each Session
Good care keeps the skin steady after treatment. The area may feel warm, so simple steps help it settle. Keep the skin clean and let it breathe for the rest of the day. Skip products that feel heavy or strongly scented.
Give the skin a break from heat such as steam rooms, saunas and hot baths until the warmth fades. Try to avoid direct sun on the area and hold off on tanning while the skin is settling. These steps keep the follicles undisturbed and support the results of your course.
What To Expect Throughout Your Course
You can expect different stages as your course continues. Some sessions may lead to faster shedding than others. At times, the skin may appear patchy as certain follicles respond quicker. This is normal and expected. Hair grows in cycles, and only follicles in the active stage are affected during each appointment. As your plan progresses, fewer follicles remain active, so you will see longer periods without visible regrowth.
Many clients reach a point where they only require occasional maintenance sessions to keep the area smooth. For large areas such as legs or back, this can save time and reduce shaving altogether. Smaller areas such as the face or underarms tend to show even quicker progress because the roots are easier for the laser to reach.
When To Contact Your Practitioner
If you feel unsure about what is normal during shedding, or you are concerned about irritation or timing, your practitioner can guide you. Support is always available whether you are at the start of your course or near the end. You can contact the team through our Laser Hair Removal page or find more care advice by contacting us.
