Published in: Treatments

When Does Hair Fall Out After Laser?

Author Grace

Published on: May 23, 2025

If you’re new to laser hair removal, one of the most common questions is: “When will the hair actually fall out?”

It’s a fair question and an important one to understand before starting treatment. While laser hair removal gives smooth, lasting results, the process doesn’t work overnight. At Rejuvenation Med Clinic in Toronto, we believe in keeping things clear and realistic so clients know exactly what to expect.

Here’s a breakdown of when and how hair falls out after laser, what’s normal, and what to do (or avoid) during the process.

What Happens to Hair After a Laser Session?

Laser hair removal targets pigment in the hair follicle, using light energy to damage the root. Over time, this damage prevents new hair from growing. But here’s the key: hair doesn’t fall out immediately.

After your session:

The treated hair stays in the skin temporarily
It slowly works its way out over 1 to 3 weeks
The follicle becomes inactive, and new hair doesn’t replace what’s shed

This delay is completely normal and part of how the treatment works.

When Does the Hair Start to Shed?

Most people start to notice shedding about 7 to 14 days after treatment.

The timing depends on:

Your hair type and colour
The area treated
How your body responds
The strength of the laser used

You may see small black dots or stubble rise to the surface before falling out. Some people mistake this for new growth, but it’s actually the hair making its exit from the skin.

What Does Shedding Look Like?

You might notice:

Hairs “pushing out” of the follicle
Light stubble that falls out when gently tugged
A “peppering” effect on the skin as hair fragments rise and shed

Some hairs will fall out on their own, while others may come out when you exfoliate or towel off after a shower. This stage can last several days to a few weeks.

If your skin looks patchy or uneven during shedding, don’t panic. It’s temporary and usually means the laser is working.

Does Everyone Shed at the Same Rate?

Not exactly. Some clients see visible hair shedding quickly. Others may notice slower progress, especially during early sessions. Several factors affect how fast and how much hair falls out:

1. Hair Colour and Thickness

Laser hair removal works best on dark, coarse hair. Finer or lighter hair may respond more slowly or take more sessions to fully shed.

2. Hormones

Hormonal areas like the face, underarms, and bikini zone often require more sessions and may show more variation in shedding timelines.

3. Skin Type

Darker skin tones may be treated with different laser settings for safety, which can slightly affect how quickly results appear.

4. Treatment Consistency

Staying on schedule with your sessions helps target hairs during their active growth phase, improving shedding over time.

Related Article: How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

What to Do (and Not Do) During the Shedding Phase

To support the process and protect your skin:

DO:

Exfoliate gently 2–3 times a week with a washcloth or gentle scrub to help loosen shedding hairs
Moisturize to keep skin calm and reduce itchiness or dryness
Stay out of the sun — skin is more sensitive post-laser and more prone to irritation or pigmentation
Let hair fall out naturally — this helps reduce ingrown hairs and skin trauma

DON’T:

Don’t shave for at least 24–48 hours after treatment
Don’t wax, pluck, or thread between sessions — it removes the root, which the laser needs to target
Don’t scrub aggressively — your skin may be sensitive, and over-exfoliating can irritate it
Don’t expect instant results — full reduction takes multiple sessions, spaced 4–8 weeks apart

How Many Sessions Before Hair Stops Growing?

Most clients need 6 to 8 sessions, sometimes more for hormonal areas or finer hair. That’s because hair grows in cycles:

Anagen (active): Laser works best here
Catagen (transitional)
Telogen (resting)

Only a portion of your hair is in the active phase during each session. That’s why multiple treatments are required to catch all follicles effectively.

At Rejuvenation Med Clinic, we space your sessions based on the area being treated to target hair growth at the right time and get the best long-term results.

What If My Hair Doesn’t Shed?

If you don’t notice shedding, it doesn’t always mean the laser didn’t work. Some possibilities:

The hair may have been too light or fine for full effect
The root was damaged, but the hair is slow to leave the skin
Your skin retained the hair longer than average

If shedding doesn’t happen after 3 weeks, book a follow-up consultation with your laser specialist. We’ll assess the treated area and adjust settings if needed.

Our specialists use medical-grade laser systems calibrated for your hair and skin type, ensuring effective and safe treatment from the start.

Can I Speed Up Hair Shedding?

You can support the process with:

Warm showers help relax the skin
Gentle exfoliation (starting 5–7 days post-treatment)
Patience — pushing it can cause irritation

Avoid home remedies, abrasive scrubs, or over-the-counter hair removal creams, which can damage the skin and interfere with your results.

Will the Hair Grow Back After Shedding?

In most cases, the shed hair won’t grow back if the follicle was effectively destroyed. However, not all follicles are fully treated in one session.

That’s why results are progressive. After each session, you’ll notice:

Less regrowth
Softer, finer hair
Slower-growing patches

By your final sessions, most treated areas should be 90%+ hair-free, with only minimal touch-ups required once or twice a year.

How Rejuvenation Med Clinic Can Help

At Rejuvenation Med Clinic in Toronto, we bring over 12 years of laser experience to every client session. Our certified laser specialists:

Use advanced, medical-grade systems suited for all skin tones
Customize your treatment based on your hair, skin, and goals
Monitor your progress and adjust settings for maximum results
Provide clear aftercare support so you know exactly what to expect

We take pride in making the laser process smooth, comfortable, and effective, whether you’re targeting your legs, underarms, bikini line, or face.

Smooth Results Take Time But Worth It

Laser hair removal isn’t instant but it’s reliable, long-lasting, and incredibly freeing once the results kick in. Hair starts to shed within two weeks of your session, and with each appointment, you’ll see smoother skin and less regrowth.

The key is consistency, proper aftercare, and working with a clinic that understands your needs from start to finish.

At Rejuvenation Med Clinic, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From consultation to aftercare, we make sure you get results you can see and skin you’ll love. Book your consultation today and start your journey toward long-term results you’ll love.

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