How Many Sessions of Hair Removal Do You Really Need?

woman getting laser hair removal treatment

If you’ve ever considered laser hair removal, one of the first questions you might ask is: how many sessions of hair removal do I need?

The answer depends on several factors—your skin type, hair colour, the area being treated, and your hair growth cycle. At In-DERM Skin Clinic, we use advanced medical-grade laser technology to deliver personalised hair removal plans that are effective, comfortable, and long-lasting.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how laser hair removal works, why multiple sessions are needed, and what to expect from your treatment plan.

Why Multiple Sessions Are Necessary

Laser hair removal targets the pigment in the hair follicle during its active growth phase (also known as the anagen phase). However, not all hairs grow at the same time—some may be dormant, while others are just starting to grow.

To effectively disable all hair follicles in a given area, multiple sessions spaced over several weeks are required. This ensures each follicle is treated during its optimal growth window.

Most clients at In-DERM see the best results after 6 to 8 sessions, spaced about 4–6 weeks apart.

Typical Number of Hair Removal Sessions by Area

Different areas of the body respond differently to laser hair removal. Here’s a breakdown of how many sessions of hair removal are typically needed for each area:

Treatment AreaAverage SessionsSession Duration
Upper Lip / Chin8+ sessions10–15 minutes
Underarms6–8 sessions10–15 minutes
Bikini Line / Brazilian6–8 sessions15–30 minutes
Legs (Full)6–8 sessions30–45 minutes
Arms6–8 sessions20–30 minutes
Chest / Back6–10 sessions30–45 minutes

What Affects the Number of Sessions?

1. Hair Colour and Thickness

Darker, coarser hair responds more quickly to laser treatments because it contains more melanin (pigment), which attracts the laser’s energy.

2. Skin Tone

Modern laser systems, like the ones at our Chiswick clinic, are safe for most skin types. However, skin tone can affect the laser settings and how quickly results appear.

3. Hormonal Factors

Areas affected by hormones (e.g., chin, jawline, or bikini line) may need more sessions or ongoing maintenance to stay hair-free.

4. Area of Treatment

Larger areas such as the back or legs may require more time per session but don’t necessarily need more sessions than smaller areas.

What to Expect at In-DERM Skin Clinic in Chiswick

Personalised Consultation

Your journey begins with a detailed consultation and patch test to assess your skin type, hair density, and treatment goals.

Treatment Plan

Based on your consultation, we’ll create a custom laser hair removal plan, outlining how many sessions are recommended for your skin and hair type.

Comfortable Sessions

Thanks to our cooling technology, treatments are virtually pain-free—even on sensitive areas. Most clients describe the sensation as a light rubber band snap.

Visible Results

You may start to notice a reduction in hair growth after just 1–2 sessions, with the most dramatic results appearing after your full course of 6–8 treatments.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

While laser hair removal offers long-lasting results, it’s not considered 100% permanent. After completing your sessions, you can expect a significant reduction in hair growth—often up to 90% less hair in treated areas.

Some clients may need occasional top-up sessions (once or twice a year), particularly in areas with hormonal sensitivity.

Why Choose In-DERM Skin Clinic for Hair Removal?

At In-DERM Skin Clinic, we combine medical expertise with state-of-the-art laser technology to ensure our clients get the best possible results with every session.

Here’s why clients trust us:

  • Medical-grade lasers suitable for all skin types
  • Experienced practitioners who prioritise safety and comfort
  • Transparent pricing and flexible packages
  • Clean, professional environment in a convenient West London location

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many sessions of hair removal do I need for permanent results?

Most clients need 6–8 sessions for long-term hair reduction. Maintenance sessions may be required annually.

2. Why do I need to wait 4–6 weeks between sessions?

Waiting allows hair follicles to move into the active growth phase, making the next session more effective.

3. Can I shave between sessions?

Yes, shaving is safe and recommended. Avoid waxing or plucking, as these remove the hair from the follicle.

4. Is laser hair removal safe for all skin types?

Yes. Our advanced laser technology is calibrated to suit most skin tones safely. A patch test is done before your first treatment.

5. What happens if I miss a session?

Missing a session may delay your results. We recommend sticking to your personalised treatment plan as closely as possible for best outcomes.

Ready to Begin?

If you’ve been asking yourself, “how many sessions of hair removal do I really need?”, we hope this guide has helped clear things up.

At In-DERM Skin Clinic, we’re here to provide safe, effective, and expert care—whether you’re targeting a single area or looking for full-body hair reduction.

Call us or visit our skin clinic in Chiswick to book your consultation today, and let’s create your custom laser hair removal plan together.

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in-DERM skin clinic team in Chiswick