How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take? Your Guide to Timing, Sessions & Results

Quick Summary

Who This is For:

• This guide is for anyone considering laser hair removal and looking for clear answers about how long it takes, how many sessions are needed, and what to expect before, during, and after treatment.

Key Points:

• Session Time: Treatments are fast, ranging from a few minutes for small areas like the upper lip to around 30 minutes for larger areas like legs or back.
• Number of Sessions: Most people need 14–16 sessions, spaced 6 weeks apart, for optimal results. One or two sessions won’t cut it.
  
• How It Works: Laser targets pigment in hair follicles during the active growth phase (anagen). That’s why multiple sessions are necessary.
• Who It Works Best For: Darker hair responds best, while light hair, like blonde, red, or gray, is harder to treat. The Candela GentleMax Pro used at Simplicity Laser safely treats all skin tones.
• Factors That Affect Results: Hair color, density, skin tone, hormonal changes, and consistency all impact how fast and how well it works.
• Pre-Treatment Prep: Shave 12–24 hours before, avoid sun and waxing, and come with clean, product-free skin.
• Post-Treatment Care: Expect mild redness or bumps. Use aftercare products, avoid heat and sun, and follow instructions to prevent irritation.
• Tips for Best Results: Stick to the schedule, don’t tweeze or wax between sessions, protect your skin from the sun, and communicate with your technician
• Why Simplicity Laser: Over 250,000 clients, 8M+ treatments, advanced technology, trained staff, and transparent pricing starting at $99.
• Laser hair removal takes commitment, but the payoff is smoother skin and less regrowth over time. Simplicity Laser offers a proven system backed by experience and trusted by thousands.

Time matters, and when you're tired of shaving, waxing, or dealing with razor burn, you want a solution that works. At Simplicity Laser, we understand that you deserve fast, safe, and effective results that last.

So, how long does laser hair removal take? Sessions can be as fast as a few minutes, but you'll need repeated treatments over time to get higher-quality results, no matter what provider or laser you choose. Factors like hair color and thickness can also affect the speed of your results, but rest assured, at Simplicity Laser, we are here to make sure you get the results you're looking for.

Understanding the Laser Hair Removal Process

Laser hair removal works by using laser light to target the melanin in hair follicles. When the pigment in the hair shaft absorbs the energy, the heat damages the follicle and disrupts future hair growth. The surrounding skin remains untouched.

Because the laser depends on pigment, it works best on darker hair, though results vary by individual. We don’t treat blonde, red, or gray hair because it lacks enough pigment to effectively absorb the laser energy.

Even in ideal circumstances, though, not all hairs respond at once. Your hair grows in cycles, and only hairs in the active growth phase (also known as the anagen phase) can be effectively treated. That's why multiple laser hair removal sessions are necessary for significant hair reduction.

How Long Does Each Laser Hair Removal Session Take?

One of the most common concerns people have is: “How much time will I need to commit to this?” The good news is that each session is relatively quick. The upper lip, underarms, and bikini line all take 5 minutes to treat with a 5-minute transition time. These will all be scheduled for 10-minute appointments. Legs, chest, or back will be scheduled for 20-30 minute appointments.

Session length can vary based on hair density, hair thickness, and the size of the treatment area. To minimize any discomfort, we use a Zimmer cooling machine while the laser works, soothing your skin throughout the process.

How Many Sessions Are Needed for Results?

At Simplicity Laser, we recommend a treatment plan of 14–16 sessions for the best results, typically spaced 6 weeks apart.

Most clients begin to see noticeable results after their first couple of treatments, with hair becoming thinner and regrowth slowing down. But significant reduction and long-term results require consistency over the full treatment course. This is because not all hairs are in the active growth phase at the same time. Laser hair removal targets active follicles, so you'll need multiple sessions to catch follicles during the active phase.

Laser hair removal doesn't guarantee complete hair removal, but it does provide long-lasting hair reduction. After finishing a full treatment plan, most clients experience a 70–90% significant hair reduction that lasts for years.

Factors That Affect Treatment Time & Results

While a consistent treatment plan is the foundation for lasting results, every person’s laser hair removal journey is unique. Beyond the number of sessions, several factors can influence both the pace and the effectiveness of laser hair removal treatments.

• Hair color: Dark hair responds best to laser treatments, while light hair is harder to treat. We don’t treat blonde, red, or gray hair.
• Skin tones: We treat all skin tones safely and effectively with our Candela GentleMax Pro lasers.
• Hair thickness and density: Coarse or dense hair often takes more time to treat effectively, but each session still reduces regrowth.
• Hormonal changes: Factors like pregnancy, menopause, or certain medical conditions can affect hair growth patterns and hair regrowth, meaning some individuals may need additional treatments to maintain results.

While these factors can affect your timeline, they don’t have to slow you down. With the right laser, a consistent plan, and a little patience, great results are well within reach.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Sessions

Before Treatment

To prepare for your session, it’s essential to have hair-free skin. Therefore, shave the treatment area 12 to 24 hours before your appointment. This ensures the laser targets the hair follicle directly without interference from surface hair. Avoid any sun exposure,  tanning beds, or self-tanner for at least three weeks beforehand, as tanned or sunburned skin can increase the risk of irritation or complications. Also, skip waxing, tweezing, or using hair removal creams in the weeks leading up to your session. These methods remove the hair follicle, which the laser needs to be effective.

During Treatment

Most people describe the feeling of laser hair removal as similar to a rubber band snapping lightly against the skin. Thanks to the Zimmer cooling system, we reduce this discomfort while also protecting your skin. The treatment time varies depending on the area. Smaller zones, such as the upper lip, take just a few minutes, while a session covering the full legs may take up to 30 minutes.

After Treatment

Following your laser hair removal session, you may notice some redness or small bumps on the skin. This is a normal histamine reaction and usually fades within 24 to 72 hours. Applying a Restorative Gel can help calm and soothe the treated area. For best results and to avoid irritation, avoid sun exposure, hot showers, saunas, seat heaters, and any activity that raises your body temperature for a day or two. Be sure to follow the full post-treatment care instructions we provide. This will help prevent complications and help you see smoother, clearer skin more quickly.

A Few Tips for Optimal Results

Stay consistent with all your treatment sessions.

Laser hair removal treatments work best when the treatments are spaced appropriately to catch hair in its active growth phase. Skipping or delaying multiple treatments can reduce effectiveness and slow your progress.

Avoid waxing or tweezing between sessions.

These methods remove the hair from the follicle, which is exactly what the laser targets. Shaving is fine, but avoid anything that disrupts the root.

Use recommended aftercare products to help skin heal.

Post-treatment products are designed to calm irritation and support recovery. Using them as directed can improve comfort and reduce the risk of side effects.

Protect treated skin from the sun.

Sunlight can increase sensitivity and the risk of pigmentation changes. Always use sunscreen to avoid sun exposure when outdoors.

Communicate openly with your technician to adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Everyone’s skin and hair respond differently, so let your technician know if you notice changes or have concerns. They can tailor your plan to keep you on track for the best results.

Following a few tips like these will give you the best results for both long-term hair reduction and smooth, healthy skin.

Begin Your Laser Hair Removal Journey Today

If you're ready to stop chasing razors and start enjoying hair-free skin, now is the time to begin. Your laser hair removal journey doesn't have to be complicated. With the right plan and the right provider, it’s totally achievable.

With over 250,000 clients, 20+ locations, and more than 8 million treatments performed, Simplicity Laser is a trusted leader in laser hair removal. Join the thousands who have already chosen our laser hair removal treatments and experienced smoother, more confident skin.

Ready to take the guesswork out of laser hair removal? Explore our laser hair removal packages today and start your journey with Simplicity Laser.

Laser Hair Removal FAQ