Does Brazilian laser remove hair permanently?

Laser hair removal is a long lasting form of hair removal that damages or destroys the hair follicle. It is not necessarily permanent because the hair may regrow, particularly if the follicle is damaged and not destroyed during the laser hair removal procedure. That’s why many doctors now refer to laser hair removal as long-term hair removal rather than permanent hair removal.

Results vary significantly and are difficult to predict. Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it’s usually finer and lighter in color.

You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.

How does Brazilian laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal uses light to target the pigment in individual hairs. The light travels down the shaft of the hair and into the hair follicle.

The heat from the laser light destroys the hair follicle, and a hair can no longer grow from it.

Hair follows a unique growth cycle that involves resting, shedding, and growing periods. Recently removed hair that is in a resting phase will not be visible to the technician or laser, so a person may need to wait until it regrows before removing it.

For most people, laser hair removal requires several treatments over the course of 2 to 3 months.

Side effects and risks

During treatment, some people experience burning, stinging, or discomfort. For this reason, many technicians apply a numbing cream to the area they are treating. However, some people may have an allergic reaction or skin irritation in response to the numbing cream.

Minor side effects are common, and may include:

changes in the color of the skin, particularly in people with dark skin, which are usually temporary
skin redness
blistering or crusting of the skin
Sometimes, irritation related to hair removal can cause scarring. Damaged skin can also become infected. Though rare, skin infections can spread and become life-threatening.

Providing a detailed medical history and discussing risks and benefits can help the provider determine the right treatment, reducing the risk of serious side effects.