Why Am I Hairier After Laser Hair Removal?

If you’re experiencing more hair growth after your laser hair removal treatment, you might wonder: “Is laser hair removal effective? Why am I hairier after my laser treatment?”

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Increased hair growth after laser hair removal can sometimes happen, and is completely normal part of the process.

In this article, we’ll explore why it happens, how laser hair removal works, and what can you do to get smoother, hair-free results.

Understanding the Laser Hair Removal Process

Laser hair removal is a cutting-edge cosmetic procedure designed to reduce excessive hair growth and remove unwanted hair using advanced laser technology.

During the process, a concentrated laser light is directed into the hair. The light energy is converted to heat to target individual hair follicles to prevent further hair growth, without damaging the surrounding skin.

Since it works during the active hair growth cycle, multiple laser sessions are required for the best results. Over multiple sessions, hair grows back finer, lighter, and sparser until it stops altogether.

So...why is my hair growing back? Factors That Can Make You Feel Hairier

Here are factors that can make you feel hairier after your laser hair removal treatment in bournemouth:

Hair Shedding – Around 10–14 days after treatment, your body begins shedding the treated hair. This can look like new growth, but it’s just the follicle clearing out hair that was already targeted by the laser.
Untreated Hair – Because hair grows in cycles, some strands aren’t affected during your session. These untreated hairs—and newly active follicles—can grow in after, making it seem like the laser didn’t work. Plus, since you shave before treatment, it’s tricky to tell which hairs were actually zapped.
Hormonal Factors – Hormonal shifts or conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can cause new hair to grow—even during a laser treatment. If you notice unusual patterns or persistent growth, it might be worth checking in with a specialist.

How to Manage the Hairy Look Post-Laser

Here are helpful tips to manage this stage:

Exfoliate gently a few days post-treatment to help loosen shedding hairs.
Moisturize regularly to soothe skin and support healthy recovery.
Avoid tweezing or waxing, as these can disrupt the follicle and slow results.
Stay consistent with sessions—since hair grows in cycles, multiple treatments are key.

What is Paradoxical Hypertrichosis?

Paradoxical Hypertrichosis a rare side effect where laser hair removal, instead of reducing hair growth, causes increased hair growth in the treated area.

There are possible causes why this happens and these include: heat stimulation, hormonal imbalances, incorrect laser settings, or skin and hair type and sensitivity to laser treatment.

Most of the time, increased hair growth after laser hair removal is due to hair shedding or hair growth cycles.

Notice unusual regrowth? Talk to your provider about:

Touch-up treatments
Hormonal evaluations
Alternative options like electrolysis for stubborn areas

When to Consult a Specialist About Unexpected Hair Growth

If your hair becomes denser or appears in new areas weeks after treatment, consult your dermatologist or certified laser technician. They’ll assess triggers—like PCOS, medication, or device misuse—and tailor a safer, smarter path forward.

At Hayley’s Hair Removal & Aesthetics, we know that choosing the right clinic is a big decision — and we’re here to make that choice easy, safe, and completely worth it.

Our consultations are FREE with no obligation.

Call us, email us, or fill our quick online form below. Our skin experts are ready to help you with your laser hair removal journey.

📞 01202 139825

📩 info@hayleylaserhair.co.uk

📍 Holyrood Close, E5 Arena Business Centres, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7FL