How Often Should You Get Laser on Your Face?

Facial hair can be stubborn, fast-growing, and emotionally frustrating—especially for women dealing with hormonal changes or recurring upper lip or chin hair.

At Celebrity Laser & Skin Care in North Vancouver, facial laser hair removal is one of our most requested treatments. But one question always comes up first: how many sessions will I need?

The answer depends on your skin tone, hair texture, hormones, and the technology used. But with the right provider and consistent care, long-term results are within reach—often with fewer appointments than you think.

Why Multiple Sessions Are Necessary

Laser hair removal works by targeting hairs in their active growth phase—called the anagen phase. But not all facial hairs are in this phase at the same time. That’s why a single session can’t remove all the hair at once.

Each time you return for treatment, a new group of hairs will have entered the growth phase. Multiple sessions are needed to catch those hairs at the right time and gradually reduce total regrowth.

Facial areas also regenerate hair faster than the body, especially around the upper lip, chin, and jawline. Combined with the influence of hormones, this makes facial hair more resistant—and more in need of repeat sessions to achieve lasting results.

For this reason, facial laser sessions are often scheduled at regular intervals to align with your hair’s growth cycle and build cumulative progress over time.

What influences the number of treatments needed?

The number of laser sessions required to reduce facial hair varies from person to person. While some clients see dramatic improvements in a few sessions, others may need a longer treatment plan. Several key factors affect how quickly and effectively your hair responds:

Hair and Skin Tone

Darker, coarser hair absorbs laser energy more efficiently, often yielding faster results. Fine or light-coloured hair (like pale blonde or peach fuzz) contains less melanin, making it harder for the laser to target the follicle effectively.

Your skin tone also plays a role. Laser settings must be adjusted to ensure the energy is absorbed by the hair—not the skin. At Celebrity Laser & Skin Care, we select the safest and most effective device for each skin type using advanced platforms like Alexandrite, Nd:YAG, and ProWave 770.

Hormonal Activity

Facial hair is often influenced by hormones, which is why conditions like PCOS, menopause, or pregnancy can trigger stubborn regrowth—even after a full treatment course. Clients with hormonal imbalances may require ongoing maintenance to keep results consistent.

Technology and Technician Skill

Not all lasers are equally effective—and not all clinics use the same standards. The precision of the laser, its wavelength, and how it’s calibrated all affect outcomes.

Experienced technicians who understand how to customize settings for delicate facial areas can often reduce the total number of sessions needed and avoid common risks like irritation or scarring.

Consistency and Timing

Spacing treatments correctly—and sticking to your schedule—is essential. Gaps that are too long between sessions allow follicles to reset, while too-frequent sessions don’t improve outcomes and can irritate the skin.

A consistent rhythm helps catch hairs in the right phase of growth and builds lasting reduction.

Typical Number of Sessions for Facial Areas

​​Facial laser hair removal generally requires more sessions than body areas. Most clients need 6 to 8 treatments or more to achieve noticeable, long-term hair reduction.

Facial hair tends to be finer, regenerates faster, and is often influenced by hormones—especially in areas like the chin, upper lip, and jawline. These factors can extend the total number of sessions needed and require closer attention to timing and device selection.

Clients with darker, coarser hair usually respond more quickly, while those with lighter or vellus hair may see slower progress. Results are long-lasting but not always permanent—some fine hairs may remain or regrow gradually. One or two annual maintenance sessions are often recommended to sustain smoothness.

When to Expect Visible Results

Laser treatments target hair in the active growth phase, so results emerge gradually with repeated sessions.

Most clients begin noticing slower regrowth and smoother skin by the third or fourth session. Hair becomes finer and less dense in the treated areas.

One clinical study using long-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers on individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI showed a 23–33% reduction in hair after just one session, increasing to 58–62% after three sessions.1

These results reflect outcomes with specific technology and darker skin tones, and may vary for other skin types and laser systems.

In general, visible improvements tend to stabilize after 6–8 sessions, with maintenance treatments helping to prolong results over time.

Areas like the chin or upper lip may require additional attention due to hormonal sensitivity, while broader zones like cheeks or sideburns often respond more quickly.

Pre‑Treatment and Aftercare Recommendations

Getting the most from your facial laser hair removal means following clear guidelines before and after each session. These steps reduce risks and ensure better results.

Avoid sun exposure and tanning: At least two weeks before and after each session, keep treated areas out of the sun. Tanned skin increases the risk of burns and pigmentation changes.

Shave before your appointment: Shave the area 24 hours prior to treatment. Do not wax, pluck, or thread, as these methods remove the follicle, which the laser needs to target.

Apply SPF daily after treatment: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) for several weeks after your session. Even indoor UV exposure (through windows) can affect healing.

Skip heat and harsh products: For 24 to 48 hours, avoid hot showers, saunas, heavy workouts, and skincare products with retinol, glycolic acid, or fragrance. These can increase sensitivity or delay healing.

Stick with gentle care: Cleanse with a mild, non-abrasive cleanser and moisturize regularly to soothe the skin and reduce dryness or redness.

Following these instructions helps minimize irritation, reduces the risk of pigmentation changes, and supports consistent results with every session.

Safety and Side Effects

Laser hair removal for the face is considered safe when performed by licensed professionals using FDA- and Health Canada–approved technology. Still, because facial skin is more delicate than other areas, it’s important to understand what side effects may occur—and how to reduce your risk.

Common short-term effects include:

• Redness or swelling, which usually fades within a few hours
• Mild tingling or warmth, especially around the upper lip or chin
• Follicular edema, where small bumps form around hair follicles

These are temporary and normal signs of follicle disruption.

Less common risks include:

• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, particularly in clients with recent sun exposure or darker skin tones
• Blistering or scabbing, if the laser settings are too strong or the skin is not properly cooled
• Irritation from improper aftercare, such as using exfoliants or retinol too soon after treatment

At Celebrity Laser & Skin Care, we minimize risks by using appropriate wavelengths (like Nd:YAG for darker skin tones), long-pulse settings, and advanced cooling systems like cryogen spray and sapphire contact tips.

When Laser Isn’t Recommended

Facial laser hair removal may not be suitable if you:

• Have active acne, eczema, or open wounds in the treatment area
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have had recent sunburn or tanning
• Take medications that increase photosensitivity (e.g., doxycycline, isotretinoin)
• Have permanent makeup or facial tattoos in the treatment area
• Are prone to keloids or hypertrophic scarring
• Experience frequent cold sores (herpes simplex) on the face

A qualified provider will conduct a full medical review to determine if facial laser is appropriate for you.

Reasons to Choose Celebrity Laser & Skin Care

At Celebrity Laser & Skin Care in North Vancouver, every facial laser hair removal treatment is tailored to your unique skin and hair characteristics. We go beyond one-size-fits-all solutions to ensure comfort, safety, and visible results with each visit.

Expert Consultations

Every appointment starts with a detailed consultation. We assess your skin tone, hair texture, and medical history to build a realistic treatment plan. We also discuss how hormonal factors or past treatments may affect your results.

Technology Suited to Facial Skin

We use Cutera Excel HR and Xeo platforms, combining Alexandrite 755 nm, ProWave 770, and Nd:YAG 1064 nm wavelengths. These technologies offer safe, precise treatments—even for lighter facial hairs or melanin-rich skin.

Personalized Treatment Planning

Each client’s treatment is fully customized. We fine-tune laser settings based on your response to earlier sessions, adjusting energy levels, cooling methods, and timing for safer and more consistent outcomes.

Cooling Systems for Comfort

Facial skin is sensitive—so our built-in cooling systems matter. Whether it’s chilled air, contact cooling, or cryogen spray, we ensure every session is as comfortable as possible.

Aftercare Support

We provide step-by-step instructions before and after treatment. From skincare recommendations to SPF guidance, we help you avoid irritation and keep your results on track between sessions.

Conclusion

Laser hair removal for the face is one of the most effective long-term options for reducing unwanted hair. While facial areas often require more sessions due to finer hairs and hormonal influences, the results can be transformative—especially with the right technology and guidance.

At Celebrity Laser & Skin Care, we provide a tailored, step-by-step approach using industry-leading lasers and expert oversight. From consultation to aftercare, every part of your treatment is personalized to your skin tone, hair colour, and goals.

If you’re ready for smoother, lower-maintenance skin and a break from shaving, waxing, or plucking, booking a consultation with our experienced team today. We’ll help you create a realistic, customized plan for safe and lasting results.