Why Isn’t My Laser Hair Removal Working Yet?

Understanding Hair Cycles, Hormones & Why Results Can Vary

If you’ve started laser hair removal and aren’t seeing the dramatic results you expected right away, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. While laser hair removal is incredibly effective, it’s also a process that works with your body’s natural cycles, and several important factors can influence how quickly and completely you’ll see results.

At Victoria Laser and Beauty, we believe in empowering our clients with real knowledge and realistic expectations. So let’s break down a few reasons why results can sometimes take time—and how we can help get you back on track.

1. Hair Growth Cycles: Why Timing Matters

Hair grows in four main stages, and laser can only effectively target one of them:

• Anagen (Active Growth): This is the only stage where laser works. The hair is actively growing and still attached to the follicle, which is necessary for the laser to destroy the root.

• Catagen (Transition): The follicle shrinks, and the hair begins detaching from the root.

• Telogen (Resting Phase): The follicle is dormant; the hair is fully detached but still sitting in the pore.

• Exogen (Shedding Phase): The old hair falls out, leaving the follicle empty until it reactivates with a new hair in the next anagen phase.

Laser treatment cannot target telogen or exogen stage hairs, since the root is no longer attached to the follicle, or the follicle is empty entirely.

➤ So why does it seem like new hair is growing after a few sessions?

What many clients notice around sessions 3–4 is the appearance of new growth—this is actually the exogen effect. These are hairs that were in a resting or shedding phase when you began laser treatments. They were either sitting just below the skin, or hadn’t begun their new growth cycle yet. Now, they're cycling into anagen, becoming visible and ready for treatment.

2. Hormonal Imbalances: The Hidden Culprit

For women, hormones can play a huge role in how much hair grows and how often it returns. Conditions such as:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Thyroid disorders

• Menopause or perimenopause

• Insulin resistance or metabolic issues

…can all lead to persistent or excessive hair growth, especially in areas like the chin, neck, chest, or abdomen.

If you’re experiencing coarse or dark hair growth in “male-pattern” areas (like jawline, cheeks, chin), you may be dealing with hirsutism—a common condition tied to elevated androgen (testosterone) levels. This type of hair growth can still be treated with laser but may require more sessions, touch-ups, and support from a doctor or naturopath to balance hormones and reduce future growth.

3. Prep & Aftercare Matter More Than You Think

Even small mistakes can interfere with your laser hair removal results:

Do’s:

• Shave 12–24 hours before your treatment

• Avoid sun exposure & tanning beds for 2 weeks pre/post treatment

• Stay consistent with your sessions (every 6 weeks)

Don’ts:

• Don’t wax, tweeze, or thread between treatments (this removes the follicle the laser needs to target)

• Don’t exfoliate, work out, or take hot showers within 24 hours after your session

4. Your Technician’s Experience & Technology Matter

At Victoria Laser and Beauty, you’re in expert hands. Our technician is certified and trained through the COL Clinic, with advanced knowledge in skin and hair types, hormone-related conditions, and medical-grade laser protocols. We use the Cynosure Elite iQ™, a next-generation laser platform considered the Gold Standard in laser hair removal.

This technology allows us to safely and effectively treat all skin tones year-round, with built-in melanin readers to tailor your treatment to your skin and hair in real time.

What You Can Expect Over Time

• Sessions 1–2: You’ll notice some thinning and delayed regrowth

• Sessions 3–4: Exogen phase hairs begin to appear—don’t worry, this is normal

• Sessions 5–6 and beyond: You’ll begin to see long-term, consistent reduction in regrowth

Everyone is different, but staying on schedule and working with a certified professional is the best way to get smooth, lasting results.

Let’s Create a Plan That Works for You

✔️ Consistent, strategic appointments
✔️ Honest expectations based on your body & skin
✔️ Hormonal support if needed
✔️ A caring, knowledgeable technician who wants you to succeed

We offer complimentary consultations, and all treatment packages come with 2-year expiry, so you can bank sessions for touch-ups down the road.

Get in Touch

📍 Victoria Laser and Beauty, Datatech Building, Victoria BC
📞 Call or text Michelle: 250-217-4660
📅 Online booking: