Is it possible to pluck hair after laser hair removal: expert’s answer

Laser hair removal is the most effective and safe method of hair removal. Unlike traditional methods, laser hair removal does not cause side effects, saves your time, and in the long run, money. But how to remove dead hair after laser hair removal? In today’s article, we’ll explain how to deal with hair regrowth between sessions, whether it’s allowed to pluck hair after the procedure, and what to do to keep laser hair removal effective.

Is laser hair removal safe: how the laser affects the skin

Before discussing whether it’s possible to shave or remove hair using other methods after laser hair removal, it’s important to first understand how the technology works. Alexandrite, ruby, or diode laser hair removal involves irradiating selected areas of the skin with a targeted light beam. The process consists of several stages:

1. The melanin pigment in the hair shaft absorbs the laser light beams.
2. The heat generated in the process destroys the follicle and the cells involved in new hair formation.

Thus, during laser hair removal, all hairs with a sufficient amount of melanin, i.e., dark ones and those in the active growth phase, are destroyed. Consequently, the hair follicle is irreversibly damaged, and hair growth is halted.

Is laser hair removal safe? The laser beam does not damage the skin and remains neutral to other body functions, making the procedure very safe.

What happens to the hair after laser hair removal?

It is important to remember that hairs grow differently. Some are in the growth phase (anagen). They are visible on the skin and react to the laser light. Others are in the resting phase (catagen), which lasts from 3 to 8 weeks. This is why you shouldn’t pluck hairs after laser hair removal and why sessions need to be repeated. Typically, a cycle of 6-8 sessions is required, conducted with an interval of 1-2 months.

What happens to the hair after laser hair removal? Quite often, a lack of understanding about how the method works leads to unnecessary doubts about its effectiveness. That’s why a proper post-procedure consultation is so important. Thanks to this, clients, for example, don’t end up wondering why the hair doesn’t fall out immediately after laser hair removal. After each session, the hairs continue to grow, but after 2-3 weeks, they almost completely fall out, so there’s no need to worry about how to remove hair after laser hair removal.

After 1.5-2.5 months, new hairs enter the anagen phase, and another laser treatment should be performed. After each procedure, the number of growing hairs significantly decreases.

30-40% of dark hairs stop growing after the first laser hair removal session, and after three sessions, their number decreases by 80-92%. Only fine, light, and inconspicuous hairs remain, with too low melanin content in the follicle—at this stage, the question “can you pluck hairs after laser” becomes irrelevant.

How to remove hair after laser hair removal before the next session?

A visible effect can be noticed after each laser hair removal session. The hair becomes weaker, falls out, and gradually becomes less dense. However, some hair still remains, which is why many people ask how to remove it and whether shaving is allowed after laser hair removal.

The answer is simple: between sessions, shaving is allowed, but you must not remove hair using wax strips, sugar paste, tweezers, or any other methods that affect the follicles. This is strictly prohibited, as it can negatively impact the effectiveness of the entire treatment course.

In the next section, we will explain in more detail why plucking hair after laser hair removal is not allowed.

Why you shouldn’t pluck hair after laser hair removal?

Plucking, as a method of hair removal, damages the roots, meaning that during the session, weakened follicles will interact less effectively with the laser light, and the procedure’s effect will be diminished. As a result, the outcome of the entire course will be weaker—this is why you shouldn’t pull out hair after laser hair removal.

To elaborate, dermatologists highlight the following reasons why you shouldn’t pluck hair after laser hair removal:

• The laser affects the blood-supplying vessels and burns the follicle, while mechanical removal only damages it, leading to hair regrowth;
• The laser will not “identify” the required treatment area since the hair follicle has been damaged and contains less melanin;
• The follicle needs to be intact between laser hair removal sessions; otherwise, achieving the desired effect will be difficult;
• The laser targets melanin; if the hair is plucked with the root, the light beam will not affect it, and growth will resume in a week or two;
• The time between procedures is calculated so that most hairs are in the growth phase, which mechanical depilation hinders.

If the previous points haven’t convinced you, here’s another argument against sugaring and waxing after laser hair removal. Pulling out hairs extends the hair removal course, requiring not 6-8 but possibly 10-12 sessions. Thus, you will pay extra for unnecessary procedures that could have been avoided.

Plucking hair after laser hair removal: table

Although plucking hair after laser hair removal is generally not recommended, in some situations, it is allowed. See the table below for details.

Do you want to know when you can shave after laser hair removal? The answer to this question, along with additional recommendations, can be found in our article “Can I shave after a laser hair removal session?”

Can you pluck hair before laser hair removal?

Clients often ask if it is possible to pluck hair after laser hair removal, but it’s equally important to remember that this should not be done before the session. Before the procedure, the skin should be clean and shaved, but under no circumstances should it be depilated using mechanical methods that damage the hair roots. It is best to shave with a new razor that does not irritate the skin. It is preferable to shave the day before the laser hair removal procedure, but doing it on the same day is also fine. Additionally:

• Do not apply cosmetics to the skin area the day before the procedure;
• Do not consume alcohol;
• Do not use creams, perfumes, lotions, or deodorants on the day of the session.

What else should you avoid after laser hair removal?

Now that you know the answer to whether you can pluck hair after laser hair removal, it’s important to note that there are other restrictions as well, including:

• Swimming in a pool;
• Using a sauna;
• Taking a hot bath;
• Sunbathing and using self-tanners;
• Using alcohol-containing products;
• Exfoliating.

After our Alexandrite laser Motus AX with a cooling tip, the skin may experience slight irritation, but this usually passes within a few hours, not days (as with diode lasers). After the session, you can soothe the skin irritation with a lotion and cream based on panthenol. But the key to successful laser hair removal is adhering to the rules before and after the procedure.

Hair removal after laser hair removal: in summary

In today’s article, we answered the question of whether you can pull out hair after laser hair removal and delved into the specifics of laser technology. To achieve the maximum effect and not worry about what to do if hair does not fall out after laser hair removal, it is important to follow the specialist’s recommendations. Sign up for a free consultation at one of the LaserVille salons and achieve the best results!

Did you like the article? We also recommend checking out our post on how to care for your hair after laser hair removal.