Can Laser Hair Removal Cause More Hair to Grow? Here’s What You Need to Know

When you’re looking for a long-term solution to unwanted hair, laser hair removal might seem like the obvious choice. But did you know that in rare cases, laser can actually cause more hair to grow?

Yes, it sounds strange—but it’s true. And if you’re hoping to be hair-free for good, it’s important to understand all your options.

What does laser hair removal do?

Laser hair removal uses strong light to heat up and weaken the hair follicle. This slows down hair growth, but unlike electrolysis, laser hair removal is not permanent, and doesn’t work the same for everyone.

Can laser hair removal really cause more hair to grow?

In some cases, yes, laser hair removal can cause more hair to grow. Some people experience a side effect where new hair starts growing in the area where the laser was used. This can be:

• Softer, finer hair (often called peach fuzz)
• New patches of hair in nearby areas
• Thicker regrowth instead of reduction

This is called unexpected hair stimulation, and although it doesn’t happen to all, it’s something you should know about before choosing laser.

Why does unexpected hair stimulation happen?

Doctors believe it may be due to:

• The laser not being strong enough to destroy the hair root
• The heat or light stimulating nearby hair follicles
• The body reacting differently due to hormones or skin sensitivity

Unexpected hair stimulation is more common in:

• People with darker skin tones
• People with PCOS or hormone imbalances
• People with fine, light, or hard-to-target hair

Some Lasers Are Designed to Grow Hair

Interestingly, some types of light therapy are actually used to treat hair loss—like the HairMax LaserComb or other low-level laser therapy (LLLT) devices.

These treatments use gentle light to stimulate hair follicles, which shows that laser and light can cause hair to grow—not just remove it.

Why does Furless Permanent only use electrolysis?

At Furless Permanent, we use electrolysis, which is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal. Unlike laser, electrolysis:

• Works on all skin tones and all hair colours
• Is effective for people with hormonal hair growth
• Targets and destroys each hair follicle individually
• Gives permanent results you can trust

We Know You Want Hair Gone for Good

Laser might slow hair down, but it’s not always reliable—and in some cases, it can make things worse. If you’re tired of shaving, waxing, or repeating laser sessions, Furless Permanent is here to help.

✅ Book your free consultation & assessment today and get personalized advice from our expert team.

If you have more questions about permanent hair removal at Furless Permanent, check out our FAQs here.

*This article is based on findings presented by Dr Sunil Kalia at a dermatology symposium and published in Dermatology Times.