Why Laser Hair Removal Fails: The 3 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid
Laser Hair Removal is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in the U.S., yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
At our Kingston, NY medical aesthetics practice, this is one of the most common concerns we hear from patients across the Hudson Valley. Many people try laser hair removal once or twice, don’t see the results they expected, and assume it doesn’t work.
In reality, laser hair removal does work, but only when it’s done correctly, with the right technology, settings, and treatment plan. Below are the three most common reasons laser hair removal fails, and what actually makes the difference.
#1: The Laser Settings Aren’t Strong Enough
Laser Hair Removal works by sending controlled energy down the hair shaft to damage the follicle so it can no longer produce hair. If the energy level is too low, the follicle isn’t destroyed - it’s just temporarily stunned.
What this looks like:
Hair sheds after treatment
Hair grows back weeks later
Regrowth looks similar to before
This often happens when:
Settings are kept low for comfort
Providers are overly cautious
Treatments are rushed
Laser Hair Removal isn’t meant to be completely painless, it’s meant to be effective and safe. The right balance of power, precision, and experience is key for real results. This is why choosing a skilled provider for laser hair removal matters.
#2: Treatments Aren’t Aligned With Hair Growth Cycles
Hair doesn’t grow all at once. It grows in cycles, and laser hair removal only works on hair in the active growth phase (anagen).
At any given time:
Only about 10–20% of hair is treatable
The rest is dormant or shedding
What goes wrong:
Sessions are spaced too far apart
Appointments are inconsistent
Treatments stop after 1–2 sessions
What this causes:
Patchy results
Some hairs disappear while others remain
Frustration that “it only worked in certain spots”
Effective Laser Hair Removal requires a series of properly spaced treatments to catch hair at the right stage of growth. This is true whether you’re treating the face, underarms, legs, bikini area, or other commonly treated areas.
#3: Timing, Sun Exposure & Season Matter
Laser hair removal works best when there’s a strong contrast between hair and skin, which is why sun exposure and timing matter more than people realize.
When skin is recently tanned:
Laser settings must be lowered for safety
Treatments may be delayed
Results can be slower and less effective
Why fall and winter are ideal for laser hair removal in the Hudson Valley:
Less sun exposure
Safer, stronger treatments
Time to complete a full series before summer
Laser hair removal can be done year-round, but starting in fall or winter often leads to better results for most patients.
The Bottom Line
If laser hair removal didn’t work for you before, it usually wasn’t because of you.
It was likely due to:
✔ Incorrect settings
✔ Poor timing
✔ Inconsistent treatment plans
When laser hair removal is done properly, results are progressive, predictable, and long-lasting. If you’ve tried laser hair removal before and weren’t happy with the results, a consultation can help determine whether adjustments can make a difference.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re considering laser hair removal in Kingston, NY or wondering if it’s worth trying again, our team at Medical Aesthetics of the Hudson Valley can help you decide what’s best for your skin, hair type, and goals.