If you’ve invested in laser hair removal before but didn’t get the smooth, long-term results you hoped for, you’re not alone.

We often meet new clients who’ve spent time and money elsewhere, only to find the hair grew back — sometimes just a few weeks later.

So, what went wrong? Let’s look honestly at the most common reasons laser hair removal doesn’t always work, and what you can do to make sure your next course of treatments delivers the results you wanted.

1. The Wrong Type of Laser Was Used

Not all “laser” hair removal is actually laser.

Many clinics and salons use IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) machines, which aren’t true medical lasers. IPL can reduce hair growth temporarily, but it doesn’t penetrate as deeply or as precisely as a proper laser system.

At Radiant Living Medispa, we use advanced medical-grade laser technology, designed to permanently reduce hair growth safely and effectively for a wide range of skin tones.

2. The Settings Weren’t Right for You

Every skin and hair type needs different energy settings to target the follicle effectively. If the energy level (fluence) is too low, the laser might heat the hair but not destroy the root — meaning the hair will grow back.

This often happens when operators lack experience or are nervous about causing discomfort. A trained laser specialist knows how to adjust settings safely for your skin, ensuring the treatment is effective and comfortable.

3. You Didn’t Have Enough Sessions

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about laser hair removal — it’s not a “one and done” treatment.

Hair grows in cycles, and the laser only works on hairs that are in the active growth phase. That’s why we always recommend a course of at least 6–10 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart, depending on the area being treated.

Stopping after only a few sessions will always mean some follicles haven’t been treated yet, so the hair returns.

4. Waxing or Plucking Before the Treatment

It’s a common mistake — but it makes all the difference.

If you wax, pluck, or epilate before your laser session, you remove the hair from the root. That means there’s nothing for the laser to target, and the energy can’t reach the follicle where it needs to work.

You can safely shave before your appointment, and between appointments, as this leaves the root intact while keeping the surface smooth.

5. Hormonal Influences

Sometimes, it’s not the laser or the operator — it’s your hormones.

Conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), thyroid issues, or even pregnancy can cause new hair to grow, even after successful treatments.

In these cases, maintenance sessions every few months can help manage regrowth effectively once hormones are balanced.

6. Sun Exposure or Fake Tan

If your skin is tanned — whether naturally or with fake tan — your practitioner will need to lower the laser settings to keep the treatment safe.

Lower settings mean less energy reaching the hair root, which can reduce results. That’s why we always recommend avoiding sunbeds and fake tan before your appointments.

7. Missed or Irregular Sessions

Consistency is key.

When treatments are too far apart, hair follicles re-enter new growth stages, which means the laser can miss them. Following your treatment plan at the correct intervals gives you the best possible long-term reduction.

8. Hair Colour and Contrast

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle.

If your hair is very light blonde, grey, white, or red, the laser may struggle to detect it because there isn’t enough pigment for the light to absorb into.

This doesn’t mean you can’t have treatments — but results may be slower, or you may need more sessions for a noticeable reduction.

The best results are usually seen when there’s a clear contrast between the hair and the skin tone — for example, darker hair on lighter skin.

At Radiant Living Medispa, we’ll assess your skin and hair colour during your consultation and advise on what’s realistic for you — so you always know what to expect before you start.

So, What Can You Do Now?

If you’ve had disappointing results from laser hair removal elsewhere, don’t give up — it’s absolutely possible to achieve the smooth skin you wanted.

At Radiant Living Medispa near Wigan, we’ll assess what kind of system you were treated with before, review your skin and hair type, and create a new, effective plan using our medical-grade laser technology.

You’ll get honest advice, a personalised treatment plan, and realistic expectations about your results — no overpromises, just transparency.

Book Your Consultation

If you’re ready to find out why your last laser hair removal didn’t work and how to fix it, book your consultation today.

👉 Visit our page – Laser Hair Removal at Radiant Living, Nr Wigan, or call the clinic to speak with our friendly laser specialists.

Let’s make this time the one that really works.