Hair Removal Does Not Thicken Hair

Hair Rumor 101: Does laser hair removal make facial hair thicken and grow more abundantly?

Sep 16, 2009

One of the most common concerns about alternative facial hair removal is the possibility of hairs growing back coarser and thicker.  This is a widespread misconception among men, perpetuated by years of conjecture and speculation. While there is a source to the rumor, in actuality methods like laser hair removal are incredibly effective treatments for facial hair reduction and removal, and there is no fear of hair growing back thicker and in greater numbers than before.

Where the misunderstanding comes from is simple. After one shaves, the hair that grows back does indeed seem coarser. This is because while individual hair strands naturally taper and appear thinner at its tip, shaving flattens the hair end and gives the illusion of looking thicker and heavier. But there is neither thicker hair nor additional hair after shaving, using creams, or facial hair removal with lasers. Imagine if hair did indeed grow back thicker after hair removal – it would destroy the entire hair loss treatment industry. Clearly no one is advocating methods like shaving in order to combat thinning hair.

Treatments like laser hair removal do nothing to stimulate hair growth – in fact the result is the exact opposite, destroying the hair root and making it very difficult for hair to grow back. In the case of facial hair removal with lasers, a focused laser light penetrates the hair shaft and targets the root, with reduced probability of harming the skin. For those looking for a way to reduce the facial hair that they have permanently, using lasers is an optimal hair removal method. Laser hair removal is faster and more comfortable than electrolysis or hair removal creams, and results are visible starting with the first treatment.

Visit to any of our New York spas and get your Free Test Patch