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Laser hair removal of legs: how long it lasts, how many procedures are needed
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Laser hair removal of legs is a hair removal method that involves removing hair on the legs using a laser. This procedure rarely involves a minimum number of side effects and also has a long-lasting effect.
It is possible to perform laser hair removal of the entire leg, as well as hair removal from individual parts of the leg: shins, thighs, knees, toes and the back of the foot.
Indications for the procedure
There are no indications for this procedure as such. Usually, this type of hair removal is performed by people who want to get rid of unwanted hair in the leg area for a long time. However, it should be taken into account that after 2-3 months, the procedure should be repeated several times to complete the full course.
Laser hair removal on legs will be effective for people who often have ingrown hairs on their legs.
Preparation
Before laser hair removal, you should follow certain instructions:
- 14 days before hair removal, you must not visit a solarium or sunbathe;
- 14 days before, you should stop taking tetracycline antibiotics or not start taking them;
- For 14 days, you must not pluck hair from the epilation area;
- Several days before, you should stop using substances containing alcohol to wipe the skin of your feet;
- If hair on the legs has previously been removed by other methods, the hair should be grown; the hair length for laser hair removal of the legs should be at least 3 mm, which will guarantee maximum painlessness and effect.
Technique laser leg hair removal
The technique of laser hair removal of legs consists of the action of an intense light pulse emitted by a laser. The pulse destroys the hair follicle without affecting the skin. Thus, the hair structure is destroyed in a minimum amount of time. The laser hair removal procedure allows you to remove hair from large body surfaces, such as the back, stomach, legs.
For pain relief, the laser is equipped with a special device that cools the skin. This also helps to eliminate pigmentation and overheating of the skin.
How many procedures are needed?
The amount of hair removed depends on the thickness of the skin in the area where the removal is performed. Thus, in areas with a thin layer of skin, more hair is removed during the first procedure. On average, the first epilation using this method can remove 15-40% of hair.
The number of procedures is selected depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. These include the type of hair and skin. Basically, 4-8 visits are prescribed.
After the first hair removal, an interval of 4-6 weeks should be maintained before the second session. Each subsequent procedure should take place after a longer period of time. The waiting period increases by at least 14 days. Thus, before the 3rd session, 6-8 weeks should be maintained, before the 4th 8-10 weeks, and so on.
How long does laser hair removal on legs last?
After this procedure, ingrown hairs will disappear and the structure of the hair follicles will change, but it is impossible to get rid of hair forever. About once a year or more often, maintenance procedures should be carried out that will help to keep unwanted hair from growing in this part of the body.
Contraindications to the procedure
Among the contraindications are the following factors:
- gestation period;
- breastfeeding;
- skin diseases;
- diabetes mellitus;
- Cancer;
- cases when the hair is fluffy, too light or grey;
- taking tetracycline antibiotics.
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Consequences after the procedure
After laser hair removal, positive effects are observed, such as:
- getting rid of ingrown hairs;
- disappearance of most of the hair;
- skin rejuvenation;
- the skin becomes smoother.
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Complications after the procedure
However, in addition to the positive effects, complications after the procedure are possible, such as:
- pigmentation (lightening or darkening);
- sometimes my legs itch after laser hair removal;
- burns are possible after laser exposure to the skin;
- irritation is common after laser hair removal on the legs;
- painful sensations;
- In some cases, a crust appears on the skin.
Care after the procedure
After laser hair removal of legs it is prohibited:
- sunbathe and visit a solarium for about 14 days;
- Take a bath with hot water for 3 days, go to swimming pools and saunas;
- for 3 days, do not come into contact with water containing chlorine in swimming pools and wipe the skin of your feet with substances containing alcohol.
There is some controversy about whether it is possible to shave your legs after laser hair removal. Hair can be removed between procedures using a razor, but it is not recommended to use an epilator, wax strips, or sugaring.
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Feedback on the procedure
Despite some possible complications, patients are generally satisfied with the results of laser hair removal and note that after a full course of procedures, the amount of hair on the legs is reduced to a minimum. Laser hair removal of the legs is an effective and efficient procedure.