Can laser hair removal make you hairier? Australian skin expert reveals the truth about rising concern

Women are turning away from laser hair removal after some reported feeling ‘hairier’ after the treatment, especially on their faces.

But now a skin expert has explained that this outcome is rare and should not deter patients.

Fiona Tuck from Sydney told FEMAIL that increased hair growth after laser hair removal – known as paradoxical hypertrichosis – is more common in people with darker skin types and can also be linked to conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

‘Although the exact cause is unknown, it appears that the risk of increased hair growth may be stimulated by low-power lasers that are not strong enough to destroy the hair roots, but enough to stimulate the follicle,’ said Ms Tuck.

‘It is more likely to occur in darker skin types, but it can also occur in lighter skin types – the hair growth may be finer, lighter and less noticeable than the darker hair usually seen in darker skin types.’

Ms Tuck also said she has seen it happen after waxing the bikini line, upper lip and lower face.

‘Steps can be taken to reduce the risk and it is therefore important to seek out an experienced doctor who can assess the appropriateness of treatment and advise on appropriate aftercare to minimize side effects,’ she said.

Increased hair growth after laser hair removal – known as paradoxical hypertrichosis – is more common in people with darker skin types and may also be associated with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (stock image)

A conversation arose on TikTok when an eyebrow and eyelash specialist Adriana zero, from Sydney, said it’s not ideal to have laser hair removal done on your face.

‘Laser therapists, can we please stop lasering people’s faces? “We know it’s not good, we know it makes hair growth worse, and it stimulates hair growth in other parts of the face where there was no hair to begin with,” she claimed.

‘For anyone thinking about having their face lasered: don’t do it.’

The now viral video caught the attention of the masses, with many women sharing their experiences with paradoxical hypertrichosis. However, opinions varied.

‘This! I wish I knew this sooner! There was a sale once so I got a full face laser (didn’t even need it) and now I’m growing hair on my face and have to get a full face laser every month,” one woman commented.

Another said: ‘Greek girl here! I’ve had my face done for seven years and haven’t had any extra growth. It has completely reduced it for me!’

‘Facial laser changed my life! Best investment ever and definitely worth the risk,” said another.

“As a bald man, where is that laser you’re talking about?” a man added.

A woman said laser hair removal on her face was the ‘worst decision of her life’.