Laser hair removal: How age, hormones, stress and co. influence success

from 08.04.2025

Laser hair removal is considered one of the most effective methods of permanently removing unwanted hair. However, the success of this treatment depends on various factors that are often overlooked. Hormones, stress, age, diet and genetics all play a crucial role in how well and quickly the desired result is achieved. In this article, we take a look at these influencing factors and show you how you can influence the success of laser hair removal.

Hormones

Hormones have a significant influence on hair growth and can therefore also affect the results of laser hair removal. Fluctuations in hormone levels in particular, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, menopause or in diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can stimulate hair growth. Increased androgen levels, i.e. male hormones, can lead to increased hair growth, for example, which can reduce the effectiveness of laser treatment. Women who are in hormonal transition phases may require more treatments to achieve lasting results. Medications that affect hormonal balance can also alter the course of treatment as they can either promote or inhibit hair growth. Therefore, it is important to consider these hormonal factors in order to have realistic expectations of laser hair removal results.

Stress

Stress can have a negative effect on hair growth as it can increase the production of cortisol, the so-called "stress hormone". A permanently elevated cortisol level disrupts the body's natural hormonal balance and can lead to an imbalance of other hormones that regulate hair growth. These changes can also affect the success of laser hair removal, as stressed individuals may see more or faster hair regrowth. Stable, low cortisol levels, on the other hand, support the natural growth and regeneration of hair, which can promote the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, it is important to minimize stress and promote a healthy balance in the body to achieve the best results from laser hair removal.

Age

As we age, hormone levels in the body change, which also affects hair growth. For women in particular, the menopause plays a crucial role, as the drop in oestrogen levels and the increase in androgens (male hormones) can affect hair growth. During this phase, many women tend to experience thinning hair or increased hair growth in unwanted areas such as the face.

Another factor is that hair follicles become less active with age. They go through shorter growth phases and have less time to produce thick, strong hair. This is why it is noticeable that hair growth on the legs in particular becomes less frequent and the hair appears thinner and less numerous. Skin ageing also plays a role, as it can impair the supply of nutrients to the hair follicles, which further slows down growth.

Understanding these hormonal changes and their effects on hair growth is crucial to having realistic expectations of laser hair removal.

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Metabolism

Metabolism plays an important role in hair growth as it regulates the body's energy and nutrient supply, which is also crucial for hair health. A well-functioning metabolism ensures that important vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, zinc and iron, are effectively absorbed and transported to the hair follicles. These nutrients are necessary to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. However, if the metabolism is disturbed, whether due to an unbalanced diet, thyroid disease or metabolic disorders such as diabetes, this can have a negative impact on hair growth. A slow metabolism can lead to a lack of nutrients, which can result in hair loss and thinning hair. Hormonal imbalances, which are often associated with a disturbed metabolism, can also affect hair growth. A balanced diet and a healthy metabolism are therefore crucial to support strong hair growth and optimize the success of treatments such as laser hair removal.

A disturbed metabolism can also lead to increased hair growth, but not always in the desired or positive way. A typical example is a hormonal imbalance that affects the metabolism. For example, if the body produces an excess of male hormones (androgens), this can lead to increased hair growth in areas where less hair normally grows, such as the face, upper lip or chin area. This often occurs with hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects the metabolism and leads to an overproduction of androgens.

At the same time, a disturbed metabolism can also inactivate or weaken the hair follicles, leading to hair loss in other areas of the body. This means that the relationship between metabolic disorders and hair growth is very complex and can have different effects depending on the type of disorder. In many cases, however, the extra hair growth is unwanted and occurs in undesirable places, which can lead to cosmetic problems.

Nutrition

An unbalanced diet can affect hair growth, both positively and negatively. A high-protein diet promotes hair growth, while high sugar consumption can increase insulin and testosterone levels, leading to excessive hair growth in unwanted areas. A high-fat diet can also increase the production of androgens, which can also promote increased hair growth. On the other hand, malnutrition can cause hormonal imbalances that have a negative impact on hair growth. A balanced diet is therefore important to regulate hair growth and avoid hormonal imbalances.

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Medication

Excessive hair growth can be triggered by various medications that affect the hormone balance. Androgens, steroids and certain hair loss medications can promote hair growth in unwanted areas. Antidepressants, psychotropic drugs and corticosteroids can also lead to increased hair growth by altering hormone levels. In addition, medications containing growth hormones or hormone replacement therapies can also cause hypertrichosis. It is important to consult a doctor if there are signs of excessive hair growth in order to clarify the cause and adjust the medication if necessary.

Genetics

Genetics has a fundamental influence on hair growth, hair structure and hair density, which directly affects the success of laser hair removal. People with a genetic predisposition to thicker or denser hair usually have more hair follicles that need to be treated, which can lead to a higher number of sessions required. Therefore, more pronounced hair often requires more sessions to achieve the desired result due to the higher number and thickness of hairs. Genetic predisposition therefore plays a decisive role in how quickly and effectively laser hair removal works.

Conclusion

To summarize, the success of laser hair removal depends on a variety of factors that are hormonal, genetic and external in nature. Hormones, stress, age, diet and medication can influence hair growth and therefore increase or limit the effectiveness of the treatment. Genetic predisposition also plays an important role, as it determines the hair structure and skin color, which are decisive for the effectiveness of the laser. A customized treatment procedure that takes these influencing factors into account is therefore essential to achieve the best possible results. Understanding the different aspects and having realistic expectations can increase the chances of successful and permanent hair removal.

Successful laser hair removal with simplyhairless

At simplyhairless, laser hair removal is carried out using the latest technology to help people with unwanted hair growth and give them permanently smooth skin. Through customized treatments tailored to the specific skin and hair types of customers, simplyhairless ensures optimal results. Our experienced specialists take into account all relevant influencing factors to ensure that each treatment is both safe and effective. With a clear focus on customer satisfaction and maximum precision, simplyhairless offers a sustainable solution for those who want to say goodbye to unwanted hair growth.

Author

Isabel