Patchy beard growth from first treatment,norm?

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

Hi all,

I recently went to a prominent chain laser treatment business, and I had my first laser treatment 5 weeks ago. I’m of hispanic and white decent, so I would figure I’m a skin type III-IV and I have black hair. I mainly decided to get this done because I’m in the military and get constantly asked by my superiors if I have shaved, to which I obviously have sometimes twice a day. My goal was laser reduction, not complete removal, so I opted only for 3 treatments. Everything seemed normal till 2 weeks ago when some of my hair had grown back and some hadn’t. I have some areas that are completely bare, and the hair that is there is substantially thinner but my face looks patchy, some areas asymmetrically patchy. However, I can see a few of the bare areas starting to develop a lil hair again. Is this normal? What should I do because I was planning on getting another treatment w/ in 3 weeks? Is there anything I can tell them to do the second time around so I dont look like a chia pet? Thanks.

-BTB

#2

It sounds normal for a man’s beard. Lagirl or one of our laser specialist’s can answer this for you, but until then, type in patchy in the search bar and you will see some long threads about this which we have already discussed.

Thank you for your service to the country.

Dee

#3

Thank you…I feel like a fool though. I thought I did my homework about Laser Hair Reduction made sure I did all the right research, looking at side effects, made sure I was a good candidate…and who do I end up choosing? American Laser Center. Albeit, The ALC I went to in Texas was really professional and cared about me. It was convenient too because I go to school in New York so it was nice to be able to go to different offices while home or away. Should I go in for my second and third treatment or try to cancel the package? I was just hearing great things from this other Laser place in NYC called Romeo and Juliet. I’ve already paid for a package w/ ALC, however, I really dont know much about the laser they use and I just don’t know what to do…I’ve been reading horror stories from other guys and don’t want to make it worse…I feel sick to my stomach right now :frowning:

#4

Yes, it’s unfortunate that you didn’t find this forum sooner! There is actually a chain clinic in Texas owned by another contributor on this forum, so you do have options there.

I think first, we’d need to find out what machine they’re using and what settings. Can you call them and ask?

Also, I have to warn you that getting your money back will be hard to impossible, at least based on experiences of others on these forums. But I would most certainly try.

The problem with the beard area is that it is VERY difficult to treat, so it really has to be done by the best machine, with the best settings, and most importantly by someone who really knows what they’re doing and has treated male beards specifically many times. That’s hard to find at clinics that have a high turnover, but that’s something you can look into if you can’t get your money back. Potentially, they can schedule you with SOMEONE there who has experience with beards – GOOD experiences.

It’s very important to overlap very well and to use good settings, so that all the treated hair is affected. It sounds like they didn’t explain this to you, but 3 weeks after the treatment is when you should see all treated hair shed. It sounds like some did and some didn’t, which indicates bad technique and possibly lower settings. Their machines are also not the best on the market, so there is often only so much they can do.

It’s hard to advise you right now. If you go to someone inexperienced there again, it can get even more patchy. If you ARE going to continue, I would do it NOW and not wait another 3-4 weeks. I would basicaly get a touchup right now on whatever didn’t shed to attempt to even things out.

It is also not a bad idea to consider a Yag laser in your situation since you’re only looking for a reduction. It will affect just the most coarse hair.

#5

BobtheBuilder

When you are in New York, come to us. Let us look at you and perhaps I can give you some free advise.