Everything You Need to Know About This Extremely Popular Cosmetic Procedure
Sick of taking a razor to your body hair on a regular basis?Tired of the mess and skin irritation that so often accompanies hair removal creams? Want a more permanent solution to your least-loved body hairs? Laser hair removal might be for you.
But if you've never done it before, you probably have some questions about it. After all, hair removal creams and razors are pretty straightforward, and you can employ these methods yourself, in the comfort of your own home. Laser hair removal, on the other hand, requires that you book some time with a professional, perhaps over multiple sessions. And, as you might expect, it doesn't come cheap.
RELATED: Best Hair Removal Creams for Men
Read on to learn everything you'll want to know about laser hair removal, from how it works to what it costs to what kind of results you can expect.
Everything You Need to Know About Laser Hair Removal
First off, don't be intimidated. Laser hair removal is an extremely common and popular cosmetic treatment, and one that's also very safe.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a permanent method of depilating (a fancy way of saying removing hair) from a section of skin. It works by using targeted laser light, shot out in pulses,to permanently destroy the hair-creating follicles in the target area. So, whereas shaving and hair removal creams target thehair, laser hair removal targets the hair's source.
Step one, however, is a consultation with an experienced laser hair removal technician. The technician should be assessing you: are you in good general health? Will your skin type respond well to the treatment? Are your goals for laser hair removal realistic and achievable?But you should also be assessing the technician and the clinic. For example, ask them about the type of laser they use, as well as what kind of recovery time or side effects they might expect.
While laser hair removal is a relatively safe and straightforward cosmetic procedure, it can cause skin irritation, crusting, blisters and even changes in skin pigment, in isolated cases.
Why Choose Laser Hair Removal?
If it's expensive, and not entirely without side effects, you may be wondering why you should opt for laser hair removal in the first place. The truth is, it has a ton of benefits, and for the right person with certain specific grooming goals, it's a great long-term solution to removing unwanted hair. Here are its key upsides:
- Permanence: With laser hair removal, you're attacking the problem at the root— literally. If done right, you will be left with hair follicles that can no longer create hairs, which is ideal for someone who never wants to shave their upper back ever again.
- Speed & Precision:Lasers are extremely fast-acting and about as precise a grooming instrument as exists. An experienced technician with the right hardware will be able to permanently depilate about one square-inch of skin every two or three seconds.
Even if you don't currently have any facial hair, you can probably envision a future where you want a 5 o'clock shadow or a fun mustache, but if your back hair really bothers you, you probably won't regret getting rid of it permanently. If that sound familiar, laser hair removal might be for you.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
There are some pretty serious variables that can impact how expensive your laser hair removal treatment will ultimately be, but it's a safe bet that it's going to cost you more than a razor and some shaving cream. Here's a short list of the factors that can impact the price of treatment:
- Where you live
- The experience/expertise of your technician
- Size ofthe area of desired hair removal
- How many different treatment sessions will be required
You won't get an accurate estimate of the cost without first visiting a treatment center for an in-person consultation, but a good ballpark estimate is $300 per session. If the hair removal location is small (face or underarms, for example), it might be a bit cheaper, and if it's large (legs or back, for example), it will probably cost a bit more.
What About Aftercare?
In the immediate aftermath of a laser hair removal session, you're probably going to feel like you've had a bad sun burn in the area of treatment. And, in fact, you're going to need to treat the skin in a similar manner to sunburn recovery: avoid further sun exposure, don't wear tight and abrasive clothing, and apply moisturizer at least once a day.
Skin swelling and redness are common reactions and not cause for alarm, but if you have a persistent irritation (lasting multiple days) or if the skin starts to scar, get in touch with your technician.
You Might Also Dig:
- Should Men Shave Their Pubic Hair? We Asked Women
- A Guide to Buzz Cuts
- Back Hair Removal Guide
FAQs
“Individual treatment session costs are generally in the range of $100 to $800.” In 2020, the average cost of laser hair removal with no other related expenses was $389, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
How much did you spend on laser hair removal? ›
Half-arms or half legs treatments have a low average price of $250 and a high average price of $650. You can also get a laser hair removal procedure for your face or buttocks, with average prices of $250 to $650. The whole back, being the largest area, is the most expensive at $300 to $800 on average.
How much does laser hair removal cost in the US? ›
Bikini Area – $350 to $500. Chest – $350 to $600. Face & Neck – $600 to $900. Lower Legs – $600 to $850.
Is laser hair removal worth the money? ›
There's no downtime to deal with since it's non-invasive. The only thing you can't do is immediately go out in the sun or use tanning beds or sun lamps. It may save money over time. Although the cost of laser hair removal is initially more than, say, purchasing a razor and shaving cream, it pays off over time.
How much hair is removed with laser? ›
You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years.
Why laser hair removal is so expensive? ›
The cost of laser hair removal varies depending on factors such as location, number of sessions required, and size of the area being treated. Some clinics may also overcharge for the procedure.
Is one session of laser hair removal worth it? ›
Now, you might wonder if one session is enough for permanent hair removal. The answer is usually no. While you will notice a reduction in hair growth, achieving complete hair removal requires multiple sessions.
What are the negatives of laser hair removal? ›
Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.
Does laser hair removal last forever? ›
Most people will need between four and eight treatments to see the best results, and the biggest factor in whether your results are completely permanent will be your own hormones. Our hormones control our hair growth, and if you experience a significant change, your hair may come back.
Is laser hair removal Painful? ›
Though there is some pain, it's often less than people imagine. Laser hair removal targets your hair follicles with a very hot laser, but you won't feel this heat or any burning. Instead, you might feel a sensation similar to having an elastic band snapped against your skin.
' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.
Do people ever regret laser hair removal? ›
But, as with any treatment that ends with more or less permanent results, not everyone is pleased with their decision. While some feel freedom after banishing all the hair on their bodies for good, others express deep regret — especially given how the conversation around body hair has shifted in recent years.
What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 4 sessions? ›
If you stop laser hair removal too early, you'll likely be left with something around the percentage that is there now. Once the particular follicle is dead it won't regrow, but new ones can be triggered by hormonal changes.
Does laser remove 100% hair? ›
While laser treatment doesn't get rid of hair forever (only electrolysis is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permanent hair removal), it does drastically reduce hair growth—to the point that many patients won't see any for months or even years, and the hairs that do crop up are often thinner ...
How long does it take to fully remove hair with laser? ›
The amount of time it takes to remove your hair will depend on your unique situation, but in general, this is a fast treatment. We can typically treat a small area like the upper lip or the chin in five minutes or less. If you're having a larger area done, such as the legs or back, it may take up to 30 minutes.
Is 6 sessions of laser enough? ›
There are cases when 6-8 treatments are enough to zap 70-90% of hair follicles for good. But, that's the exception not the rule. It is more common to need 10 or 12 treatments and in some cases even 15 treatments to reach optimal results. Optimal results with laser hair removal is always 70-90% permanent hair reduction.
Does laser hair removal save money? ›
The money-saving benefits of laser hair removal
While laser hair removal treatments are designed to be affordable, they also eliminate many long-term costs associated with staying hair-free. You no longer have to invest in razors or shaving supplies.
Do home hair removal lasers work? ›
At-home laser hair removal is a viable option for unwanted hair maintenance, but it's not always effective and doesn't guarantee long-lasting results. If you want a laser treatment, you should only trust the professionals who can provide safer and more effective hair removal results.
Do you shave before laser hair removal? ›
Shave Before Treatment
You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.
