What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Hair removal is an essential part of modern people’s hygiene and beauty regimes, the goal being smooth and hairless skin on the legs, arms, chin, chest, and other areas.

Until recently, shaving and waxing were the most common hair removal techniques, but people are now turning to laser hair removal due to its efficacy, convenience, and long-lasting results.

This article tells you all you need to know about laser hair removal: the procedure, its benefits, aftercare tips, and expected results.

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that involves using a laser beam to heat and damage the hair follicle. The laser inhibits hair growth to achieve permanently smooth and hairless skin.

Four to eight treatment sessions are required for full results. The number of treatments depends on the treated area and the individual’s response.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

During the treatment, the medical provider uses a laser device to send a beam of light to the hair follicle. Melanin, a pigment in the hair, absorbs the light emitted by the laser. This light turns into heat and burns the hair follicle, putting it into a state of dormancy. The damage caused to the hair follicle delays or permanently stops hair growth.

Note: Read our article to learn how laser hair removal for men works.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a convenient, cost-effective solution with many proven benefits. This quick, minimally painful procedure will save you both time and money spent removing your hair in other ways.

Precision

Laser hair removal uses precise targeting, ideal for smaller body areas or eliminating just a few specific hairs (e.g., between the eyebrows). It can selectively remove a few dark, coarse hairs without damaging the surrounding area.

Adaptability

Lasers successfully remove hair in sensitive or hard-to-reach body areas, including your back or bikini zone. The versatile laser technology can target hair-producing follicles in multiple body areas (e.g., legs, chin, upper lip, nose, ears, stomach, chest, arms), excluding the eyelashes.

Speed

Sessions performed on small body parts take up to 15 minutes. The upper lip area can be treated in less than a minute, while larger body parts may take up to an hour (e.g., the entire legs).

Predictability

Four to eight sessions will provide lasting results for most patients. This predictable pattern can help you make timely appointments to maintain the results.

Long-Term Results

You can expect lasting results once the hair follicles have been fully destroyed. The outcome depends on multiple factors, such as hair thickness and density, hair growth cycle, and individual response.

Minimal Maintenance

Unlike shaving, plucking, or waxing, this hair removal procedure requires minimal maintenance with annual touch-ups.

Ingrown Hair Elimination

Ingrown hairs are a common unwanted side effect of shaving and waxing. The advantage of laser treatments is that they can eliminate ingrown hairs and reduce skin inflammation, bumps, or itching.

Less Pain

This treatment is minimally painful compared to other hair removal methods, such as waxing, tweezing, or threading. Most patients describe the sensation as warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin. The mild discomfort lessens with repeated sessions and fewer hair follicles.

Minimal Regrowth

Unlike other hair removal methods, there is little to no hair regrowth between sessions. That means you can enjoy hairless, smooth skin for extended periods.

What Areas of the Body Can Be Treated with Laser Hair Removal?

A laser treatment can be used on any body part apart from the eye area. Commonly treated areas include:

• Legs
• Bikini line
• Belly line
• Armpits
• Eyebrows
• Upper lip
• Sideburns
• Chin
• Chest
• Back
• Shoulders
• Hands and fingers

Apart from the eyebrow area, you shouldn’t get laser hair removal around the eyes because the laser can cause eye injury.

Dermatologists avoid performing the procedure on tattooed areas because the laser beam cannot distinguish between the pigment of the hair follicle and the pigment in the ink. Because of this, laser treatments on tattoos may cause severe skin damage.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

The treatment is considered safe and effective for adults over eighteen because hair follicles reach their maturity after puberty.

Laser hair removal is used on all skin types, but it is most effective on fair skin with dark hair. Since lighter hair has less melanin than dark hair, laser hair removal technology works best for people with this skin/hair color combination.

If you have dark skin and dark hair, the low contrast may cause the laser treatment to affect the melanin in the skin and damage the treated area. The good news is that laser hair removal technology is rapidly evolving to provide more effective results for darker skin tones as well.

Note: Read our article and find out if laser hair removal for blonde hair works.

How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

Follow these tips to prepare for a laser hair removal session properly.

Dos:

• Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers to avoid any skin irritation.
• Shave the treatment area a day or two before the procedure.

Don’ts:

• Stop using blood-thinning medications, as advised by your medical provider.

• Avoid tanning and sun exposure a few weeks before the procedure.
• Refrain from alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• Don’t wax, pluck, or use other hair removal techniques (except shaving) for several weeks before the procedure.

What to Expect During Laser Hair Removal?

Before the procedure, your medical provider will discuss your goals, expectations, medical history, and previous hair removal experiences to determine the best laser hair removal plan for you.

During the procedure, the medical provider applies a numbing cream to the treatment area to minimize pain and discomfort.

A hand-held laser device directs light to the hair follicles in the target area. During the treatment, you’ll be wearing goggles to protect you from the emitted light beams.

The duration of each session depends on the number and size of treatment areas. They typically last 5 – 15 minutes for smaller areas and 30 – 60 minutes for larger areas.

Laser Hair Removal Results

After the laser hair removal procedure, the hairs shed gradually for several days. Some hairs typically grow back after a few weeks, and the patient will need follow-up treatments.

Hair regrowth happens sporadically, with lighter and thinner hairs.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Are Needed?

The number of required treatments varies from person to person, depending on their type of hair, skin, and the medical provider’s expertise.

Most patients find that hair growth in the treated area is significantly reduced or eliminated after four to eight laser hair removal treatments and a few years of maintenance treatments.

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

Laser hair removal usually isn’t permanent, but it can last for years.

For long-term results, complete an initial series of four to eight treatments spaced one to three months apart and have maintenance treatments once or twice a year for a few years.

Laser Hair Removal Aftercare?

Proper laser hair removal aftercare minimizes the chances of side effects and enhances the effectiveness of the laser hair removal procedure.

Medical providers recommend the following:

• Apply ice to the treated area to minimize the chances of swelling.
• Avoid direct sun exposure and other tanning solutions.
• Use sunscreen with an SPF 30+ whenever you go outside.
• Avoid the gym for 24 hours after the procedure.
• Avoid saunas and hot baths 24 hours after the procedure.
• For facial laser hair removal, avoid chemical peels for two weeks after the procedure.

Laser Hair Removal Side Effects

Laser hair removal is a safe procedure when performed in a reputable med spa by an experienced, board-certified medical provider.

Nevertheless, the procedure may cause mild side effects in the treated area. These include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Discomfort

These side effects usually disappear after several hours.

Very rare and more severe side effects include:

• Skin discoloration
• Blistering
• Bruising
• Crusting
• Scarring
• Excessive hair growth
• Bacterial infections

Seek immediate medical help if side effects worsen or last for longer than usual. Talk to your doctor if you notice prolonged or unexpected skin changes, allergic reactions, excessive swelling, or severe side effects.

The risks of side effects are reduced with proper pre- and post-treatment care.

Note: Learn about the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy.

Should Anyone Avoid Laser Hair Removal?

The following conditions increase the risk of burns, pigmentation changes, poor results, and other potential complications. Providers recommend that patients with these conditions seek alternative hair removal methods.

• Pregnancy and lactation
• Active skin infections
• Inflammatory skin conditions (e.g., eczema and psoriasis)
• Open wounds
• History of keloid scarring
• Recently tanned skin
• Light-sensitizing medications
• Tattoos in the treatment area

Laser Hair Removal Cost

The cost of one laser hair removal treatment depends on the size of the treated area and your medical provider’s expertise and location.

At Vibrant Skin Bar the prices range from $150 to $450, depending on the size of the treatment area.

Even though laser hair removal is initially pricier compared to other hair removal options, many consider it a more cost-effective solution due to low maintenance and fewer follow-ups.

Laser Hair Removal FAQ

The section below includes common questions from our patients about laser hair therapy. Our answers can help you determine if the treatment is right for you.

Can Laser Hair Removal Help with Acne?

Yes, the procedure is particularly effective for acne-prone skin because it reduces future breakouts by preventing repeated clogging of pores. However, the treatment cannot be performed on inflamed skin with active acne.

Note: Discover the best skin care products for oily, acne-prone skin.

What Is the Most Painful Place to Get Laser Hair Removal?

The most painful places to get laser hair removal are usually areas with thin skin, high nerve density, and dense, coarse hair. They include the upper lip, bikini line, armpits, ankles, and shins. The pain level depends on individual pain tolerance and the type of laser used.

Can Hair Be Too Long for a Laser?

Yes. Providers instruct patients to shave the target area 24 hours before the appointment. This ensures the smooth delivery of laser energy into the follicle and prevents burning of the hairs above the skin.

What Happens if I Forgot to Shave 24 Hours Before Laser?

If you forget to shave before your laser hair removal appointment, the provider may reschedule it due to increased risk of burns and ineffective treatment.

What Happens if You Do Laser Hair Removal Over a Cut?

Open wounds, cuts, abrasions, and other skin injuries are a contraindication for laser hair removal. Using a laser over a cut can lead to severe pain, infection, burning, scarring, and other complications.

Is Laser Hair Removal Done by Professionals Better than Laser Hair Removal at Home?

Laser hair removal done by experienced providers in a professional setting is safer and more effective than DIY laser hair removal. At-home devices use low-power laser energy, which requires more sessions to achieve results and they don’t last as long. They also carry a higher risk of burns and hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion

Traditional hair removal techniques like shaving and waxing are tedious and time-consuming. For this reason, many people embrace the laser hair removal option as they find that the more durable and effective results justify the higher cost of the procedure.

If you want to find out more about laser hair removal compared to more traditional techniques, read our articles on laser vs. waxing and electrolysis vs. laser hair removal.