Though laser hair removal has been popular since the early 2000s, there is still some mystery around the treatment. Maybe you’ve heard experiences from friends but aren’t quite sure if you’re ready to take the leap.
How many appointments does it require? How much is it going to cost? Is it really going to hurt? Does it actually last?
Yes, it is an investment—it can get pricey and be a significant time commitment. And just like any smart investment, you’ll want to be informed. That’s why we spoke with laser hair removal experts to get all your burning questions answered.
Ahead, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the treatment. From making your decision to prep instructions and aftercare tips, read on for exactly what to expect with laser hair removal.
What are the pros and cons to laser hair removal?
If you’re someone who enjoys the feel of silky smooth skin, the main benefit of laser hair removal is no longer having to spend hours shaving every week. According to laser hair removal expert and founder of Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal Christian Karavolas ou can also expect to say goodbye to the pain and irritation of ingrown hairs. Ok, so what’s the downside? Laser hair removal can be expensive, and Karavolas says it can involve “temporary pain or discomfort during treatment.”
The experts say patients should expect no to moderate discomfort during the treatment. “Each laser pulse feels like a quick rubber band snap. For most patients, topical numbing is not necessary because the discomfort is minimal,” says Charlotte, NC board-certified dermatologists Gilly Munavalli, MD and Rachel Yang, NP. They note that for patients with more sensitive skin, the area may feel like it has a slight sunburn for up to a few hours, depending on the area treated. Saddle Brooke, NJ board-certified dermatologist Dr. Fredric Haberman adds that the discomfort may be more prominent in places where the skin is thinner, such as the nose, chin or temples.
Ok, so how much does it cost?
The price for laser hair removal varies dramatically depending on the area you’re looking to treat. Typically, small areas like the upper lip or underarms can be done for around $100-$250 per session, while larger areas like the back or legs will run in the range of $600-$900 per treatment. At Karavolas’s Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal in NYC, the cost for full legs is $810 per session.
“Packages are available at most places,” says Karavolas. While treatment plans can vary based on factors like hair color, ethnicity, age and hormones, Karavolas explains that the average recommendation is six sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart. Though the price may induce some sticker shock, it’s important to remember that the combined lifetime investment for shaving, waxing and other hair removal methods is far higher.
And how long does it take?
Yes, the time commitment for laser hair removal can seem like an intimidating commitment. But, each individual appointment lasts less than an hour. Appointments for small areas of skin can even be done in 10-15 minutes, according to aesthetic nurse and co-owner of 7QSpa Lilia Serobian. “Once clients see little to no hair growth, they can start pushing their appointments further apart or only come in when necessary,” she explains.
Is it actually permanent?
“Laser hair removal offers permanent hair reduction,” says Karavolas. “It’s difficult to achieve permanent hair removal, especially on hormonal areas, as any change in metabolism can affect regrowth,” he explains. It’s possible that laser hair removal won’t eliminate your need to shave altogether forever, but it will drastically reduce the frequency and time spent. “In our facility, with the high-powered lasers we use, we have been able to achieve permanent hair removal for many of our clients, seeing particular success with legs, bikini and underarm areas,” says Karavolas.
What makes a good laser hair removal candidate? Who should not get it?
Most individuals with dark hair are great candidates for laser. Those with very little pigment in their hair—like white hair, light blonde or light red hair—are the noted exceptions. Though Karavolas says, “We have achieved excellent results for people with dirty blonde or dark red hair.” Additionally, those who are currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking antibiotics should not undergo laser hair removal, according to Serobian.
How do you prep?
Preparation is minimal and easy, but very important to follow instructions. The big one? “All clients must come to the appointment fully shaved, but no waxing or plucking the hairs since we need the hair follicle in place for the laser to work,” explains Serobian. Additional guidelines include avoiding tanning or using any faux tan products for four weeks prior to laser, as well as forgoing any lotions or oils on the day of your appointment. “The laser cannot tell the difference between a fake or real tan,” says New Orleans board-certified dermatologist Dr. Skylar Souyoul.
Most experts recommend beginning with a consultation if you’re new to laser hair removal. “During the consultation, your provider will likely discuss past medical history, medications, desired treatment area, prior methods of hair removal as well as laser hair removal treatment instructions, risks and expectations,” Dr. Munavalli and Yang say. “The provider will also evaluate the hair to ensure the patient is a good candidate for laser hair removal.”
Anaheim, CA board-certified dermatologist Kimberly Jerdan, MD says the most important aspect for those looking into laser hair removal is to be upfront with your ethnic background, tanning capabilities and hyperpigmentation risk before getting started. “Although I appear light-skinned as a dermatologist, my mixed Peruvian/Caucasian ethnicity makes me the notorious candidate with a high risk for hyperpigmentation or dark spots,” she says. “I usually ask my laser hair removal patients if they get a dark spot after getting a pimple. This helps me address if they are prone to hyperpigmentation and whether I need to start with gentle settings.”
When is a good time to start?
Serobian suggests that the best time to start laser hair removal is at the end of summer. “You will need to avoid tanning and prolonged sun exposure,” she says. Although, the treatment can be done at any time, so long as you’re vigilant about sun protection.
What are the side effects?
There should be no permanent side effects to laser hair removal. “Some mild irritation or temporary pigment change on the treated area can occur,” explains Karavolas. Plus, temporary discomfort, swelling or redness can be common as well. Though, consulting with a professional who understands your unique skin type and working with an experienced practitioner greatly reduces the risk of side effects.
“After treatment, the hair follicles will look red and swollen (perifollicular erythema and edema), which can last hours to days after treatment,” say Dr. Munavalli and Yang. They suggest applying ice and a topical steroid twice daily following treatment to help abate these side effects.
How should you treat the skin after?
Refraining from sun exposure is the most important instruction! “I also recommend that clients avoid exercise or hot environments (saunas, hot tubs or hot showers) the same day of treatment to avoid irritation,” says Serobian. If irritation, redness or swelling do occur following treatment, she suggests clients apply aloe vera to the affected areas. Fresno, CA board-certified dermatologist Kathleen Behr, MD advises that patients should refrain from working out for 24 hours after treatment.
Are there any alternative treatments?
No other hair removal options offer the same long-term benefits of laser hair removal. “Plus, another advantage is not having to grow your hair out before laser!” adds Serobian.
Who might not a good candidate for laser hair removal?
An unfortunate truth, but one definitely worth knowing before you book your sessions: laser hair removal doesn’t work for every skin tone. “Not all skin types can be treated with the same lasers and settings,” explains New York board-certified dermatologist Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD. “Darker skin types need specialists trained in ethnic skin, such as board-certified dermatologists, or burns can happen—and they happen often,” he adds, contending that darker skin types also require more treatments, but tend to respond well.
“People with very light hair or hair that’s grey or white are not candidates for laser hair removal,” says Harrison, NY board-certified dermatologist Jennifer Silverman Kitchin, MD. “The best candidates are people with light skin and dark hair, as the laser is treating the pigment.“
Upland, CA dboard-certified dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD says if your hair is white, silver or very blond, you might not want to pay the extra money for laser hair removal as all of the hair is going to grow back. “This is because the laser doesn’t ‘know’ it’s treating hair; it’s actually treating color,” she explains.
What happens at the first appointment? How long does it last?
During the appointment, the technician will apply the laser hair removal scanner to part of the area being treated, and once that area is complete, they will move to the next spot, explains Southlake, TX board-certified dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD. “It can take as little as five minutes to an hour depending on the size of the area and how many areas are being treated.” According to Dr. Haberman, some patients receive a numbing gel depending on the area and skin sensitivity.
When do patients generally start to see results? How long do they last?
Dr. Behr says patients tend to see about a 20 percent decrease in hair growth a couple of weeks after the first treatment. After a complete series of six to eight treatments, patients generally report about 90 percent permanent hair loss and return for yearly touch ups.
On average, how many treatments do patients need?
Although Dr. Haberman notes that the exact number of laser treatments required varies, the average tends to be six to eight sessions spaced out every four to six weeks, so the treatment can take about six to nine months for full results.
