LASER HAIR REMOVAL

The treatment doesn’t entirely remove hair, but most patients see a significant reduction in hair after a full series of treatment sessions. “You can expect about 70% hair reduction once you complete a series of treatments (usually six to eight),” says Dr. Paul Vitenas, Jr., a Houston-based plastic surgeon. “Follow up visits may be needed to treat regrowth and to maintain the results.”

With each treatment, the actively growing hair follicle is destroyed. Less blood flows to the follicle, and the hair that does grow back will gradually become weaker and thinner. 

Your hair won’t always fall out immediately, but it will eventually. Some hairs are ejected as soon as they’re lasered, while others continue to grow and fall out over time.

Laser hair removal permanently reduces hair growth. It doesn’t permanently remove all hair, but it makes any remaining hair finer and less noticeable. 

Any hair the laser can’t destroy can be removed with electrolysis. 

Related:The Best At-HomeLaser Hair Removal Devices, Recommended by Derms

Most people need 6 to 8 laser hair removal treatments every 4 to 8 weeks to see results, plus an annual maintenance session. That said, everyone is different, so you may find that you need fewer sessions (or more). 

Different body parts require different schedules: some providers recommend waiting four to six weeks in between laser hair removal treatments for the face and up to eight weeks for anywhere else on the body, where the hair growth cycles are longer.

The whole process can take a year or more, so it’s smart to start a series of treatments in the fall to have smoother skin by summer.

Pros 

• If you’re tired of ongoing plucking, shaving, or waxing, laser hair removal could help simplify your life and decrease ingrown hairs.
• In the hands of an experienced provider, the laser precisely targets hair follicles, while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
• Among the 89% of RealSelf reviewers who say it was Worth It, many say they saw a noticeable decrease in hair growth after as few as two sessions.

Cons

• Your initial cycle of treatments will take at least six months to complete, and possibly longer—so you’ll want to start well in advance of any major beach plans.
• It doesn’t technically remove all unwanted hair: think of it as permanent hair reduction.
• While there are options for people with deep skin tones, laser hair removal works best for people with fair skin and dark hair.
• Not all hair will respond in the same way. Doctors say dark, coarse, fast-growing hair on the face, underarms, and bikini line usually responds best.
• The process can be uncomfortable, depending on your threshold for pain. Some say it feels like a snapping rubber band, while others report heat and a burning sensation.
• If you have an inexperienced provider who chooses the wrong laser or uses a setting that’s too high for your skin tone, complications like burns or uneven pigmentation are possible.

• Average Cost:
• $1,070

• Range:
• $199 - $3,000

“There are many variables that determine the cost of laser hair removal: type and color of hair, size of the area to be treated, how many sessions are required.,” explains Greenville, SC plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas McFadden Jr.

See our complete guide to laser hair removal costs

This treatment works best for people with light skin and dark hair: the color contrast makes it easier for the laser to target the pigment in the hair follicle, without burning the skin. Those with fair skin and light hair (blonde, red, or gray) won’t see good results.

People with medium-brown skin (Fitzpatrick skin type IV) may have a lower risk of hyperpigmentation if their provider uses an Nd:YAG laser. 

If you have dark brown skin (Fitzpatrick types V and VI), find a dermatologist who has extensive experience safely treating Black skin. They'll likely use the Nd:YAG or the newer Motus AX laser, the only alexandrite laser that's safe for all skin tones.

Related: Your Guide to Safe and Effective Hair Removal Lasers for Fair, Medium, and Deep Skin Tones

There are dozens of hair removal lasers on the market. How well those devices perform depends on your skin and hair type, the experience level of your provider, and the settings they use.

Of the laser device brands recommended by doctors on RealSelf, many noted the LightSheer laser. Dr. Jennifer Reichel, a dermatologist in Seattle, Washington, says “I think the best overall laser is the LightSheer Duet Diode laser by Lumenis. It is fast, very effective, and much less painful than the other hair lasers. It uses a suction device to decrease pain. I have used about 8 different hair lasers and was super impressed by this laser—enough to buy one.” 

While the LightSheer Duet can be used on all skin types, Dr. Reichel says that “the best laser for really dark skin is probably the long-pulsed Nd:YAG (GentleYag by Syneron/Candela).” 

Dr. Reza Tirgari, a physician in San Diego, California, agrees. “Alexandrite lasers are typically used on fair-skinned patients whereas Nd:Yag lasers are more appropriate for darkly pigmented skin. Diode lasers can be used on most skin types, although they can be more uncomfortable for many patients, be slower, and involve topical gel, which some clients do not like.”

Dr. Neda Vanden Bosch, a physician in Atlantis, FL, says that “New diode lasers, such as the Emvera Diolux, have many advantages over older diode lasers, including shortened treatment time due to high energy and large spot size, being virtually pain free on all skin types thanks to its powerful cooling system and speed, and having various pulse modes that allow it to be safely used on all skin types.”

Related: The Best Hair Removal Products and Treatments for Every Skin Tone

The laser hair removal photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Laser hair removal can be very safe, though you shouldn’t let just anyone perform it. The treatment carries real risks and side effects when it’s done by an untrained or nonmedical technician, or administered on the wrong settings for your skin tone. 

Possible risks and side effects include:

• Burns, blisters, and scars
• Permanent changes to skin color, with treated areas looking lighter or darker than surrounding skin 
• Infections
• Herpes outbreaks

“When laser hair removal is performed using the proper settings for your skin type, there are few side effects,” says Dr. Paul Flashner, a physician in Boston. “Some perifollicular edema (an irritation that looks like tiny bumps) may occur, but it will be temporary. You may also see some redness, similar to a sunburn, but that will be temporary as well.” 

Related: Laser Hair Removal Left One Woman Scarred. Here’s How to Keep It From Happening to You.

Here’s what to know about avoiding laser hair removal risks.

1. Settings matter 

• If the settings are too aggressive, hyperpigmentation, blisters, or scarring are possible.
• There’s also a chance that the laser could actually stimulate hair growth (called hypertrichosis) if the energy setting is too low.

2. Laser choice is important 

• “For individuals with dark skin tones, laser hair removal can be done safely with the right laser,” says San Francisco plastic surgeon Dr. Steven H. Williams. The Nd:Yag and diode are two such lasers. 
• There are many lasers that can cause permanent discoloration of dark skin. Make sure your provider regularly treats patients with a skin tone like yours and knows how to do it safely.

3. Existing health conditions can create complications 

• If you have a latent virus like herpes, lasers can reactivate it, so talk with your provider about antiviral medication as a precaution. “Any laser procedure can irritate sensory nerves in the area, enough to create an outbreak. I recommend using Valtrex before and after your treatments,” explains Dr. Jason Emer, a dermatologic surgeon in West Hollywood, California. 
• If you have eczema, ask your doctor for steps to take before having laser hair removal. “Laser hair removal is safe in patients with eczema, but ideally eczema can be brought under control first in areas where [the removal] is to be performed to avoid irritation and skin breakdown,” explains Dr. Anatoli Freiman, a Toronto dermatologist. “Good moisturization, topical steroids, or topical immunomodulators can help bring it under control.” 
• If you’re pregnant, laser hair removal is not recommended due to a lack of evidence on how the procedure may affect the fetus. While you’re breastfeeding, hormonal shifts can affect your hair growth patterns, and excess hair may eventually resolve itself. It’s best to wait before starting a laser hair removal treatment series. It is safe to have the procedure while you’re having your period. 

4. Tattooed skin shouldn’t be lasered 

• You run the risk of tattoo damage if you’re removing hair in a tattooed area.
• Lasers can be attracted to the pigment in the ink and potentially reduce the color in your tattoo. It can also cause burning, pain, and skin damage.
• Tattoos in the vicinity of laser hair removal should be covered by the provider during treatment.

5. Provider experience matters

• When you have your treatments, make sure the doctor is on-site or even in the room to oversee the laser selection, settings, and technique of their nurse or assistant.

RealSelf Tip: Another way to avoid potential side effects is to have your provider perform a patch test before embarking on your laser hair removal series. This should be free, and it can help determine which laser is the best option for your skin. 

Related: Should You Try At-HomeLaser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal treatments require some preparation. Most dermatologists and medical professionals recommend following this timeline:

One month prior: 

• Avoid UV exposure, including that from tanning beds and self-tanning lotions. 
• Laser light is attracted to pigment, either in hair follicles or skin, so UV light or sun exposure before treatment can increase your risk of blistering, scarring, or pigmentation problems.

Two to six weeks prior:

• Stop waxing, tweezing, plucking, or using depilatories on hair you want to remove. Shaving is fine. 
• Your body or facial hair should be in the anagen phase of growth, the phase where the hair is actively growing so the laser can effectively target the melanin in the hair bulb. Your sessions will be spaced at different intervals to catch the right phase of growth.

One week prior:

• Stop using skincare products with strong active ingredients, such as retinoids, alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) and benzoyl peroxide. 
• These ingredients can increase photosensitivity and lead to burns.

The day before:

• Shave the treatment area using a clean, new blade. This helps the laser light locate your hair follicles. 
• Stubble can damage the laser and increase the chance of burning your skin, so timing is key. 

The day of treatment:

• Take steps to minimize discomfort. 
• Avoid caffeine if you’re feeling nervous, and reschedule if you’re feeling sick, which can make you more sensitive to pain. 
• While you can request numbing cream, some doctors won’t use it because the feeling of pain could be important feedback to the technician to turn down the laser.

Smaller treatment areas like the upper lip, ears, chin can be treated in less than a minute, while large areas like the back or legs can take up to an hour to treat.

Here’s what to expect during your first laser hair removal procedure.

• Your provider will determine what kind of laser is best for your skin and hair, as well as your goals. Tell them about any medications you’re taking, as well as any medical conditions.
• The device will be adjusted to your skin color and hair thickness.
• You’ll put on special eye protection, so the laser light doesn’t damage your eyes. Your provider may also apply a cold gel or cooling device to protect your skin and help the laser to penetrate.
• You’ll undergo a test pulse to the treatment area, and your provider will check the area after several minutes to see if you have any adverse reactions. 
• Once the treatment starts, the laser emits a concentrated beam of light to damage the hair follicle and prevent regrowth. 
• Your provider will methodically treat one small area at a time. 
• You may feel mild discomfort, like a warm pinprick or snap, as the laser passes over your skin. 
• Afterward, you may be given ice packs and an anti-inflammatory cream to help keep swelling down and soothe any irritation.

For a day or two afterward, the treated area may look and feel like it's sunburned, so you might need to use cool compresses or a gentle moisturizer. If your face was treated, you can safely wear makeup the next day unless your skin feels irritated. 

Follow these tips for a smoother recovery:

• Avoid sun exposure. Sun exposure can increase skin irritation in the days following a treatment, so limit time in direct sun for the treated areas. Any time you anticipate being out in the sun, apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30.  
• Shave to remove any hair between laser sessions, but refrain from threading, waxing, and tweezing. 
• For the first few days, avoid perfumes, deodorant (if you’ve lasered your underarms), and hot showers or saunas. Take a lukewarm shower instead.
• It’s common to experience some swelling, itching, and redness after laser hair removal due to irritation of the hair follicles. “You may try taking an antihistamine and applying hydrocortisone a few times a day to relieve redness and itching,” says Dr. Williams.
• Wait at least 24 hours after laser hair removal in the bikini area for the swelling to go down before you have sex.

Related: What Not to Do Before and After Laser Hair Removal

	Laser Hair Removal nonsurgical	Electrolysis nonsurgical	IPL nonsurgical
Worth It Rating	89%	67%	81%
Average Cost	$1070	$1193	$791
Downtime	No downtime	Little to no downtime	One week of social downtime
Anesthesia	No anesthesia	Topical numbing cream (if desired)	No anesthesia

Electrolysis: If your hair is blond, gray, or red, consider electrolysis instead. “Unfortunately there is currently no laser that removes blonde, gray, or red hair on the market. However, electrolysis can permanently remove hair of any color,” says Dr. Vanden Bosch.

Electrolysis is an especially good choice for removing facial hair, for people of any skin tone. 

During an electrolysis hair removal procedure, a tiny metal probe is inserted into individual hair follicles. An electrical pulse is delivered to destroy the root of the hair. A series of weekly treatments are typically necessary for long-lasting hair removal.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): IPL treatments deliver broad-spectrum visible light at many wavelengths, so they target a large section of hair at once. You’ll need multiple sessions (6 and up to 12 treatments) and maintenance appointments as well, much like other laser hair removal services. 

Lasers are more targeted, but they’re also much more effective for hair removal.

Waxing: Most people consider laser hair removal because they’re tired of shaving or waxing, but while it can’t offer permanent hair removal, there's no denying that waxing is more cost-effective. 

You can even do it yourself if you’re feeling brave (or it’s not a good time to leave the house). Read this before you attempt an at-home Brazilian wax.