Laser hair removal removes unwanted body hair—usually on the legs, back, underarms, or face—by permanently damaging or destroying hair follicles with light energy.Â
The goal of a series of laser hair removal treatments is to leave skin smooth and hair-free, but realistic expectations are key. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says laser hair removal effectively reduces the amount of hair in the treated area by about 70%.
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.Â
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.Â
Any hair the laser can’t destroy can be removed with electrolysis.Â
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).Â
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.
ProsÂ
Cons
“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.
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.Â
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.”Â
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).”Â
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.Â
Possible risks and side effects include:
“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.”Â
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 matterÂ
2. Laser choice is importantÂ
3. Existing health conditions can create complicationsÂ
4. Tattooed skin shouldn’t be laseredÂ
5. Provider experience matters
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.Â
Laser hair removal treatments require some preparation. Most dermatologists and medical professionals recommend following this timeline:
One month prior:Â
Two to six weeks prior:
One week prior:
The day before:
The day of treatment:
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.
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.Â
Follow these tips for a smoother recovery:
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.
Updated September 27, 2022