Laser Hair Removal: Benefits, Side Effects, and Cost
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive treatment based on the focus of light (laser) to eliminate unwanted body hair. The laser energy revolves around the pigment (color) that is in the hair, and this warms the shaft of the hair and destroys the hair follicle so that it becomes unable to grow hair as simply as before. In this guide, we’ll discuss the benefits of laser hair removal, including its side effects, cost, risks and recovery.
It does not provide a permanent lasting fix; most individuals require more than one sitting (usually 6-8) separated by weeks to start the long-term effect. Eventually, any hair that grows back is normally much paler, thinner, and of much lower density.
Laser hair removal can be done on almost any part of the body. This includes the face, underarms, bikini area, and legs. It usually lasts longer than shaving or waxing.
Laser hair removal is regarded as safe and effective, given that a trained specialist does it. The process at Body By Chic is non-invasive (no incisions or needles), and thus has minimal (or no) downtime.
In a typical session, the provider will clean the area where the treatment will happen. You will also wear eye protection. Then the technician applies the laser hand piece in pulses. Each pulse of laser energy feels like a quick sting or snap of a rubber band on the skin. The treated hairs usually vaporize or gradually fall out in the following days. After treatment, the area often looks and feels a bit like a mild sunburn (red and slightly swollen). These effects usually fade in a few hours to days.
Common treatment areas
Patients most often remove hair from the upper lip, chin, underarms, bikini line, legs, back, chest, or arms. For example:
- Upper lip and chin (facial areas) – small, sensitive areas often chosen for laser removal.
- Underarms – a common area that benefits from reduced regrowth.
- Bikini area – including Brazilian or standard bikini line treatments.
- Legs – from small patches to full legs (front/back).
- Back and shoulders – especially in men with heavy back hair.
Lasers can treat many hairs at once. This allows them to cover larger areas quickly. This is faster than methods like tweezing or electrolysis, which only work on one hair at a time.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal offers several advantages over shaving, waxing, or other methods. Key benefits include:
- Longer-lasting results: Hair regrowth is significantly slower after laser treatments. Studies show laser hair removal keeps skin smoother for months, much longer than shaving or waxing.
- Fewer ingrown hairs: Unlike plucking or waxing, which can cause ingrown hairs, laser treatment reduces ingrown hair formation.
- Non-invasive and minimal downtime: The procedure requires no incisions or anesthesia. You can return to normal activities immediately after a session. There is no need to bandage or recover as with surgery.
- Treats multiple hairs/areas at once: A single laser pulse can disable many hair follicles. This makes large-area treatments (like full legs or back) faster than other methods.
- Savings over time: Although upfront costs are higher, laser hair removal can save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent razors, waxing appointments, or depilatory creams. Over several years, the reduced spending on disposables and services may offset the cost.
Safe and effective:
When performed by a qualified provider, laser removal is widely regarded as safe and effective. Modern lasers have been refined to minimize side effects. Experts note that laser hair removal is “a safe, effective way to remove unwanted body hair”.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
Proper preparation can improve comfort and results. Key steps before laser hair removal include:
- Avoid sun and tanning: Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds for several weeks before (and after) treatment. Tanned skin can absorb more laser energy, raising the risk of burns or pigment changes.
- Shave the treatment area: Shave the target area 1–2 days before your session. This leaves a short hair shaft visible. Do not wax, pluck, or bleach the hairs for at least 4–6 weeks before, because those methods remove the hair follicle that the laser needs to target. Shaving ensures the laser focuses on the follicle under the skin.
- Skip hair removal creams: Do not use hair removal creams on the area for a few days before treatment.
- Avoid certain medications and skincare: Tell your provider about any medications, especially those that increase light sensitivity (like some acne or antibiotic meds). Also, stop using retinol or similar skin products on the area several days before. Your doctor may advise avoiding blood-thinners or anti-inflammatories as well.
- No lotions or makeup: Arrive with clean, lotion-free skin. The provider will clean the skin anyway.
- Consultation: Schedule a pre-treatment consultation. The provider will look at your medical history. They will talk about your skin type and hair color.
They will set realistic expectations and explain how many sessions you will need. They may take photos for comparison.
This is also the time to ask questions about what to expect and how to care for your skin afterwards. For example, if you have very dark skin or unusual conditions (like hormonal hair growth issues), the provider might adjust the laser settings or treatment plan accordingly. Following these guidelines (e.g., no sun, shave only) helps ensure the laser can work safely and effectively. It also lowers the chance of side effects like burns or uneven pigment.
What to Expect During Laser Hair Removal?
On treatment day, the process is generally the same:
- Preparation: The provider will clean the area and may apply a cooling gel or have a cooling device to protect the skin. You and anyone present (technician) will wear special protective eyewear.
- Procedure: The laser handpiece is placed against the skin and activated. You will hear clicks or see flashes of light for each pulse. You will feel a light sting or snap with each pulse – many compare it to a rubber-band snap on the skin.
Areas with thicker skin (like legs) usually hurt less than sensitive areas (upper lip, bikini). Some lasers use a cooling spray or device to ease discomfort.
- Duration: Treatment time depends on the size of the treatment area. Small areas (upper lip, bikini line) may only take a few minutes. Larger areas (full legs, back) can take 30–60 minutes or more.
- Sensation: During the session, you may notice a smell like burning hair – this is normal and means the hairs are being vaporized. The treated hair often falls out over the next few days to a week.
- After a pulse: Some lasers leave the hair follicle in place to shed naturally; others can remove it immediately. The provider will move the laser device thoroughly to cover the entire area.
Overall, the experience is quite tolerable for most people. Because the sessions are relatively quick, many compare the discomfort to a brief, tolerable pinch each time the laser fires. Providers often offer numbing cream or cooling to help, but some people choose to proceed without, as it is usually mild.
Recovery and Risks After Laser Hair Removal
After your laser treatment, your skin will need simple aftercare, and you should be aware of possible side effects:
- Immediate recovery: Expect redness and mild swelling in the treated area, similar to a sunburn. The skin may feel warm or tender for a few hours. This usually clears up on its own.
You can apply a cold compress or aloe vera gel to soothe the area. If your provider recommends a topical ointment or steroid cream, use it as directed.
- Sun protection: Keep the treated area out of the sun. Laser treatments can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds. Always use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher when you go outside.
For safety, Mayo Clinic advises avoiding sunlight for about six weeks before and after treatments to prevent pigment changes.
- Skin care: For at least 24 hours, avoid hot showers, saunas, vigorous exercise, or anything that makes you sweat excessively. Do not scrub, exfoliate, or irritate the area. When bathing, use a gentle, unscented cleanser and pat dry gently.
You may resume gentle normal activities almost immediately. You can shave the treated area after a day or so if needed. However, let the hair fall out on its own. Do not pick it out. Follow-up: Follow your provider’s schedule for repeat treatments. They usually space each session 4–8 weeks apart to catch new hairs in the next growth cycle.
Laser Hair Removal Side Effects and Risks
Laser hair removal is generally safe, but like any treatment, it has potential side effects. Most are mild and temporary if done correctly. The most common include:
- Skin irritation: Temporary redness, swelling, and tenderness are normal right after treatment. This usually fades within a few hours to a couple of days.
- Pigment changes: The treated skin may temporarily become darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. Fair-skinned people may get small dark spots that look like freckles. Darker-skinned people have a higher risk of losing color or getting darker spots. These changes usually resolve over weeks or months, especially if sun exposure is avoided.
- Blistering or scabbing (rare): In rare cases, blisters, crusts, or scabs can form, especially if the skin has been very tanned or the laser parameters were too high. It’s important to keep such areas clean and let them heal on their own.
- Scarring (very rare): Permanent scarring is uncommon, but possible if the skin is injured. That’s why an experienced professional must do this procedure.
- Burns: If a strong laser is used improperly, it can cause burns. Following pre- and post-care instructions (like avoiding the sun) greatly reduces this risk.
- Eye injury: Never have a laser on areas around the eyes unless special precautions (goggles, shields) are used. Strong laser light can damage the eyes.
- Paradoxical hair growth (rare): On very rare occasions, some people notice excess hair growth around the treated area after laser. This paradoxical effect is reported more often in darker skin. It’s a rare complication and typically resolves with further treatment.
Post-treatment care:
Follow your provider’s instructions closely. An expert points out that side effects can include burning, scarring, or permanent discoloration. This highlights the need for a qualified provider. In other words, complications are uncommon when done properly, but carelessness (like using the wrong settings or not prepping the skin) can lead to problems.
Costs of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal cost varies widely based on treatment area, number of sessions, provider experience, and location. Key points on cost:
- Per-session price range: Small areas (upper lip, chin, underarms) typically cost less – perhaps $100–$150 per session on average. Medium areas (bikini line, full face, half arms/legs) can range roughly $200–300. Large areas (full legs, full back, chest) are most expensive, often $300–$350 or more per session.
- Number of sessions: Because multiple treatments are needed (commonly 6–8), the total cost is roughly per-session cost × number of sessions. For example, a package of 6 sessions on a large area could add up to a few thousand dollars. Many clinics offer package discounts for buying multiple sessions upfront.
- Average cost: In 2020, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported the average physician fee for one laser hair removal session was about $389. (This is an average for any area and doesn’t include facility fees or multiple sessions.)
- Insurance: Laser hair removal for cosmetic purposes is usually not covered by insurance. It is considered elective (unless it treats a medical condition like severe folliculitis under a doctor’s order). So expect it to be an out-of-pocket expense.
- Financing: Because costs can be high, many clinics offer financing plans or payment packages. Ask your provider about 6-session packages or membership options to lower the per-session price. Over time, the expense may balance out compared to the recurring costs of waxing, shaving, or depilatory products.
Overall, the hair removal cost is an investment. Many patients find the time saved and the convenience worth it once the hair is mostly gone. At Body By Chic, buying 6 sessions now can save money. This money would usually go to razors or wax treatments over the years.
50% Percent off for New Patients on a Six-Session Package
Small Area Package of 6 – $750
- Upper lip
- Chin
- Nose/nostrils
- Ears
- Unibrow
- Sideburns
- Fingers/Toes
Medium Area Package of 6- $1,250
- Underarms
- Bikini Line
- Neck (front or back)
- Lower Arms
- Upper Arms
Large Area Package of 6- $1,750
- Lower Legs
- Upper Legs
- 3 Facial Areas
- Abdomen
- Lower Back
- Upper Back
- Brazilian
At-Home Laser Hair Removal
There are now consumer devices available for at-home laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal. These are smaller, lower-power versions of professional machines. Key considerations:
- FDA approval: Some at-home devices are FDA-cleared for hair reduction. For example, brands like Philips Lumea or Silk’n claim FDA clearance. These devices use lower-intensity light to avoid serious burns.
- Safety and use: If you use an at-home laser/IPL device, follow all instructions exactly. Wear any recommended eyewear, and test a patch of skin first. Do not use on skin that is sunburned or tanned. Always keep the device moving; do not focus on one spot too long.
- Efficacy: At-home devices can reduce hair growth, but results are usually slower and less dramatic than in-office lasers. You must treat the area much more frequently (often weekly) initially. After a few months, you should see thinner regrowth.
- Limitations: These devices work best on people with dark hair and light skin (because the principle is the same). If you have very light (blonde/white/red) hair or very dark skin, at-home devices may not work well for you.
- Risks: Misusing an at-home laser can burn, blister, or discolor the skin, especially if someone uses the wrong setting. Some clinical trials find them generally safe, but caution is important. If in doubt, consult a professional.
- Supplement not substitute: Home lasers can be part of a hair-removal plan, but most providers agree that professional equipment is stronger and more effective. Many people use home devices for maintenance between clinic visits or for small touch-ups.
In short, at-home laser systems are an option for hair reduction, but they require diligence. They can work for many users, but expect slower progress and follow the rules carefully.
Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis
Two common long-term hair-removal methods are laser treatments and electrolysis. Here’s how they compare:
- Method: Laser hair removal uses focused light energy to disable follicles. Electrolysis inserts a tiny probe into each follicle and delivers an electric current to destroy it.
- Speed: Lasers treat many hairs at once (so large areas are done quickly). Electrolysis works on one hair at a time, making it much slower for large areas.
- Sessions: Typically, laser patients need about 6–8 sessions total. Electrolysis often requires more frequent sessions because each is short. Lasers usually finish faster.
- Permanence: Electrolysis is the only method FDA-approved for permanent hair removal. In contrast, lasers greatly reduce hair growth but usually do not remove every follicle permanently. Most laser patients see some regrowth years later (often finer hair).
- Comfort: Many people find lasers less painful than electrolysis. As cited, laser treatment causes a snapping sensation, while electrolysis can feel like a sharp pinch on each hair. Cleveland Clinic notes that lasers generally require fewer treatments and cause less pain than electrolysis.
- Effectiveness by hair/skin: Lasers work best on dark hair and light skin. They are less effective on fine blonde or gray hair. Electrolysis can work on any hair color and skin tone since it doesn’t rely on pigment.
- Side effects: Laser side effects include mild skin irritation or pigment changes (see above). Electrolysis can cause redness or occasional bruising. Scarring risk with electrolysis is very low if done properly, but each method carries some risk if misused.
Cost: Both can be expensive. Electrologists often charge by time (e.g., per 15 minutes), whereas lasers are usually charged per session. Depending on the area and number of visits, either can add up.
Final Thoughts
Lasers are usually faster and more comfortable, making them a popular choice for large areas. Electrolysis provides true permanent removal, but at the cost of more sessions and effort. Many people use lasers for larger body areas like legs, back, and arms. They choose electrolysis for small facial areas to remove any leftover light hairs.
