Laser hair removal is one of the most popular methods of removing unwanted body hair, with demand increasing in recent years. The laser light heats and burns everything dark in color. By heating and burning the dark hairs inside the hair follicle, the hair follicle itself is damaged and destroyed. Every hair on our body has a cycle of growth and rest. At a given time, most of our body hair is in a resting phase. If the hair follicle is in the resting phase during laser hair removal, the laser beam doesn’t affect it.
Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
15 min – 1 hour | Outpatient | Few days |
Therefore, several laser treatment sessions are needed regularly to remove all hair. During each hair removal session, the device burns several active hair follicles; eventually, all the hair disappears after a while. This procedure has many benefits as a non-surgical and non-invasive method to remove hair:
- High precision: In laser hair removal, specialists direct the laser beam to the hair follicle. Thus, the beam destroys the hair follicle without affecting neighboring tissues.
- High treatment speed: The treatment time varies from person to person, depending on the size of the area you want. For example, the duration of the laser on the face is shorter than on the hands or feet. In addition, the speed of the laser is much higher than other treatment methods, such as epilation, waxing, and shaving. You will also see results (thinning and volume reduction) in your hair within the first few weeks after your first treatment.
- Cost: You may need to invest more upfront to remove hair. But laser hair removal is more economical for you in the long run. Because you won’t have to pay for tools such as waxing or shaving cream constantly. Laser treatment is long-lasting; after you have finished the sessions the clinic has set for you, it is enough to go to the clinic every few months for renewal.
- Painless method: Your body parts may feel a little more pain. However, this pain has reached zero in new laser devices, and in the remaining devices, it is like a rubber band effect, and you will feel it with the strong cooling of the devices and the use of creams and lotions.
- You can laser every part of the body: You can have laser hair removal on your face, legs, back, armpits, bikini area, or anywhere you have unwanted hair.
After the procedure, the hair disappears from the root, and there is nowhere to grow. However, after shaving or waxing, the hair follicle is still in place, and most likely, the hairs they want to grow back will grow crooked and cause skin infections. Even if it is possible to increase the hair after the laser, thanks to the high sensitivity of the laser, these hairs will grow completely straight and unbent.
The laser beam penetrates deep into the skin and targets the hair follicle, destroying it. It takes a long time for this hair follicle to grow back. Therefore, hair removal is the most effective method for removing unwanted hair.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is ideal for using special beams to remove unwanted hair from certain body parts. During the process, specialists will use a handheld device that emits laser beams. Specialists carefully guide this important device over the treatment area so that the laser targets individual hair follicles. The surrounding skin is usually protected with a cooling gel or device to minimize discomfort and protect the skin from excessive heat.
Specialists can perform this procedure on various body parts, including the face, legs, armpits, bikini area, chest, and back. This method is popular for reducing or eliminating unwanted hair as the procedure provides long-lasting or permanent hair reduction.
It is worth noting that this laser treatment is most effective on people with darker hair and lighter skin tones, as the laser targets the contrast between the hair pigment and the skin. However, new advances in laser technology have allowed specialists to perform this procedure on a broader range of skin and hair types.
You generally need to go to multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. This is because your hair grows in cycles, and the laser is only effective on actively growing hair. The number of sessions you will need will vary depending on factors such as hair type, skin color, and treatment area.
This procedure is generally safe when trained professionals use the appropriate equipment. However, there will be some temporary side effects, such as redness, swelling, and mild discomfort in the problem area. Also, one of the popular applications of recent times is the Brazilian laser hair removal method.
Brazilian laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure in which specialists use laser technology to target hair in the pubic area. It is famous for individuals who prefer a long-term hair removal solution in this area. Professionals use a handheld device emitting a concentrated laser light beam during Brazilian treatment. Again, the laser attracts and heats the pigment in the hair follicles, damaging them to inhibit future growth.
What are the Most Popular Laser Hair Removal Types?
There are many different laser technologies available. Take a look at the most popular types of laser hair removal:
Alexandrite laser
This is very effective for light to olive skin tones. It has a more prominent spot size. Because of this, specialists use this type to treat larger areas of the body, such as the legs and back. Alexandrite lasers provide short treatment sessions, and their effectiveness is high.
Diode laser
Diode lasers are versatile, and specialists use them on various skin types. They have a longer wavelength. This means that this type of laser penetrates deeper into the skin and targets the hair follicles. Specialists often prefer diode lasers to treat darker skin tones. Specialists use it on both small and large areas of the body.
Nd:YAG laser
This method suits all skin types, including darker skin tones. Similar to diode lasers, they have a longer wavelength. This allows it to safely target hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. Specialists usually use Nd:YAG lasers on the face, arms, and legs.
Ruby laser
This was one of the first technologies specialists used for hair removal. Nowadays, professionals use this method much less often. However, the technique still works for people with fair skin and fine hair. This type of laser has a much shorter wavelength and is unsuitable for darker skin tones.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
While not technically a laser, IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target hair follicles. Specialists often use it for hair removal, suitable for various skin types.
Soprano Ice
This procedure is a famous laser hair removal system that uses Diode technology. Thanks to the gradual heating technique, it offers a unique and almost painless experience. This method suits various skin types, and experts use it on large and small body areas.
Vectus laser
This laser system is a Diode laser system. This device measures the melanin content in the skin and adjusts the laser settings accordingly, making it a safer and more practical option for various skin tones. The Vectus laser has a large spot size and offers fast treatment sessions.
Who Should Have Laser Hair Removal Procedure?
While laser hair removal is effective for many people, it is unsuitable for everyone. Take a look at the ideal candidates for a laser hair removal procedure in general:
- Hair and skin color: This procedure works best for people with dark hair and fair skin. Therefore, people with dark, coarse hair and fair skin have the most successful results. Individuals with lighter hair colors, like gray, red, or blonde, don’t respond well to the treatment.
- Health considerations: This effective procedure is safe for generally healthy individuals. However, it would be best if you considered any underlying health conditions. People with certain medical conditions, such as active skin infections, keloids, or skin cancer, are unsuitable candidates for the procedure.
- Treatment area: This method is highly suitable for various body areas, including the face, legs, arms, armpits, bikini area, and back. Specialists typically use the procedure to target unwanted hair in larger sizes. But they also use it for smaller areas. The specific treatment area will depend on your preferences and needs.
- Commitment to multiple sessions: The method is not a one-off treatment; various sessions require for optimal results. The exact number of sessions will depend on factors such as your hair type, color, and treatment area.
- Realistic expectations: You need realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcome. While this method can significantly reduce hair growth, it doesn’t altogether remove all hair. Some hair regrowth is normal. However, it will usually be lighter and finer.
- Age and hormonal factors: Specialists perform this procedure on individuals of various ages. However, the ideal candidates are those who have reached puberty. Hormonal changes during puberty affect hair growth patterns, and the procedure will be an effective option for managing unwanted hair in these areas.
- Pain tolerance: Experts describe this procedure as the sensation of a rubber band sticking to the skin. Most individuals usually tolerate discomfort. However, the sense varies depending on the treatment area and pain tolerance. If your pain threshold is low, you should opt for pain management options such as numbing creams or cooling techniques.
What are the Risks of the Laser Hair Removal Process?
As for the complications of laser hair removal, no particular complications arise if competent operators perform the laser with modern and standard devices. Therefore, if an inappropriate device or an inexperienced operator performs it, you will experience side effects after the laser.
Contrary to what some people think, laser beams don’t penetrate deep into the body’s muscles and only target the surface layer of the skin and hair follicles. Therefore, you will not worry about the side effects of laser hair removal.
Of course, we would like to emphasize again that the standard of the laser device and the operator’s skill significantly impact the absence of complications. If you go too cheap and unreliable laser centers, you will be dealing with an inappropriate device and an inexperienced operator.
Thus, you will experience side effects such as burning, itching, pain, burns, wounds, and redness after laser treatment. However, the procedure is generally safe. Check out the most common laser hair removal risks:
- Redness and skin irritation: One of the side effects that can occur after the procedure is skin irritation and redness. This complication is more common in areas of the body with more sensitive and thinner skin. However, if you are in a hurry to eliminate the redness or burning on your skin, apply an ice compress to speed up the skin’s healing process.
- Changing skin pigments: People with very fair skin may notice dark spots on their skin after treatment. On the other hand, people with darker skin may see lighter patches. These changes are temporary and will disappear after a while. However, remember that if this complication worsens, you should consult a dermatologist.
- Scaling: Another complication you may experience after laser treatment is the scaling of the area where the specialists apply the laser. Although this may seem minor, it can cause sores or scabs. This complication occurs when your skin is dry and the serial laser devices in direct contact with your skin aren’t cold enough. The device cannot prevent surface burns in such a case, and your skin will flake off. Using moisturizing creams significantly precludes this problem.
- Hair growth in the laser-treated areas: This complication occurs in a few people who undergo laser treatment. It is one of the sporadic cases where hair growth occurs in and around the place where the specialists perform the procedure. To avoid such side effects of laser hair removal, avoid this procedure or make sure of your body’s hormonal status before treatment.
- Blisters: Experts remind clients to avoid exposure to direct sunlight for a few hours after laser treatment. Because otherwise, they may encounter many blisters on their skin. Although this complication is also rare, you need to follow this point. Remember, there is a rare chance of blisters.
- Genital warts or skin diseases: One of the complications you may experience after laser treatment is genital warts or other skin problems. This problem doesn’t depend on specialists’ laser removal of unwanted hair. It only depends on the cleanliness of the environment and the necessary equipment. You should consider this critical point carefully when choosing a laser center.
What Will You Encounter During Laser Hair Removal Consultation?
During the laser hair removal consultation, generally expect the following:
- Discuss your needs: Your initial consultation will begin with discussing your specific hair removal needs and expectations. Discuss with your specialist the areas you want to target and the desired results.
- Review of medical history: The professional will ask about your medical history, including any underlying health conditions and medications you are taking. This critical information helps determine if you have any contraindications or factors affecting your treatment.
- Skin and hair assessment: The specialist will assess your skin and hair type to determine the most appropriate laser technology and settings for your treatment. Factors such as your hair color, skin tone, and hair thickness greatly influence the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.
- Explanation of the procedure: The specialist will explain how the procedure works, the technology used, and the expected number of sessions required for optimal results. They will also discuss possible side effects, such as temporary redness or skin sensitivity.
- Pre-treatment instructions: You will receive instructions on how to prepare for the sessions. These instructions include avoiding sun exposure, discontinuing certain medications or topical products, and shaving the treatment area before each session.
- Treatment plan and pricing: Based on your consultation, the specialist will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs, including the required sessions and the time interval between sessions. They will also provide information on the cost of treatment, package deals, and available financing options.
- Questions and concerns: This stage allows you to ask questions or raise any concerns about the procedure, its effectiveness, potential discomfort, or other aspects of the treatment.
How Should You Prepare for Laser Hair Removal Procedure?
Preparing for a procedure dramatically increases its chances of success. Take a look at the preparation for a laser hair removal procedure in general:
- At least 24 hours before the laser session, trim and shave the area where you want the laser. Doing this removes most of your surface hair, which reduces the chance of skin irritation. However, it would be best if you did this in a way that allows the specialist to see enough of the hair follicle to know which areas the laser should target. If you don’t shave the problem area suitably, seeing where the follicles grow on your skin will be more challenging.
- Waxing before the laser is never a good idea. It is also better not to use skin care products such as creams or oils. You should also not wear make-up on the day of the procedure. The laser area should be clean and makeup-free. Consult the laser specialist and your doctor before starting the treatment. Your doctor will determine the number of sessions after examining your skin and hair. Also, let your doctor know if you have allergies or skin diseases, past or present.
- Don’t worry if you have tanned your skin before the procedure. You can also choose a device particular for dark skin. Of course, it would be better not to sunbathe or be exposed before the laser. Because your skin’s sensitivity increases, if you are still tanning and want a laser, it is enough to ask the clinic of your choice whether they do it or not.
- If you have sunburn or blisters, it is better to postpone the laser for another time. The laser can aggravate this burn and may not affect your hair. Also, avoid taking antibiotics before the laser. These make your skin sensitive to light and cause your skin to burn. Don’t drink alcohol twenty-four hours before treatment. Don’t drink caffeinated drinks before the laser session.
- Unlike waxing, which can be very time consuming and painful, this method is rapid, and the pain is minimal. Typically, the length of the treatment depends on your affected area.
- Use local anesthetic cream 15-30 minutes before the laser to increase pre-treatment comfort, and don’t worry about pain during the laser. In general, new laser devices have cooling and high cooling power. This minimizes laser pain as much as possible.
How is Laser Hair Removal Performed?
Before the treatment, you should trim the hair in your affected area to a few millimeters above the surface of your skin. Experts adjust the laser equipment according to your skin color, hair color, and thickness to optimize the effectiveness and safety of the procedure. Take a closer look at the laser hair removal steps:
- Eye protection
Both you and the specialist will wear suitable eye protection, usually in the form of glasses, to protect your eyes from the laser light.
- Laser application
Specialists then place the laser device on your skin and activate it. The laser emits a concentrated beam of light absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicles. The heat generated by the laser damages the bristles, preventing or delaying future hair growth.
- Feeling and cooling
You may feel warmth or a slight pinprick during the laser pulse. But most of the time, you tolerate the procedure well. Some laser systems have a cooled tip that specialists apply to the skin to minimize discomfort and protect the surrounding skin. Some also have built-in cooling mechanisms, such as a cold gel.
- Scope of the treatment area
The specialist systematically treats the entire area where your unwanted hair locate. To ensure comprehensive coverage, the specialist provides that the treated areas overlap. After the laser hair removal session, you may experience some redness or temporary skin irritation in the affected area. Professionals will apply a soothing gel or cream and give instructions on caring for your skin in the following days.
- Next sessions
The procedure requires multiple sessions, usually several weeks apart. This is because hair grows in cycles, and the laser can only effectively target hairs in the active growth phase. Multiple sessions allow for the treatment of hair follicles that were dormant or in a different growth stage during the previous sessions.
What to Consider After Laser Hair Removal Procedure?
After the procedure, you must properly care for your skin to ensure the best recovery and long-lasting results. Check out the things to consider after the laser hair removal procedure:
- Avoid sun exposure: The area the specialists treat will be more sunlight-sensitive. It is, therefore, essential to protect yourself from direct sun exposure. When going outside, use sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or above) and cover the problem area with clothing or a hat.
- Clean the area: Clean the problem with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh cleansers or vigorously scrubbing the area, as this irritates the skin.
- Moisturize regularly: Apply a soothing and hydrating moisturizer to the treated area to keep the skin hydrated and minimize any dryness or discomfort. Choose a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic moisturizer to reduce the risk of irritation.
- Avoid picking or scratching: You should avoid picking, scratching, or exfoliating the area where specialists treat. Let the hairs fall out naturally, and avoid any activity that may cause friction or irritation.
- Stay away from heat sources: Avoid hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, or any activity that can increase the temperature of the affected area. Heat irritates and even burns, especially in the early stages of healing.
- Skip some skin treatments: Avoid harsh chemical peels or other methods on the problem area for several weeks after the procedure. These irritate your skin or interfere with the hair follicle’s ability to shed.
- Follow post-treatment instructions: Specialists will give specific instructions for post-treatment care. You should follow their instructions closely to achieve the best possible results.
- Be patient: The procedure isn’t a quick process. It will take several sessions to achieve the desired results, and it is customary to notice some hair growth between treatments. Be consistent with your scheduled sessions and be patient as the hair follicles gradually deactivate.
- Report any unusual reactions: Contact your dermatologist if you experience severe pain, prolonged redness, or signs of infection in the problem area. Specialists will assess the situation and provide appropriate guidance.
What is the Recovery Process After Laser Hair Removal?
While generally safe, the procedure requires some recovery time to allow your skin to heal correctly. Take a look at the typical steps involved in the recovery process after laser hair removal in general:
- Redness and swelling: Immediately after the procedure, you will experience redness, swelling, and mild discomfort in the affected areas. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the site will help reduce these symptoms.
- Avoid sun exposure: You should avoid sun exposure for several weeks before and after the procedure. Sun exposure increases the risk of lightening or darkening of your skin and other side effects. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when going outside.
- Moisturize the treated area: Specialists will recommend a special cream or lotion to the affected areas to soothe the skin and aid healing.
- Avoid plucking, waxing, and electrolysis: During your recovery, avoid hair removal methods such as plucking, waxing, and electrolysis, which can irritate the hair follicle. Shaving is generally safe as it doesn’t affect the hair follicle.
- Avoid hot baths and exercise: Excessive sweating from hot baths, saunas, and movement irritates problem areas. Therefore, avoiding them for at least 24 hours after treatment would be best.
- Gently exfoliate: Gently exfoliating the affected area after a few days helps to accelerate the shedding of dead hair.
How Long After Laser Hair Removal Will You See the Final Result?
The result of laser hair removal varies from person to person, and it usually takes a few weeks to a few months to see the full effects. Most people will notice a significant reduction in hair growth after just a few sessions. However, complete and permanent hair removal requires more than one treatment.
After each laser hair removal session, you may experience shedding of treated hair in the following weeks. This is a normal part of the process, as the hair follicles you target will gradually deactivate. However, not all hairs will fall out immediately, and some will take longer.
Keep in mind that the procedure works best on actively growing hair. The process requires multiple sessions to target all hair in different growth stages. A series of treatments typically require about 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Over time, with each subsequent session, you should observe a reduction in the amount and thickness of hair in the affected area. The final result will depend on several factors, including your hair color, skin type, specific laser technology, and individual response to the treatment.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
As usual, laser hair removal costs vary depending on several factors, including location, the extent of the problem area, the number of sessions required, and the specific provider you choose. Laser hair removal is more expensive than other hair removal methods. But it is also more effective and longer lasting.
On average, the cost of laser hair removal can range from $20 to $2100 per session. However, because hair grows in different cycles, multiple sessions are usually necessary to achieve the best results.
Smaller areas, such as the upper lip or underarms, are less expensive, with individual session costs ranging from $75 to $200. Larger areas, such as the legs or back, will cost significantly more, with session prices going from $300 to $900 or more. Remember that these figures are only general estimates, and prices can vary greatly.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Laser Hair Removal Procedure Performed?
The price of laser hair removal varies significantly from country to country due to various factors such as cost of living and availability of technology. We want to remind you that prices vary within a country depending on the city and the specific clinic or provider. Check out laser hair removal costs by country in general:
COUNTRY | COST |
United States | $100 to $900 |
Brazil | $70 to $800 |
China | $200 to $2100 |
Japan | $150 to $1500 |
South Korea | $110 to $850 |
India | $80 to $750 |
Argentina | $75 to $650 |
Mexico | $30 to $540 |
Germany | $90 to $800 |
Turkey | $20 to $700 |
Colombia | $50 to $600 |
Italy | $110 to $690 |
France | $100 to $850 |
Spain | $120 to $750 |
Taiwan | $80 to $600 |
Venezuela | $25 to $1000 |
United Kingdom | $150 to $1200 |
Netherlands | $100 to $800 |
Egypt | $75 to $800 |
Peru | $90 to $1100 |
AVERAGE COST | $20 to $2100 |
Attention: For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a skin specialist for personal guidance.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507861/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507861/