What You Need to Know About Laser Hair Removal

As much as we hate it, hair removal is a major part of our lives. Shaving, waxing, tweezing—they’re dreaded daily chores that have to be done, and no matter what we do those annoying hairs keep coming back. If you’re sick and tired of the daily maintenance and are looking for a permanent solution to the problem, I have three magical words for you: laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is the process in which laser energy penetrates the hair root, damages the follicle, and prevents new hair growth. There are several different laser devices available, but they use the same technology to permanently minimize hair growth. Prices vary depending on which area you’re treating and where you go for the treatment. For one session, the average cost for the upper lip is $100-$300, underarms is $150-$250, bikini is $150-450, half legs and half arms is $250-$650 each.

The treatments can be done almost anywhere on the body and are quick, especially if you’re focusing on a small area like the upper lip. People with dark, coarse hair and lighter skin tend to see better results because the laser targets pigment and the laser can have a hard time differentiating hair pigment from skin pigment on people with lighter hair or darker skin tones.

Laser hair removal is precise, focusing only on hair follicles and leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. It is also the best way to eliminate ingrown hairs and reactions like shaving irritation!

Unlike waxing, you don’t need to grow out your hair between treatments. In my own experience, I was actually encouraged to shave between sessions and found the pain to be more bearable when you’re hair-free.

If you have sensitive skin, you may experience side effects like itching or swelling, but those are temporary and disappear after a few days.

It’s important to know that laser hair removal is a permanent reduction of hair, not a permanent removal of hair. I know, it's confusing. But permanent removal is done only by electrolysis, which is when a needle probe is inserted into each targeted hair follicle, therefore making it more time consuming and painful than laser.

The process is expensive and to get the results you want, you typically have to have between six and eight treatments. However, you might end up saving money in the long run. Just imagine all the money you'll save when you say goodbye to regular waxes or buying razors!

Would you consider laser hair removal? Tell us in the comments!

Image: @downtownmedspa