Do you have areas of unwanted facial or body hair? Does the mere thought of waxing pain make you cringe? Are you sick and tired of constantly having to shave? If your answer yes to any of these questions, then laser hair removal may be a good solution to your hair overgrowth.

Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and the FDA approved it for “permanent hair reduction.” Both men and women seek laser hair removal services to have superfluous or unwanted hair removed. Keep reading to find out how much it’s going to hurt – your body AND your wallet, what are the chances the hair would grow back, where to have it done, and whether this procedure is for you.

How does laser hair removal work?

Lasers stop growth of hair from its roots by selectively targeting and heating dark target matter – melanin – in the area that causes hair growth – the follicle – while not damaging the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin: it gives skin and hair its color. There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin (which gives hair brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which gives hair blonde or red color).

Is it for everyone?

Everyone’s skin is different so go for a consultation and have a test patch done. Generally, laser hair removal treatments work best on fair skinned people with dark hair, however, as technology improves, new lasers are now able to target black hair in people with dark skin, and there are even options for dark skin and light hair combination.

What areas can be treated?

Lasers are great for treating large areas of skin, such as the back, shoulders, arms and chest. While it may take years to perform electrolysis on the back or legs, a typical laser hair removal session on both legs usually takes under two hours.

For upper lip and chin, lasers work but only on dark hair. If you want to ensure the blonde hairs are zapped, your better bet may be electrolysis for permanent hair removal in these areas.

Is it effective?

Laser hair removal has become extremely popular because of its speed and efficacy, although some of the efficacy is dependent upon the skill and experience of the laser operator, as well as the choice and availability of different laser technology at the clinic which is performing the procedure.

Nobody knows for sure what the regrowth rates are, and don’t trust a clinic that guarantees hair complete hair removal. Some people notice regrowth after several months or years, while others find they never have to shave again. The average experience is 70-80 percent reduction in hair growth if you do a full course of treatment.

Is it truly permanent?

Laser hair removal is permanent, but not the first time you have it done. Most people have to go back three to six times before it becomes permanent. Some will need touch-up treatments, especially on large areas, after the initial set of treatments.

Is it safe?

This procedure has been around for so long is that it has undergone a great deal of progress from where it first started out. As a result, you no longer have to be concerned about its safety. However if your complexion is dark, it may cause some scarring. That is why it is recommended having the doctor do a “test patch” in an area that can’t be seen and then determining if your skin reacts well.

How much does it cost?

It depends. Laser hair removal isn’t cheap at about $200-$600 per session depending on where you live and the areas being treated. Again, it takes about 3-6 sessions to get rid of 70% of hair permanently. Touch-ups are always an option at about $100-$150 a session.

Throughout the United States, the average cost for one laser treatment ranges between $400 and $450 per session. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average price of the procedure is $429.

Will you feel any pain?

The procedure feels like a rubber band snapping skin. The pain isn’t unbearable at all, nothing like the pain of waxing. If you fear the pain, do not take aspirin, which can cause bruising. Instead, you may try som numbing cream, desensitizing spray with Lidocaine, or some ibuprofen.

Pick the right professional

Do your homework before selecting and signing up for services. Many clinics advertise cheap and discounted procedures, but the best places don’t have to resort to discounts. Book only with a dermatologist or licensed technician.