Laser hair removal is a process through which highly concentrated light damages hair follicles. This helps prevent future hair growth. The process only works on growing follicles, so it may take several treatments to see the hair reduction you want.1
You can get the treatment on any part of your body, but it is most commonly used for legs, underarms, bikini areas, faces, and backs. If you are considering laser hair removal before attending an event, leave yourself time for several treatments.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is a process in which highly concentrated light damages hair follicles. Hair shafts in follicles absorb the light, generating heat that damages the follicle. This helps prevent future hair growth.2
Laser hair removal only works on growing follicles. Because your hair grows at different rates, you may need several treatments before getting your desired results. Do not pluck your hair before treatment, as this removes the follicles. You can do laser hair removal at home or have a professional do it.
Laser Hair Removal Devices
There are several types of FDA-approved laser hair removal devices. Which one you opt for depends on your skin and hair type and how big an area you want to be treated.3 Be sure to talk to your dermatologist about your skin and hair type before you schedule a laser hair removal procedure.
Alexandrite Laser
The Alexandrite laser has a shorter wavelength system than other options, so removing large areas of hair is faster. It is safe for many skin types but may cause discoloration on darker skin.
Ruby Laser
The Ruby laser works best for people with fair skin and light or fine hair. It is one of the oldest available lasers, and it can be time-consuming because it can only cover a smaller area.
Diode Laser
A Diode laser has a longer wavelength of light compared to the Alexandrite and Ruby, so there is a reduced risk of skin damage. It can treat large areas of hair quickly and is best for fair to medium skin.
Nd and LD Nd: YAG
The Nd and LD Nd: YAG laser is commonly used when removing hair from dark skin. It may be less effective on fine hair but uses the longest wavelengths of the four types, so it gets deeper into hair follicles.
At-Home Hair Removal Lasers
There are also at-home laser hair removal devices. They don’t use as much energy as professional lasers, so treatments take longer. Some at-home lasers include the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL and the MiSMON Hair Removal Device.4
How Much is Laser Hair Removal?
The average laser hair removal cost is $389, though the final price depends on several factors.5 It is also only one part of the cost, and you may have related expenses. Some of the factors that could make your procedure cost more include the following:
- The background and expertise of the person doing the procedure
- Your geographic location
- The time and effort required to remove hair from the treatment area
- The cost of prescriptions, if you need any, following your procedure
Paying For Laser Hair Removal
Insurance does not generally cover the cost of laser hair removal, though you should check and see if you can cover the cost through a flexible spending account.6
You can also cover the cost of your procedure using medical loans or by paying with a credit card. Check with the clinic where you have your procedure to see if they offer financing.
The best way to determine your final cost and how to pay for it is to shop around if you have multiple options. Ensure that the dermatologists you contact have the best lasers for your skin and hair type. Ask them about any financing options they offer or if they have discounts at certain times of the year.
The Benefits of Professional Laser Hair Removal
One of the main benefits of professional laser hair removal is that it must be done carefully in patients who have lighter hair and skin or dark skin. Dermatologists are trained on how to do it not only safely but effectively.7 If you have any side effects from the procedure, you are better off already being with a trained specialist than at home.
The lasers that professionals use are much stronger than the ones made for at-home use. They also have much larger treatment heads. They can treat larger areas of hair faster and more effectively. They are also less painful to use than at-home devices.
If you purchase a device at home, you must add the cost of replacement cartridges. These cartridges are expensive, and you should add them to the device’s price to determine if doing your own laser hair removal is actually cost-effective.
Learn More About Skin Treatment
Read more in-depth articles about skin treatment by visiting My Skin Treatment. Our physician-reviewed articles offer comprehensive insight through guides that help you understand skin problem symptoms and explore treatment options.
SOURCES:
- Cleveland Clinic: “Laser Hair Removal.”
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “Laser Hair Removal.”
- Laser Away: “Types of Lasers For Hair Removal.“
- Marie Claire: “The 16 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices of 2022.”
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?”
- Forbes: “How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?”
- American Academy of Dermatology Association: “Laser Hair Removal FAQS.”
