This article was last updated on October 14, 2024.
Are you tired of tweezing, waxing, or shaving to remove unwanted hair? Laser hair removal is an option worth considering. Laser hair removal is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the U.S. It is a gentle and long-lasting solution for unwanted hair. Laser hair works on all areas of the body where smooth skin is desired: face, neck, underarms, neck, legs, shoulders, back, chest, bikini line, and arms.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic treatment that uses a laser to target the pigment within hair follicles with intense beams of energy in order to damage the hair follicles and prevent them from regrowing. Laser hair removal is commonly used to prevent hair growth in the following areas:
- legs
- armpits
- upper lip
- chin/jaw
- bikini area
Laser hair removal usually requires about 4-6 sessions in order to target all of the follicles in a given area. Sessions can last anywhere from 10 minutes (upper lip) to an hour or more for a large surface area like legs or back.
Which type of laser hair removal should I get?
All lasers for hair removal are not created equal. At Dermablue, we use an actual laser, not an intense pulse light device. This laser ensures the best laser hair removal results with fewer treatments. A minimum of five treatments are usually needed along with touch-ups a couple times per year. Results from laser hair removal treatments vary from one person to the next, based on factors such as hormone hair growth, hair type, color of hair, and ethnic background.
Which type of laser hair removal should I get?
All lasers for hair removal are not created equal. At Dermablue, we use an actual laser, not an intense pulse light device. This laser ensures the best hair removal results with fewer treatments. A minimum of five treatments are usually needed along with touch-ups a couple times per year. Results vary from one person to the next, based on factors such as hormone hair growth, hair type, color of hair, and ethnic background.
Who is a good candidate for laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal works best for those with dark hair and lighter skin—the contrast between skin and hair color is important for the laser to work well. Gray, white, blonde, or red hair cannot be as well detected by the laser. Laser hair removal can still be conducted on lighter colored hair, however it will typically result in temporary hair removal instead of permanent hair removal.
A DermaBlue laser technician can help you determine if you’re a good candidate for laser hair removal during a free 30-minute consultation.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
If you’re someone who shaves your legs regularly, you already know how time-consuming it is and how expensive razors are—not to mention the annoying little nicks and cuts that can happen. Laser hair removal can save you tons of time, hassle, and money in the long run. Benefits of laser hair removal include:
Convenience
Laser hair removal can save you time and the daily or weekly chore of shaving large portions of your body.
Precision
Lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
Speed
Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second and can treat many hairs at the same time.
Predictability
Most patients have permanent hair loss after an average of five to seven sessions, with occasional touch ups.
What to expect at during laser hair removal treatment
The laser hair removal treatment process is quick and straightforward. You’ll need to come prepared, however—you should shave the area before your appointment (one last time!). This will allow the laser to target the individual hair follicles without being obstructed by longer hairs.
First, the area will be carefully cleaned and you will be given eye protection and a local anesthetic in some cases.
Next, your laser hair removal specialist will adjust the laser to the right setting for your needs. They will then pass the laser over the target area. You may feel a warm stinging or snapping.
After your appointment, your skin may be slightly swollen or red for a few days. This is totally normal! You’ll also be given some aftercare instructions by your laser hair removal technician.
Your hair will grow back thinner than before in the target area. You will need to wait about a month or so until your next appointment.
Schedule your free laser hair removal consultation at DermaBlue.
Packages and pricing vary for laser hair removal, and treatment intervals differ depending on the area of focus. To get an accurate quote and to see if laser hair removal will work for you, contact us today, or schedule a FREE cosmetic consultation online. We will help you to find the right laser hair removal treatment package that works for you!
Laser Hair Removal FAQ
At-home laser hair removal systems may work for some people, but come with a degree of risk. These at-home laser hair removal devices aren’t as precise or as powerful as the ones we use here at DermaBlue or any other dermatology office, so they may not completely remove the hair.
Yes, for most qualified patients laser removal is permanent. The hair follicles in the target region will become thinner with each laser hair removal treatment session until they cease to grow back altogether. However, some patients are not qualified for laser hair removal, and whether or not laser hair removal works permanently largely depends on hair type & color.
Laser hair removal may involve mild discomfort for some patients—it is often described as a “snapping rubber band” sensation. It can cause some redness and swelling that may last a day or two. Your laser hair removal specialist may offer or recommend a topical anesthetic before or after the treatment to make the laser hair removal treatment less painful.
Laser hair removal does have some risks and downsides involved. It can cause some irritiation to the skin after the treatment that can cause blisters in some cases. It can also change the pigment color of the skin in rare cases. However, this is generally not permanent. You will need to consult with a laser hair removal specialist to see if you’re qualified or at risk before committing to a laser hair removal treatment.
