Laser hair removal: FAQs (2024)

Laser hair removal: What to expect

Laser hair removal works best for patients with light-colored skin and dark-colored hair. Watch this video to learn what to expect prior to and after your treatment.

To help you decide whether this treatment is right for you, you should review the following facts.

Warning

Laser hair removal can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Burns, permanent changes to your skin color, and scars can occur. You can greatly reduce the risk of possible side effects by having your treatment performed by a medical doctor who is extremely skilled in using lasers and has in-depth knowledge of the skin.The AAD recommends that you choose a board-certified dermatologist to perform laser treatments.

What happens during laser hair removal?

Before the treatment, the area to be treated will be cleansed. Some patients receive a numbing gel. Numbing the area to be treated helps when a small area will be treated and the skin is very sensitive. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes for a numbing gel to work.

The laser treatment will take place in a room set up specifically for laser treatments. Everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear during the procedure. To perform the procedure, the skin is held taut and the skin is treated with the laser. Many patients say that the laser pulses feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin.

A laser removes hair by vaporizing it. This causes small plumes of smoke that have a sulfur-like smell.

How long your treatment lasts depends on the size of the area being treated. Treating the upper lip takes minutes. If you are having a large area like the back or legs treated, your treatment may last more than an hour.

What must I do after getting laser hair removal?

To avoid possible side effects, all patients need to protect their skin from the sun. After laser hair removal, you should:

  • Avoid direct sunlight from hitting your treated skin.

  • Not use a tanning bed, sun lamp, or any other indoor tanning equipment.

  • Follow your dermatologist’s after-care instructions.

You will see some redness and swelling after treatment. This often looks like a mild sunburn. Applying a cool compress can help reduce your discomfort.

Is there downtime?

No, laser hair removal generally does not require any real downtime. Immediately after having laser hair removal, your treated skin will be red and swollen. Despite this, most people return to their everyday activities.

When will I see the results after having laser hair removal?

You will likely see the results immediately after treatment. The results vary from patient to patient. The color and thickness of your hair, area treated, type of laser used, and color of your skin all affect the results. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment.

To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it. The hairs also tend to be finer and lighter in color.

How long will the results of laser hair removal last?

Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it will likely be less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments.

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects are minor and last 1 to 3 days. These side effects include:

  • Discomfort

  • Swelling

  • Redness

Other possible side effects are rare when laser hair removal is performed by a dermatologist or under the dermatologist’s direct supervision. Other possible side effects include:

  • Blistering

  • Herpes simplex (cold sores) outbreaks

  • Infections

  • Scarring

  • Skin lightening or darkening

In time, skin color tends to return to normal. Some changes to skin color, however, are permanent. This is why seeing a medical doctor who is skilled in laser treatments and has in-depth knowledge of the skin is so important.

It is also important to follow your dermatologist’s instructions. Following both the before-treatment instructions and after-treatment instructions will greatly reduce your risk of side effects.

When is it safe to have another laser treatment for hair removal?

This varies from patient to patient. Removing hair often requires a series of laser treatments. Most patients can have laser hair removal once every 4 to 6 weeks. Your dermatologist will tell you when it is safe to have another treatment.

Most patients see some hair regrowth. Your dermatologist can tell you when you can safely have laser treatments to maintain the results.

What is the safety record for laser hair removal?

Lasers play an important role in treating many conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. In recent years, many advances have been made in laser medicine. Dermatologists have led the way in making these advances.

One such advance is that more people can safely have laser hair removal. In the past, only people with dark hair and light skin could safely have laser hair removal. Today, laser hair removal is a treatment option for patients who have light-colored hair and light skin and patients who have dark skin. Laser hair removal must be performed very carefully in these patients. Dermatologists know what precautions to take to provide laser hair removal safely and effectively.

Related AAD resources

  • Laser hair removal: Overview

  • Laser hair removal: Preparation

Laser hair removal: FAQs (2024)

FAQs

What are the don'ts of laser hair removal? ›

Here's what to avoid:
  • Avoid exposing skin to UV light (sunlight or sunbeds) or self-tan for at least 2 weeks after treatment. ...
  • Avoid heat treatments such as spas, steam rooms and saunas for 7 days.
  • Avoid excessive scrubbing or applying pressure to the skin for 4-5 days.

What they don t tell you about laser hair removal? ›

Laser hair removal treatments are very effective at reducing and eliminating hair growth; however, it is not guaranteed to remove all your hair. If you have hair that grows quickly or is treated with an inefficient laser, you may notice hair returning in a shorter time.

What are the limitations of laser hair removal? ›

Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin. Laser hair removal isn't recommended for eyelids, eyebrows or surrounding areas, due to the possibility of severe eye injury.

Can I shave 2 hours before laser hair removal? ›

2. Shave the Area. As previously mentioned, shaving the area is encouraged as long as no plucking or waxing is going on. A shave 24 to 48 hours before the appointed date is important.

What hair Cannot be lasered? ›

White, blond or gray hair usually cannot be removed with laser hair removal since there is no pigment in the hair for the laser to target. Although laser hair removal effectively slows hair growth, it does not guarantee permanent hair removal. Several treatments are usually required to remove hair.

Who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal? ›

Am I A Candidate? Laser hair removal works when the light beams are absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft and follicle. People with dark hair are considered the best candidates. Blonde, gray, and strawberry-blonde hair may not absorb the laser light.

Does anyone regret laser hair removal? ›

But, as with any treatment that ends with more or less permanent results, not everyone is pleased with their decision. While some feel freedom after banishing all the hair on their bodies for good, others express deep regret — especially given how the conversation around body hair has shifted in recent years.

What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 4 sessions? ›

If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.

Should I laser my pubic hair? ›

' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.

What are three disadvantages of laser? ›

Disadvantages of Laser :
  • Costly for Patients – It is costly and consequently more consumption to the patients requiring laser-based medicines.
  • Costly for specialists – ...
  • Increases intricacy – ...
  • Less uses in Dental method – ...
  • Higher forces during the cutting cycle – ...
  • Destructive –
Dec 28, 2020

Should I laser my upper lip? ›

There are a variety of benefits to upper lip laser treatments. Unlike other hair removal methods, laser hair removal permanently removes unwanted hair. This treatment is also less painful, more precise, and doesn't damage your skin, unlike shaving and waxing. This treatment is extremely cost and time effective.

Who is not suitable for laser hair removal? ›

Who shouldn't have laser hair removal?
  • Are pregnant.
  • Are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
  • Have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores.
  • Have keloid scars (raised scars).
  • Have or have had skin cancer.

Is stubble ok for laser hair removal? ›

Shave Before Treatment

You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.

What happens if you laser over a cut? ›

Using laser treatment to remove unwanted hair from damaged skin can further irritate the skin, especially if your skin is sensitive. Ultimately, this will increase the damage and prolong the healing process. Avoid treating areas with the following types of skin damage: Scrapes and cuts.

Do I tip for laser hair removal? ›

It is generally accepted that tips are voluntary and appreciated. The standard 15 to 20 percent rule applies in most cases, but some discounted sites may recommend tipping 20% of the original price.

What are the precautions after laser hair removal? ›

Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
  • AVOID SUN EXPOSURE. ...
  • HYDRATION IS KEY. ...
  • SKIP OTHER HAIR REMOVAL METHODS. ...
  • EMBRACE ANTIOXIDANT-RICH FOODS. ...
  • AVOID TOPICAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS. ...
  • WEAR SILK OR COTTON CLOTHING. ...
  • TAKE COOL SHOWERS.
  • EXFOLIATING AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL.

Are you allowed to shave during laser hair removal? ›

You can shave after you are receive a laser hair removal treatment. However, it is important that you do not shave right away. You'll be required by your medical professional to shave several days before your appointment to ensure the hair is the right length.

What happens if you don't shave for laser hair removal? ›

Potential Risks of Skipping the Shave

Cause skin irritation: Unshaved hair can lead to post-laser redness, inflammation, and swelling. Increase burn risk: Longer hair can excessively absorb laser energy, heightening the risk of burns and blisters.

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