Laser hair removal can sound intimidating. Even if you’re very interested in this hair removal technology, it makes sense to have concerns. How long does it take? Is laser hair removal really worth it?
You might be surprised to discover that, in reality, laser is not as scary or as expensive as it can sound!
In this post, we’ll cover all of the burning questions you might have about laser, like how it works, whether it hurts, and how much it costs. Finally, we’ll help you decide for yourself if it’s the right service for you.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser is a highly targeted light that is strong enough to destroy hair follicles and prevent them from growing hair. Since it’s considered a medical procedure, it can only be done by a licensed laser technician or a registered nurse.
The actual science behind it is fascinating. The laser is attracted to the pigment of the root of the hair. Once it zaps the hair, that light energy transforms into heat that only damages the follicle, without impacting the skin. If the hair follicle is lasered while it’s at the growth stage (i.e. the anagen phase), its ability to regrow hair will be totally damaged.
Is It Painful?
Laser hair removal is a little painful, but it’s not as bad as waxing or epilating. Some patients compare it to getting stung by a rubber band, which is unpleasant but tolerable.
Modern laser machines make the process a little more comfortable because they are equipped with a “cool shot.” After zapping the skin, the machine immediately cools the area so the pain dissipates right away.
The level of pain also depends on the area being treated, as well as the patient themselves. For example, the face is usually much more sensitive when compared to the legs or back.
If you’re a woman undergoing treatment, you may find it more painful before or during your period. Keep that in mind when you book your appointment.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
It normally takes between 6 to 12 sessions of laser hair removal in order to achieve total hairlessness.
This is because each hair follicle moves through the hair growth phases on a different schedule. At any given time, chances are that only around 20% of your follicles are at the growth stage, which is the stage when laser can damage them.
That’s why most patients need around 6 appointments to effectively treat every follicle at the right point in its cycle. Since hair growth is different from person to person, it’s impossible to predict exactly how many sessions you’ll need.
Thankfully, hair re-growth slows down with every session, so you’ll see some results even after your first appointment. Additionally, most salons offer laser hair removal packages that allow you to save on a series of treatments.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
The cost of laser hair removal depends on which body part you’re targeting. Treating a small area like the upper lip can cost as little as $15 per session. A larger area like full legs or back can cost between $100 to $200 per session.
There is no shortage of salons that charge similar prices for waxing. The major difference is that, over time, laser destroys the hair follicle and prevents re-growth. The initial cost of a full series of laser sessions can seem high, but over the course of a lifetime, you can save thousands of dollars on other hair removal services or on hair removal accessories.
To find out what kind of pricing you can expect, check out SEV Laser’s service menu. It will give you a solid idea of the costs based on body parts for different locations in the United States.
Bottom Line: Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It For You?
If being hair-free is important to you, laser hair removal is a no-brainer. Yes, it requires some initial effort and spending, but it’ll save you years of waxing, shaving, or epilating.
For best results, look for a salon where you can feel comfortable, with excellent reviews, certified staff, and that feels like a spa when you walk in. Not sure how to find that? Check if your city has a SEV Laser to be sure you’ll have a great laser hair removal experience at a reasonable cost.
