LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Laser treatments use concentrated beams of light to target the pigment in a hair follicle. The pigment absorbs the light, which is converted to heat and damages the follicle. This damage inhibits the hair's ability to grow back or greatly delays growth. Clients who get the recommended number of treatments should see a significant reduction in hair in the area. Learn more with our laser hair removal FAQs.

Laser Hair Removal Fast Facts

• Treatments needed: ideally 5–12  
• How often: spaced 4–6 weeks apart
• Treatment time: a few minutes (upper lip) to an hour or two (back)
• Recovery: none, though skin might be irritated for a day and sun should be avoided for weeks
• Results: significant reduction in hair growth
• Permanent: no, most people need touch-ups once a year or so

Typical Treatment Areas

To find out the exact treatment area for one of our deals, click on the “valid treatment areas” link found under What You’ll Get. Or, check to see if they’re listed out in the deal. Here are some sample laser hair removal treatment areas.

Common Laser Hair Removal Devices

Med spas love to name drop the lasers they use, things like Cynosure, Soprano, and SHR (often marketed by itself, but technically just a mode of the SopranoXL diode laser). It’s not easy to decipher what it all means, but our guide to hair-removal laser types helps clear things up. Check it to see if the device used at your med spa matches up with your skin type, hair type, and goals.

At-Home IPL Hair Removal Devices

The majority of at-home “laser” devices actually rely on IPL (intense pulsed light) to heat and damage hair follicles. Unlike lasers, which have only one specific light wavelength, IPL devices have multiple wavelengths. These waves scatter within the skin, seeking out pigment to destroy.

This all means that IPL is less powerful than concentrated laser beams. At-home devices also use lower energy levels, in general, meaning that it takes longer to remove unwanted hair. In fact, experts say these devices are best for maintenance after professional treatments.

Note: There are in-office IPL hair removal treatments, but they are becoming less and less common as they’re not as effective as laser hair removal.

IPL Device Fast Facts

• Do they work?: yes, but they’re not as powerful as professional laser devices
• Best for: touch-ups after professional laser hair removal
• Treatments needed: depends on the device; for instance, the Remington iLight Pro Plus Quartz Hair Removal System recommends three initial treatments spaced two weeks apart, followed by treatments as needed
• Recovery: none, minus slight irritation; sun should be avoided for weeks, too
• Results: reduction in hair growth
• Permanent: no, most people need touch-ups once a year or more  
• Avoid: if you have dark skin (it is at a higher risk for burns) and light hair (it won’t work)

Typical Treatment Areas

It depends on the device, but in general:

• Most are OK to use on body hair below the neck, including arms, underarms, chest, stomach, bikini line, and legs.
• Some are not designed for use on the face, back, or neck.
• You should avoid the genitals, eye area, and tattoos.

Electrolysis

During electrolysis, a tiny needle is inserted into a single hair follicle. A low-level current then travels through the needle into the follicle to destroy it. The existing hair falls out and the follicle stops producing hair eventually.

The number of treatments you need depends on a variety of factors, including your hair-growth cycle, hormones, and hair thickness. However, you should expect to be permanently hairless in the treatment area around 18 months. Electrolysis can be used on all skin and hair types and colors.

Electrolysis Fast Facts

• Treatments needed: depends, but you should be hairless around 18 months
• How often: depends on what you’re treating, but in general, expect to go more often in the beginning and for appointments to taper off toward the end  
• Treatment time: a few minutes (follow-up treatment) to an hour (larger treatment area)
• Recovery: temporary redness or tenderness; excessive sweating, tanning, and makeup should be avoided for the first 24 hours
• Results: permanent hair removal

Typical Treatment Areas

To find out the exact treatment area for one of our deals, click on the “valid treatment areas” link found under What You’ll Get. Or, check to see if they’re listed out in the deal. Here are some sample electrolysis treatment areas.

• Women: chin, jawline, upper lip, throat, sides of face, eyebrows, chest, abdomen, breasts, bikini line, underarms, hairline, fingers, and toes
• Men: back (including shoulders and torso), ears, brows, cheeks (to clean up a beard line), neckline, nape of the neck, groin, and hands

Information provided by the Mayo Clinic and American Electrology Association, as well as the manufacturers of Cynosure, Alma Soprano XL, and Remington iLight Pro Plus Quartz Hair Removal System.