Face and body hair can be everything from a mild nuisance to a major pain in the butt. Regardless of where you experience unwanted hair or how much it bugs you, there’s a simple solution that can help you eliminate it for the long term: laser hair removal. 

How laser hair removal works can be complex, so in this post, we’ll answer all the frequently asked questions about laser hair removal, so you can understand it better and know if it’s right for you. 

 

Key Laser Hair Removal FAQs

Without further ado, these are the laser hair removal FAQs that pop up the most! 

1. How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicles directly. A laser is a concentrated beam of light that travels at a specific wavelength. It’s absorbed into the hair follicles, where a thermal reaction deactivates them, preventing more hair growth. With a series of treatments, it’s possible to achieve significant hair reduction.

2. How much is laser hair removal? 

The costs for laser hair removal can vary widely from clinic to clinic. The body part you’re getting treated and the area where you live also makes a difference. 

At SEV, our laser hair removal prices are always affordable and transparent because we believe in making this treatment accessible to all. We have reasonable pricing for both individual treatments and packages. 

3. Can hair be permanently removed by laser? 

Laser hair removal is usually classified as permanent hair reduction, but this can be a little misleading. In reality, it’s common to have a minimal amount of regrowth in the years after getting laser hair removal (which can also occur with electrolysis). Additionally, major hormonal fluctuations can also stimulate sudden hair growth. 

4. How long does laser hair removal last? 

After laser hair removal treatments, it’s common for the majority of hair reduction to last for years, with minor regrowth. You can maintain your results indefinitely by coming in for yearly touch-ups or as needed.  

5. What are the pros and cons of laser hair removal?

Pros 

  • Long-lasting smooth skin 
  • Appointments are quick and largely pain-free
  • Show off smooth, hairless skin without needing to plan ahead
  • Prevents ingrown hairs and razor burn
  • Saves money on hair removal in the long term 
  • Works on all skin tones 

Cons

  • May hurt a little
  • You’ll need to avoid sun exposure and tanning 2 weeks before and after the treatments
  • Can be an initial expense
  • May require yearly touch-ups 

6. Are there any side effects to laser hair removal?

There can be side effects to laser hair removal, although many of our patients at SEV don’t experience any. The most common side effects are redness in the treatment area, minor follicular swelling also known as perifollicular edema, and tenderness or itching. It’s also common to experience mild ingrown hairs in the weeks following your initial treatments. The side effects normally disappear within hours or a couple of days at most. 

There are also some less common side effects such as burning, blistering, infections, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation. They’re quite rare, and more likely to occur as a result of poor screening or overly high treatment settings. 

7. How many sessions of laser hair removal will I need?

The hair follicles have to be in their active growth stage for the laser to have an impact, which is why you’ll need multiple treatment sessions to see significant results. The exact number of sessions needed for laser hair removal varies widely from person to person and body part to body part. 

For example, the legs usually need fewer sessions compared to the face. Some people may see their desired results within just a few treatments, while others might need upwards of 12, while most people will fall somewhere in between. 

8. Does laser hair removal hurt? 

The quick zap of the laser during a hair removal treatment can feel like a little sting. It shouldn’t hurt too much and you shouldn’t feel any heat (if you do, tell your provider!). At SEV, all of our machines have a cooling feature that helps soothe the skin throughout the treatment. As a result, many of our clients report that laser hair removal at SEV is totally painless.  

9. Is laser hair removal safe? 

Laser hair removal is incredibly safe as long as it’s carried out by a trained professional. This advanced treatment has gone through a lot of evolutions over the decades. Nowadays, modern lasers are able to treat unwanted hair while keeping the skin totally unharmed. There is still room for error and some common side effects, but the treatment as a whole is considered as very safe, and even has FDA-approval. 

Moreover, our registered nurses and laser technicians at SEV are specialists when it comes to laser hair removal – it’s our signature treatment across all SEV locations. Providing a safe treatment is our top priority, and we’ll do everything we can to ensure your experience is pleasant and effective. 

10. Can you get laser hair removal while pregnant? 

No. Laser hair removal isn’t recommended during pregnancy or while you’re breastfeeding.

11. Can you shave after laser hair removal?

You can shave again 7-10 days after a laser hair removal treatment. It’s important to shave 24-48 hours before your next appointment. 

12. Is laser hair removal painful?

Laser hair removal can feel like a mild sting for some, although many of our clients find that it doesn’t hurt at all. 

Laser Hair Removal Expertise at SEV

We hope our laser hair removal FAQs makes it clear that this is the best hair removal method. It’s less painful than waxing, less wasteful than shaving, and it saves you money on both since it offers lasting results. 

At SEV, our registered nurses and laser technicians have the skills to ensure you have the best laser hair removal experience imaginable. If you’d like to get started, go ahead and book your appointment.