Laser hair removal is now a booming industry. In fact, Grand View Research revealed the worldwide market value was at $443.84 million in 2020 alone. That value isn’t expected to drop anytime soon because this process is only getting more popular for people seeking hair removal. Unlike shaving, laser hair removal is a permanent solution. You can learn more about the other benefits of laser hair removal by searching online.
Before scheduling an appointment for laser hair removal, there’s some basic information you should know. Search online to learn how these treatments work and what to expect during a session.
Here’s what you should know about laser hair removal.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a long term solution to hair removal. WebMD says it’s a cosmetic procedure that rids your body of hair using a highly concentrated light. The laser is pointed into the hair follicles, to which the pigment in the follicles absorbs the light and the hair is destroyed. Most people will have proven results of permanent hair loss after three to seven sessions.
This type of treatment can remove unwanted hair from places all over the body. You should not get treatment in or around the eye area, but everywhere else is pretty much fair game.
Some popular areas of the body people get laser treatments for include:
- Chin and upper lip;
- Arms and legs;
- Bikini line;
- Underarms, and;
- Back.
The laser can treat an area the size of a quarter every second. Some people may get a topical numbing medicine about a half hour beforehand to help those who are sensitive to the laser stings. It’s not very painful though, and most people will just feel like they have a minor sunburn for a couple days after the procedure.
The Pros and Cons of Laser Hair Removal
The benefits of laser hair removal speak for itself. It rids your body of unwanted hair in a precise and speedy way. The laser can select areas of the skin without damaging surrounding skin, unlike shaving and waxing which can leave all areas of the body red or sore.
Some of the general benefits of laser hair removal include:
- Minimal discomfort;
- Permanent hair removal;
- Quick treatments;
- Eliminate ingrown hairs, and;
- No need to grow hair between treatments.
While there are many pros to laser hair removal, it’s also important to consider the cons. Knowing the downside will help you decide whether or not laser hair removal is right for you. For instance, it is more expensive than other methods of hair removal.
Secondly, Mayo Clinic says you could experience some uncomfortable side effects such as:
- Skin irritation like redness or swelling;
- Pigment changes that darken or lighten the skin, which can be temporary or permanent, and;
- Changes in skin texture, including blistering, crusting, and scarring.
While there can be side effects, severe ones are less common. Moreover, they don’t usually stop people from returning to the salon for their next appointment. Just ask your technician how to make the experience more comfortable and you should be good to go.
The Cost of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is an investment. It costs a decent amount of money per session, but payments will come to an end when the hair stops regrowing. Prices will mostly depend on the area of the body you’re removing from hair and the amount of time it takes to perform the procedure.
Businesses may offer deals if you’re booking numerous sessions in advance or have laser done on different areas of the body. According to Bankrate, average costs for laser hair removal are:.
- Face and Neck: $600 to $900
- Arms: $350 to $500
- Bikini Area: $350 to $500
- Lower Legs: $600 to $850
- Back: $600 to $900
- Chest: $350 to $650.
A survey conducted by the American Laser Center says women who shave will spend an average of $23,000 on waxing in their lifetime. Alternatively, delapidory cream users will pay $10,555 and shaving costs up to $10,207. Instead of paying thousands of dollars on waxing and shaving, you can invest some money now and forgo any future costs necessary for hair removal.
Not only can you save money, but you also save time. American Laser Centers also found that women will spend a whopping 58.4 days removing hair from their bodies throughout their life. By getting your hair permanently lasered off, you can save those precious hours for other things.
Search Online to Find a Laser Hair Technician
If you’re looking for a permanent hair removal solution, then laser hair removal is your only option. It’s a procedure that can effectively remove hair for good after several sessions.
The most hair removal routine you may need in the long run are some maintenance appointments, but it’s nothing compared to what waxing or shaving requires. Talk to a certified laser technician to learn more about the process before, during, and after treatment.
To find a professional in your area that does laser hair treatments, start an online search. You can read reviews from previous customers and compare prices from various businesses.