Can you tell me which is an effective laser for hair removal?

Laser hair removal is big business and people who sell this therapy make many false promises. Studies indicate that the best lasers for hair removal are the alexandrite and the diode laser. These lasers only work in 50% of people with light skin. Lasers which are useless or barely work for hair removal include the intense pulsed light, ND:YAG or ruby laser. Irrespective of which laser you are treated with, laser hair removal only lasts 3-6 months. There is no laser that can remove hair permanently- that is only in the imagination of the laser manufacturers. Side effects like pain, skin reddening, burnt hair, scarring, permanent skin discoloration are commonly reported with all lasers.

Are there any precautions I should take after laser hair removal?

In general, a common sense approach is all that is required. Some of the dos and don’ts include the following:


Do not participate in any strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours


Avoid sun exposure for 3-6 weeks. When going out, a sunscreen should be applied


Avoid tanning for at least 4-6 weeks otherwise you will develop  permanent skin discoloration


Avoid waxing, shaving or plucking hair from the treated site for several days


Keep the skin area clean and moisturized


If you cannot follow these simple instructions, then you should not undergo laser hair removal

What can I expect after laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is an outpatient procedure and there is no need for any fancy bandages, dressing or plasters. The procedure usually takes less than 45-60 minutes and you will be home sooner than you think.  After the procedure, you may develop some mild pain, swelling and redness- this is of course natural when you start to burn your body with a light source. The pain can be managed with over the counter medications unless the technician has burnt you badly. These symptoms will generally disappear over the next 2-3 days. The treated skin area will become dry and thus it is wise to use some type of moisturizing agent.

Who responds best to laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is not for everyone. The treatment works best in light-skinned people with dark hair compared to those with darkly pigmented skin. In most cases, multiple laser treatment sessions are required to get the best cosmetic result. The reason for this is because hair growth occurs during different cycles and not all hair are in the same cycle. Additional sessions are required to ensure that all the hairs are treated.


The laser emits a light beam that is absorbed by the hair follicle. The darker the hair, the more laser energy is required and the treatment is effective. Individuals who have light or blonde hair are very difficult to treat as the laser energy is not absorbed but reflected back. In individuals who have dark skin, the laser generally causes a nasty skin burn instead of destroying the hair follicle

What is cost of laser hair removal?

For something that may not work and does not last long, laser for hair removal is prohibitively expensive.


Laser hair removal, although much less expensive than electrolysis, requires multiple treatments, and generally costs over $1,000-$3,000 in total for most parts of the body. Generally, each laser session will cost you about $ 500. This may not sound a lot but like the car mechanic, you will have to come many more times. In most cases, 4-6 sessions.


Large areas, such as the entire back or legs, cost considerably more than this. Small areas, such as the upper lip, can be less. Individual consultation with the laser center is necessary to obtain exact pricing.


The latest surveys indicate that the average initial cost for laser hair removal starts at about $500. This is only an underestimate and variable depending on where you live and whom you see. The costs of removal for large amounts of hair are considerably higher.

Who usually performs Laser hair removal?

There are thousands of spas and cosmetic clinics all over the place clamoring for the business of hair removal. For safety and best results, talk to a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. However, even if you visit these professionals, unless you are Elizabeth Taylor or Madonna, the technician is going to be doing the procedure. The doctor will only be there to tell you the costs and how you will pay.


All women who seek laser for hair removal are advised, as with all forms of medical care, to seek the center of highest quality, rather than lowest cost. Laser hair removal requires exact technique, individual attention, experience, and a trained, thoughtful, professional staff. 

I am thinking about laser hair removal. Does the procedure have any risks?

Anytime you take a heated light source and apply it to your body, something is going to be burnt and the same applies to lasers. Unfortunately, no one keeps a track record of complications induced by lasers but you can rest assured there are plenty. Cyberspace has thousands of negative reports on laser. Some of the more common complications of laser include:

-hyper pigmentation: darkening of skin is usually a temporary feature but in some fair skinned individuals may be permanent

-hypopigmentation: lightening of skin can occur in dark skinned individuals. This is also a permanent complication

-Blistering and scarring can occur from excess heat or if you had a recent tan prior to the procedure. Fortunately, the blistering will subside, but if you are someone with a dark skin, African American or oriental, you can develop real ugly looking keloids

- Skin texture may appear coarse for a few weeks. This may be due to excessive drying of skin

Complications from laser are more common when you go to someone who has no experience handling these devices and this includes the majority. There are many health care practitioners who also use laser to remove hair, but many either had only a weekend course or learnt the technique from a friend (very common habit among certain Orientals). Therefore, the onus is on to you to select a decent professional- of course you will have to pay more.