If you are tired of endless shaving or painful waxing treatments you should be thinking about laser hair removal as a permanent solution. Imagine being able to do away with dull razors and exfoliating creams that strip your skin of its natural glow.

Look your best for any occasion and through the entire shorts and bathing suit season with hair-free legs, arms or bikini area. Imagine, no more razor burn or painful ingrown hairs! Laser hair removal may seem like a good idea but if you are new to the technology it can also seem a bit daunting.

Laser hair removal is actually a simple process that works by using focused heat and light to eliminate new hair growth for the long term. It may be more of an upfront cost, but in the long run you can save a ton of money on expensive waxing treatments and shaving materials.

If you are thinking about getting laser hair removal treatments, here are some important facts that you should know to help you make your decision about a smooth and hair-free future.

How Does It Work?

A focused light beam or laser is used on the surface of the skin and heats up the hair strand and follicle until permanent damage is done to the root. Once the laser has been used, the root and follicle will no longer be able to produce new hair growth, eliminating your hair in that area for good. It can take several treatments in the same area to achieve maximum results. The laser treatments work best on lighter shades of skin and darker coarser hair.

How Long Does It Take?

To completely eliminate all new growth, you will have to have several treatments done spaced several weeks apart. On average, it can take 4-6 treatments for the best results. Each treatment takes between 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the area. For larger areas like full legs or full back, treatment can take up to 6 months.

How Long Does It Last?

For most patients, after a full treatment has been administered the results should be permanent. For darker skin tones, there may be additional treatments needed after a year to target any new growth.

What Is The Cost?

The cost can vary widely depending on the size of the area being treated and the location. You can expect to pay anywhere between $150-$500 for laser hair removal. Prices can vary depending on where you are geographically located. For example, prices in New York City may be much higher than you will find in a smaller city in Ohio. Remember that cheaper prices are not always better. Always make sure that your technician is certified by your state to perform laser hair removal.

Are There Any Side Effects?

The procedure is fairly non-invasive and consists of very little discomfort. If you tend to have fair or sensitive skin you may experience some mild burning or redness after each procedure. In very rare cases, patients have reported more serious burns or blisters directly following treatment.