Laser Hair Removal
Also known as IPL, diode laser, permanent hair reduction
Permanent hair reduction, not permanent removal. One of the highest satisfaction-per-dollar procedures available.
US $100–400 per session per area; full course $600–3,000.
How it works
Laser light is absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft and converted to heat, damaging the follicular stem cells. Only follicles in the active anagen phase are susceptible, which is why multiple spaced sessions are required to catch each follicle in the right phase.
How it's used
Six to eight sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart, then occasional maintenance. Shave — do not wax or pluck — before treatment, because the laser needs the hair shaft in the follicle. Different wavelengths suit different skin tones; Nd:YAG is the safe choice for darker skin. It does not work on grey, red or genuinely blonde hair.
Trade-offs
In favour
- Permanent reduction of 70–90% of treated hair
- Eliminates ingrown hairs and shaving irritation
- Time saved compounds for years
- Increasingly affordable
Against
- Ineffective on light, grey or red hair
- Requires 6–8 sessions plus maintenance
- Hormonal changes can trigger new growth
- Home devices are far weaker than clinical machines
Risks and side effects
- Burns and blistering, especially with the wrong wavelength for your skin tone
- Post-inflammatory hyper- or hypopigmentation
- Paradoxical hypertrichosis — increased growth at treatment margins, uncommon
- Eye injury without proper protection
- Scarring (rare)
Recovery
Redness and follicular swelling for a few hours to two days. Avoid sun and heat for 48 hours. No real downtime.
How good is the evidence?
Strong evidence for long-term hair reduction; the appropriate device depends on skin phototype.
Sources
Sources point to guideline bodies and literature searches rather than single papers, so they stay accurate as the evidence moves.