- According to Canada’s Cosmetic Dermatology Society, the cost of laser hair removal can vary depending on the size of the area being treated, the type of laser used, and the clinic. Generally, laser hair removal treatments cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per session (Source)
- According to Mount Sinai Hospital, the cost of laser hair removal is $250-$600 per session and can take up to 8 sessions (Source)
- According to Wikipedia the cost of laser hair removal in the US is around $300 per session (Source)
- Research indicates that in India laser hair removal costs around $150 per session (Source)
- Insurance: Laser hair reduction is usually considered elective cosmetic surgery and is typically paid out-of-pocket. Scroll down to see the medical exceptions. (Source)
Laser hair removal is a process that uses the energy of laser beams to destroy hair at its roots. It is most commonly used on areas such as the skin, face, or legs to remove unwanted body hair. It is a popular option for those who want to get rid of hair permanently or reduce the frequency of hair removal treatments.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
Cost Factors
1. The Area
The cost of laser hair removal is usually determined by the area being treated. For example, treating your legs may be more expensive than treating just the underarms because the leg area is larger and requires longer treatment sessions. Treating a small portion of skin unexpectedly may result in additional fees e.g. if you only want your upper lip treated but the laser technician was only expecting you to treat your lower lip.
2. The Clinic
Different clinics charge different rates, so it’s best to search for a clinic that has affordable rates and also offers top-quality treatment. It is good practice to ask questions about how prices are calculated before committing to any treatments both in terms of price and number of sessions required.
3. The Type of Laser
Not all lasers are created equal which is why it’s important to find a clinic that uses the latest technology. More expensive lasers tend to be more effective and can shorten the number of sessions required. However, if you’re on a budget, don’t fret – there are still options available to you.
4. The Experience of Your Laser Technician
You don’t want a laser technician who is inattentive or unable to answer your questions – this will only make the process more uncomfortable and may result in bad results. Try asking friends for recommendations, searching online reviews, or speaking with your dermatologist about treatment options.
5. The Frequency of Treatment
Generally, the more frequently you receive treatments, the better the results will be. However, this also depends on your hair type e.g. if your hair grows quickly then more frequent appointments are required to keep up with it. It is good practice to have a schedule planned out with your technician where you agree on how frequently you’ll need to come in for treatments.
6. Pain
Laser hair removal is generally known to be very painful. Some areas are more sensitive than others, but in most cases, patients can expect some level of discomfort during treatment. A topical anesthetic cream can help reduce the pain associated with each laser pulse which is why your technician must offer this service to you before starting any treatments. You may also want to consider practicing relaxation techniques before attending your appointments, such as deep breathing and meditation.
7. The Cost of Post-Treatment Care
Some clinics may require you to purchase post-treatment care products to achieve the best results. These products can be expensive, so it’s important to ask your technician what is required of you and how much it will cost.
8. Maintenance Sessions
Some patients find that they need to return for maintenance sessions after their initial laser hair removal treatment. This usually depends on the area being treated, how fast your hair grows back, and how well you take care of your skin post-treatment. Typically, a patient will need to come in for a maintenance session every 4-6 weeks. This can be costly, so it’s important to factor this into your overall budget.
9. Your Gender
Women tend to require more sessions than men because of hormonal conditions which can cause one’s hair to grow back thick and fast e.g. after the birth of a child. However, this is something that varies from person to person depending on genetics, hormones, etc.
10. Your Skin Type
Some lasers are better suited for certain skin types. For example, the Nd: YAG laser is better for darker skin tones while the Ruby Laser is better for fairer complexions. It’s important to discuss your skin tone and type with your technician so that you can get a better idea of what treatment will work best for you.
11. Your Age
How old you are affects the type of laser that’s used to treat you. Younger skin tends to respond better to more intense forms of treatment, however, this will change as you get older and your skin becomes less resilient. Don’t forget – it’s never too late to start!
12. Underlying condition of hair
Laser hair removal is not recommended for patients who suffer from conditions such as Alopecia, PCOS, and Trichotillomania. Speak to your technician if you’re unsure whether or not you’re a candidate for laser hair removal. It’s important to be honest with your technician so that they can provide you with the best possible treatment.
13. Side Effects
Most patients experience some level of side effects after their laser hair removal treatment. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Itching
- Burning sensation
These side effects usually resolve themselves within a few days. However, if they persist or become increasingly uncomfortable, it’s important to speak to your technician immediately.
Laser Hair Removal & Insurance
Laser hair reduction is usually considered elective cosmetic surgery and is typically paid out-of-pocket. Laser hair reduction can be covered partially or completely by insurance if it is necessary because of a medical condition that causes excessive hair growth. These conditions include:
- Folliculitis
- Cushing’s Syndrome
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
- Cancer
Can You DIY It: Laser Hair Removal Machines
Laser hair removal is a technique that uses a laser to destroy the hair follicle.
Laser hair removal techniques are effective in certain situations. For instance, people with lighter skin, dark hair and light hair can benefit from laser hair removal.
Since laser hair removal machines are the latest technology in the field of hair removal, many people wonder if these machines work or not. Essentially, the answer depends on the type of laser used in the machine.
Laser hair removal is becoming more popular, but it’s not without its drawbacks. It can be quite expensive to get laser hair removal done every few months, and the treatments only last so long before you have to get them done again.
The effectiveness of laser hair removal machines varies depending on what kind you purchase, but there are some that are better than others.
In Summary
Laser hair removal is a popular choice for those looking to get rid of unwanted hair. It’s important to understand the cost and potential side effects before making a decision. Pain, expense, and the need for post-treatment care are just some of the factors you need to consider.
Speak to your technician about what to expect during your treatment and how much it will cost before making your decision. Finally, it’s important, to be honest with your technician about your medical history as certain conditions can affect your eligibility for laser hair removal. If you’re unsure, ask them for a referral to a dermatologist.
If you want to further beautify yourself- check out the pricing for under-eye fillers, Kybella costs, pricing for veneers, and the expense for hair transplants.
Hi, my name’s David. I started this pricing blog as a side project to help people figure out the best prices on common services. Whether you’re trying to figure out how much it costs to get scanning done at Staples or the expense to bleach short hair, more than likely I’ve blogged about it. Shoot me an email if you have any questions: david@mightyprice.com.
