How much does laser hair removal cost?
How much does laser hair removal cost?
$50 – $400 average cost per session (small areas)
$200 – $600 average cost per session (large areas)
Average cost of laser hair removal
Laser hair removal costs $50 to $600 per session on average, depending on the area, machine type, and whether you’ve purchased a package with multiple sessions. Full-body laser hair removal costs $800 to $2,000 per session. Brazilian laser hair removal costs $150 to $350 per treatment.
| Treatment area | Average cost per session |
|---|---|
| Full body | $800 – $2,000 |
| Legs | $250 – $500 |
| Back or chest | $200 – $600 |
| Arms | $170 – $400 |
| Brazilian | $150 – $350 |
| Bikini line | $100 – $250 |
| Face | $150 – $350 |
| Underarm | $70 – $230 |
| Upper lip or chin | $50 – $200 |
Large areas
Laser hair removal costs $200 to $600 per session for large areas like the legs, back, chest, or arms. Full-body hair removal costs more and takes much longer, but some spas give discounts for full-body treatments or for treating multiple areas.
Small areas
Laser hair removal prices range from $50 to $400 per session for smaller areas like parts of the face, arm, underarms, or pubic areas. Facial hair removal could include the upper lip, chin, or whole face. Pubic hair treatment could include the bikini line or a full Brazilian.
What affects laser hair removal prices?
Several factors affect the cost of laser hair removal:
Experience: Professionals with more training and experience tend to charge more. For example, board-certified dermatologists charge more than estheticians.
Location: Laser hair removal providers in major cities usually charge more for cosmetic treatments due to the higher cost of living.
Laser type: Different skin tones require different lasers and different machines. Alexandrite lasers are best for fair to medium tones. Diode lasers are best for light to medium tones. The Nd:YAG laser is best for darker skin tones.
Uncommon area: You can also get laser hair removal on other areas like your scalp, jawline, sideburns, ears, belly button, toes, or between your eyebrows. Treating these areas costs anywhere from $30 to $270 per session.
Consultation: Most clinics and spas give free consultations, but some charge a fee and add it to your first session.
Discounts: Many laser hair removal providers offer discounts if you sign up for a package with a certain number of treatments.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal uses pulses of light to permanently destroy hair follicles. Other methods like shaving and waxing are popular but temporary hair removal methods. Laser hair removal targets the pigment in the hair and damages the tissue around it slightly so the hair won’t grow back.
Laser hair removal is not appropriate if any of the following apply to you:
You’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
You have a sunburn or injured skin.
You’ve recently had a chemical peel.
You’re taking steroids, blood thinners, or medicines that cause sensitivity to light.
You’ve recently used a tanning bed or tanning creams.
Laser hair removal is best for dark hair against lighter skin. Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate. If you have a darker skin type, you’ll need a laser with a longer pulse. Otherwise, the laser may target the pigment in your skin, which could result in burns or hyperpigmentation.
Benefits of laser hair removal
Despite the high price, laser hair removal has multiple benefits:
Permanently removing or reducing unwanted body hair
Evens skin tone and texture
Reduces time previously spent on shaving or waxing
Eliminates risk of ingrown hairs and razor burn
Most insurance policies don’t cover laser hair removal because it’s a cosmetic procedure. However, they may cover it in rare cases for conditions like pilonidal cysts, hidradenitis suppurativa, or PCOS.
What to expect
Before your appointment, you’ll need to stop plucking or waxing for 2 to 4 weeks or stop shaving for 1 to 2 days to allow the hair to grow out. Make sure you shower and remove any lotions, oils, or makeup on your skin.
During the session, the provider will give you protective glasses and offer a numbing cream to prevent discomfort. Then they’ll use a handheld device to remove hair or treat your skin. Sessions take 20 to 90 minutes, depending on the area.
After the treatment, your skin may feel sensitive or swollen, as if you have a sunburn. The technician may give you an ice pack, anti-inflammatory lotions, and sunscreen and advise you to stay out of the sun for a time. Avoid makeup, lotions, and exfoliation for at least 24 hours.
Laser hair removal vs. IPL
Both laser hair removal and IPL use light to remove hair for about the same price per session. However, they use different types of light that yield different results. IPL can also treat skin conditions like melasma and rosacea.
| Treatment type | Average cost per session | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Laser hair removal | $50 – $600 |
|
| IPL treatment cost | $50 – $600 |
|
DIY laser hair removal
You can buy at-home IPL devices for $100 to $450 to remove hair at home, but these are not the same as laser hair removal and aren’t as powerful as professional treatments. You’d need to use them 1 to 2 times per week for 6 to 8 weeks to see results.
Laser hair removal FAQs
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most patients say laser hair removal feels like a rubber band snapping against their skin, which is why your provider will apply a numbing cream or gel before the session. You may see mild swelling, redness, and temporary irritation afterward.
How long does laser hair removal last?
Results from laser hair removal last anywhere from 6 months to 2+ years, depending on the coarseness of your hair and how many sessions you have. After the first year of treatment, dermatologists recommend going in for touchups as needed to maintain your results.
Is laser hair removal safe?
Laser hair removal is safe and doesn’t cause skin cancer. However, it can cause side effects if a patient has sensitive skin. Let your provider know right away if you notice any pain, swelling, blisters, or other symptoms after your session.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal works by using single-spectrum light on specific areas of the skin. The light targets the pigment in the hair follicle and causes just enough damage to prevent new hair growth.
How many sessions do I need for laser hair removal?
In order to remove hair permanently or semi-permanently, you’ll need at least 4 to 6 sessions of laser hair removal, spaced out every 4 to 6 weeks. This treatment can either reduce hair growth or permanently remove it. You may also require touch-ups once a year or more following your initial 6 sessions.
What to look for in a laser hair removal provider
Follow these guidelines to help you choose a qualified laser hair removal specialist or spa near you:
Look at their prices as well as the provider's experience, training, and equipment quality.
If you’re looking for a board-certified dermatologist, check to make sure they have FAAD (Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology) in their title.
Read customer reviews on Thervo and Google.
Ask for before and after photos or testimonials of past clients.
Ask questions about the treatment process and any possible side effects.
Questions to ask a laser hair removal provider
Asking these questions can help you make an informed decision and pick the best provider for you:
What type of laser hair removal equipment do you use? Which type of laser do you recommend for my skin tone?
How long have you been performing laser hair removal?
How many treatments will I need?
What are the potential side effects of this treatment?
How long will the results last?
Can you show me any before-and-after photos of your clients?
Do you offer any package deals for multiple sessions?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.