is laser hair removal really worth it?
If you've ever found yourself frustrated and annoyed with constantly having to shave, painful waxing, or the never-ending cycle of hair removal creams, you’ve probably considered laser hair removal. But is it really worth it? And what can you expect from the process?
In this post, we’ll talk about the benefits, risks, costs, and expectations associated with laser hair removal—so you can decide whether it’s the right long-term solution for you!
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure that uses concentrated light (laser) to target and destroy hair follicles. This significantly reduces hair growth over time and can lead to permanent hair reduction in many cases. It’s commonly used on areas like:
Face (upper lip, chin)
Underarms
Legs
Bikini line
Back and chest
Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It?
Whether laser hair removal is worth it depends on your hair type, skin tone, budget, and how much those ingrown hairs and shaving bug you!. We laid out some of the key pros and cons we think you should consider:
Pros
Long-lasting results: After 6–8 sessions, many people experience a 70–90% reduction in hair growth.
Saves time and money long-term: No more daily shaving or monthly waxing appointments.
Precision: Lasers target dark, coarse hairs without damaging surrounding skin.
No ingrown hairs: Great solution for those prone to razor bumps or folliculitis.
Cons
Upfront cost: Sessions can be a little on the expensive side depending on the area treated but we think for long term hair removal
Multiple sessions required: Hair grows in cycles, so full results often require 6–8 treatments spaced weeks apart.
Not ideal for everyone: Works best on light skin with dark hair. Newer technologies are better for darker skin tones, but results may vary.
Mild discomfort: Feels like a rubber band snap—manageable, but not pain-free.
What to Expect from Laser Hair Removal
If you’re new to laser hair removal, here’s what the typical process looks like:
Before Your Appointment
Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least 2 weeks.
Don’t wax, pluck, or bleach the area beforehand (shaving is fine).
Come to your session with clean, shaved skin.
During the Session
You’ll wear protective eyewear.
We will apply a cooling gel or use a device with a built-in cooling mechanism.
The laser pulses feel like tiny pinpricks or rubber band snaps.
Sessions last anywhere from 10 minutes (small areas) to an hour (larger zones like legs).
After the Treatment
Redness and slight swelling are normal for 24–48 hours.
Avoid hot showers, saunas, and sun exposure for a few days.
Hair may “shed” for up to 2 weeks—don’t mistake it for new growth.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Most people need anywhere from 6-12 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Maintenance sessions once or twice a year may be needed, especially for hormonal areas like the face or bikini line. But like we say every single person is different so treatment plans can change!
Is It Safe?
Yes, all of our nurses and nurse practitioners are trained to use our device and our spa offers an FDA-approved laser that makes laser hair removal safe for most skin types. However, there’s a small risk of temporary side effects like:
Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
Blistering or scarring (rare)
Redness and irritation
Final Verdict: Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It?
For many of our patients, laser hair removal is absolutely worth it—especially if you’re tired of the constant upkeep of shaving or waxing. While the upfront cost and time commitment are considerable, the long-term benefits of smoother skin and reduced hair growth can be life-changing.
Just be sure to always do your research, manage your expectations, and follow aftercare instructions to get the best results. As always, book a free consultation to get an assessment to see if laser hair removal is what’s best for you!