Can Laser Hair Removal Be Affordable?

After so many years spent waxing, shaving, and tweezing away unwanted hair, the speed and convenience of laser hair removal treatment start to look more and more appealing. Compared to other hair removal methods, laser-based techniques offer the cleanest results as well as less hair to contend with over time. If you're looking for silky smooth skin without having to fuss with dull razors, messy wax strips, or smelly depilatory creams, laser treatment is, without a doubt, the best option - but what about the cost? 

If you’ve been wondering if laser hair removal is affordable, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we'll discuss what this increasingly popular treatment is and the costs associated with it. So buckle up and keep reading - let’s dive in. 

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a long-lasting - if not permanent - method of hair removal using powerful lasers to target and essentially destroy hair follicles. 

The powerful laser used for treatment emits a light that is absorbed by the pigments within the unwanted hair. These pigments are referred to as melanin. The lasers light energy is then converted into heat, which is used to destroy the hair follicle. By targeting hair follicles, hair production can either be significantly delayed or stopped altogether. Why? Because follicles are responsible for producing new hairs so when they are destroyed, hair growth is inhibited. When compared to other popular hair removal strategies, such as shaving or waxing, laser hair removal produces the longest-lasting results. 

Show Me The Money!

By now, you know what laser hair removal is and how it works, so let’s explore the cost.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost for laser hair removal is $285 per session. However, the cost varies widely, depending on many different factors that include:

• The size of the area being treated. The laser used in treatment can be used on any part of the body to eliminate unwanted hair, excluding the eyes. Smaller areas like the bikini line and upper lip require less time than larger areas such as the chest, legs, or back. The more time a laser technician spends treating a specific area, the more it will cost. 

• Where you live in the country will also play a factor in determining the cost of treatment. Sessions can range from $300 to $500 per session, depending on where you live.

• The number of sessions you will need. This will be discussed with the laser specialist during your consultation. Four to six sessions are common, but it could be anywhere from three to eight sessions. The more sessions that you’ll need to reach your goal of flawless, smooth skin, the more money it will cost. 

• The color of your skin also plays a role in the cost. If you have beautiful dark skin with fine hair, you are usually not an ideal candidate for laser hair removal. Why? Because the energy from the laser used in treatment is absorbed by pigment found in the skin. In extreme cases, this can result in burns or even skin damage. For this reason, you should not have a tan when you sit for treatment. Avoid tanning for a few weeks before the procedure to give your tan time to fade. If you do have dark skin and want to get rid of unwanted hair, special lasers like the Nd:YAG laser will need to be used, which can cost a little more. 

While laser hair removal treatment may entail a significant cost when you first begin your laser journey, the results last considerably longer than what you see with shaving and waxing methods, saving you both money and time. The duration of the outcome can also increase the value of laser hair removal treatment substantially over the years. 

In any form, laser technology can carry a high price tag. Laser hair removal systems cost well over tens of thousands of dollars. Add this to the costs of training medical professionals to operate the equipment, and it’s pretty easy to understand why laser removal techniques are bit on the pricey side. 

Despite the expense, many people will agree that the advantages of laser hair removal far outweigh the costs. Benefits to expect include:

Lasers are precise. Unlike other hair removal methods, laser treatment targets the hair at the follicle and destroys it where it begins. Additionally, lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Treatment is very precise.

Treatments are quick. Laser hair removal treatments are quicker than what you might expect. For example, it only takes a minute or two to treat the upper lip and around twenty minutes to treat the Brazilian area. Think about how much free time you’ll have when you never have to shave or wax again. 

You’ll save money in the long run. With the permanent reduction of unwanted hair, you will no longer need to purchase endless razors, smelly depilatory creams, shaving gel, and you will no longer need to have monthly waxing or threading appointments. The cost of laser hair removal does cost a little more upfront, but think about how much money you’ll save by never having to purchase these items ever again. The results are far superior, and the cost, over time, is much less.

You can eliminate and prevent pesky ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs are painful and can take up to three weeks to heal. Since laser hair removal works by targeting and destroying hair follicles, it prevents hair from growing and turning into an ingrown hair. Laser treatment is simply the best option and the only solution to prevent and eliminate these pesky pus-filled bumps. It's also an excellent option for those who have sensitive skin and experience skin irritation from waxing and shaving. 

No need to grow hair between treatments. Unlike waxing and threading, you can shave between laser hair removal sessions. Say goodbye to the dark days of having to grow your unwanted hair out; with laser treatment, you can shave as much as you like between treatments. In fact, it’s recommended to shave prior to each session to prevent the laser from scorching your skin. So, if you’re someone that prefers to stay fuzz-free 24/7, laser hair removal treatment is your best bet!

At-home options are available. Laser hair removal treatment has come a long way since first being discovered a couple of decades ago. Back in the day, if you wanted silky smooth hair-free skin, you had to schedule an appointment with a laser specialist for an in-office visit. Today, with the advancements in laser light technology, achieving flawless skin is easier than ever with at-home laser hair removal options. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all at-home devices are created equal and to purchase from a reputable company with a true passion for providing top-quality products like KENZZI. 

KENZZI offers the worlds #1 at home IPL handset that will produce visible results in just a few treatments. Additionally, The KENZZI IPL Handset is extremely easy to use and very gentle on the skin. It can be used on part of the body, including the upper lip and Brazilian area. If you want to avoid what can sometimes be an awkward in-office visit to zap your unwanted hair once and for all, look no further and give an at-home laser hair removal device a try. 

There are minimal side effects. Unlike other forms of hair removal like waxing and shaving that can sometimes leave behind nasty cuts, burns, and ingrown hairs, laser hair removal treatment only has a few side effects, most of which subside after a day or two. Side effects can include swelling, redness, itching, or stinging. This is perfectly normal and nothing to be worried about. 

It’s relatively painless. You may be saying to yourself, “oaky, but does laser hair removal hurt?” But not to worry! When it comes to pain level, most people will tell you it’s a walk in the park compared to getting waxed. Your laser specialist or aesthetician will numb the treated area before and after the laser treatment to help with any discomfort. 

RECAP

So, can laser hair removal be affordable? 

Absolutely!

The price will vary depending on a few factors like the area you are looking to treat and the number of sessions needed to reach your ultimate goal of hair-free skin, but laser hair removal treatment is extremely affordable. Think about how much money and time you spend on traditional hair removal products like razors, waxing gel, depilatory creams, and tweezers. What about the money you spend on costly wax and threading appointments each month? It all adds up and at the end of the day, the unwanted hair that you’re so desperately trying to get rid of - still grows back.

With laser hair removal, you might pay a little more upfront, but the benefits surely outweigh the cons, and you will save a lot of money over time. 

Sources:

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/ndyag-laser

https://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/hair-removal/hair-removal-creams.htm

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/ingrown-hair-cyst