Average Cost of Laser Hair Removal
If you are looking for a more permanent form of hair removal and reduction than your usual shaving or waxing, then laser hair removal is a good place to start. While on the more costly side of hair removal products or devices, laser hair removal can render excellent results.
FDA approved for semi-permanent to permanent hair reduction, with several treatments laser hair removal can give you that soft, silky skin with minimum hair regrowth that you have always been looking for.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
How It Works
The laser technique uses Selective Photothermolysis (SPTL) to target dark matter within the hair follicle (the melanin). The pulses of laser light aim to damage the hair follicle enough to stop the hair from growing back.
The procedure works on the localized area where you would like hair to be removed, attacking multiple hairs at a time. As the laser is aimed towards dark matter, this treatment does not work well on lighter hairs.
Pain and Risks
The treatment is non-invasive, but it can be painful, often compared to the sensation of an elastic band snapping against the skin followed by heat. There is a small risk of side effects, but if performed in a professional setting by a physician these can be avoided.
Effectiveness
Results can usually be seen between 3 to 8 sessions (7/8 sessions is the average amount of sessions suggested to yield at least semi permanent results).
Laser for Dark Skin
As the technique targets dark matter, the ideal candidate for laser hair removal has light skin and dark hair. However, it can also work just as well on darker skin and hair.
If your skin is above IV on the Fitzpatrick scale it is important to discuss laser hair removal treatment with a professional as only certain professional machines have the capability of treating dark skin without causing burns or scarring.
Skin Type | Skin Colour | Hair Color (darkest) | Eye Colour | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | White or very pale | Blonde | Blue, grey, green | Always burns, never tans |
2 | Pale white with beige tint | Chestnut or dark blond | Blue | Always burns, sometimes tans |
3 | Beige to light brown (olive) | Dark brown | Dark brown | Sometimes burns, always tans |
4 | Light to moderate brown | Black | Brown | Rarely Burns, always tans |
5 | Medium to Dark Brown | Black | Brownish black | Rarely burns, tans more than average |
6 | Dark brown to black | Black | Black | Never burns |
Average Cost of Laser Hair Removal
It is important to make sure that all laser hair removal treatment is performed by a certified professional physician in a medical place of practice. You may see the treatment offered in salons or spas, and the treatment may be offered at a lower price, but we do not advise choosing lower cost over the safety of having the treatment done by a certified professional.
Injuries
A new study shows that most laser hair removal injuries are caused by the treatments being performed by non-professional operators (NPOs).
The average costs listed below are based on laser hair removal treatment sessions performed by a certified physician in a professional medical setting. We have provided the low and the high end average costs per area of the body. The average cost for one session of laser hair removal treatment is $265.
What Does It Assume?
This average assumes an “average” sized area such as full face or bikini line. Smaller areas like the upper lip or chin will cost less while larger areas such as the full back, chest, full legs will cost more per session.
Average costs range quite significantly based on physician, as you can see from our table below. It is important however to not base your choice on price alone, but to make sure that you are comfortable with your physician, know that he or she is certified to practice, and that you feel comfortable with him or her performing the procedure.
Choose the Right Physician
There is nothing wrong with “interviewing” several physicians before making a choice. We have created a checklist of questions to ask potential laser hair removal physicians in our article describing how to find and choose a reputable physician. It is important that you shop around before you make a final decision.
Prices below are average ranges per session and for full treatment of 7 sessions (amount of sessions may differ per individual). Some physicians may offer special packages for certain areas.
Area | Per Session | Full Treatment (7 Sessions) |
|---|---|---|
Under Arm | $150 - $250 | $1,050 - $1,750 |
Bikini Line* | $150 - $450 | $1,050 - $3,150 |
Half Arms / Half Legs | $250 - $650 | $1,750 - $4,550 |
Full Arms / Full Legs | $600 - $1,100 | $4,200 - $7,700 |
Full Back | $300 - $800 | $2,100 - $5,600 |
Full Face | $250 - $650 | $1,750 - $4,550 |
Upper Lip / Chin | $100 - $300 | $700 - $2,100 |
Chest | $150 - $450 | $1,050 - $3,150 |
* Brazilian Bikini Line will cost approx. $50-$100 more per session
Conclusion
While the average cost of a laser hair removal session is currently $265, prices may differ significantly per physician and per area of the body treated.
We have provided high and low end averages per session and body area and per full treatment of 7 sessions. These price ranges are to be used as a pointer when you search for the right fit for you.
Costs may also depend on where you are located in the country and how many laser hair removal professionals are in your area.
