Anyone who has ever gone through the process of shaving, waxing, or plucking knows that getting rid of unwanted hair is no walk in the park. In recent years, laser hair removal has become increasingly popular as a way to achieve long-term hair removal. But is it really worth it? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
The Pros of Laser Hair Removal
1. Fewer Ingrown Hairs: Shaving and waxing can often lead to ingrown hairs, which can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Because laser hair removal destroys the hair follicle, there is no risk of ingrown hairs.
2. It’s Effective: When used correctly, laser hair removal is an effective way to achieve long-term hair reduction. In fact, most people see a 50-80% reduction in hair growth after just a few sessions.
3. It’s Fast: Depending on the size of the treatment area, a laser hair removal session can be over in just minutes. Compare that to the hours you spend shaving or waxing, and it’s easy to see why so many people are attracted to this treatment option.
4. You Can Do It Yourself: At-home laser hair removal devices have come a long way in recent years and are now just as effective as their professional counterparts. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to remove unwanted hair, an at-home device may be right for you.
5. It’s Permanent: Unlike other hair removal methods (shaving, waxing, etc.), laser hair removal actually destroys the hair follicle so that new hairs cannot grow back. Of course, results vary from person to person, but if you’re looking for a truly permanent solution, this may be it.
The Cons of Laser Hair Removal
1. It Can Be Expensive: Professional laser hair removal treatments can be quite expensive—easily costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the size of the treatment area. At-home devices are more affordable but still require a pretty significant upfront investment.
2. There’s a Risk of Burns: When performed by an inexperienced technician using faulty equipment, there is a risk of burns or other skin damage from laser hair removal treatments. This is why it’s important to only receive treatments from reputable providers using FDA-approved devices.
3. It Requires Multiple Sessions:] Depending on your individual hair growth cycle (and the number of sessions required will vary from person to person), you’ll need to undergo between four and eight sessions—spaced four to six weeks apart—to see optimal results from laser hair removal treatments.
