Laser hair reduction

How it works

This is long-term hair reduction, not the removal of every hair. A laser finds the pigment in dark hair, which is why it works best on dark hair and does little for blond, gray or red hair. We will tell you at the patch test if your hair is not a good match, before you buy anything. Each session treats the hairs that are actively growing at that moment, which is why a series is needed.

Who does it

A trained laser technician, under the supervision of our medical director, as Tennessee requires for laser procedures.

Time and sessions

Each session: 15 minutes for small areas, up to an hour for the full back or legs.

Most people need six to eight sessions, four to eight weeks apart. Some hair grows back over the years and a touch-up session may be needed.

Downtime

Pink skin and small bumps around the follicles for a few hours. Avoid sun on the area for two weeks before and after.

Common side effects

• Redness and swelling around the follicles for a few hours
• Temporary darkening or lightening of the skin, more likely on tanned skin
• Rare: blistering or a burn

Who should wait or skip it

• You have a tan or used self-tanner in the last two weeks
• You are pregnant
• You take a medicine that makes skin sensitive to light; tell us at the consultation

Alternatives

• Shaving, waxing or sugaring
• Electrolysis, which works on light, gray and red hair that a laser cannot see

Priced by area per session. A package of 3 is 20% less per session, a package of 6 about a third less.

Price by area, per session

• Upper lip and chin: $99
• Underarms: $149
• Bikini line: $199
• Chest: $249
• Lower legs: $299
• Full back: $349

Results vary from person to person, and nothing on this page is a promise of a particular result.