FDA approved since 1995, Laser Hair Removal has improved the quality of life of thousands, especially female with male pattern hair growth. Removal of unwanted hair by laser is a major advance over treatment such as electrolysis. It has brought hope to several individuals with hair growth in areas where they cause embarrassment. There are certain things you should know about this form of treatment. Some are listed below.

1. What is Laser Hair Removal? It is a laser beam targeted at the hair follicle. The high intensity ray of light gives off heat energy. The laser tracts along the hair shaft, heating it and leading to thermal damage to the follicle while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the concentration of melanin in the hair. It is more effective in dark hair, less effective in brown or ginger hair and will not work on white, grey or platinum blonde hair. As the laser travels along the hair shaft, there must be hair present. It is, therefore, not recommended to pluck unwanted hair before treatment. Similarly since laser hair removal works on the melanin level, dark skin or tanned skin need special treatment.

2. Cost depends on the size of the area that needs treatment. The larger the area, the greater the cost. In the USA, the average cost per session is $450 and in the UK, the cost may vary from £45 to £450. Treatment may be for several sessions in a year because hair will re-grow. The re-growth, however, will be slower and the hair thinner. Mr. David Gault, Plastic Surgeon, reported 80% reduction of upper lip hair growth after 6 months.


3. What you should find out: Make sure you know as much as you can about Laser Hair Removal. Choose a clinic that offers free consultation so that you can assess suitability and what is on offer. Find out before hand how much it will cost you. Make sure you know whether a medical practitioner will be on the premises during your treatment. Check that your assigned therapist is suitably qualified and experienced.

4. How safe: Laser is a pure high beam light. It does not cause cancer. It only penetrates up to the dermis of the skin. It is dangerous to the eyesight. You will probably use goggles to protect your eyes during treatment. The skin can be darkened by laser because of the melanin concentration. Too much exposure can leave the skin with paler patches that slowly fades away. Over heating can cause blistering and rarely scarring especially in darker skin and people with recent tans. The paler you are before treatment the safer and better the treatment.

You should not have laser hair removal if you are sensitive to light or have any infection on the area to be treated. You should not have treatment if you had isotretinoin as acne treatment in the last year.

5. Is Hair removal permanent? Laser hair removal and electrolysis are considered the only permanent hair removal treatment. Although laser hair treatment is promoted as permanent by the industry, this is not strictly the case. It cannot stop the unwanted hair from re-growing. It will, however, slow the re-growth so that it can take several months or years. The re-growth will consist of thinner hair.

6. What happens during treatment? Depending on the types of laser beam system and the area to be treated, you may be required to wear goggles. Laser hair removal treatment can cause stinging or the area may tingle. The time taken for a session depends on the size of the area and can last between 15 and 45 minutes. The area concerned will be treated roughly once a month for between two and eight months. Not all lasers are the same and results may vary with different systems. Before you embark on Laser hair removal, make sure you do your homework.

7. What types of Laser Hair Removal are available? There are various types available. The Ruby Laser is the oldest. It is not suitable for dark skinned or tanned people and only covers a small area. The Alexandrite Laser is the fastest laser available. It is used on light to olive complexion. It is the most popular type because it can cover large areas of the body. The Diode Laser works better for dark skin and is not as effective in lighter skin. It is fast and covers large areas during treatment. The Long Pulse Nd:Yag Laser can be used on all skin types. It is fast and covers large areas. Patients, however, tend to experience more discomfort during treatment. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is not really Laser but will have the same effect as laser on the hair follicles. It is more difficult to use and needs greater skill.

Laser hair removal is becoming a popular, permanent solution to repeated body waxing, sugaring or Brazilian bikini wax. This procedure removes hair permanently over several sessions with the laser.

Are You a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

oFor best results, your hair should be darker than your skin. Fair skinned people with dark hair are the best candidates for this treatment.

oDark skin will absorb too much of the laser’s energy. This can be damaging to the skin and the results will not be good.

oPeople with red or blonde hair may not respond well to treatment. The light color of the hair may not absorb enough energy to deaden the follicle. The results can be unpredictable.

oYou should not have this procedure done if your skin has a suntan. Avoid tanning for at least a month prior to treatment to give your tan time to fade. Don’t tan until after all your sessions with the laser.

Hair Removal Process

Light energy from the laser penetrates the skin and deadens the hair follicles. This process inhibits future growth from the follicle. The process works best if your hair and skin tones make you a good candidate for the procedure. The result is permanent hair removal and an end to painful waxing, shaving or the continual use of hair removal crème.

Several sessions are generally needed. The hair follicles must be in the growth stage to be deadened by the laser’s energy. Since not all hair follicles are ever in the growth stage at one time, more than one session will be needed to treat all follicles. The length and number of sessions needed will depend on the size of the area being treated and your individual response to treatment.

The procedure is generally not very painful. The pain has been described by patients as similar to the sensation of having a rubber band snapped against the skin. The pain is said to be less than that experienced with a Brazilian wax. Most people handle the sensation with no problem at all. If you have a very low pain threshold and are bothered by the sensation, a numbing crème can be applied prior to your session with the laser.

In most states, regulations require this procedure to be done by a licensed physician, who has been trained in the use of lasers. In some states a RN or Physician’s Assistant can operate the laser under the supervision of a physician. This is a medical procedure and you shouldn’t shop around for the best price. Instead, look for the most highly trained and experienced physician in your area. Ask for references and speak to other patients about their experience. This equipment can be damaging in the hands of a poorly trained person.

Cost of Hair Removal

The cost of this procedure is generally charged per session. Most clinics charge a few hundred dollars for each session. The total cost will depend on the number of sessions your skin requires and the area of the body being treated. Larger areas, such as the legs and back are more expensive, as they take more time.

Sessions can last from fifteen minutes to an hour, depending on the area being treated. Most people achieve total hair removal in three to five sessions. Although this procedure can be costly, you won’t have to pay for other hair removal procedures in the future. If you add up what you pay every month for other products, you will find that the procedure will pay for itself in a few years. Many find the results well worth the initial cost.

There’s nothing quite like the feel of soft, smooth, silky skin, and many people strive to get their skin looking and feeling this way. There are many ways to remove hair from both the face and body, some of which are more effective and last longer than others. For those looking for a long term solution to silkier skin permanent hair removal methods could prove ideal. These solutions offer long term results so you won’t have to worry about regular hair removal in order to maintain your smoother skin. When you use permanent hair removal methods you can enjoy the convenience and the confidence of great looking, smooth skin through effective hair removal that will last far longer than simply shaving or using a removal crème. With today’s busy and fast pace of life it is difficult to keep taking time out to remove face and body hair – and with permanent hair removal methods this is a problem that can be alleviated.

Wherever you have a hair problem this type of removal method can help

Depilatory solutions have come a long way over recent years, ranging from one touch electrolysis to laser hair removal. Whether you want to remove facial hair, pubic hair, or any other body hair, you can enjoy a great finish when you opt for permanent removal. Whichever area of the face or body you have treated for removal of hair, this permanent method will not only leave it looking and feeling great, but will also ensure that you have minimal hassle and effort when it comes to maintaining that great look. Hair removal methods have come a long way over recent years, and are now more advanced and effective than ever. You can enjoy excellent results with minimal discomfort or side effects when you opt for permanent removal of hair, and you can get on with you life without having to concern yourself with regular re-growth.

The cost of these cosmetic procedures

The amount you will pay for the permanent removal of hair from your face or body will depend on a number of factors, ranging from where you have to hair removed to the type of method you decide to use. Laser treatment and electrolysis are both popular and effective permanent methods of removing hair, and the costs can vary. However, when taking your budget into consideration you should bear in mind that the cost of less permanent hair removal may be less but the frequency of removal is higher hence the costs can quickly add up. So, in the end the permanent method could prove not only more effective and convenient but also better value for money. Of course, you have to take your budget into consideration when selecting a hair removal method, but it is wise to weigh up the costs over the long term as well as the immediate costs in order to make the right choice.

Laser hair removal is the new black for hair removal consumers. In fact it’s been that way since the mid-sixties, if you knew where to look. These days the market is swamped with competing technologies, with physicians, electrologists, beauticians and self-proclaimed ‘laserologists’ all vying for your attention – and your credit card details. But lasers aren’t for everyone, and proper treatment requires some serious training and education. So if you’re considering ‘LHR’ as a solution to your excess hair trouble, you need to know the facts.

First off, the science. Laser treatment works by delivering light into your skin. It comes from a hand-piece at a specified wavelength. It targets dark matter, such as the pigment in your hair. So while the tissue surrounding the follicle is ignored, the laser causes thermal and/or mechanical damage to the hair follicle and inhibits its ability to produce hair.

Sounds good, right? Well, it is. Done properly, laser hair removal is safe, it’s very useful for large areas (unlike electrolysis), and many consumers report long lasting hair removal or permanent hair reduction. Those with light-skin and dark hair have the best results, and if there is re-growth, it’s often much lighter and softer than the original hair.

It’s worth bearing in mind though that there’s nothing long-term about how safe or effective this method of hair removal is. In fact, recent research has raised concerns about the effect of laser irradiation on other skin structures. Low-skilled treatment can result in burns, lesions, temporary skin discoloration, as well as patchy re-growth. Beyond this, laser treatment can be expensive, painful, and sometimes ineffective, even for those who fit the bill completely.

The bottom line – it’s a good idea for some, not so much for others. Just don’t trust any claims that sound too good to be true. If a practitioner doesn’t admit to all of the above, he’s more interested in your wallet than in your satisfaction, and if he’s using words like ‘guaranteed’ in his sales pitch, steer clear. Remember that while some users experience permanent hair removal, many don’t. There are also inadequate controls governing the proper application of treatment from state to state.

The best thing you can do is shop around. Even the best doctors are salespeople, so there’ll be plenty of hype to read through before you get to the nitty gritty. If you’re really confused, probably the safest person to use is a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, with specific training and qualifications in laser treatment.

Don’t be afraid to call first and get all of your awkward questions out of the way. A decent, considerate physician will be more than happy to help. Set up a consultation with the person who will be carrying out the treatment. Talk to some other clients if you can. You should even be able to get some test patches done, somewhere that won’t show too much if something goes wrong. Keep tabs on your findings and take your time. This is an important – and sometimes expensive – procedure. You probably can’t afford to get it wrong.

Laser hair removal has been around for some time but in the past few years, become a hot trend. In addition to making a person look better on the outside, it also helps boost confidence on the inside. Another benefit to hair removal is the convenience of not having to shave! If you have been thinking about this procedure, you probably have many questions regarding hair information for laser removal, which is why we pulled some common answers together for you.

First, you need to know if you are even a good candidate for this procedure or not. Unfortunately, laser hair removal does not work for everyone. One factor associated with being a candidate is that the hair has to be darker than the surrounding skin. However, dark skinned people tend to absorb too much energy from the laser, making them a poor candidate as well. Keep in mind that if you are a dark skinned individual, you might check with several board certified doctors in that some specialized laser treatments may work but this is based on a person-to-person basis.

Other hair information for laser removal has to do with cost. Since insurance considers this procedure a cosmetic treatment, it does not cover it. Therefore, the cost for hair removal would be out of pocket. The price for laser treatment has many factors such as regional location, individual clinics, area of the body treated, number of treatments required, and so on. However, a good rule to follow is that on average, you would expect to pay between $400 and $600 per treatment.

Interesting hair information for laser removal has to do with the myth of this procedure being permanent. Although some of the newer laser options can provide a permanent “reduction”, the hair will eventually grow back, although it might not grow back as quickly or densely. Keep in mind that the more treatments you have for hair removal the more you will enjoy permanent hair reduction. The results from laser removal are usually very satisfactory but if you are going into this believing that you will have one treatment and then never have hair again, you have been mislead.

Hair information for laser removal also covers the number of treatments. Some people are fortunate in that a single procedure provides exceptional and long lasting results but in most cases, multiple treatments are required. The degree of success will depend in part, on which part of the body is being treated. However, you can expect a single treatment to reduce the growth and density of hair for several months at which time an additional procedure would be required. For this reason, as you begin going through the consultation process with several doctors, see if they offer discount packages for multiple visits.

Finally, our hair information for laser removal covers the areas of the body that can be treated. Typically, people think of the legs, upper lip, and back being the only areas in which laser removal is used. In truth, this type of hair removal can be used for the underarms, abdomen, bikini line, chest, neck, fact, and periareolar as well. If performed by someone qualified, trained, and board certified, you should experience a safe and comfortable treatment and be very happy with the outcome.

Chances are you have heard about hair laser being a permanent removal but is it true! The interesting thing is that laser treatments are sometimes very misunderstood. Typically, people thing this type of procedure does provide permanent results. In other words, a woman could see a board certified doctor who provides hair laser treatment thinking that after one session, the hair on her leg will never grow back.

With this, there are two misconceptions. The first is that hair laser for permanent removal is a myth. Second, in the majority of cases one treatment is not adequate. With laser hair removal, what you get is permanent hair “reduction”. The problem is that data as to the duration for this reduction and the amount of hair reduction achieved is not recorded. Another challenge is that information on how often someone experiences permanent hair reduction occurs is also unknown.

For hair removal to work, a laser light set at a specific wavelength is delivered into the skin. Targeting the pigmentation in hair, it causes thermal damage to the hair follicle but without damaging any of the surrounding tissue. When performed by a professional, people do see amazing results but even with this, they are not permanent. Instead, people experience long-lasting hair removal or a permanent reduction of hair growth, not actually permanent hair removal.

Depending on the type of laser used, the kind of hair targeted, and the area of the body being worked on, regrowth will return but in most cases, it grows in lighter and the texture is not nearly as course. This means that hair does grow back but it takes longer and then is not as obvious as it originally was, making laser hair removal such a popular choice. Then, since hair removal can be performed on men and women and on various parts of the body, it becomes an even more attractive opportunity.

When considering hair laser for permanent removal, keep in mind that people with blonde, red, and gray hair usually have poorer results over those with dark hair. In addition, individuals with dark skin need to see a professional who specializes in hair laser removal for dark skin in that the process is much more challenging. Unfortunately, the word “permanent” when associated with laser hair removal has been misused and sometimes, misrepresented.

Therefore, if you see an advertisement for a clinic or spa that offers services for hair removal and permanent removal, move on. Unfortunately, some unsuspecting consumers will become drawn into words such as “100% permanent” or even “permanent”, spending good money to have a number of treatments performed, and then only to discover the hair grows back. The bottom line is these people have been duped with one simple word – permanent.

Any promise of no hair regrowth is nothing more than a lie. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cracked down on certain terms. Because of this, they have established regulations by which clinics and spas must use the word “reduction” in the advertisement. Yes, as mentioned people do experience permanent reduction. In other words, if a woman had thick hair on her legs and had to shave every day, using laser removal might means the hair growing in lighter as far as color but also texture. Therefore, she might be able to shave every third day. This alone is a huge advantage and worth the investment but be careful when choosing who will perform your hair laser removal procedures.

Hair laser removal, also known as epilation was first performed two decades ago. However, this now popular procedure did not become available to the public until the mid-1990s. Other names for hair removal are called Photoepilation or Phototricholysis. In fact, hair can be removed through a number of methods such as the light-based epilator. However, this particular method, which uses IPL or Intense Pulsed Light, is not actually a laser procedure. In fact, some patients wanting to reduce or eliminate hair prefer this method but not all do.

For hair laser removal, a process known as selective photothermolysis is used. What happens is that the targeted area is affected while surround skin and tissue is left unharmed. The benefit of laser hair removal is that the process is quick and intense but without being painful. Although a person may feel a little discomfort depending on the exact method used, it is tolerable with exceptional results.

By using hair laser removal procedures three specific things are targeted. First is carbon, which is actually created by a carbon-based lotion being rubbed onto the skin. At that time, the carbon gets into the hair follicle. Once the laser is focused on that particular area, a shockwave is produced, damaging cells. However, you would rarely find this method used in that permanent loss is not generally achieved. Even so, some doctors may still offer carbon procedures.

The next option is melanin. With melanin occurring in the skin naturally, photons are absorbed, which removes the hair. Keep in mind that melanin for hair color is broken down into two categories. First is pheomelanin for red or blonde hair and eumelanin for black or brown hair. Unfortunately, while this procedure is very successful for people with dark hair, it does not work for those falling in the pheomelanin category, which would be red or blonde-haired people.

Finally, another natural occurrence in the body’s blood is called hemoglobin, which is what makes blood the color red. For this, the Nd:YAG laser wavelength is absorbed minimally, which is why hemoglobin is not usually a good target for laser hair removal. To determine the appropriate direction to take, you would need to work closely with a licensed, skilled, and reputable doctor. After a consultation, he or she would be able to provide you with technique options that would work most effectively for you.

The one thing you need to know about hair laser removal is that while people think of this as a permanent hair removal process, it is not actually permanent. The reason is that regardless of the laser being used, it can only penetrate the skin to a certain depth. Therefore, there is no such thing as permanent hair laser removal without causing some level of scarring. In fact actual hair removal is generally between 5% and 10%. However, the amount of hair and growth rate of hair can be dramatically reduced. In fact, the law requires any hair laser removal clinic to use the word “reduction” instead of permanent. Even so, for people with excessive hair or those wanting a break from shaving, this technique is a safe and viable option if performed by a professional.

Laser hair removal is considered to be one of the safest methods for permanent hair removal. In this method, a low-energy laser is applied over the unwanted hair growing areas. The hair follicles in these areas will get damaged by the pulsating light emitted by the laser beam. The hair gets burnt out without damaging adjacent skin and tissues.

Usually a patch test will be performed on the clients to verify that the correct laser and intensity are being used. A qualified professional will do this patch test prior to the laser hair removal procedure.

The main benefit of having laser hair removed is that it can be performed on a large area of the body in one sitting. Moreover, this procedure doesn’t require anesthesia, as this operation can be performed with minimal discomfort. Simple local or topical anesthetic will be used on the persons who experience a higher degree of discomfort.

After completing several treatments, nearly 95 percent of unwanted hairs can be eliminated. Sometimes the hair growth is noticed in the treated area, which will be very coarse. The main advantage of this hair removal method is that it doesn’t require hospitalization, medications, needles or follow-up medical care.

Immediately after treatment with laser hair removal, mild reddening may occur at the place of treatment. This will go away within 24 hours. The laser treated hairs will shed within 1-2 weeks after laser hair removal treatment.

Laser facial hair removal is the option that is preferred by many people around the world for removing unwanted hairs in the face. Other methods of facial hair removal such as shaving, plucking and using depilatory creams can be irritating and messy. To avoid such discomforts in these methods you can go for laser facial hair removal.

Before you go for a laser facial hair removal kindly consult your physician who can identify the best type of laser facial hair removal for your type of skin. You can opt for any laser. The type of laser that is to be used for facial hair removal has to be determined based on the type of skin a person has. This will be done by the doctor prior to the laser facial hair removal.

The laser facial hair removal is more gentle and non invasive. It is a long lasting solution for permanent removal of facial hairs. Laser facial hair removal can also be done with the laser light based devices such as Light Sheer Diode laser system and the IPL. These devices provide excellent results for laser facial hair removal.

Some precautions have to be taken before you go for a laser facial hair removal treatment. The patient is advised to stay away from sun light for at least a week prior to the laser hair removal session. Laser treatment is not that much guaranteed for colored people and people who have darker skin. The laser device has to be turned correctly for the skin color of the person. For this a patch test is done in a small area before implementing the entire procedure.

Nowadays most females prefer laser hair removal for permanent destruction of hairs in unwanted areas. Previously, women preferred to go for regular shaving or waxing of unwanted hair growth areas.

The area where the laser hair removal is performed solely depends on the individual’s interest. If you hate waxing or regular shaving of hairs in unwanted areas, it is highly advisable to go for laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is being advocated in all the areas of unwanted hair growth except areas close to the eyes.

The common areas susceptible for laser hair removal are upper lip, neck, face, periareolar region (around the nipples of the breast), legs, bikini line, armpits and back. Laser hair removal operation can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on the size of the areas being taken care of.

Laser hair removal is considered to be a proven non-invasive cosmetic surgery, which is not only opted by women of different parts of this world but also by men.

This procedure is a popular solution for excessive hair on legs, chest and back. Many athletes prefer to go for this technique since it improves their athletic performance.

Men who are concentrating in body building will definitely prefer this method of laser hair removal over shaving. In addition to this, men who prefer to go for permanent tattoo on their back or chest or any place always adore laser hair removal.

One of the most time consuming and frustrating parts of bodybuilding is not building muscles, it's removing unwanted hair.

For any competing bodybuilder, hair removal is a must but it's also growing in popularity among casual bodybuilders.

Before looking at recommendations for specific body areas it should be stated that laser hair removal or electrolysis are regarded as the only permanent hair removal methods.

Although the most effective, they are also the most expensive! For full information on laser hair removal and electrolysis, visit this Laser Research Library: http://www.about-hair-removal.com/Laser-Library

Here is checklist of body areas and recommended hair removal methods for each:

Upper Lip, Chin, Mustache and Beard -

Men: Shaving.

Women: Waxing or sugaring.

Back of Neck -

Men: Shaving, clipping.

Women: Waxing or sugaring

Chest -

Waxing, shaving, depilatories.

CAUTION: Some find the shaving option unacceptable due to the irritation it causes when stubble reappears shortly afterwards. There can also be an acute problem with ingrown hairs in some cases. Once the shaving option is taken for chest hair removal it will need to be done regularly.

Nipples -

Tweezing. Stretch the skin slightly, grip the hair close to the root, and pull gently, firmly and evenly. Yanking the hair may cause it to break off thus increasing the risk of ingrown hair.

Shoulders, Back, Arms, Hands, Tummy -

Waxing, sugaring, depilatories. Waxing or Sugaring is the best method for all these areas. Taking a shower directly after waxing the back helps eliminate the possibility of acne breakouts and skin redness.

Underarms -

Shaving is safe in this area. Hair under the arm grows in all directions so a side to side stroke as well as up and down strokes may be necessary to catch all the hairs. Do not apply deodorants or antiperspirants right after shaving as this can cause acute irritation and soreness. Waxing or sugaring are also safe.

Do not use depilatories to avoid the risk of chemical burns on the sensitive skin in this area.

After the skin in this area has become accustomed to shaving, applying a thin layer of Vaseline petroleum jelly instead of a shaving foam or gel will give a really close shave.

Pubic Area and Bikini Line -If the hair is long it can be cut down with scissors. Then use a waxing or sugaring solution. Careful shaving is also possible.

Genitals - Male -

Hair growing on the shaft of the penis and on the testicles can be removed by shaving using a new wet razor. Great care is needed to avoid cuts.

Genitals - Female -

Waxing or sugaring is generally best. Shaving will only cause stubble to appear after a few days and it may cause skin irritation and painful bumps.

Anus and Perineum -

The Perineum is the area of skin rich in nerve endings located below the anus. In men it extends to the base of the testicles, in women to the vaginal opening. The anus is a mucous membrane. Depilatories should not be used as they can result in serious damage. Shaving produces stubble which may cause irritation as the sides chafe and rub together. Waxing or sugaring are the best methods.

Legs, Feet, Toes -

Shaving the legs is popular but the hair grows back after a short time. Waxing or sugaring are preferred although you have to wait until there is about a quarter of an inch of growth.


Article Source: www.articlecity.com

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To remove the hair by the root it must be at least 1/4 inch or 6 mm long. Longer hair should be trimmed to this length.

Hair must be clean and dry before starting hair removal sugaring.

Remove all creams and oils, towel dry and then apply talcum powder to ensure the skin is completely dry.

Apply the sugaring paste in the direction of the hair growth.

When pressing the cotton strip on top of the paste, leave a small section at the end free so it will be easy to hold when pulling back.

If using a spatula to apply the paste use the edge not the flat side. This will help ensure a very thin layer is applied.

Pull the strip back sharply against the direction of the hair growth. Do not lift the strip up or out away from the skin.

Hold the skin firmly with one hand while you pull the strip back sharply with the other hand.

Treat small areas at a time when hair removal sugaring on sensitive parts of the body.

When heating the paste, either by microwave or oven, be absolutely sure the paste is just warm to the touch not hot. Otherwise burns to the skin may result.

If using hot water to warm the paste container, be sure not to allow water into the paste. Sugar paste is water soluble and will be spoiled if the container is not sealed properly and water gets in.

Well, you’ve checked out some local clinics and you know the risks involved. You like the look of everybody’s ‘before and after’ pictures and you’re all set to part with your hard earned cash. But how can you be sure if your local professional isn’t making you pay through the nose? Here’s how. You need a critical overview of the guide price for all laser hair removal treatment, as well as individual prices for some of the best laser clinics out there.

First though – a warning. Every practitioner will tell you they’re the cheapest, just as every form of hair removal will boast its long term cost-effectiveness over its closest rival. This can make it difficult and misleading at the start of your search. The best thing to do if you’re shopping around is to get as many quotes as you can for the same length of treatment. You’ll begin to see the patterns, and you can decide for yourself if lasers fall inside your budget or not. For lengthy hair removal requirements, you may decide that waxing didn’t hurt that much after all.

The other thing to consider is whether or not you’re a good candidate for laser treatment. Light skinned consumers with dark hair have the best results, and grey, red or blonde hair tends to take a lot longer. So consider how many treatments you’re likely to need. How big and how dense is the area requiring treatment? Along with your practitioner and geographical area, these factors will all influence the sale price.

The national average for one basic treatment of laser therapy is about $360. It’s a little cheaper in the South, and getting on for $500 in the Midwest. Of course, most consumers who are serious about hair removal won’t stop at one treatment, so a lifetime’s supply of laserology could set you back many thousands of pounds, depending on the ‘uniqueness of you’, and on the effectiveness of your chosen professional.

Palmer Dermatology of Centerville, OH, charge $200 per treatment, and recommend 3-4 treatments for best results. A 6-treatment package for your bikini line at Aptos Medical Arts, CA is $500. And Sona, the nation’s market leader, don’t even mention the bottom line – money is no object when it comes to your ultimate solution. If all this sounds a little too rich for your taste, just remember a pot of Aussie Nad’s Hair Removal Gel is just $25…

Remember, you shouldn’t necessarily take the price list of your local laserologist as written in stone. Ask for special offers. Explain that you’ll be a regular customer, you’ll be parting with a lot of money and you want to pay for all treatments upfront in exchange for a discount. Beyond this, you can bring a friend along and see if you’ll get a discount for a referral. Ask if they run financing schemes in exchange for buying for multiple areas or ‘packaging’ with another procedure.

Doctors and laserologists are business people too, and they want you as a customer. Think about your options, and don’t be put off at first glance.

The New Man and His Unwanted Hair

Believe it or not, you could soon be trotting along for a bikini wax with your girlfriend. Well, maybe not the full Brazilian. But if the word in the tanning salon is to be believed, hair removal for men is well and truly on the rise.

It’s not just swimmers, bodybuilders and male strippers in those gross animal print thongs who are saying goodbye to their unwanted hair – men of all ages and backgrounds are doing away with their fuzz. And why not? It’s more hygienic, it leaves your skin silky smooth, and with so many procedures and professionals waiting to oblige, it seems unfair to let the girls keep all these hair removal secrets to themselves.

Some clinics say that at least 50% of their laser hair removal clients are men. Most want the hair gone from their chests, backs and legs. Some want the necessity of shaving their faces in the morning (and sometimes the afternoon as well) to be a thing of the past. With increasing pressures on time, many new products are marketed to exactly that.

The nose, ears and between the eyebrows can also be problem spots for guys. While the perfect arch may not be on top of many men’s to-do list, stars like David Beckham and Johnny Depp, with their suspiciously slaved-over looking brows (not a mono- or uni-brow in sight) certainly add to the pressure men already feel to look the part.

Men are also targeting the back of the neck, their pubic area, toes and knuckles. They’re not necessarily going for full-on treatments like laser, electrolysis or even waxing (men’s pain thresholds aren’t what they’re cracked up to be!) but they are looking into alternatives to shaving. Shaving can cause razor burn which is very irritating, and it’s hardly a long-term solution anyway. Plus, there are some areas which simply need closer attention. While men are finding their feminine sides, and still on the look out for practicality and cost-effectiveness, it’s no wonder the tides are turning.

For some men though, evolution will always win out. Why bother to wax your legs or your eyebrows, when your kids and grandkids will probably look back and wonder what the hell you were doing. Well, don’t speak to fast. Repeated waxing or laser treatment can weaken a follicle so much that it grows back very finely, if at all. Give this kind of treatment a few years, and the next generation may not have the problem to begin with. So think of your poor unborn son and his dad’s uni-brow while you consider whether or not to start waxing. You’re riding an evolutionary wave as we speak!

If you’re a guy and it’s all sounding a bit too girly for your taste, fair enough. You’re entitled to your hair (and you’re lack of sexy smoothness!). But if hair removal could be the new you, get yourself on Ebay and start tracking down some decent tweezers, check out your local electrologist and raid your girlfriends waxing supplies (she’ll thank you in the end, I promise).