Our body is composed of thousands of elements and hair is one of the most crucial ones. It serves dual purposes; beautifying our body and protecting it from external factors and injuries. If hair grows normally, it’s fine but if they have excessive growth, nobody likes it especially if they are on exposed body parts. There are various causes of excessive hair growth like PCOS, menopause and pregnancy (in women), hormones, medical conditions, genetics and medications.
This unwanted hair ruins one’s looks and leaves no scope for embarrassing them. It’s not a case of just women, men also try to avoid unwanted hair these days. There are various hair removal treatments available in the industry. This normal and traditional process of hair removal consumes a lot of time and irritates the person a lot. Laser hair removal comes to everyone’s rescue. This procedure of removing hair is highly effective and quite popular.
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy to be focused on hair follicles. The pigment in these follicles, melanin, absorbs this light, damages them and prevents their growth. It performs various other functions like exfoliating the skin, unclogging the skin pores and removing dead skin cells. This leaves the skin fresher and smoother. The melanin, broken by the laser light, treats pigmentation and dark spots and makes the skin tone even.
Table of Contents
- What is Laser Hair Removal?
- The science and mechanism behind Laser Hair Removal
- Procedure of Laser Hair Removal
- Different Types of Laser Hair Removal Techniques
- Benefits Of Laser Hair Removal
- Laser Hair Removal Price In India
- How Laser Hair Removal is Better than Other Hair Removal methods?
- Final Thoughts
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a way of removing unwanted hair by exposing it to laser light pulses, eventually damaging the hair follicles. This light is absorbed by melanin, converted into heat and damages the follicles preventing their further growth. This treatment doesn’t cause permanent hair removal but delays the growth of hair for a long time. Several treatments are required initially as well as for future maintenance.
Laser hair removal is good for all skin types but works best on dark hair and light skin. This can be performed on the whole body but commonly, this is performed on arms, armpits, legs, underarms, upper lips, bikini line and chin. This works beautifully but its success majorly relies on skin type and hair colour. The only thing is that the hair pigment should absorb the light to get it done. If skin pigment absorbs it, it will damage or burn the skin. That’s why this contrast in hair and skin colour is crucial.
Earlier, the laser was not supposed to be for everyone but advancements in laser technology have made it possible for people with dark skin too. Laser hair removal is extremely popular for obvious reasons. It is quick and efficient and hence, a topmost priority, especially for women in the world.
The science and mechanism behind Laser Hair Removal
The science behind this procedure of laser hair removal is something known as selective photothermolysis which means the blend of pulse duration and a specific wavelength of light so that the targeted tissue is affected without impacting the surrounding tissue. This functions by selectively heating a dark matter, it’s melanin in the case of skin. Technically, light is absorbed by dark objects and gets reflected by lighter ones. So skin with more melanin absorbs this laser light much faster than skin with less melanin.
Melanin is the sole target in all the current laser procedures. Our skin and hair get their colour from melanin. So if we talk about it a little deeply, our hair has two types of melanin. One gives brown or black colour and the other one gives red or blonde colour. Due to selective photothermolysis, black, brown and red-brown coloured hairs are removed and the rest of the hair is not targeted that well. Laser brings all the heat towards basal stem cells in the hair follicles and not towards any other part of the skin. It hampers the part of the hair follicles which is responsible for hair growth.
Procedure of Laser Hair Removal
The procedure of this treatment is pretty simple; the steps are elaborated well below.
- The staff in the clinic may shave the target area if required. Topical anaesthesia may be given to avoid any discomfort.
- The person will be given a pair of special goggles to cover your eyes from the laser.
- A hand-held laser instrument is kept on and pressed to the body area from which the hairs are to be removed.
- A cooling device or gel is used on the instrument to shield the skin from the harmful effects of laser.
- When the laser is activated, the laser beam passes to the hair follicles through the skin.
- The heat from the laser is intense enough to damage the hair follicles, preventing their growth.
- Laser treatment on a small area takes just a few minutes whereas a larger area, like legs or back, takes more than an hour.
- Apply ice to the area where laser treatment is done to avoid any redness, swelling or discomfort. Contact the doctor immediately if you face any skin reaction.
Different Types of Laser Hair Removal Techniques
Laser techniques are of various types, which are mentioned below.
Alexandrite Laser
As the name suggests, the alexandrite laser uses alexandrite crystal as the laser medium. It uses a wavelength of infrared range (755 nm), known as red light laser. Other than removing hair, this can also be used to treat disorders like vascular lesions, pigmented marks, removing tattoos, reducing wrinkles etc.
Diode Laser
This treatment uses a diode laser that transmits light of visible-infrared range for hair removal. Since a diode laser has a higher wavelength, it can deeply penetrate the skin and delay hair growth for a longer duration with lesser discomfort. Using this treatment, larger areas can be treated in a short span.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
It’s not a laser but works like one. It uses strong pulses of light to treat skin concerns. The light emitted by the device causes heat that damages the cells responsible for hair growth. It doesn’t hurt, is completely safe, super quick and convenient. You can get this treatment done on the whole body, no matter how minute or huge the area is. It slows down the speed of hair growth and suits almost every skin type.
Ruby Laser
This is one of the oldest types of laser treatments that uses a 694-nm wavelength of light. It works amazingly on fine hair and smaller areas. This is approved by the FDA for removing hair permanently. People have observed lesser hair growth with minimum pain and discomfort. Also, people with black and dark brown hair have seen permanent hair loss up to 2 years of treatment.
Nd: YAG Laser
This laser treatment features Nd: YAG crystal as the laser medium. This type of laser uses a 1064-nm wavelength of light that penetrates the skin even deeper. Nd: YAG laser is more effective in removing thicker hair and safe to work on all skin types.
Benefits Of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal provides us with a plethora of benefits. Here are a few mentioned below.
Solves problems for the long run
Once you get the treatment, your hair won’t regrow anytime soon. Laser hair removal provides long-lasting results. Touch-ups only once in a few months (in some cases, years) are required.
Cost-effective solution
Since the effects of laser hair removal last longer, it becomes quite a cost-effective treatment. People don’t have to spend their money on razors or waxes to get rid of unwanted hair.
Least maintenance is required
When compared to other modes of hair removal, laser hair removal is the best decision considering the time spent. The person doesn’t have to spend hours shaving or waxing. In fact, in some cases, only annual touch-ups are required.
Not much time-consuming
Laser hair removal is a perfect way to get rid of unwanted hair in today’s high-paced life. Multiple sessions may be required but every session doesn’t consume much time. A smaller treatment area takes only a few minutes whereas larger areas may take more than an hour.
Smooth skin with least side-effects
Hair removal methods other than lasers cause ingrown hairs, as those methods don’t destroy hair at its root. Laser treatments leave you with smooth skin without any bumps or itching. As advancement is being done in cosmetology, treatments are becoming more effective with fewer pain and side effects.
It’s a precise treatment
Lasers are so precise that hairs can be removed even from a small specific area. Hence, it’s a perfect option for those who want to remove hair from around the upper lips, eyebrows, bikini line or nose. The area in between the eyebrows can also be treated via laser treatment.
Safer and less pain
Advancement in technology leads to safer hair removal even for darker skin tones. Moreover, people won’t be prone to those razor cuts and scars.
This is not even painful, hence, ideal for areas like the bikini area and back where it’s difficult to shave. Moreover, it doesn’t pain that much, though it depends on one’s threshold. If compared to other methods of hair removal like waxing and threading, this is less painful.
Improves the skin quality
The laser treatment does a lot of functions other than hair removal. It reduces the severity and frequency of acne breakouts, the occurrence of dark spots and skin irritation and beautifies the skin tone and texture. Doing this is much more convenient than taking out time every month for grooming.
Laser Hair Removal Price In India
Cost Breakdown for males and females
| Treatment Area | Cost per Session (Women) | Cost per Session (Men) |
| Upper Lip | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 |
| Chin | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 |
| Full Face | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Underarms | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Bikini Line | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Full Legs | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 |
| Back (Full) | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 | ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Chest | ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Full Body | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 |
Factors Affecting the cost of laser hair removal
There are a lot of factors that affect the cost of laser hair removal, the most important ones are mentioned below.
Machine cost
Laser technology in India is still expensive, thereby making the treatment expensive. Its maintenance is also expensive and approval of the FDA is also required, that adds to the treatment cost.
The type of laser
Different types of lasers vary in various respects. The costs of Alexandrite, Nd: YAG and diode all are different. The more its effectiveness, the more its cost.
Treatment area size
It’s a simple calculation. If the area being treated is small like the chin, upper lip, forehead, area between eyebrows, etc., the cost will be less. If the area is large like the back or legs, the cost will be higher.
Dermatologist
This is a very important factor and quite obvious. One should go for a skilled, experienced and qualified dermatologist as they will take every step for the patient’s safety.
Frequency or number of sessions
Multiple sessions are required to remove all the hairs. It depends on various things like skin type, hair colour and the person’s response to the treatment. Dark hair on light skin is treated quickest and lighter hair or darker skin may need more sessions.
Location and reputation of the clinic
These are obvious factors. Big cities charge higher prices whereas smaller cities can provide you the same treatment at relatively lower prices but quality may differ. Similarly, experienced, certified and reputed clinics charge more.
Any packages, discounts or add-ons
Some clinics may offer discounts on upfront payment for all the sessions or any occasional discounts can reduce the treatment cost. Some clinics may charge extra for things like numbing cream, cooling agents or anything to be applied post-treatment.
How Laser Hair Removal is Better than Other Hair Removal methods?
Laser Hair Removal Vs Shaving
- Results
Shaving just trims the hair from the skin’s surface leaving its roots untouched whereas laser removes the hair from its root. Hence, it gives permanent results.
- Time-consumption
With shaving you need to repeat the process every few days whereas in the case of laser, the hair roots and follicles are worked on. Hence, you don’t have to worry about grooming now and then. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
- Safety
The latest technology in lasers makes it safe for all skin and hair types. Moreover, shaving causes risks of cuts that turn into scars at times.
- Cost
It may seem expensive initially but considering the cost of razors and shaving creams and the permanent results of laser, laser treatment is far more cost-effective than shaving.
- Smoothness
Shaving can leave you with ingrown and irritating hair only a couple of days later. Laser removes the hair permanently, leaving your skin smooth and soft even months later.
- Reach
You can’t shave every area, say your back. Razors are difficult to reach there. Lasers are a sure-shot solution in such cases, even in sensitive areas like bikini lines.
Laser Hair Removal Vs Waxing
- Results
This is the major benefit of laser hair removal over any other method. People don’t get their hair back for months, some even show permanent hair reduction. In waxing, people get their hair back in a couple of weeks.
- Ease and time
Laser hair removal is the easiest procedure of all. These sessions are quick and you can get your hair removed on small areas of your body in just a few minutes.
- Safety
Thanks to the advancement in technology, lasers are now safe for all and don’t cause any damage to the skin even in the long run. People with sensitive skin can also try this by a certified and experienced professional.
- Reach
Waxing causes pain, especially in sensitive areas. Laser, on the other hand, can be performed on any part of the body (except the eye area) without any pain.
Laser Hair Removal Vs Epilation
- Results
Laser is an almost permanent method of hair removal. After all the required sessions, patients notice almost no hair regrowth for a few years. On the other hand, people can notice hair coming up 3-4 weeks after epilation.
- Cost
The treatment cost of laser hair removal varies from body area to body area and it’s a one-time investment. Once you get it done, you save a lifetime of expenditure and time on removing hair. The cost of an epilator depends on brand and size. Moreover, it needs to be replaced after 3-5 years.
- Time
You need to spend around an hour every 3-4 weeks if doing epilation whereas, in laser hair removal, it takes an average half an hour for every session. After 6-12 sessions, hair is gone forever.
- Pain
Hair removal through laser pains but it’s instantly cooled down. Epilator pains because various hairs are pulled out from the root at the same time. Pain in laser is far less and bearable than epilation.
Laser Hair Removal Vs Electrolysis
- Results
Laser hair removal can show you results in just a few months whereas electrolysis takes much more time, more than a year.
- Pain or discomfort
Removing hair through a laser is less painful than electrolysis. The advanced devices don’t even make the person feel that anything is happening on their skin.
- Coverage
Laser hair removal covers larger areas like your back and legs. On the other hand, electrolysis focuses on individual hair follicles, specifically on smaller areas like eyebrows, upper lips or chin.
Final Thoughts
Getting started with laser hair removal may sound difficult but once you go with it, there is no way looking back. The silky smooth skin we get after the treatment is unbeatable. It is safe, convenient, time-saving and much better than any other method of hair removal.
This treatment is becoming popular for obvious reasons. What people are running out these days is time. One can reduce ample time by avoiding long hours doing shaving or going for waxing. All skin types favour laser hair removal giving fabulous results. Hair regrowth is observed less and new hairs are also finer and lighter. The cost of this treatment may look higher initially but trust us, the money invested in this treatment is worth doing.
Lasers are totally safe if performed by an experienced and certified practitioner. If you too look forward to getting rid of unwanted hair, you must visit a good dermatologist. Don’t go with the trend but something perfect for you. Book an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist, discuss your concerns with them, share your medical history and then they will examine your skin. They will suggest you the most appropriate type of laser. Enjoy and love your soft and smooth skin for months now.
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