Laser hair removal on the face is a minimally invasive medical procedure that uses a beam of light (a laser) to remove hair. Learn what to expect from this procedure.

Laser hair removal on the face

What is it?

  • Laser hair removal on the face uses laser light technology beamed to the hair follicles to stop hair growth.
  • It’s a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that’s done in-office.

Safety

  • Laser hair removal is generally considered to be a safe procedure.
  • Side effects may include redness or swelling, and in rare cases, burning, blistering, or infection.
  • It should only be performed by a medical professional or a highly trained aesthetician.

Convenience

  • Laser hair removal requires no downtime: the procedure itself is quick and takes less than 30 minutes for the face.

Cost

  • Laser hair removal typically costs $200 to $400 per session, and you will need 4 to 6 sessions, plus maintenance appointments.

Effectiveness

  • If done correctly, laser hair removal will lead to a long-term reduction of facial hair.
  • Research shows that laser hair removal can lead to significant hair count reductions, with some studies reporting reductions of 70% or more.

Laser hair removal on the face is a noninvasive medical procedure that uses a beam of light (a laser) to remove hair from the face.

It can be done on other parts of the body too, like the armpits, legs, or bikini area, but on the face it’s used primarily around the mouth, chin, or cheeks.

There was a time when laser hair removal worked best on people with dark hair and light skin, but now, thanks to advancements in laser technology, it’s a suitable procedure for anyone who has unwanted hair they’d like to remove.

It’s a very common procedure. Data from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery showed that in 2016, laser hair removal was one of the top 5 nonsurgical procedures in the United States.

One session of laser hair removal will typically cost anywhere between $200 and $400, and you’ll likely need at least 4 to 6 sessions, spaced about a month apart.

Because laser hair removal is an elective cosmetic procedure, it will not be covered by insurance, but you should be able to return to work immediately.

Laser hair removal works by sending a light into the hair follicle via laser, which is absorbed by the pigment, or melanin, in the hair — this is why it originally worked best on people with darker hair.

When the light is absorbed by the pigment, it’s converted to heat, which is what actually damages the follicle.

After the laser damages the hair follicle, the hair vaporizes, and a full round of treatments later the hair will stop growing back.

Laser hair removal may help prevent ingrown hairs and will save time you may have spent waxing or shaving.

Before the laser hair removal procedure begins, your face will be thoroughly cleaned, and a numbing gel may be applied to the treatment area. You’ll be given goggles to wear, and your hair will likely be covered.

The practitioner will aim the laser at the specified area. Most patients say the sensation feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin or a sunburn. You may smell the scent of burnt hair.

Because the face area is smaller than other parts of the body, like the chest or legs, laser hair removal on the face is generally pretty quick, sometimes taking as little as 15–20 minutes.

You can get laser hair removal anywhere on the body, and it’s safe for most people. However, it’s advised to avoid laser treatments of any kind, including laser hair removal, if you’re pregnant.

Laser hair removal can be done anywhere on your face, including the:

  • chin
  • upper lip
  • forehead
  • temples
  • cheeks

In the days following laser hair removal, you can expect to resume most of your normal activities, though you should refrain from exercise and direct sun exposure.

Expect to be a bit patient — it may take up to 2 to 3 weeks for you to see a noticeable difference in hair growth, and it may take several sessions to see full results.

Results should be permanent, though you will likely need a maintenance appointment. This may be once a year but can vary depending on your hair growth. Some people experience long-lasting results with minimal regrowth, while others may need more frequent touch-up sessions.

Facial hair, in particular, may require more maintenance treatments due to the influence of hormonal changes.

Though laser hair removal works best on people with darker hair, there has been some success on lighter-haired individuals. Gray or silver hair tends to give minimal results, no matter which laser is used.

It can be helpful to see before and after photos from real people who’ve had laser hair removal when deciding if it’s right for you.

Your doctor should tell you in advance exactly how they’d like you to prepare for your laser hair removal treatment, but here are some general guidelines to follow:

  • Avoid sun exposure in the days before treatment, as laser hair removal doesn’t work well on tanned skin.
  • Avoid peels or other chemical treatments in the week before your procedure, as these may irritate your skin.
  • You may be told to shave or wax the area beforehand.
  • If possible, arrive at your appointment with clean, makeup-free skin.
  • Try to arrive with a low body temperature (i.e., don’t power walk to your appointment). If you’re warm to begin with, the laser may feel more uncomfortable.
  • Avoid aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal remedies that may increase bleeding.
  • Reschedule your appointment if you have a cold sore or other open cut on your face.

Severe side effects or complications related to laser hair removal on the face are rare.

Side effects often resolve on their own and may include:

  • redness
  • swelling
  • skin irritation

In rare cases, more serious side effects of laser hair removal include:

  • infection
  • permanent changes in skin tone or color
  • blisters
  • burns
  • scarring

You’ll want to find a reputable practitioner to ensure you keep risks to a minimum and assess your skin properly before treatment.

If you have a darker skin tone, it’s especially important to discuss the safest way to remove your facial hair, and you may need a specific type of laser to minimize side effects.

In some states, laser hair removal can only be performed by a medical professional, including dermatologists, nurses, or physician assistants.

In other states, you can see a highly trained aesthetician for the procedure, though the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends seeing a medical professional.