Male Laser Hair Removal

Male Laser Hair Removal: Permanent Hair Removal for Men

Laser hair removal is no longer just for women. Men of all types, shapes and sizes are seeking laser hair removal treatments more than ever before.

Male hair removal is growing in popularity, and laser hair removal offers options other removal methods simply cannot. Laser hair removal, unlike most other hair removal methods, can be used to thin hair instead of removing it all. So, a man can choose to be less hairy without having to be hairless. Waxing, shaving, and depilatory creams remove the hair completely, and do not offer the option of thinning overgrowth.
Laser Hair Removal Description

A laser hair removal procedure does not guarantee the hair will be permanently removed, but it significantly slows hair growth. A dermatologist or cosmetic surgery specialist will perform the procedure in his office. During the procedure, a laser beam passes through the skin into the hair follicle. The heat of the laser damages the hair follicle, preventing or slowing hair growth. The intensity of the laser must be adjusted for each individual client, and the procedure can result in mild to moderate pain or discomfort.

Laser hair removal works best on men with light skin and dark hair because the laser targets pigment. Darker hair pigments are easier for the laser destroy, while the light skin around the dark hair remains undamaged. Men with darker skin tones may still have success with laser hair removal if the hair is dark, but they may require additional treatments.

Back Hair Removal and Facial Hair Removal for Men

Overgrowth of back and chest hair is a common problem for men that laser hair removal can improve. Even facial hair can be removed by lasers for the man who desires the feel of a perpetually smooth shave. AskMen.com says that “men of all ages, sizes, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and professions are getting rid of excess body hair.”

Male hair removal is not just a fad anymore as more men realize that grooming is done with more than a bath and a brush.

Preparing for a Laser Hair Removal Procedure

Since the laser can only target hair at the follicle in its growth cycle, do not pluck, wax or have electrolysis treatments for a few weeks prior to having laser hair removal treatment. Individual hairs have different growth cycles, so repeated treatments are necessary to catch the hair in an active growth phase. Shaving is often recommended before a laser hair removal procedure, and can possibly increase success. Tanned or sunburned skin cannot be treated with lasers. Do not use lotions or after-shave on the day of treatment, and only use numbing cream as provided or recommended by the dermatologist or technologist performing the procedure.
Laser Hair Removal Risks

According to the Mayo Clinic, laser hair removal may cause irritation, temporary skin pigment changes, blistering, scarring, or changes in skin texture. The side effects are usually minor and temporary when the laser is in the hands of a qualified professional. Blistering and scarring are rare.
Laser Hair Removal Cost (Men's Health)

Costs for laser hair removal treatments vary significantly depending on the region of the country in which the procedure is being performed, and whether the treatment is being performed by a medical professional or in a non-medical salon. Hair density and size of the area being treated also affect the final cost. Larger areas like the legs and back will take hours to treat and will cost much more than the face or forearms. Several treatments are needed to effectively treat any area of the body, and typical cost could range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per treatment.

Regular treatments are generally recommended for 3 to 6 months, depending on the hair density and size of the area being treated, to initially remove the hair, with maintenance treatments recommended yearly or bi-yearly. A trained professional must evaluate every man individually to determine if his unwanted hair removal goals are feasible, the number of sessions that will be necessary to achieve these goals, and the expected cost of achieving these goals.