Laser Hair Removal Myths Busted: Cost, Side Effects, & Where to Get It Done

Laser hair removal is a medical and cosmetic treatment that uses a concentrated beam of light (a laser) to target and damage hair follicles.

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment, wherein the concentrated beam of laser light looks for dark colour (melanin) in the hair; the light turns into heat and then harms the hair follicles. After which the treated hair falls out.

The number of laser hair removal sessions you need can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Hair thickness and color: Darker, thicker hair may respond differently to laser treatment than fine or lighter hair.
• Skin tone: Your skin tone determines the appropriate laser technology and settings for treatment.
• Treatment area: Areas such as the face, underarms, legs, and full body can have different hair-growth patterns and treatment requirements.
• Hair-growth cycle: Since individual follicles are at different stages of growth, several sessions are needed to target more follicles during their active growth phase.
• Hormonal factors: Hormonal fluctuations or conditions can influence hair growth and may affect the number of sessions required.
• Individual response: Results vary from person to person, so your treatment plan should be based on how your hair responds over the course of treatment.

MakeO Skin & Hair Clinic states that its laser hair removal treatment can provide up to 90% hair reduction in 6 to 8 sessions, although the number of sessions and results may vary based on individual hair and skin characteristics.

Read more: The cost and benefits of laser hair removal

Fact: If you are wondering, “Is laser painful?" Then stop; the answer is no. During laser hair removal, some people experience mild or temporary discomfort, not significant pain. During laser hair treatment, you can feel a quick snapping or warming sensation as the laser targets the hair follicles, and this experience may vary depending on your skin sensitivity, hair thickness, and the area being treated. Modern laser hair removal systems also use cooling technology to keep the skin comfortable during treatment and minimize heat-related discomfort. So, while laser hair removal may not be completely sensation-free, it is generally well tolerated when performed using appropriate technology and settings by a trained professional.

Fact: Laser hair removal is designed to provide long-term hair reduction, but it does not guarantee that every hair will be permanently removed after one session. Since hair grows in different cycles, multiple sessions are usually needed to target follicles effectively. Over time, you can expect a significant reduction in hair growth, with regrowth becoming finer and less noticeable for many people. So, while laser hair removal can significantly reduce unwanted hair and the need for frequent shaving or waxing, it is more accurate to think of it as long-term hair reduction rather than a one-time permanent hair removal solution.

Fact: Laser hair removal can be performed safely on Indian skin tones when the right laser technology, wavelength, and treatment settings are selected for the individual. Because Indian skin can have higher melanin levels, choosing the right laser and carefully adjusting its settings helps minimize the risk of irritation or pigmentation changes. To make your laser hair journey the best and safest, you can book your appointment with MakeO Skin & Hair Clinic, where our professional skin doctor assesses your skin tone, hair colour, hair thickness, and treatment area, and then customizes laser settings according to your skin and hair characteristics.

Fact: Laser effectiveness varies with hair colour and thickness because the laser targets pigment. Fine or lighter hair may respond differently, which is why good laser technology and a doctor’s assessment are required.

Read more: Here are 5 reasons why you must consider laser hair removal

Fact: Shaving is often the preferred way to manage regrowth during your treatment plan. Shaving cuts the hair at the skin's surface without removing the hair follicle, allowing the laser to target the follicle during your next session. However, waxing, plucking, and epilating remove the hair from the root, which can interfere with the way laser hair removal targets the hair follicle. For this reason, it is best to avoid these methods while undergoing your laser hair removal sessions, unless your treatment provider advises otherwise. If you notice hair regrowth between sessions, shaving is a convenient option to keep the treated area smooth without disrupting your laser hair removal treatment plan.

Fact: Laser hair removal isn't limited to winter. It can be done year-round when your skin is suitable for treatment, and the right laser technology and settings are used. So, you don't necessarily have to wait for winter to start laser hair removal.

Fact: Although the upfront cost of laser hair removal may be more than waxing, consider the overall cost over the long term. Waxing must be repeated every few weeks to maintain smooth skin, so the expenses keep adding up. With laser hair removal, you undergo multiple sessions as part of a planned treatment course, followed by maintenance sessions when required. The treatment works by targeting the hair follicle to reduce future hair growth, helping decrease your dependence on regular shaving, waxing, or other temporary hair-removal methods. Total laser hair removal cost depends on factors such as the treatment area, the number of sessions required, hair growth, and the technology used. For example, the full-body laser hair removal cost will naturally differ from the cost of treating smaller areas such as the underarms or face. So, instead of comparing the price of one waxing session with one laser session, consider the long-term cost, convenience, and reduction in hair growth when deciding which option works best for you.

Fact: No, you do not need to grow out your hair before the laser hair removal process. In fact, shaving the treatment area before your session is recommended because the laser targets the hair follicle beneath the skin, not the long hair above the surface.

Fact: Laser hair removal is not generally associated with causing ingrown hairs. By reducing hair growth over time, it may actually help people who frequently experience ingrown hairs from shaving or other hair-removal methods.

Fact: Laser hair removal is suitable for both men and women who want to reduce unwanted hair. Men commonly choose laser treatment for areas such as the beard line, neck, chest, back, abdomen, and underarms. For men who experience frequent shaving irritation, razor bumps, or ingrown hairs, laser hair removal can be an effective option for reducing hair growth and making regular grooming more convenient. The treatment plan depends on the individual's hair thickness, skin tone, treatment area, and desired results. Whether you're looking for facial hair reduction or considering larger treatment areas, a professional assessment can help determine the appropriate approach. Say goodbye to the hassle of frequent shaving and waxing with Laser hair removal treatment starting at ₹6,250 per session (for full body).

MakeO Skin & Hair Clinic’s laser hair removal procedure uses ice-cool technology to keep skin cool and comfortable during treatment. This technology minimizes heat and discomfort while the laser targets hair follicles. Combined with four laser wavelengths – 755 nm, 810 nm, 940 nm, and 1064 nm- the technology is designed to treat different hair types and skin tones with customized settings. We've also delivered 2,50,000+ laser hair sessions, with a promise of 90% hair reduction. You can also book a free 1-hour laser session for ₹99 and experience the treatment.

If you are searching for laser hair removal, choose a skin care clinic that offers professional laser hair removal treatment with appropriate laser technology, backed by a professional team of dermatologists and a personalized treatment plan. Book an appointment with MakeO Skin & Hair Clinic for dermatologist-backed laser hair removal with advanced technology, multiple treatment areas, and convenient at-home or center-based sessions, depending on availability.

Ready to get started? Book a FREE laser hair removal consultation with MakeO.