Laser hair removal for men is an easy, affordable way to get rid of unwanted body hair in the bikini zone.
Men have been shaving their faces for years, but there are many reasons why you might want to skip that step and head straight for laser hair removal instead. Laser hair removal can be a more cost-effective option than shaving, and it’s a great choice if you’re tired of trying to keep up with stubble or other forms of body hair in your bikini area.
In this post, we’ll consider best at home laser hair removal and male laser hair removal cost.
Sick of waxing your chest? Tired of manscaping your back? Fed up with plucking those stray hairs that grow between your eyebrows?
Lots of men are sick of the upkeep that comes with removing unwanted hair, which is why laser hair removal for men is becoming more and more popular.
If you’re thinking about getting laser hair removal for your unwanted body hair, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about laser hair removal, including how it works, what it feels like, and what you can expect before, during, and after.
How Does Laser Hair Removal for Men Work?
As the name suggests, laser hair removal treatments involve the use of laser light technology. These lasers emit pulses of light energy into the skin to target the root and hair follicles. Once the root and follicle are destroyed, hair can no longer grow, and the result is permanent hair reduction.
Depending on the size of the area, most clients need multiple hair-removal sessions to see the best results.
That’s because hair, as it grows, goes through three different stages. The laser is only effective on hair that’s in the growth phase, and individual hairs are always in different phases. Hair must be in the active growth stage for laser hair removal to be effective. With multiple treatments spread out over weeks, the laser can capture every hair in the growth phase.
What Areas of the Body Can be Treated?
Laser hair removal can be performed on any part of the body – except for the eyelids.
For men, the most popular areas for laser hair removal are:
- Chest
- Back
- Stomach
- Neck
- Groin
- Backside
- Between the eyebrows
But, while those are the most popular places for laser hair removal, you can also get the treatment on your:
- Ears
- Nose
- Forehead
- Scalp
- Bikini line
- And other areas
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Everyone’s body reacts differently to laser treatments. Some people see permanent results, while others only see temporary hair reduction.
Treatment is most effective on people with light skin and dark hair. It is more challenging to eliminate hair growth on people with fair skin and light hair, as well as from people with a dark skin tone and dark hair.
Once treatment sessions are complete, some people will see permanent hair loss. Others may need to return for a touch-up treatment in a year or two. The success of the procedure depends upon the individual and how many treatments they have.
What to Do Before Laser Hair Removal
If you’re ready to get laser hair removal, start by consulting with a certified and licensed professional. Consultations with LaserAll are entirely free.
During your initial consultation, your laser technician will explain what the procedure entails. He or she will then examine the area and estimate how many sessions you’ll need.
The number of treatments required depends upon the size of the area and a patient’s skin type. For example, removing back hair is much more time consuming than facial hair due to the sheer size of the area.
At your consultation, ask questions so you know what to expect. One of the most common questions asked is, “Does it hurt?”
Here’s the good news: the pain of laser hair removal is minimal. Most people say it feels like snapping a rubber band against the skin.
At your consultation, your laser technician will also provide you with instructions on what to do to prepare for laser hair removal. These instructions involve shaving the area before treatment and avoiding exposure to the sun.
What to Expect After Treatment
After treatment, it’s common to experience some slight discomfort. Many people see redness and swelling in the area, especially within the first few hours after treatment.
But what you do afterward is just as important as what you do to prepare.
To see the most effective results, stay out of the sun. Wear loose clothing so that you don’t sweat in the treated area, and don’t head to the gym. For the first 48 hours after a session, avoid working out.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal for Men
The most obvious benefit of laser hair removal is never having to shave or wax again, which can save time, money, and embarrassment.
Another benefit is that you’ll no longer have to deal with ingrown hairs. That includes painful bumps on the groin, chest, and neck, where many men see ingrown hairs after shaving.
Laser hair removal can even make you smell better. Less hair means less sweat – and that means a better scent!
But if there’s no guarantee that laser hair removal will be 100% effective, is it worth doing?
For most people, the answer is yes.
Most individuals see complete or significant hair loss, which means less maintenance, even if you have a few hairs remaining. And for those who have to deal with ingrown hairs or razor burn after shaving, it’s well worth it.
If you’re ready to get laser hair removal, start by consulting with a trusted professional. We cannot stress enough how important it is to go to a reputable laser clinic for the safest and most effective results.
Listen to what your laser technician tells you to do before and after treatments. Following the rules can be the difference between seeing effective results and causing unnecessary damage to the skin.
Maybe you’re sick of those pesky hairs between your eyebrows. Maybe you’re ready for a super smooth body so you can show off your six pack on the beach. Or maybe you’re tired of those red bumps that form on your neck after shaving.
Whatever the area is, whatever the reason is, laser hair removal is a safe and effective procedure that more and more men are doing all the time. With just a few treatments and some basic follow-up care, you too can have the hair-free body you’ve always wanted.
Best At Home Laser Hair Removal
Both IPL and diode laser devices rely on the pigment of the hair follicle to lessen or completely remove it from your skin, but diode lasers are generally more precise, making them a safer option for most skin types and tones. However, it’s important to use caution when trying out any at-home laser hair removal device. Those with lighter hair or darker skin should carefully consider their options regarding their tool of choice. “I recommend that my clients first test spots in less conspicuous areas, like the arms or legs, to see if burning or hyperpigmentation occurs before proceeding to treat the face or more prominent areas of the body,” Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, says.
Having more pigment in your skin may confuse the laser, Zeichner cautions, leading to discoloration in the skin. “In general, at-home laser hair removal devices are not optimal for those with sensitive skin or skin of color as the potential risk of irritation, hyperpigmentation, or scarring is increased,” Garshick adds. “For individuals with sensitive skin and darker skin types, it’s especially important to ensure the selected device is appropriate and should always be discussed with a board-certified dermatologist prior to use.”
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO TREAT THE SKIN POST-HAIR REMOVAL?
Another pro tip? Don’t forget to take care of your skin with a soothing moisturizer following each treatment to hydrate and repair the skin barrier. According to Rossi, look for moisturizers without heavy fragrances, as they can contribute to skin inflammation. Garshick agrees, adding that wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is equally important in healing newly treated areas of the skin, since laser treatments can often contribute to increased sun sensitivity. “Generally, moisturizing creams and sun protection are both important after using laser treatment,” she explains. “A gentle moisturizer or post-procedure product, such as Vaseline Intensive Care Soothing Hydration with Aloe, can be soothing on the skin. Other options include CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream, Avène Cicalfate+, or EltaMD Laser Enzyme Gel. If the skin feels sensitive at all, it is best to opt for a mineral sunscreen like Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield or Cetaphil’s Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen.”
Whether you’re looking to maintain a professional treatment or curious about new options for hair removal at home, these expert-recommended devices are among the safest and most effective tools that get the job done. Here, nine of the best at-home laser devices dermatologists always recommend to their clients for body care maintenance, along with some top-rated picks beauty enthusiasts across the internet swear by.
1EXPERT LASER HAIR REMOVAL PICK
Silk Expert IPL Hair Removal System
This dermatologist-recommended device uses IPL technology and incorporates a sensor that adapts the treatment based on your skin tone. Its glide mode can be helpful to cover larger surface areas and also includes a precision head to help address smaller areas that may be difficult to reach, like the face, bikini line, and underarms.
2 BEST LASER HAIR REMOVAL SET
IPL Silk Expert Pro 3
Here’s another top-rated Braun device—that just happens to be on sale right now. It works in just nine minutes to remove hair from both your arms and legs, and is ideal for fair to olive skin tones. For in between touch-ups, this tool even includes a handy razor and extra precision head.
One satisfied Amazon customer writes, “I was very skeptical about this because my skin is a medium brown, close to golden honey. This device has indication lights that will tell you if you can use it on the skin (it doesn’t flash if the skin is not suitable). I have used it twice a week since January 24, and noticed the hairs are taking much longer to grow. It hasn’t been 90 days yet, which leads me to believe results will be even better. I’m very satisfied with this device—great value!”
3 EXPERT LASER HAIR REMOVAL PICK
Infinity Hair Removal Device
“This handheld device is easy to hold and use, and uses IPL technology to eliminate hairs. Through high-speed repetition of pulses, it offers fast and effective treatment sessions at home,” Garshick says.
4 BEST CUSTOMIZABLE HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE
Flash&Go Jewel Hair Removal Device
This adjustable device from Silk’n uses HPL (Home Pulsed Light) technology to minimize unwanted body hair by targeting pigment in the hair shaft to disable growth without damaging surrounding skin.
5 BEST HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE FOR LARGE AREAS
Flash&Go Pro Hair Removal Device
Made to remove hair from both your body and face, this expert-level HPL tool features five power levels to get the job done with the touch of a single button.
6 BEST HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE FOR TRAVEL
Flash&Go Express Hair Removal Device
This fast-acting, FDA-cleared version of the Flash&Go uses a quartz bulb and pulsed light technology to lessen hair density with the press of a button, and works in just 20 minutes to deliver smoother skin.
7 EXPERT LASER HAIR REMOVAL PICK
Hair Removal Laser 4X
This tool from Tria is one of most popular products on the market for at-home laser hair removal, and has a tip that’s small enough to target hard-to-reach areas. “This device uses a diode laser, the same type I use in the office, to target the root of the hair,” Zeichner says. “The hand piece of the laser is small enough that it can accommodate skin contours such as those under the arms, in the bikini area, or even the face.”
8 BEST HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE FOR PRECISION
Hair Removal Laser Precision
This compact diode-laser device is ergonomic and designed to use around curves and smaller areas. Since it has a battery life of up to 15 minutes, it’s ideal for quick touch-ups between professional visits.
9 BEST LASER HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE FOR MEN AND WOMEN
At-Home Hair Removal Machine
This popular IPL device is best for those with fair to olive skin tones with darker hair, and uses three stages to slow body hair growth over the course of a few weeks.
Male Laser Hair Removal Cost
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the cost of laser hair removal on a man’s full back can range anywhere from $600-$900 per session. However, at the New York Skin and Vein Center our fees start at only $450 for a full man’s back. That can be reduced significantly if you invest in a package of treatment sessions. The best way to determine what you’ll pay is through an in-person consultation.