The promised results of laser hair removal sound downright dreamy.
Smooth skin forever! Never shave again! A few treatments and that’s it!
But the treatment itself can seem daunting, especially if you aren’t already familiar with it.
Are those lasers safe? What about radiation? They say laser is painful, but HOW painful???
While laser hair removal does involve its risks, you should know that it is relatively safe when performed by a licensed professional with a medical-grade device.
That being said, if you’re nervous about certain laser hair removal side effects or other safety concerns, you should also know that safer, gentler permanent hair removal does exist. If permanent hair removal is your goal, be sure you read up on all of your options to choose the best, safest, most cost-effective one.
We’ll cover how safe laser hair removal is, what risks are involved, and safe alternatives to laser hair removal.
Is laser hair removal safe?
Laser hair removal isn’t a misnomer – it actually uses real, medical-grade lasers to permanently remove body hair. Various medical lasers are clinically tested and FDA-approved to offer safe and effective permanent hair removal. But even with a safe device, laser hair removal can be dangerous in inexperienced hands – the American Academy of Dermatology recommends only seeking laser hair removal from a medical doctor who is extremely skilled in using lasers and has in-depth knowledge of the skin.
Certain types of laser hair removal may be safer than others, especially for certain skin types. Nd:YAG lasers and diode lasers are safer for darker skin types. Hair removal technology is advancing rapidly – it’s worth asking questions about the specific machine the clinic you’re considering uses.
Laser hair removal is safe for nearly every body part, with a few exceptions: eyelids and surrounding areas, the inside of the nose, nipples, and tattooed skin. Other body parts may be more pain-sensitive – the armpits and bikini area are notoriously painful to treat – but still safe.
Laser hair removal can be safe for all skin types, with the right device and certain precautions. Historically, laser hair removal was only safe and effective for people with dark hair and light skin. Recent advances in medical lasers have made it a treatment option for people with very dark skin and people with light hair and light skin.
Certain medical conditions can affect laser hair removal safety. Laser hair removal typically is not recommended for those with the following conditions:
- Broken/infected/scarred skin
- Skin cancer or a history of skin cancer
- Certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema
- Certain medications, including antibiotics or acne treatments
- Burned or tanned skin
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding
Does laser hair removal cause cancer? No, there is no scientific evidence that concludes or suggests that laser hair removal causes skin cancer or any other type of cancer.
Common Laser Hair Removal Side Effects
The most common laser hair removal side effects are minor and temporary:
- Redness
- Irritation/Discomfort
- Swelling (especially around hair follicles)
- Pain
- Itchiness
- Dryness
- Temporary Skin Discoloration
Rare but more serious laser hair removal side effects also include:
- Blistering/Burns
- Scarring
- Eye Injury
- Cold Sore Outbreaks
- Permanent Skin Discoloration
- Infection
Proper laser hair removal prep (avoid prolonged sun exposure and shave the entire beforehand) and laser hair removal aftercare (moisturize liberally, stay out of the sun) can help to minimize the risks of these side effects. But the #1 recommended way to mitigate serious risk is to make sure your laser hair removal technician is a licensed professional.
Checklist of Questions To Ask Your Provider
While laser hair removal can be very safe, it can also be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Before you choose a laser hair removal clinic, don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions about their credentials, treatment details, and safety considerations (not to mention costs and care instructions!) Download our free Questions to Ask Before Laser Hair Removal printable PDF checklist here.
Are at-home devices as safe as professional laser hair removal treatments?
Laser hair removal should ALWAYS be performed by a professional – there are no devices that use actual laser technology that should ever be used at home.
But safe, effective at-home permanent hair removal devices do exist. IPL hair removal is sometimes referred to as at-home laser hair removal, but the technology is a bit different. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment also uses light pulses to target and destroy hair follicles, but uses broad-spectrum light instead of single beams. This makes IPL treatment less painful, more efficient, and safe to do at home. (Plus, results are much faster – you’ll see full results in just 8-12 weeks, compared to a year or more with laser hair removal!)
Many IPL devices exist on the market, and they’re not created equal – some are safer and offer better results than others. Lumi is clinically-tested and FDA-cleared to offer safe, effective permanent hair removal. It offers gentle, pain-free IPL home treatment, with six intensity levels to customize your experience. Side effects are generally less intense – you still might notice some temporary redness or sensitivity following treatment, but using an aloe-based body lotion can alleviate that.
Related: What Is Lumi?
IPL technology is suitable for many but not all skin and hair types – since IPL devices target the melanin in hair follicles, they require a certain amount of contrast between hair and skin to work their magic. Check the IPL hair and skin chart to see if it’s a safe permanent hair removal option for you.
Other Questions about Laser Hair Removal Safety
Is laser hair removal safe for teens?
Laser hair removal is FDA-cleared for patients over 12. That being said, suitability is up to the discretion of the practice – some clinics might prefer to wait until hair growth maturity, which might not be reached until age 18. Ask your local clinic about their policies.
Is laser hair removal safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Experts recommend avoiding laser treatments during pregnancy. Research about the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited, so most medical professionals recommend waiting until six months after delivery or after ceasing breastfeeding to be on the safe side.
What about the safety of laser hair removal for individuals with PCOS?
Laser hair removal is safe and effective for PCOS-related body hair and facial hair.
What should you do if you experience burns or blistering?
Discontinue treatment and tell your provider – they may recommend visiting a doctor.
How can you tell if your laser hair removal is working safely?
Consider snapping photos of the treated area to observe how hair might be growing back more sparse, light, or fine between appointments. As long as you’re seeing gradual results and don’t experience serious side effects, you’re probably right on track! But when in doubt, ask your laser hair removal technician. Don’t be afraid to give them a call between appointments!
Free PDF Checklist: Questions to Ask Before Laser Hair Removal
Download your free Questions to Ask Before Laser Hair Removal printable PDF checklist here!
