If you are tired of shaving, waxing and ingrown hairs, laser hair removal is one of the most popular long-term solutions. The catch is timing. It takes a series of sessions spaced weeks apart, and your skin needs to be free of a tan during treatment. That makes fall the ideal time to start.
Laser hair removal is available at our Downtown Brooklyn office, along with our Upper East Side, Greenvale and Boulder offices. Here is what to know before you book.
Key takeaways
- Laser hair removal targets the pigment in the hair follicle to reduce regrowth over time.
- Most people need a series of sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart, depending on the area.
- Starting in October or November means you can finish most of a series before summer.
- A tan raises the risk of side effects, which is why fall and winter are best.
- The right laser settings for your skin tone matter. Every plan starts with a consultation.
How laser hair removal works
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. The light turns to heat and damages the follicle, which slows or stops future growth. The surrounding skin is protected with cooling.
Hair grows in cycles, and the laser only affects follicles in the active growth phase. That is why one session is never enough. Each treatment catches a new group of follicles, and results build over the series.
Why fall and winter are the best time to start
You need to stay out of the sun
A tan puts extra pigment in the skin, which competes with the hair for the laser's energy. Treating tanned skin raises the risk of burns, blisters and dark or light marks. Most providers ask you to avoid sun and self-tanner for a few weeks before and after each session. That is much easier from October to March than in July.
The timeline works out
Most areas need several sessions. Underarms and bikini areas may be spaced about four to six weeks apart, while legs and back are often six to eight weeks apart. Start in the fall and you can have most of your series done before shorts season.
Covered skin heals easily
Mild redness and bumps after treatment are common for a day or two. Long sleeves and pants make that easy to hide.
Popular treatment areas
- Underarms
- Bikini line and Brazilian area
- Legs
- Face, including the upper lip and chin
- Back and chest
- Neck and beard line, including for razor bumps and ingrown hairs
For many men with razor bumps on the neck, laser hair removal reduces the ingrown hairs that cause bumps and dark marks. It can be a medical relief as much as a cosmetic one.
Laser hair removal for darker skin tones
In the past, laser hair removal was mostly safe for people with light skin and dark hair. Today, some lasers use longer wavelengths that can treat darker skin more safely, because they bypass more of the melanin in the skin. Settings and technique still matter a great deal.
Our Brooklyn providers treat a wide range of skin tones. At your consultation, we look at your skin type and hair color and tell you honestly what results to expect. Laser hair removal does not work well on very light blond, red, gray or white hair, because there is not enough pigment for the laser to target.
What to expect at your appointment
- Consultation. We review your skin, hair, medical history and medications. Some medicines and conditions affect treatment.
- Prep. Shave the area the day before. Do not wax, pluck or thread for several weeks before, because the laser needs the follicle in place.
- Treatment. You wear protective eyewear. Most people feel a quick snap, like a rubber band. Small areas take a few minutes.
- Aftercare. Mild redness is normal. Avoid sun, hot tubs and harsh products for a day or two, and use sunscreen on treated skin.
- Shedding. Treated hairs fall out over one to three weeks. That is part of the process.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people need about six to eight sessions for a significant reduction, and some need more. Hormones play a role, so facial hair in women, especially related to conditions like PCOS, may need more treatments and occasional touch-ups. If unwanted hair growth is new or heavy, your provider may suggest a medical look first. Our page on hirsutism explains more.
Laser hair removal is a big reduction, not always a permanent zero. Many patients come back once or twice a year for maintenance.
Laser hair removal vs. shaving, waxing and at-home devices
- Shaving is quick and cheap but lasts a day or two and can cause razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
- Waxing and sugaring last a few weeks but can be painful and sometimes cause irritation, ingrown hairs and dark marks.
- At-home light devices run at lower power than office lasers. They can help some people with light skin and dark hair, but results are slower and less predictable, and they are not designed for every skin tone.
- Office laser hair removal takes a series of visits, but it offers the longest-lasting reduction and is adjusted to your skin and hair by a trained provider.
For many people, the time and money spent on years of waxing or razors adds up to more than a laser series. It also ends the cycle of bumps and dark spots that come with shaving and waxing.
Who should wait or talk to us first
Laser hair removal is not a good idea for everyone right away. Tell your provider if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have a current tan or recent sunburn
- Take medications that make you sensitive to light
- Have a history of keloids or a skin condition in the treatment area
- Have a tattoo in the area, since tattoo ink absorbs laser energy
Frequently asked questions
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most people describe it as a quick snap with some warmth. Cooling makes it more comfortable, and larger areas feel more intense than small ones.
Can I get laser hair removal if I have dark skin?
Often yes, with the right laser and settings. Your provider will confirm at your consultation.
Can I shave between sessions?
Yes. Shaving is fine. Avoid waxing, plucking and threading, which remove the hair the laser needs.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the area and number of sessions. See starting prices on our upfront pricing page.
Is it covered by insurance?
Laser hair removal is usually considered cosmetic and is not covered.
Book in Downtown Brooklyn
Our Downtown Brooklyn office is at 100 Livingston Street, 3L. Book online or call or text (347) 797-5005 to start your series this fall. If you are not sure it is right for you, start with a cosmetic consultation.