Laser hair removal: how many sessions, and how it is priced

Laser hair removal is never a single appointment. It works over a series of sessions, and it is priced per body area, per session or as a package. That is why two prices for the same area can differ several times over.

How it works

The laser’s light is absorbed by pigment in the hair and turns to heat, which damages the follicle and slows regrowth. A follicle responds best while the hair is actively growing, and at any moment only some hairs in an area are. That is why treatment needs several sessions spaced weeks apart.

How many sessions

The American Academy of Dermatology describes a course of two to six treatments, usually given every four to six weeks. Results can last months or years, and some people need maintenance treatments later, so treat it as a long-lasting reduction in hair rather than a guarantee that every hair is gone for good.

Skin and hair type

The laser targets pigment, so results are usually best when hair is darker than the skin around it. Light blond, red, gray and white hair often responds poorly. People with darker skin can be treated, but the AAD says dark skin must be treated very carefully, with a laser and settings suited to it, by someone experienced in treating darker skin. Ask which laser a clinic uses and how often it treats your skin type.

How it is priced

• Per area per session: underarms, bikini, lower legs, upper lip and so on, each priced separately.
• Packages: a fixed number of sessions for one area, sold together at a lower price per session.
• Memberships: a monthly fee that covers sessions for one or more areas.

Because the unit differs from clinic to clinic, we group laser hair removal prices by area rather than ranking them. To compare a package with a single-session price, divide the package by its number of sessions. Then check whether the package expires, and whether extra sessions cost the package rate.

Clinic-published prices, grouped by area, with a source link on each, are on the pages linked below. For more on regular, promotional and member prices, see how to read a med spa price list.

Who performs it

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends having laser hair removal performed or directly supervised by a board-certified dermatologist, or by someone with comparable training. Rules on who may operate a laser differ by state, so ask who will treat you and who supervises them.