If you’re considering investing in laser hair removal it’s important to do plenty of research before taking the plunge. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of laser hair removal is $285 per session. Considering that the average person requires 4-6 sessions, sometimes up to 12, per body part, the price of getting laser can add up quickly. That’s why it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of laser hair removal and whether it’s worth the price tag.
Value For Money
So, deciding which body part you want to laser is a good place to start when thinking about what’s good value for the money. After all, body hair is a highly personal preference. Women’s opinions on how much hair they want and where – bikini area, underarms, face or even legs differ woman to woman. Typically the bigger the body part the more expensive the laser. For example, back and legs would be more than the underarms.
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Assess Your Current Costs
It’s also a wise idea to take a detailed look at what you’re spending on hair removal now. Are you shaving daily? Weekly? What are you spending on razors and shaving creams per month and per year? The same goes for waxing. A single Brazilian wax can run anywhere between $50 to $120 depending on the salon. Even if we take the cheap end at $50, the hair will grow back within 3-4 weeks, which means monthly waxes. Per year that will cost you $600 or roughly two laser sessions. Legs aren’t much cheaper at approximately $30-55 depending on if you’re doing half or full legs. It’s simple math but it will help you decide whether laser is worth it if saving money is your priority.
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Overall Benefits
It’s also important to ask yourself what matters most to you? Is it the time to shave or wax that you want to address? Or having the softest and smoothest skin? No one likes the bumps, irritated skin that can come with shaving. And as for ingrown hairs? They can be unsightly and painful and shaving and waxing can cause both. Or maybe you want it all: soft, smooth skin without having to think about it or better yet, do anything about it. If that’s you, then laser hair removal is worth the money, pain and time.
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Will It Work For You?
Another factor in determining if laser hair removal is worth it is ensuring that you are a good candidate for success. The treatment works by the laser targeting the dark pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle and zapping it to destroy the follicle. Note we said dark pigment. Lasers don’t read blonde, red or grey hair, so while women with these hair colors might see some reduction in hair, they won’t get the results they’re hoping for. Same for women with darker skin tones.
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The Conclusion
At the end of the day, it really is a personal decision whether the investment of laser hair removal is worth it. It’s important to determine what you value most between factors such as time and money. Laser hair removal can offer a world of benefits, but there are also some downfalls. Be sure to do your research and weigh the pros and cons before making a commitment either way!
Curious about trying laser hair removal at home? These are some of our favorite products to use, which have been handpicked by our beauty editors!
