Laser hair removal uses laser energy for long-term hair growth reduction. Heat from the laser is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. Therefore, darker hair absorbs more of this heat than lighter hair. The heat triggers inflammation in the follicle, causing it to go into its resting phase. As long as the follicle is resting, it doesn't produce hair.

One of the more intricate parts of laser hair removal is targeting the hair shaft without damaging pigment in the skin. The laser has to be on for long enough to heat the hair, but not so long that the heat spreads to the surrounding skin, which it could damage. Patients with darker skin have a more difficult time getting good results from laser hair removal because of this. For that reason, three types of lasers are used for hair removal, and the type used depends on the thickness of the hair and the color of the skin. The easiest hair / skin combination to get good results with laser hair removal is dark hair and light skin.

For most patients, three to seven laser hair removal treatments done at four to eight week intervals are necessary for the full benefit of laser hair removal. After this first series of treatments, the hair is reduced in quantity and thickness for a long period of time. But it may not be gone permanently. Maintenance treatments are almost always needed over the long term. Fortunately, maintenance treatments will only have to take place after longer and longer intervals. After enough treatments, they may only bee needed yearly, though it is different with everyone.

In women with unwanted hair on the chin, upper lip, or the sides of the face, it is important to determine first whether the hair growth is hormone-dependent. If the unwanted hair is very thick, or if it is abnormal, a physician should determine its cause before laser hair removal is attempted. Though the ideal candidate for laser hair removal has light skin and dark hair, good results can be achieved on other hair and skin combinations by a skilled practitioner. The only type of hair that laser hair removal really doesn't work on is very light blonde or white hair.

It is important to note that in terms of laser hair removal, "permanent" is a relative term. Generally, patients can reasonably expect a 50% to 70% reduction in hair after three treatments spaced six weeks apart. Laser hair removal of facial hair usually costs from $150 to $350 for each treatment. Laser hair removal should not be used around the eyes to get rid of unwanted eyebrow hair because of the risk of laser damage to the eyes.