While you might decide to get a manicure or facial on a whim, laser hair removal is one of those beauty treatments you usually have to think about before committing to the process, mainly for two reasons: the pain and the cost. 

For many, zapping hair follicles with light beams can seem totally extraneous and downright uncomfortable. Others view it as a necessary luxury—think of all the time you can get back by eliminating shaving, waxing, or plucking from your beauty regimen. For those with deeper skin tones, there’s the consideration that laser hair removal may not work as well, or potentially result in hyperpigmentation. Depending on your hair and skin type, the amount on your body, and growth pattern, bidding other hair removal methods adieu can be life-changing.

Laser hair removal can be a helpful option to getting rid of body hair permanently if you’re always dealing with ingrown hairs and razor bumps. If you’re ready to dive into the world of laser hair removal, be it for your legs, bikini area, face, or underarms (some of the most popular treatment areas), familiarizing yourself with the best services is essential. Wax, shave, and tweeze no more: Here we rounded up the best laser hair removal services.

Best Laser Hair Removal Services of 2021

• Best Overall: SEV Laser
• Best for New York: Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal
• Best for Ultra-Personalized Treatments: Flash Lab Laser
• Best Atmosphere: Ever/Body
• Best Cosmetic Dermatology Office: Dr. Jason Emer Laser Dermatology

Why We Chose It: SEV Laser offers an extensive menu of affordable laser hair removal services for all skin types, guided by an on-staff Medical Director. 

What We Like

• Multiple locations throughout California, Texas, and New York City 
• Affordable services 
• Medical Director on staff 

What We Don’t Like

• Less of an individualized feel 

SEV Laser is a medical spa with multiple locations throughout northern and southern California and Texas, and one in New York City.

The aesthetics boutique specializes in laser hair removal, as well as laser skin tightening, and injectables. With the expertise of the on-staff Medical Director Dr. Ara Shafrazian, SEV Laser incorporates elite laser technology using the Candela GentleMax Pro machine, which is safe and effective for all skin types.

With an extensive menu of services, SEV Laser is one of the most affordable laser hair removal spas with playfully named services that include: full-face (the “Money Maker”), upper lip (“Never Been Kissed”) ears (“Pillow Talk”), Brazilian (“When Hairy Met Sally”), buttocks (“Full Moon”), and more.

Pricing varies based on location, but single services range from about $10 to $15 for small areas like the ears, lip, and chin to roughly $450 for full-body. Most services come in under $100 or less, including a full Brazillian. Pre-paid packages are also available.

What We Like

• State-of-the-art lasers for all skin tones and complexions
• Laser hair removal is the sole focus of the business 
• Founded by the president of the New York State Association of Laser Hair Removal Specialists
• Efficient appointments 

What We Don’t Like

• New York City only

Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal is a New York-based clinic that solely specializes in laser hair removal.

The facility is equipped with 14 state-of-the-art lasers for all skin tones and complexions and is founded by Christian Karavolas, a laser hair removal expert, President of the New York State Association of Laser Hair Removal Specialists, and consultant for leading laser companies including Deka, Cynosure, Candela, and Lumenis.

Additionally, Karavolas has contributed to FDA Studies and conducts workshops for doctors and laser hair removal professionals. He’s also an advocate for uniform education and certification in New York State and is involved in hair removal legislative matters. 

With the most variety of lasers of any facility in the U.S., Karavolas and his highly-trained technicians use Alexandrite wavelength lasers (755 nanometers) for light skin, GentleYAG lasers (1064 nanometers) for dark skin, and the Synchro Replay Excellium 3.4. laser—a highly specialized laser that can micro-tune pulse widths and energies for all skin tones and complexions.

Laser hair removal services include the most popular target areas, including arm, underarm, face, bikini, back, and neck. But Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal also specializes in ingrown hair removal and treatments for men and transgender individuals.

Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal pricing ranges based on the individual’s needs. Single-session pricing is roughly $85 for small areas like the chin and upper lip, about $360 for a full Brazillian, around $360 for half legs, and approximately $700 for full legs.

Packages are also available, which reduces the cost per session.

What We Like

• Specializes in laser services  
• Employs an international CIDESCO-licensed aesthetician and laser technician
• Packages range from small treatment areas to extra-large 
• Offers single sessions 

What We Don’t Like

• New York City only

Founded by New York state-licensed esthetician and laser specialist, Kelly Rheel, Flash Lab is a boutique medical spa located in New York City that specializes in laser treatments. Laser hair removal is one of Flash Lab’s specialties, where the highly-trained staff customizes services based on skin and hair type and desired hair removal results. 

For laser hair removal, Flash Lab uses the FDA-approved Candela GentleMax Pro. As one of the most advanced hair removal systems in the esthetics industry, this singular machine integrates the GentleLASE (also known as the 755 Alexandrite laser) and the GentleYAG laser, so treatments are safe and effective for all skin types.

Before purchasing any package, Flash Lab starts any laser hair removal journey with a complimentary consultation to ensure that customers are good candidates and ensure treatments are tailored specifically for desired results and skin type. 

Flash Lab’s pricing varies. Small areas are about $50 to $100 for a single session; medium areas range from roughly $125 to $200 for a single session; large areas run from around $275 to $400 for a single session; and extra-large areas range from approximately $400 to $550 for a single session. Packages are also available for multiple sessions.

What We Like

• Board-certified dermatologist on staff
• Packages range from small treatment areas to extra-large 

What We Don’t Like 

• New York City only 
• Packages only, no single sessions

Founded in 2019, Ever/Body cosmetic dermatology is based in New York City and specializes in skin and body treatments, including laser hair removal.

On staff is Jared Jagdeo, MD, MS board-certified dermatologist, serving as Chief Medical Officer. With a background including aesthetics, laser, and light therapy research, he provides hands-on patient education, curates medically-tested treatments, and ensures the safety of each results-driven procedure. 

With locations in Flatiron and Soho neighborhood, Ever/Body focuses on being at the intersection of health and beauty by making cosmetic dermatology more accessible with high-quality medical treatments and transparent pricing. Every service, including all laser hair removal, is done in an hour or less (in a highly Instagrammable setting) and can be paired with a product regimen to help your results last. (It sells top-of-the-line products from brands like SkinCeuticals and SuperGoop.)

Ever/Body customizes laser hair removal treatment based on hair and skin type—the company uses GentleYAG lasers for dark skin tones, Alexandrite for lighter skin tones, and offers Cynosure lasers, which can be used to treat both light and dark skin. Dr. Jagdeo notes that lighter hair may require more treatments than dark hair. 

Dr. Jagdeo says it takes six to eight sessions to see noticeable hair reduction and recommends booking sessions once every six weeks. Clients will typically see full results from 10 treatments within 18 months. 

Ever/Body’s laser hair removal packages cost about $785 for small areas, roughly $1,295 for medium areas, around $1,995 for large areas, and approximately $2,798 for extra-large areas.

What We Like

• Founded by a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon
• Uses and innovates with top-of-the-line laser technology
• Five-star service and accommodating staff 

What We Don’t Like

• Los Angeles only 

Dr. Jason Emer is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon specializing in rare cosmetic procedures and laser treatments, including laser hair removal.

Dr. Emer’s practice offers custom combination treatments to achieve patient-specific, long-term results, with five-star service; the goal is to ensure every patient feels safe, informed, and well-taken care of throughout any treatment.

Dr. Emer works with the newest state-of-the-art lasers. He begins every laser hair removal process with a consultation to best-determine which lasers will produce the optimal results per patient. Then, he crafts a comprehensive and patient-specific treatment plan.

Dr. Emer uses a no-contact Aerolase Neo microsecond YAG laser, which is ideal for dark skin types and isolated treatment areas; it also targets ingrown or unwanted hairs while simultaneously minimizing pores, tightening skin, and rebuilding collagen. He also utilizes the Astanza MeDioStar NeXT PRO laser, and Monolith handpiece series with 360-degree skin cooling for larger treatment areas. This is the fastest diode laser technology available on the market, using a combination of wavelengths, high-frequency pulses, and advanced cooling technology to ensure greater skin penetration and safely destroy the deepest hair follicles.

The 360-degree contact skin cooling system cools the epidermis very efficiently and protects it from burns. It also ensures even distribution of energy over the entire treatment area to prevent the formation of hot spots and reduce the risk of side effects. 

In addition to laser hair removal services, Dr. Emer offers an extensive range of facial and body treatments. He has completed clinical trials on investigational treatments in cosmetic, laser, and surgical dermatology. Some of his work has prompted FDA approval for several medications and devices treating a range of skin conditions. He’s written extensively on fractional laser technologies, among other aesthetic procedures and dermatological conditions.

Dr. Emer’s pricing for laser hair removal ranges from about $250 a session for smaller areas to around $500 a session for medium areas. Larger areas cost more than roughly $1000 per session. All laser hair removal treatments are customized for each patient and their needs.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work? 

Laser hair removal works by creating a beam of high-intensity light to penetrate the skin’s tissue deeply. The beam of light bypasses the epidermis and targets hair follicles at the root to disable its reproductive cycle. The wavelength, pulse duration, and cooling are determined from a person’s Fitzpatrick scale skin type, including the hair follicle’s color and coarseness. 

Per visit, Dr. Jagdeo says laser hair removal typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. According to Dr. Markowitz, the larger the area being treated, the longer it takes, such as legs or back. “If it’s a very sensitive area, sometimes a numbing agent that takes about half an hour to an hour to take effect will be applied,” she explains. For large areas like the legs, expect your appointment to last roughly 15 to 30 minutes per session, and for smaller areas like the chin or lip, treatment will take just a few minutes. 

Expect that you and your practitioner will wear safety glasses to protect your eyes during a laser hair removal treatment. 

What Are the Best Lasers for Hair Removal?

Different types of lasers are used to target hair follicles and accommodate different skin tones and body areas. “The most effective is a diode laser as well as an Nd:YAG laser,” explains Dr. Orit Markowitz, an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in NYC. “These lasers target the pigment of hair follicles, causing eradication down to the bulb,” she tells Byrdie. While diode lasers can treat darker skin, Dr. Markowitz says the Nd:YAG is the gold standard and safest for minimizing the risk of post-treatment blistering and pigmentary changes.

Another laser most commonly used in spa-like settings is the IPL laser. “This laser also targets the pigment in a more gentle way,” Dr. Markowitz notes, explaining it’s the least effective of the three types of lasers. It’s important to book a consultation appointment before committing to any laser hair removal service or package to learn if you’re a good candidate for treatment, and if so, the type of laser that will be best for you and your desired result. 

“Older lasers are more painful and don’t work as well,” explains Karavolas of Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal. The best technology right now: lasers with two wavelengths. Namely, Alexandrite Wavelength Lasers and Nd:YAG for light skin and dark skin complexions with big spot sizes and variable speed, according to Karavolas. 

Who Is the Best Candidate for Laser Hair Removal? 

Those with dark and thicker hair and lighter skin will typically see the best results from laser hair removal, but that’s not to say those with medium-dark hair or darker skin won’t benefit from treatment. However, laser hair removal doesn’t work on light hair. “Lasers are attracted to dark pigment or melanin, so the darker the hair follicle, the better result you will receive,” Gabrielle Hope Bradley, a CIDESCO aesthetician and laser technician at Flash Lab Laser in NYC explains. 

Someone with dark skin and fine light hair would not be a good candidate for laser hair removal, according to Dr. Markowitz. The laser targets pigments and the thinner and lighter the hair and the darker the surrounding skin, the less likely the laser will be able to target the hair. 

if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you’re not an ideal candidate for laser hair removal, nor are people with these conditions: epilepsy, psoriasis, bleeding disorders, or vitiligo.

How Should I Prepare for Laser Hair Removal? 

Shave 24 to 48 hours before a laser hair removal appointment. Your hair follicles need to be present under the skin so the laser can target them for removal. It’s also important to avoid tweezing, waxing, threading, tanners, exfoliates, topical acids, and sunburn before treatment. If you’ve been in direct sun, Christina Nalbone, an aesthetic nurse practitioner and director of clinical education and operations at Ever/Body, says to wait at least two weeks before getting laser hair removal. It’s also best to book a laser hair removal session at least two weeks after taking antibiotics and a minimum of six months after stopping Accutane. 

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take Before You See Results?

On average, it takes six to eight sessions spaced four to six weeks apart to remove up to 95% of hair growth permanently, according to Karavolas and Bradley. Follow-up maintenance or “clean-up” appointments might be necessary, too. 

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? 

Dr. Markowitz says regrowth is a possible outcome with IPL laser treatments, but it’s rare to get significant if any regrowth over time when treated with the proper laser and settings.

According to Christina Nalbone, hormones can naturally cause hair regrowth—a common occurrence with pregnancy or hormone therapy. Staying on top of a treatment timeline with a sufficient number of treatments will reduce regrowth. Touch-ups may be needed over the years, too. 

Christian Karavolas says a person’s metabolism may play a role in any regrowth on hormonal areas such as the face, upper-arms, and possibly abdomen, too. 

How Should You Treat an Area Post-Laser Hair Removal? 

After laser hair removal, it’s important to avoid sun exposure and wear SPF 30+ on treated areas that might be exposed to the sun. For three days post-treatment, avoid hot saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs—lukewarm showers are ideal when cleansing. To prevent irritation, working out immediately after treatment is not advised. 

Keeping the treated area well moisturized with an ointment like Aquaphor, cortisone, or aloe is ideal after laser hair removal, too. Gabrielle Bradley says light exfoliation to the treatment area can help the hair follicle underneath the skin begin to fall out as well. It can take weeks after a laser hair removal treatment for hair follicles to start falling out. While you can shave between laser hair removal treatments, do not wax or tweezing (it defeats the purpose).  

How We Chose the Best Laser Hair Removal Services

We selected these laser hair removal services based on the professional recommendation of doctors and skincare experts, pricing, and packages offered. By taking into account the recommended and most-technologically-advanced lasers, we spotlighted these options that include service for people with different skin, hair types, and hair removal goals in mind.