Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Facial Hair?

Laser hair removal and facial hair — what you need to know

Unwanted facial hair can be a common concern for many, often leading to a constant battle with traditional hair removal methods, like waxing and shaving. Luckily, laser hair removal has become a popular choice for achieving smoother, hair-free skin all over the body. But just how effective is it on facial hair? Let’s learn about how laser hair removal works, its effectiveness on facial hair, and how it compares to other common hair removal methods. 

How does laser hair removal work?

In short, laser hair removal uses concentrated light to target hair follicles. The pigment in the hair absorbs the light, which then damages the follicle to stop future hair growth. This process involves:

• Targeting pigment: The laser emits a light that is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair. This is why laser hair removal works best on dark, coarse hair. 
• Follicle disruption: The absorbed light converts to heat, which damages the hair follicles, delaying or preventing future hair growth. 
• Multiple sessions: hair grows in cycles, and multiple sessions are required to target the follicles during their growth phase for optimal results. 

Laser hair removal is safe and effective on all different parts of the body, including the face, which makes it a versatile solution for those seeking long-term hair reduction. After a series of treatments, you can expect to achieve up to 80% reduction in hair growth. 

How effective is laser hair removal on facial hair?

Facial hair can be particularly challenging due to its fine texture and hormonal influences. However, laser hair removal has proven safe and effective for many individuals. Lasers can precisely target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged, and each laser pulse only takes a fraction of a second and can treat many hairs simultaneously. Smaller areas, such as the upper lip, can be treated in less than a minute. With multiple sessions, laser hair removal can significantly reduce facial hair, resulting in smoother skin and reducing the need for frequent upkeep, unlike with other hair removal methods. 

What are some limitations of laser hair removal?

While laser hair removal has many benefits when it comes to treating facial hair, it does have a few limitations you should take into consideration:

• Hair color: Laser hair removal is most effective on dark hair due to the melanin absorption process. It is not effective on blonde, red, gray or white hair. 
• Facial areas: Certain facial areas, such as the actual eyebrow and just below it, are typically avoided due to the sensitivity and risk of damage to the eyes. 
• Hormones: Facial hair can be affected by hormonal changes, making it more stubborn and sometimes requiring additional sessions. 

How does laser hair removal stack up against other hair removal methods?

When considering facial hair removal, it’s helpful to compare laser hair removal with other methods like waxing and electrolysis:

Laser hair removal vs. waxing

• Pain: Laser hair removal is often described as less painful than waxing, which involves ripping the hair out from the roots. 
• Duration: Laser treatments offer long-term reduction, whereas waxing needs to be repeated every few weeks — waxing doesn’t produce any permanent reduction in hair whereas laser hair removal does.
• Skin health: Waxing can cause skin irritation and ingrown hairs, while laser hair removal reduces these risks.

Laser hair removal vs. electrolysis

• Time: Electrolysis involves treating each hair follicle individually, making it a longer process than laser hair removal, which can treat multiple hairs at once.
• Effectiveness: Electrolysis is considered permanent hair removal but can be more painful and time-consuming than laser treatments.
• Suitability: Electrolysis works on all hair colors and skin types, while laser hair removal is less effective on lighter hair. However, laser hair removal is better for sensitive skin compared to electrolysis. 

Laser hair removal vs. shaving

• Frequency: Shaving needs to be done frequently as it only cuts hair at the surface level, whereas laser hair removal offers long-term results.
• Skin irritation: Shaving can cause razor burns, cuts, and ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal minimizes these issues by targeting hair growth at the follicle level.
• Regrowth: Shaved hair tends to grow back quickly and may feel sharp, while laser-treated hair grows back finer, softer, and slower over time.

Bottomline: laser hair removal works

Laser hair removal offers an effective solution for those looking to reduce unwanted facial hair. Compared to other hair removal methods, such as waxing, shaving, and electrolysis, it has many advantages in terms of pain, duration, and convenience. Want to learn more about laser hair removal? Check out LaserAway, the nation’s leader in aesthetic dermatology, where all treatments are performed by registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician associates, so you know you’re in good hands. 

References

1. “Comparing Traditional and in Motion Nd:YAG Laser in Hair Removal: A Prospective Study,” Medicina, September 2, 2022.
2. “Methods to Overcome Poor Response and Challenges of Facial Laser Hair Reduction,” Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, June 2022.