We get this question from patients almost every day. You might think we’d get tired of giving the same answer over and over, but we don’t. Our job is to give you the most accurate, up-to-date information about the conditions we treat and the procedures we perform. Helping people choose safe, effective, and life-changing treatments that fit their lifestyle and budget never gets old.
The short answer is yes — laser hair removal can be safe and effective. But a few important factors can make all the difference.
Experience Matters
When it comes to laser hair removal, experience is everything. This isn’t just about having a medical license. Even in the U.S., aestheticians and “laser technicians” are legally allowed to perform treatments in some states. And yes, even a licensed MD can cause burns or scarring if they don’t have enough hands-on experience.
The key question: How many laser hair removal procedures have they actually done? Someone with at least a full year of experience is more likely to understand how skin responds, what settings to use, and how to make adjustments for safety and results.
Proper Training
Training should never start with unsuspecting patients. Unfortunately, some practitioners have minimal training before treating the public. At a minimum, training should include at least eight hours of supervised work on patients with different skin tones. Even better, training should come from someone with at least two years of hands-on experience at another facility.
Before you commit, ask about your practitioner’s training and who taught them.
Laser Technology Choices
Despite what you might think, there are only four main devices for laser hair removal:
- Diode Laser (810 nm)
- Alexandrite Laser (755 nm)
- Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm)
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
The first three are true lasers and are effective for permanent hair removal. IPL, however, is not a laser. It uses multiple wavelengths, which makes it less precise and less effective, especially for fine or medium hair. To be strong enough to damage the follicle, IPL requires higher overall energy, which increases the risk of side effects — and even then, it may not give permanent results.
Wavelengths and skin types:
- 755 nm (Alexandrite) and 810 nm (Diode) work best for lighter skin tones.
- 1064 nm (Nd:YAG) is the safest and most effective option for darker skin tones.
Choosing the Right Facility
Many places that use IPL can treat large areas quickly, making sessions cheaper. The problem? Patients often need more treatments later because IPL doesn’t produce the same level of permanent results.
Some practices also cut corners on training, relying on quick in-house instruction. This “one-size-fits-all” approach increases the risk of side effects and poor outcomes.
When choosing a provider, ask:
- What device do you use for my skin type?
- How much training did my practitioner have?
- How many treatments have they performed?
And most importantly, choose a practice that takes the time to educate you about your skin, the procedure, and the expected results.
