Tending to your unwanted body hair is a constant chore. Guys who are constantly having to trim, shave, or wax the whole thing off, are drifting toward laser hair removal. It’s seen as a longer-lasting and more effective way to get rid of body hair for good. Why deal with the downsides of shaving (like razor bumps and irritation) when you can get the convenience of smooth skin round-the-clock?
Perhaps you've contemplated it before but were turned off by stories claiming how costly and painful the treatment was. However, the technology has advanced so much that many people who have completed at least one hair removal session report experiencing little to no pain. While everyone's pain threshold is different, and different body parts are more sensitive than others, it's still considerably less painful than waxing.
Curious about laser hair removal? There are a few guidelines and tips you should know about before booking an appointment. Which is why we caught up with Dr. Akhavan, celebrity dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York City (whose practice offers quick, painless laser hair removal treatments for all skin types). Read on to get the lowdown from Dr. Akhavan on the most important things guys should know about the procedure, as well as how new technology is making it possible to go pain-free.
How Exactly Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Depending on which technology being used, there are some small differences, but the basics of it is all the same. "The laser light is attracted to the pigment of the hair follicles," explains Akhavan. "The darker the hair follicle, and the more difference there is between the hair follicle and the normal skin, more and more energy can be focused on the base of that root of the hair follicle and burn it so it doesn’t grow back."
It's a procedure that's becoming more and more popular for men. Dr. Akhavan notes that while the most popular places are chest and back, he still gets requests all the time for laser hair removal on every body part.
How Much Pain Do I Really Feel?
There are three different laser wavelengths used for hair removal, with Alexandrites traditionally being the most effective, but also the one most people experience pain. However, the latest technology in laser hair removal makes the entire session completely painless ,so you can get the most effective treatment without the discomfort and pain the laser would normally inflict. Dr. Akhavan's office uses this technology, called the Motus AX, which he says men in particularly have really benefited from.
"For men, who traditionally have coarser hair, and a little bit of a lower pain tolerance, the main issue and impediment to getting laser hair removal has been pain," he says. "But with the Motus, you do not feel anything happening. Instead of delivering the energy in these large chunks like in a traditional laser, it breaks the energy down into smaller chunks and delivers them very rapidly, so you don't feel pain." In fact, it's not only pain-free, but also FDA-approved to work on all skin types, whereas previously it only really worked on people with lighter skin.
Dr. Akhavan’s office in New York City uses the Motus AX painless laser for hair removal for all skin types.
How Long Is The Entire Procedure?
On average, you'll have to get six sessions performed about six weeks apart. "The reason for this is that at any given time, only one out of six hairs goes all the way down to the root or bulb," he explains. "In the other five hairs, you’re frying the hair follicle but it’s not killing the bulb, so it’s going to produce more hair. But in about six weeks, the next set of hairs will cycle into the growth phase, so the laser can destroy it completely, and so on." And so after about 36 weeks, a successful hair removal happens when about 90-95% of the hair is being permanently gone.
What Should I Do To Prepare Beforehand? And What Happens After?
Warning: Dr. Akhavan says you can’t wax the area, because they need to have the hair follicle there for the laser to be attracted to it. "You want to shave either day of or day before so there’s no hair on the surface of the skin," he says. "That way all the energy of the laser can be transmitted under the skin and as close to the root as possible." With the Motus, most people don't feel any redness or irritation after a session. However, Dr. Akhavan recommends you try to avoid saunas, very hot showers, and any activity that heats you up (like exercise) for at least a day just in case.
This technology the only major development in the last 10 years that has changed (and improved) the entire process of laser hair removal significantly. So if you've been weary of trying it out due to the thought of pain, perhaps this new technology is just the encouragement you need to finally get started.
Mario Abad
Mario Abad is a fashion writer and editor based in Brooklyn. He was previously the fashion editor at Paper and has contributed to Vogue, W, Robb Report, Fashionista, V magazine, and Forbes. He can also recite every Miranda Priestly line by heart.
FAQs
If you're considering laser removal for men, here's are eight else you need to know:
- It will require multiple sessions. ...
- It isn't cheap. ...
- You won't want to shave or tan in the days before laser removal. ...
- Avoid sun, chemicals, tight clothing and intense heat after. ...
- Skin tone makes a big difference. ...
- It's gotten less painful.
Lucy says these are the key things to remember: The area must be cleanly shaved within 24 hours prior to the treatment. Electric razors are not recommended as the hair is typically left too long. Do not tweeze, wax or pluck the area being treated between or prior to sessions.
Is laser hair removal worth it for men? ›
The most obvious benefit of laser hair removal is never having to shave or wax again, which can save time, money, and embarrassment. Another benefit is that you'll no longer have to deal with ingrown hairs. That includes painful bumps on the groin, chest, and neck, where many men see ingrown hairs after shaving.
Do people ever regret laser hair removal? ›
But, as with any treatment that ends with more or less permanent results, not everyone is pleased with their decision. While some feel freedom after banishing all the hair on their bodies for good, others express deep regret — especially given how the conversation around body hair has shifted in recent years.
Do guys get hard during laser hair removal? ›
There is a possibility that men will have an erection during waxing or Laser Hair Removal. Why does this happen? It is not really the sexual turn-on but is more of a physical reaction that sometimes can't be avoided. Relax and don't worry.
Can I shave 2 hours before laser hair removal? ›
Shave Before Treatment
You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.
What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 4 sessions? ›
If you stop laser hair removal too early, you'll likely be left with something around the percentage that is there now. Once the particular follicle is dead it won't regrow, but new ones can be triggered by hormonal changes.
What are the don'ts of laser hair removal? ›
Here's what to avoid:
- Avoid exposing skin to UV light (sunlight or sunbeds) or self-tan for at least 2 weeks after treatment. ...
- Avoid heat treatments such as spas, steam rooms and saunas for 7 days.
- Avoid excessive scrubbing or applying pressure to the skin for 4-5 days.
Each session can take as little as five minutes for smaller areas like the lips or chin, but larger areas like the back or legs take around 15-30 minutes. If you have a longer treatment, you can pass the time by reading a book or listening to music.
Do men laser their private area? ›
Brazilian laser for men, also known as Manzilian laser or Manscaping, is by far the best form of pubic hair removal. No more ingrown hairs, no shaving rashes, no cuts on your skin from the razor. Ladies prefer it. Men's Brazilian laser is pain-free and permanent.
With regard to hair removal in men. The percentage of patients who have benefited from laser hair removal has increased in recent years. Now nearly 20% of our patients who come for hair removal are men.
Can men get laser hair removal on privates? ›
You can have laser hair removal almost anywhere on the face and body, even sensitive areas, such as the pubic area. The most common places men choose to have laser hair removal include: Back and shoulders: laser hair removal is a great choice for these hard to reach areas, especially as it creates minimal maintenance.
Does Brazilian laser include inner lips? ›
The Female Brazilian Extended Laser Hair Removal package includes 6 treatments and covers 3-4 inches on the inner thigh around the underwear line and also includes everything on the front of the pubic region including the inside and outside of the labia as well as the anal region.
How do celebrities remove pubic hair? ›
Waxing, specifically bikini and Brazilian waxes, is the secret weapon of many celebrities when it comes to fighting unwanted body hair. In this article, we unravel the reasons why so many celebrities opt for waxing and the benefits it entails.
Do most celebrities get laser hair removal? ›
For people who want to remove unwanted hair, laser hair removal is an extremely popular procedure, with millions of satisfied customers who swear by it. And yes, many of these customers are celebrities.
Is laser removal safe for men? ›
Skin tone and hair color should be considered.
“Men with darker skin tones can still get laser hair removal, although the side effect risk profile is higher. People with extremely fine hair or light or white hair should not have the procedure done, as the laser is unlikely to be effective.
Is laser hair removal safe for men private parts? ›
Several distinct advantages distinguish laser as the top choice for removing penile hair: trusted safety record, minimal discomfort, long-lasting results requiring minimal touch-ups, avoidance of nicks/cuts from shaving, prevention of ingrown hairs common to waxing, natural appearance preservation versus chemical ...
Can men get laser hair removal on private parts? ›
Yes! A “manzilian” is what we typically call a male Brazilian laser hair removal. A manzilian thus removes hair in the genital area from the front to the back, which includes everything including, shaft, scrotum, intergluteal cleft, and everywhere else in between.
How many laser sessions do you need for men? ›
An average man needs five to seven sessions. This will always vary because as men age, more hairs tend to grow, especially on the back. Once all laser hair removal sessions are completed, results could be almost permanent. Touch-up treatments can be done once or twice a year to maintain results.
