Your face is front and center, so it makes sense if you always want it to look its best! In some cases, facial hair can get in the way of that, making you feel self-conscious. This can be true for both men and women. Whether you’re tired of neverending upper lip upkeep or frustrated with the bumps that always show up after you shave, then laser hair removal for facial hair is the ultimate fix.
Laser hair removal is an advanced method of hair removal that delivers lasting results. It’s usually associated with body hair removal, but in this post, we’ll explain exactly what you can expect from laser hair removal on the face.
How Laser Works for Facial Hair
Facial laser hair removal offers long-term hair reduction. The targeted laser light penetrates directly into the hair follicle by identifying pigment at the base of the hair. The energy from the laser inhibits the follicle’s hair-production abilities, preventing new growth.
To ensure that laser hair removal for facial hair is effective, the hair has to be in its anagen phase, which is when the root of the hair is still attached to the dermal papilla and actively growing. Only a certain percentage of your facial hairs will be in this phase at the same time, in large part based on your hormones. This is why patients need to undergo a series of treatments before they achieve their ideal results.
Laser Hair Removal Facial Areas
We can do laser hair removal for facial hair on nearly every part of the face, except around the eyes. Most clinics and med spas will give you the option to treat the entire face as one “body part” or to break it down into these smaller areas:
- Chin
- Upper lip
- Between the eyebrows
- Cheeks
- Jawline
- Sideburns
- Forehead
- Nose and nostrils
While not technically part of the face, the ears and neck are also popular treatment areas that many of our clients add to their facial treatment. Men who like having a crisp-looking beard can combine neck and cheek laser hair removal to refine their facial hair outline.
Keep in mind that laser is only effective at eliminating darker facial hairs, also known as terminal hairs.
Preparing for Laser Hair Removal on Face
These are the key things to keep in mind when preparing for laser hair removal on face, to ensure better results and fewer side effects:
- Review all of the documents and customer care information that you receive from your med spa.
- Make sure that your skin is at its base color without any tan or sunburn. Don’t use self-tanners and avoid unprotected sun exposure for at least two weeks before treatment.
- Take a break from exfoliating skincare, retinoids, and facial treatments for one week before treatment.
- Avoid professional peels, microneedling, or microdermabrasion for at least two to four weeks before your treatment.
- Shave the treatment area 24-48 hours before your appointment. Avoid all other hair removal methods for at least two weeks before your appointment and for the entire time you’re being treated.
- On the day of your appointment, arrive with the treatment area clean and free from makeup or other topical products.
What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal Facial
After having laser hair removal on your face, it’s normal to experience some redness, tenderness, or swelling. These side effects, if they occur, will fade in a matter of hours or a few days at most.
Follow your nurse or laser technician’s aftercare instructions carefully to ensure you’re safe and to help the process along.
It may take a few treatments before you start to see visible hair reduction, although some patients may experience a little bit of hair shedding in the weeks following treatment.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right for the Face?
Laser hair removal is the perfect treatment for unwanted dark hair on the face. It’s safe for nearly every part of the face, and it provides the ideal balance of speed, comfort, efficacy, and cost.
Most facial hair removal methods, such as waxing, threading, and shaving, don’t provide lasting results. They can also be painful or irritating to the skin. Plus, if you usually have your facial hair removed professionally, the costs can add up over your lifetime.
Electrolysis is the only other facial hair removal method that provides lasting results, and it’ll work no matter the hair color. That said, while it’s highly effective, it’s also very painful and time-consuming. Patients usually need to undergo more treatment sessions compared to laser, and the appointments take significantly longer since each hair follicle must be “zapped” individually.
How Many Sessions Are Needed for Facial Laser Hair Removal
Facial laser hair removal usually requires more treatments compared to other body parts like the legs or arms. The facial hair growth cycle is strongly influenced by hormonal fluctuations, which is why results may take longer.
The exact number of sessions can vary widely from patient to patient. Keep in mind that major hormonal changes over your lifetime can stimulate new hair growth, so there is a greater chance that you’ll need touch-up treatments in the future.
Hair Free Face at SEV
We want to help you put your best face forward at SEV! You can treat your entire face to laser hair removal or pop in for a quick chin or upper lip session. Facial laser hair removal is for everyone, regardless of gender or skin tone. At SEV, our advanced laser equipment provides optimal results with minimal pain, so book your appointment to get started.
