How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?

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2. PROCEDURES
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4. LASER HAIR REMOVAL
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6. LASER HAIR REMOVAL COST

If it's worth the moneyInsurance coverageWhy prices varyFinancing optionsCosts by U.S. stateCosts by major U.S. metro

The average cost of laser hair removal is $950, but it can range as high as $2,800 for a full treatment series, according to hundreds of recent patient reviews on RealSelf.

That’s higher than the $389 average cost cited by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, but they note that their cost data “is only part of the total price – it does not include other related expenses.”

Laser hair removal treatments use focused light energy to damage and destroy hair follicles, to prevent hair from growing back. It’s usually performed on the legs, back, underarms, bikini line, or on unwanted facial hair, but options like Brazilian laser hair removal (which targets all of the hair down there vs just the perimeter of the bikini area) have recently become more popular.

Here, we break down why laser hair removal prices can fluctuate so much—and whether actual patients think their results were worth the money.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Laser Hair Removal

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Is laser hair removal worth the money?

Laser hair removal has a 89% Worth It Rating on RealSelf, so most people who have undergone treatment think their results were worth the investment.

Those who were happy with their outcome reported a significant decrease in hair growth, sometimes even after the first few sessions.

RealSelf reviewers who weren’t satisfied with their treatment cited pain during their treatment or complications like hyperpigmentation, blistering burns, and scars.

Again, the safety and efficacy of laser hair removal treatment depends largely on the skill of your provider (including their ability to select the right laser and settings for your hair type, color, and skin tone). Saving money is important, but the most cost-effective option is to have it done right the first time.

It’s also important to have realistic expectations about results. Laser treatments usually don’t leave skin completely hair-free, but patients typically see a 70% hair reduction after a series of six to eight treatments, with the remaining hair looking finer and less noticeable.

You may need to have touch-ups or use another hair removal method, like electrolysis, to get rid of remaining hair that still bothers you.

The out-of-pocket cost and hassle involved with laser hair removal may feel like a lot. Ultimately, though, committing to a series of treatments can save you time and money in the long run, freeing you from razors, shave creams, and wax strips, not to mention razor bumps and painful ingrown hairs.

Does insurance cover laser hair removal?

In most cases, laser hair removal is not covered by insurance because it’s considered an elective cosmetic procedure.

Some insurance plans will provide coverage if you can provide that it’s necessary to treat a documented medical condition, such as gender dysphoria or hair follicle infections.

If you believe you may qualify, contact your insurance provider about their specific guidelines and requirements for the medical documentation of your condition.

What affects the cost of laser hair removal?

These are the biggest factors that will play into your laser hair removal price.

1. The number and size of treatment areas

The main factor in laser hair removal cost is the amount of time treatment takes—both how long you’re treated in a single session and the total number of treatment sessions needed to reduce your unwanted hair.

Large areas require more time per treatment session, so they cost more. You’ll pay significantly more for laser hair removal treatment for your full legs or full back (upwards of $600 per treatment) than for small areas like your upper lip or chin (approximately $250 per).

If you’re looking for full body laser hair removal, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $20,000 for a full series of sessions.

Many practices that specialize in this treatment have detailed price lists on their websites, broken down by each area of the body.

2. How many treatment sessions you need

“Since hair grows in cycles, the number of treatments varies by patient skin type, hair color, and hair coarseness,” says NYC dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross. “But it typically takes about six to eight treatments, spaced every four to eight weeks.”

That’s why most practices offer special package pricing if you purchase a series of six treatments upfront.

People with light skin and dark, coarse hair usually see results in fewer treatments than those with light, fine hair on light skin or dark hair on olive, brown, or deep skin tones. That’s because the contrast between light skin and dark hair allows the pigment in the hair follicle to be easily targeted by the laser.

When budgeting for laser hair removal, be sure to also factor in the cost of yearly maintenance treatments, which are sometimes needed to keep hair follicles in remission.

The more sessions you need, the more you’ll have to pay.

Related: Your Guide to Safe and Effective Hair Removal Lasers for Fair, Medium, and Deep Skin Tones

3. Your provider’s credentials and level of experience

As you’d expect, more experienced LHR providers can charge more for their time and expertise. You’ll usually pay less to be treated by an aesthetician, physician assistant (PAs), or a nurse than by a board-certified dermatologist.

Laser hair removal may seem straightforward, but it’s still a medical procedure—and outcomes are highly operator-dependent. Be sure to ask about your provider’s background and qualifications before booking. Read their patient reviews carefully, with an eye for anyone who reported complications.

A 2022 study reviewing laser-related injury and liability claims filed between 2012 and 2020 found laser hair removal to be the most litigated procedure. Researchers also discovered that the majority of laser liability claims (71%) involved a nonphysician operator.

This is a nuanced procedure with a risk of complications, including burns, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. The person performing your treatment should understand how their chosen device will interact with your skin tone and conditions.

Many providers on RealSelf offer free consultations or apply the cost of a consultation to the treatment, which can make it easier to compare qualified providers before you book.

Related: Why One Woman’s Experience with Laser Hair Removal Left Her Scarred. Here’s How to Keep It From Happening to You.

RealSelf Tip: If you have dark skin or light body hair, you’re at higher risk of side effects. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck shaving, waxing, or plucking forever though. People with brown or deep skin tones can seek out an experienced provider who has the Motus AX or an Nd:YAG laser, like the Neo, to safely get good results.

You could also go with electrolysis, which targets the hair follicle itself rather than hair pigment, making it safe and effective for all skin tones and hair colors. Electrolysis can also be an especially good option for small treatment areas, like the chin, upper lip, or areola.

4. Their practice location

Practices and med spas in high-rent neighborhoods usually have to charge more, to help offset those costs. Laser hair removal pricing can even vary by neighborhood or practice size, so if you're looking to save, it’s smart to get personalized price quotes from more than one provider in your area.

Another factor is state law. Some states, like California, permit only medical professionals like doctors, nurses, and PAs to perform this treatment. In other states, like New York, regulations are less strict, so it’s not unusual for aestheticians to perform laser hair removal (often at a lower cost).

5. The type of laser that’s used

There are multiple FDA-cleared lasers that can be effective for hair reduction. An experienced provider should have several options and be able to recommend the one that’s truly best for your hair color, your skin color, and the area of the body being treated.

The most advanced hair removal lasers tend to cover a lot of ground quickly, on a variety of skin tones, without much pain. Treatment with these more sophisticated devices may carry higher price tags than older, more limited hair-removal technologies—though the higher price per session might be offset by better results from fewer treatment sessions.

Getting more than one recommendation on the type of laser and how that will impact your treatment plan (and price) is yet another reason to consult with more than one qualified provider.

6. Special offers or discounts

Since a series of treatments is often required to get the best results, many providers offer discounted treatment packages.

You can also find discounted laser hair removal online. If you go that route, just make sure you’re going to an experienced provider—someone who knows how to avoid risks and side effects, especially if you have an olive, brown, or deep skin tone.

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Can you finance laser hair removal?

Yes, third-party financing options, such as CareCredit, can make the cost of laser hair removal (and other cosmetic procedures) more manageable.

Many providers also offer monthly payment plans, some with no interest for up to a year.

Laser hair removal costs in U.S. states

Browse average laser hair removal costs in U.S. states, according to recent RealSelf member reviews (as of July 2023). States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.

Laser hair removal costs in major U.S. metros

Interested in laser hair removal?

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