If you’ve been following my hair removal guide thus far, you’re probably an expert on shaving, waxing and depilatory creams, but there is still one other important hair removal method — laser hair removal. Besides the traditional services offered by professionals, there is also the recent emergence of personal hair removal devices. Read on to discover more about both methods.

Personal Laser Hair Removal
A recent hair removal invention, these portable devices are weaker versions of the ones the pros use. You hold the apparatus over the area and it kills the hair follicle at the root. With continued use, hair will gradually become finer to non-existent.

Pros: It is cheaper than going to get professional laser hair removal and you can potentially get rid of hair for good. It is also very easy to do, just hold the device and wait for it to do its magic.

Cons: While it is cheaper than what a pro session would cost, it still isn’t cheap. The devices can easily run between $100 to $250. It is time consuming, as you can only cover a small section at a time. I find the worst thing about them is the smell, as you are essentially burning your hair. Make sure you keep the windows open when you use it!

• Good for: Bikini, arms, stomach, lower back
• Lasts: A few weeks to permanent results
• Pain: Minimal, it is better described as uncomfortable but is easily bearable.
• Try: No! No! 8800 Long Term Hair Removal Combination System.

Professional Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal is also done by professionals who use a concentrated wavelength of light to damage the hair follicle, thus preventing regrowth.

Pros: Obviously the biggest thing is that you are left with no hair to have to shave, wax or pluck ever again. Need I say more?

Cons: It is expensive and you require multiple sessions that can vary between 3 to 6 sessions at a couple of hundred dollars each for permanent results. If you figure out the cost over time of what you would spend on razors, it isn’t outrageous but it is a lot of money to put upfront.

It can hurt. Laser Hair Removal is often described as feeling like you have many elastic bands snapping against the skin. Finally, it is more effective on certain skin colors and hair types than others. It works by argeting the pigment of the hair follicle. so the best results are on those with medium complexions and dark hair.

• Good for: Face, bikini, lower back
• Lasts: With enough sessions the results are permanent
• Pain: Moderate, it varies on the area being done and how well you can cope with pain.

Photos from www.bjalp.org, www.webmd.com, www.about.com