To find a reputable laser hair-removal professional, you'll probably need a fair amount of time, investigation and footwork. Less-expensive hair-removal treatments may be easily obtained at day spas and salons. However, if you choose these services, you may get exactly what you pay for: less than optimal end results. Additionally, in the hands of a service provider without medical training, you risk hazardous side-effects, such as blistering, burning and changes in skin color.
Step 1
Narrow your selection down to laser hair-removal specialists who work in a doctor's office or specialty clinic where treatment is performed under medical supervision, advises The Mayo Clinic and the hair-removals specialists that maintain the "Hair Removal Journal" consumer website.
Step 2
Select a doctor who specializes in skin-related matters and who has been offering laser hair-removal services for a long period of time. Ask the practitioner if he is a board-certified dermatologist and how he received his training, recommends the "Hair Removal Journal." Ask how many lasers the clinic owns, as a patient's skin tone determines which type of laser is used. Get as much information over the phone as possible, advises Andrea James, who maintains the HairFacts.com consumer website. It's also important to meet the specialist in person before committing.
Step 3
Schedule an in-office consultation so you can discuss the cost of the treatment, how many treatments may be necessary, how services are performed, how you should prepare, and what side-effects to expect. James advises speaking with a doctor, rather than a technician. Inquire about pain-management techniques used by the clinic, as laser hair removal can cause discomfort. Ask the specialist to conduct a "patch test" on a part of your body that's hidden to see how well the treatment will work for you (you may be charged a fee for this service). James advises getting at least three patch tests from different specialists before you make your final decision. Scrutinize each specialist's office to make sure that it's clean and organized and that you're treated courteously by staff.
Step 4
Be wary if a laser hair-removal specialists makes the claim that treatment results in "permanent hair removal." According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, specialists who offer these services are prohibited from misrepresenting the efficacy of these treatments. Laser hair removal is a method of permanent hair reduction in that it reduces density of hair regrowth over a long period of time, but it won't eliminate hair entirely. Also, laser hair-removal services cannot be marketed as "painless."
Step 5
Always ask if you're an appropriate candidate for laser hair removal. According to the Mayo Clinic, those with pale skin and dark hair often get the most pronounced results from this treatment, and in some cases, those with darker skin and hair can get good results. However, laser hair removal is typically ineffective on blond, light brown, light red or unpigmented hair. However, even the best candidates for laser hair removal sometimes experience substantial or complete regrowth. A reputable specialist will inform you that you pay your money and take your chances.
Step 6
Read all contracts before you sign on the dotted line. James advises never signing contracts on the spot but rather, taking them home and closely inspecting the terms of the agreement. Be wary of package deals that require you to pay for the sum costs of the services upfront--if laser hair removal doesn't work for you, it may be difficult to get your money back for treatment sessions you paid for but didn't use.
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