Laser hair removal is a method for getting rid of unwanted hair on the body. It involves using a concentrated beam of light (laser light) to destroy hair follicles.

The laser light is directed at hair follicles—small sacs in the skin where hair grows from—whose pigments absorb the light. The light energy is converted to heat, which then destroys or at least damages the hair follicles. After laser removal treatment, the hair doesn’t grow back for a long period of time, if ever, because of the damage that's been done to the follicles. Because the laser beams work by targeting the color (melanin) on the hair follicles, laser hair removal works best on light complexions with dark hair.

You’ll probably need multiple sessions of laser hair removal, typically three to seven, before you can expect semi-permanent or permanent results. If the results aren’t permanent and the hair does regrow, it'll likely be a lot less apparent than it was in the past.

Lasers can be used to remove hair from most body parts, and common areas it's used for include the back, legs, arms, chest, face, and bikini area.