Full body laser hair removal is absolutely possible, but not all laser providers are created equal.
You might be asking, “Can you get full body laser hair removal?” The answer is yes—but with a catch.
If you’ve been searching for laser hair removal services, you’ve likely encountered advertisements for ultra-cheap “full body” packages that seem too good to be true. Unfortunately, they usually are.
The Hidden Dangers of Ultra-Cheap Laser Packages
When clinics advertise full body laser hair removal at extremely low prices, it’s a major red flag. These bargain basement prices are often made possible by cutting corners in ways that can put your safety at risk:
Subpar Equipment: Legitimate medical-grade laser equipment costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Yes, you read that correctly. Clinics offering rock-bottom prices are likely using outdated, poorly maintained, cheap or inferior devices that cannot deliver safe, effective treatments.
Higher Risk of Burns and Injuries: The majority of laser hair removal burns and injuries occur at discount clinics using substandard equipment and undertrained staff. These facilities often prioritize speed, profits and volume over safety and proper technique.
Undertrained Technicians: Proper laser hair removal requires extensive training and understanding of different skin types, hair characteristics, and appropriate laser settings. Budget clinics often employ inadequately trained staff who may not recognize when settings need adjustment for your specific needs.
What True Full Body Treatment Actually Involves
Legitimate full body laser hair removal is a complex, time-intensive process that requires several hours per session when done properly. Here’s why:
Different Areas Require Different Approaches: Your body isn’t uniform, and neither should your treatment be. Each area has distinct characteristics:
- Back and abdomen: These areas typically have finer, less dense hair and can be treated relatively quickly with only a few sessions
- Brazilian area: This region has coarse, dense hair requiring slower, more methodical treatment with careful attention to sensitive skin and many sessions (average of 7-12)
- Legs: Large surface area but generally straightforward to treat, however upper legs typically require higher settings for more fine hair
- Underarms: Small area but dense, coarse hair requiring precision
- Face and neck: Require the most careful approach due to sensitive skin and proximity to eyes
Customized Settings for Each Zone: Professional technicians adjust laser parameters including pulse duration, energy levels, and cooling settings for each body area based on your hair type, skin tone, and sensitivity levels.
Proper Timing and Technique: Rushing through treatments increases the risk of missed spots, overlapping (which can cause burns), and inadequate results.
A thorough full body session should take 3-5 hours.
Why Real Lasers Trump IPL every time
While Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices are cheaper and often marketed as “laser” hair removal, true medical lasers are significantly safer and more effective:
Precision: Medical lasers use a single, specific wavelength (depth) that targets hair follicles more precisely than IPL’s broad spectrum light.
Power and Consistency: True lasers deliver consistent, controlled energy that penetrates deeper and more effectively destroys hair follicles.
Better Results: Medical-grade lasers typically require fewer sessions and provide more permanent results than IPL treatments.
Special Considerations for Darker Skin Tones
For individuals with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI), safety requires specific equipment:
Nd:YAG Lasers Only: The 1064nm wavelength of Nd:YAG lasers is the safest option for darker skin, as it’s less likely to be absorbed by melanin in the skin while still effectively targeting hair follicles.
Higher Risk with Wrong Equipment: Using inappropriate lasers on darker skin can result in burns, hyperpigmentation (darkened skin), or hypopigmentation (lightened skin) that may be permanent.
The Importance of Cooling Technology
Professional laser hair removal should always include cooling:
Safety: Cooling protects the skin’s surface while allowing the laser to effectively target hair follicles deeper in the skin.
Comfort: Proper cooling significantly reduces pain and discomfort during treatment.
Better Results: When skin is properly cooled, higher energy levels can be used safely, leading to more effective hair destruction.
Choosing the Right Provider
When selecting a laser hair removal provider, prioritize:
- Medical-grade equipment from reputable manufacturers
- Properly trained and certified technicians with experience
- Realistic pricing that reflects the true cost of safe, effective treatment
- Comprehensive consultations that assess your individual needs
- Transparent treatment plans with realistic expectations for sessions and results
The Bottom Line
Full body laser hair removal is definitely achievable, but it requires significant time, proper equipment, and skilled technicians to be done safely and effectively. While the upfront cost may be higher at a reputable clinic, you’re investing in your safety and getting results that are actually permanent.
Remember: when it comes to laser treatments on your body, the cheapest option is rarely the best option. Your skin’s health and safety are worth the investment in quality care.
