Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

Get the facts and Laser with Confidence

by Noah Cooter

Laser hair removal has become a go-to method for achieving permanent hair reduction and smooth, hair-free skin without the constant upkeep of shaving or waxing. It’s efficient, long-lasting, and widely available both professionally and at home. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have concerns. First-timers and seasoned laser users alike want to know: Is laser hair removal safe?

The short answer is yes. For the vast majority of people, laser hair removal is safe when done properly. However, the safety and effectiveness of treatments depend on several factors, including skin type, hair color, type of laser used, and whether you’re using a professional or at-home device.

Let’s begin with an overview of how the technology works.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal uses concentrated light beams to target and destroy hair follicles. The pigment (melanin) in the hair absorbs the light, which converts to heat and damages the follicle to prevent or delay future hair growth. This process is called selective photothermolysis. Over multiple sessions, the hair grows back finer and lighter, until it stops growing altogether.

Clinical hair removal procedures are typically spaced several weeks apart and require multiple sessions for optimal results. Maintenance treatments may also be necessary, especially for hormonal areas such as the face.

There are also many at-home devices available on the market, which vary greatly in terms of safety and efficacy. If you’ve been researching at-home laser hair removal, you’ve most likely encountered IPL devices. It’s important to understand that IPL is not true laser technology. Instead, an IPL device removes hair by scattering broad wavelength energy across the entire skin surface, hoping to heat follicles in the process. This damages the epidermis, often causing redness, irritation, and sometimes burns.

You might be wondering if the process is painful. The sensation varies from device to device, and depends on the sensitivity of the body area, as well as your own pain threshold. According to many, laser treatments can feel like a rubber band snapping against your skin.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for All Skin Types?

Traditionally, photothermolysis has been most effective on individuals with light skin and dark hair. However, recent advances in technology have made it safer and more effective for a broader range of skin tones and hair colors.

Light Skin

Traditional laser hair removal methods work best on light skin tones due to the contrast between the skin and hair pigment. Lasers target melanin (the pigment in hair). Lighter skin tones have less melanin, making it easier for the laser to selectively target the hair follicles without being absorbed by the surrounding skin, thus minimizing the risk of burns or pigmentation issues.

Following advances in diode laser technology, scientists and engineers have developed devices for use on darker skin tones. Epilaser is a revolutionary home laser hair removal device that is safe and effective on all skin tones.

Dark Skin

Not all lasers are created equal, and some are better suited for dark skin tones than others. Diode lasers, particularly newer technologies, are recommended for laser hair removal for dark skin because they minimize the risk of burns and hyperpigmentation.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments are not generally recommended for melanin rich skin tones due to the risk of burns, hyperpigmentation (the skin becomes darker in color), or hypopigmentation (the skin becomes lighter in color). IPL devices heat pigment in the skin. Since dark skin tones have more melanin, this can lead to the skin absorbing too much light and incurring damage.

Possible Side Effects and Risks of Laser

You’ve probably wondered about the side effects of laser on your skin. While generally safe, laser hair removal can come with some side effects, especially if the procedure is done improperly or the wrong device is used for an incompatible skin type. The most common temporary side effects include:

• Redness and swelling
• Mild discomfort or stinging sensation
• Temporary changes in skin pigmentation
• Crusting or blistering (rare)

Most side effects are mild and subside within a few hours to a couple of days. However, there are rare cases where burns, scarring, or permanent pigment changes may occur—especially with inexperienced operators or incorrect laser settings.

To learn more, read our full article on laser hair removal side effects.

How to Minimize Risk

To ensure your laser hair removal experience is safe and successful, follow these key precautions:

If you’re seeking a clinical procedure:

• Choose a reputable practitioner. Look for certified and experienced medical professionals, especially if you have a darker skin tone.
• Avoid sun exposure: Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning (real or artificial) for at least 2 weeks before and after treatment.
• Be honest about medications: Certain medications, especially those that cause photosensitivity (like Accutane), can increase your risk of complications.

If you’re using an at-home device:

• Read the user manual thoroughly befire you perform the procedure. Heed all instructions and health information.
• To reduce the risk of potential side effects, always perform a patch test. Try out the device on a small area 24–48 hours before your first full treatment.
• Follow pre/post-care instructions: Avoid exfoliating and harsh skincare products for a few days after each session.
• Invest in a quality device that’s engineered for your skin tone and designed for safety. Epilaser 808 is engineered for skin types I through IV on the Fitzpatrick scale. Epilaser 980 is engineered for skin types V and VI on the Fitzpatrick scale.

Are At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Safe?

In general, most at-home laser treatments can be considered safe for permanent hair removal—so long as you’re using the correct device for your skin type and using the device correctly. IPLs can be particularly damaging to skin when the treatment area is overworked. People with melanin rich skin tones are at a heightened risk of hyper and hypopigmentation (the discoloring of skin also often associated with tattoo removal). With any device, safety largely depends on proper usage, including:

• Reading and following the device manual
• Performing regular patch tests
• Avoiding use on tattoos or moles
• Not using the device on tanned or sunburned skin

Some higher-end at-home devices offer features like skin tone sensors and adjustable intensity levels for enhanced safety. For example, Epilaser uses sophisticated technology to guide four ultra-precise diode lasers. Each laser removes hair by targeting the follicle directly, leaving skin untouched.

Areas You Should Avoid Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is safe for most areas of the body, but there are some places where it’s either ineffective or potentially dangerous:

Areas to Avoid:

• Around the eyes: Never use lasers near the eyes due to the risk of serious injury.
• Inside the nose or ears: The skin is too delicate and uneven for safe application.
• Genitals (internal): Laser hair removal for the bikini line is perfectly fine, but avoid mucous membranes or labial skin.

Common (Safe) Treatment Areas:

• Facial hair (upper lip, chin, cheeks)
• Underarms
• Bikini line
• Legs
• Back and chest

When done correctly, these areas typically respond very well to laser hair removal treatments and are great candidates for long-lasting results.

Final Thoughts

So, is laser hair removal a safe way to get rid of unwanted hair? Yes—when performed correctly by trained professionals or using FDA-cleared home devices, it’s generally safe and effective for most people.

The key to safety is understanding your skin type, choosing the right technology for your skin color, and following proper pre- and post-care protocols. If you’re still unsure, consult with a licensed dermatologist or laser technician to discuss your options. Learn more here.