Reviewed and updated August 2026.
The most effective way to eliminate unwanted hair without damaging your skin is laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is a fast, safe, and effective treatment for removing unwanted hair on any part of the body. It uses laser light energy to permanently damage hair follicles to prevent hair from growing back. The laser destroys the follicles under the skin. The hair then sheds out and the skin pores close. When your treatment is complete, you’ll be left with smooth, silky skin. At Elume Medspa in Fairfax, VA, laser hair removal is $195 per session for facial areas and $495 per session for full body.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
No hair removal process is truly “permanent.” However, laser hair removal lasts longer and does a better job than any other hair removal process. It is far better than waxing, shaving, or plucking. It can reduce the amount of hair in the treated area by around 70%. The hair that does grow back is thinner, finer, and far less noticeable after laser treatment. Any hair the laser cannot destroy can usually be removed through electrolysis.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Compare to Other Methods?
| Method | How Long Results Last | Maintenance Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Shaving | 1 to 3 days | Constant, often daily |
| Waxing or plucking | 3 to 6 weeks | Every few weeks, indefinitely |
| Laser hair removal | Years. Around 70% of hair in the treated area is permanently reduced after a full course, and regrowth is thinner and finer | Typically one annual touch-up session after the initial course |
| Electrolysis | Permanent, one follicle at a time | Often used for the individual hairs a laser cannot destroy |
Hair removal methods at a glance
How Many Sessions Should I Book?
The number of sessions you’ll need depends on a variety of factors such as the size of the area to be treated, the coarseness of the hair, your body’s own hair growth cycle, and your hair pigmentation. In most cases, you will probably need to plan on six to eight laser hair removal treatments, scheduled every four to eight weeks, for best results. You will begin seeing results after the first treatment.
After one to three weeks, the treated hair begins to fall out. After each subsequent treatment, fewer and fewer hairs will grow back. Thereafter, you should plan on an annual maintenance session to eliminate new hair growth. Because it takes at least six months to get the best results, most people start their treatments in the late fall or early winter so they will have beautiful results by summer.
What Parts Of My Body Can I Have Treated With Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal works on your face, chest, back, bikini area, legs, or any other part of your body. Coarse, fast-growing hair on the face, underarms, and bikini area usually respond best.
The bikini area is one of the most popular areas to treat with laser hair removal. This area is one of the easiest and fastest areas to treat with laser removal. Another frequently treated area is under the arms. Shaving the hair under the arms often results in ingrown hairs, cysts, and razor burn. Laser treatment under the arms takes just a few minutes and you’ll see results quickly.
Hair can also appear on your face where you don’t want it. Use laser hair removal to get rid of that unibrow, heavy sideburns, or mustache. Facial hair can destroy your self-confidence. Whether it’s on your face, chin or neck, you can eliminate it and look great with laser hair removal.
What Should I Use After A Session?
Following each of your treatment sessions, your laser treatment specialist will likely give you ice packs and anti-inflammatory creams to help manage discomfort and soothe any irritation.
Cool Compresses & Moisturizers
For a day or two afterward, you may need to apply cool compresses and a moisturizer suited to post-procedure skin. It may look and feel like it has been sunburned. If the treated area was on your face, you can apply makeup if you like.
Avoid Perfumes & Deodorant
For the few days following your treatment, you should avoid perfumes and deodorant if you’ve lasered your underarms. Also, the heat from the laser stays in your skin for 24 hours. That means you need to avoid going to the gym or the sauna, as well as taking a hot shower. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating a perfect environment for bacteria to multiply and give you problems. Take a lukewarm shower instead.
Remember that laser hair removal works by damaging or destroying the hair follicles. Therefore, you will likely experience some swelling, itching, and redness due to the irritation of the hair follicles. You can manage that discomfort by taking an antihistamine and applying hydrocortisone cream to the treated area a few times a day.
Avoid Scrubs, Glycolic Acid & Retinol Creams
You will also need to avoid scrubs, glycolic acid and retinol creams for a couple of days after treatment. For two weeks after laser treatment, you should avoid chemical peels and fake tanning creams.
You should avoid sun exposure, and be sure to use a good sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, too. Any hair growth that occurs between sessions should be shaved off, not waxed or threaded.
How Do I Book Laser Hair Removal in Fairfax, VA?
Laser hair removal may be the answer to your frustration with unwanted hair. You can book online right now, or consult with the laser hair removal specialists at Elume Medspa for more information. You can also browse all treatments at Elume Medspa or read what to expect after laser hair removal.
Book Laser Hair Removal Online
- Facial areas: $195 per session
- Full body: $495 per session
Pick a time that works for you and we will confirm your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does laser hair removal actually last?
After a full course of six to eight sessions, results last for years. Destroyed follicles do not grow hair back, and the treated area typically shows around a 70 percent reduction in hair. Most people book one annual maintenance session to manage new growth.
Why do I need multiple laser hair removal sessions?
Hair grows in cycles, and the laser only affects follicles in an active growth phase. Most people need six to eight treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart to catch each cycle.
How much does laser hair removal cost at Elume Medspa?
Laser hair removal at our Fairfax, VA location is $195 per session for facial areas and $495 per session for full body.
What if hair grows back between sessions?
Shave it rather than waxing or threading. Waxing pulls out the root that the laser needs to target at your next session.
Ready to Elum-Inate Your Skin?
At Elume Medspa, we are passionate about helping our customers look and feel their best. That’s why we offer a range of high-quality skincare products that are designed to deliver real results. From cleansers to serums, our online store has everything you need to create an at-home skincare routine that will leave you feeling confident and radiant. Plus, our expert team has carefully selected each and every product to ensure that you are getting the best possible care. Shop now and discover the benefits of our top-rated products for yourself.
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Want to learn more? Read on about our laser hair removal treatments, What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal.
