Laser Hair Removal for Facial Hair

I have facial hair. I was young when I first noticed and started shaving it so of course it has gotten worse to the point I have to shave everyday. Does this procedure work on faces and is it safe?

Answers from doctors (3)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Sep 03, 2021

Laser hair removal works on the face in those who are good candidates for treatment. The most important factor is having hair that is dark and coarse. In the absence of dark and coarse hairs, the laser hair removal may not produce significant hair reduction. The procedure is not very effective for fine 'peach fuzz' hairs.

The fairer the complexion the more successful and more efficient (fewer treatments) will be laser hair removal. However, longer wavelength lasers (1064nm YAG) lasers do permit the treatment of those with dark complexions but a greater number of treatments will be required compared to those who have a lighter complexion.

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

Laser hair removal works on the face in those who are good candidates for treatment. The most important factor is having hair that is dark and coarse. In the absence of dark and coarse hairs, the laser hair removal may not produce significant hair reduction. The procedure is not very effective for fine 'peach fuzz' hairs.

The fairer the complexion the more successful and more efficient (fewer treatments) will be laser hair removal. However, longer wavelength lasers (1064nm YAG) lasers do permit the treatment of those with dark complexions but a greater number of treatments will be required compared to those who have a lighter complexion.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Esta Kronberg, M.D.

Published on Sep 30, 2009

Yes, laser hair removal works well for facial hair. With most lasers a light skinned dark haired patient is the best candidate for laser hair removal. Search for an experienced laser hair removal physician to avoid complications. Go for a consultation first and be sure to know which laser is being utilized and be sure it is good for your skin color. You can verify this at the laser company's web site after your consultation. I would avoid IPL (not a true laser) for your hair removal treatments. There are other machines that work better with fewer complications. It usually takes a series of treatments for long term reduction of the facial hair.

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Answered by Esta Kronberg, M.D.

Yes, laser hair removal works well for facial hair. With most lasers a light skinned dark haired patient is the best candidate for laser hair removal. Search for an experienced laser hair removal physician to avoid complications. Go for a consultation first and be sure to know which laser is being utilized and be sure it is good for your skin color. You can verify this at the laser company's web site after your consultation. I would avoid IPL (not a true laser) for your hair removal treatments. There are other machines that work better with fewer complications. It usually takes a series of treatments for long term reduction of the facial hair.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Celibre Medical Corporation

Published on Sep 15, 2009

Laser hair removal works on all parts of the body, but is not considered safe on mucous membranes including inside the nose and mouth and around the anus. In addition, we do not remove hair inside the ear canal because of the difficulty with getting a flat surface to cool the skin. For the face, laser hair removal is an excellent option. Laser hair removal generally is safe, but to limit the chances of a side effect occurring make sure that the laser being used for your treatment is designed for your skin type. Validate this by going to the web and searching the laser name after your consultation. In addition, searching for an experienced laser hair removal practitioner will go a long way toward avoiding potential side effects like blisters or burns. Suggestions include avoiding "IPL" machines (as they are not lasers) and sticking to "Diode", "Alexandrite" or "Nd:Yg" or "Yag" lasers. These are most widely used and accepted for laser hair removal.

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Answered by Celibre Medical Corporation

Laser hair removal works on all parts of the body, but is not considered safe on mucous membranes including inside the nose and mouth and around the anus. In addition, we do not remove hair inside the ear canal because of the difficulty with getting a flat surface to cool the skin. For the face, laser hair removal is an excellent option. Laser hair removal generally is safe, but to limit the chances of a side effect occurring make sure that the laser being used for your treatment is designed for your skin type. Validate this by going to the web and searching the laser name after your consultation. In addition, searching for an experienced laser hair removal practitioner will go a long way toward avoiding potential side effects like blisters or burns. Suggestions include avoiding "IPL" machines (as they are not lasers) and sticking to "Diode", "Alexandrite" or "Nd:Yg" or "Yag" lasers. These are most widely used and accepted for laser hair removal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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