Laser Hair Removal for Men: Your 12 Burning Questions, Answered!

Men often find themselves at a loss on how to deal with excess body hair. This has turned out to be a pain point that has pushed a growing number of guys to ditch their razors and turn to lasers to smooth over some hairy areas. 

For this blog, we will take a deep dive into everything one needs to know about laser hair removal for men—how it works, how it feels, the pros and the cons, and what you can expect before you take the next step. So read on before you take the plunge.

What led to this laser movement?

“Manscaping” is a term that is used to describe the efforts that men do to remove unwanted hair. While this term was just coined recently, manscaping has been around since ancient times. 

Thousands of years ago, Egyptian men stripped every strand of hair from their bodies, including eyelashes and eyebrows. It was a sign of nobility and civility, but it was laborious and painful. This rings true even to this day with waxing and threading techniques—and even for some lasers. 

But thanks to the technology available today, laser hair removal for men has been made easier with cleaner results. You can do without the usual side effects like razor burns and ingrown hairs. 

A lot of men are attracted by this option because aside from getting clean cut results, it makes grooming much less of a hassle! Most of all, the effects are more or less permanent.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a process that involves a laser beam aimed at the skin to remove unwanted hair and prevent it from growing back. The laser targets the melanin in the hair follicles which triggers a reaction that ultimately leads to the destruction of the hair follicle. This process involves several treatments—the course of which is determined by a pre-treatment consultation with a professional. 

How does Laser Hair Removal work?

Laser hair removal devices bypass the epidermis to target the hair follicle. The laser light is absorbed by the pigment in your hair and is then converted into heat. The increase in temperature disrupts the reproductive cycle of the hair, weakens the follicle, and delays future hair growth. With prescribed periods of treatment, hair may eventually cease to grow.

Why are people apprehensive of laser hair removal?

People have always had reservationsabout laser hair removal. It came from the impression that it involves blasting hot lasers into your skin. That sounds quite daunting, but the lasers we have today have far been refined to address the usual discomforts. 

Back then, treatment was quite limited to individuals whose hair is darker than their skin color. Those with darker skin are at risk of hyperpigmentation or skin damage as the lasers can’t fully differentiate the melanin of the skin and the hair.

Fortunately, some laser devices available today are safe for different skin colors. It can target the hair without compromising the skin. 

How much does laser hair removal hurt?

At present, lasers are designed in a way to ensure patient comfort without compromising quality. At The Aesthetics Centre, we use the GentleMax Pro™ by Candela™ which promises an efficient and comfortable experience. The sensation is similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin or a pinprick.  But, the level of discomfort will also depend on your pain tolerance. However, some providers apply topical numbing creams for particularly sensitive patients.

How long does this treatment take?

A laser hair removal treatment roughly takes 30 minutes for each session. The length and number of sessions will vary based on the area and the volume of hair in a particular area. 

How Many Treatments Do Men Need to Get?

You may need several treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart to achieve the desired results. For men, the back or chest area may need 6-8 sessions to achieve the desired results.

The reason why you will need more than one session is that hair grows in different cycles at any given time. Laser treatments are effective only on hairs that are actively growing. Since 30 to 60 percent of your hairs are in the growth (anagen) stage, those that are dormant or at their resting phase can be targeted in succeeding sessions. 

If you stick to the rules and get your treatments in the recommended time frame, men can see significant hair reduction.

What are the results that I can expect with Laser Hair Removal?

An average man needs five to seven sessions. This will always vary because as men age, more hairs tend to grow, especially on the back. Once all laser hair removal sessions are completed, results could be almost permanent. Touch-up treatments can be done once or twice a year to maintain results.

Why are men getting Laser Hair Removal?

Men have specific reasons that may be slightly different from what drives women to commit to laser treatments. The video below shows why men opt for this treatment to remove hair. 

How can laser hair removal benefit male athletes?

Bodybuilders prefer smooth and hairless skin because it helps enhance muscle definition. Swimmers can benefit from it too because body hair creates drag—up to 10kg of extra weight. Cyclists can also eliminate chafing and irritation brought by too much hair growth adding to the tight cycling kits, sweat and long rides. 

What do men need to know before their first Laser Hair Removal appointment?

1. Shave

It’s important to remember that when you plan to get a laser hair removal treatment, options that uproot the hair, like waxing or threading should be avoided. To manage excessive hair growth, you can shave for the meantime. Hair must be kept short because this makes the treatment less uncomfortable. Shaving also leaves enough hair shaft through which the laser beam can travel. There is enough left to hit and damage the follicle.

2. Stay Out of the Sun

You need to keep the treated area from sun exposure before you come in for a treatment to avoid the risk of skin damage..

3. You Can’t Work Out Post-Treatment

You need to hold off on some activities immediately after your appointment. Since you’re injuring the skin temporarily, you want it to heal before you go into excessive heat because it can cause more swelling and discomfort. 

What should you look for in a Laser Hair Removal centre?

The type of lasers used should be your main concern. With so many spas and clinics offering laser hair removal in Singapore, it pays to do your research. You want a place that has solid reviews because they use medical-grade lasers. That said, you must entrust your hair removal journey to a provider who specialises in medical-grade lasers.

The Aesthetics Centre is a place that you can trust. We customise your laser hair removal treatment to the unique needs that men have. Through our GentleMax Pro™ laser we promise a safe, efficient, and effective process. Let’s see if this treatment suits you. You may call us today at +65 6820 3308 or +65 6820 3309 to book a non-obligatory consultation with Dr Anita Soosay.