Laser Hair Removal: Facts and Myths

The trend for smooth, hair-free skin has been going strong for years — but contrary to popular belief, it’s not a modern invention. Even in ancient times, hairless skin was considered the ideal of feminine beauty. Women in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome removed unwanted hair using the tools and methods available to them.

During the Middle Ages, however, European women, covered in long, elaborate dresses, stopped removing body hair from areas that were no longer visible. Hair removal didn’t regain popularity until the 19th century, when social norms shifted. As women began showing their legs and arms, the demand for smooth skin returned.

Today, hair removal is a natural part of most beauty routines. Hair-free underarms, legs, and even facial areas are often seen as a basic standard of grooming. But unlike the women of the past — who used dangerous tools and substances like sharp stones, blades, or arsenic-based creams (known as “Parisian cream”) — we now have access to much safer, more effective methods. In addition to razors, wax, creams, and epilators, the most advanced and long-lasting method is laser hair removal.

This modern, non-invasive procedure has become hugely popular with both women and men, who increasingly choose to remove hair from areas like the underarms, legs, back, and chest. Smooth, hair-free skin means greater comfort and hygiene — and unlike traditional methods, laser hair removal carries no risk of cuts or irritation and doesn’t require frequent maintenance.

At INVICTA Anti-Aging Clinic, we use the Mediostar Next diode laser — one of the most advanced devices on the market — which removes the hair along with the follicle, ensuring truly long-lasting results.

Although laser hair removal has been successfully used by millions of people around the world for years, some clients still have concerns — particularly about contraindications, treatment process, effectiveness, and safety. At our clinic, your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are our top priorities. That’s why we’re here to clear things up by breaking down the most common statements about laser hair removal. Which are facts, and which are myths? Let’s find out!

Myth. Of course, pain tolerance is highly individual — what feels intense or uncomfortable to one person may be barely noticeable to another. However, laser hair removal is generally considered a low-discomfort or virtually painless procedure. At our clinic, we use the Mediostar Next diode laser, one of the most advanced systems available today. It features integrated skin-cooling technology, which significantly reduces any sensation during the treatment. Most clients describe it as a light tingling or mild warmth. Occasional discomfort — such as a slight stinging or prickling sensation — may occur, but only in small areas with dense, dark hair. Even then, it’s typically short-lived and well-tolerated.

Fact. Lasers used in hair removal work by targeting melanin — the dark pigment found in hair. The laser energy is absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft, which heats and destroys the follicle without damaging the surrounding skin. Melanin occurs naturally in the human body and is responsible for the color of our hair, skin, and eyes. For this reason, laser hair removal is most effective on dark, coarse hairs, which contain higher levels of melanin. This makes them ideal candidates for successful treatment. In contrast, very light, fine, blonde, or gray hairs contain much less melanin — making them more difficult, or in some cases nearly impossible, to remove using laser technology. Because of the lack of pigment, the laser energy isn’t effectively absorbed, and the follicle remains intact. Therefore, while laser hair removal offers excellent results for many, its effectiveness still depends largely on hair color and thickness.

Fact. Laser hair removal is a professional and non-invasive treatment that can be safely performed on virtually any area of the body affected by unwanted hair. The most commonly treated zones include the underarms, legs, bikini area, and face. The procedure is carried out in a series of sessions and is considered one of the safest hair removal methods available. The laser light targets the hair follicle directly, without damaging the surrounding skin — including the outermost layer (epidermis), which remains intact. However, it’s essential to choose a trusted clinic where the treatment is performed by certified and properly trained specialists, using modern, high-quality laser systems that meet strict safety standards — such as the Mediostar Next diode laser, which we proudly use at our clinic.

Fact. Before a laser hair removal treatment, a consultation is held to inform the patient about how to properly prepare for the procedure. This appointment also includes a medical assessment to confirm eligibility and rule out any contraindications. The most common contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, epilepsy, cancer, recent or intense tanning, diabetes, skin infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal), and chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, or ichthyosis. Patients should also inform the practitioner about any use of photosensitizing medications or herbs, such as antidepressants, acne antibiotics, St. John’s Wort, sage, or certain herbal slimming teas. Proper preparation is key to ensuring both the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. At least four weeks before your session, you should avoid sunbathing (including tanning beds), waxing, tweezing, or using epilators, as well as self-tanning products and any skincare that contains retinol or fruit acids. These guidelines help reduce the risk of irritation and allow the laser to target the hair follicle precisely — without harming the surrounding skin.

Myth. The duration of a laser hair removal session depends on the size of the treatment area and the amount of hair present. However, it’s not nearly as time-consuming as many people think. For example, full leg treatment takes about one hour, while the bikini area takes around 30 minutes, and underarms can be done in just 15–20 minutes. As for the cost, that also depends on the chosen area, with prices typically ranging from 200 to 600 PLN per session. Because hair grows in cycles, multiple sessions are required to achieve complete and long-lasting results — usually between 6 and 8. While the upfront cost may seem high, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits. Laser hair removal eliminates the need for constant upkeep, unlike waxing or shaving, which must be repeated throughout one’s life. Over time, this treatment becomes a cost-effective investment in both time and convenience.

Fact. Modern laser hair-removal treatments performed with innovative equipment are highly effective. Today’s advanced systems can permanently eliminate around 90–99 percent of unwanted hair. To achieve complete, satisfying results, however, several sessions are necessary; one visit is not enough. This is because hair grows in three distinct phases, and the laser works only on follicles that are in the active growth stage. Compared with all other hair-removal methods, laser technology is virtually unrivalled. Even so, once the initial course of treatments is finished, it’s wise to schedule a yearly maintenance session. Over time, new hairs can appear—often due to hormonal changes—so an annual “touch-up” helps keep the area consistently smooth.

Myth. There is a wide range of at-home laser and IPL hair removal devices available on the market today. However, they do not offer the same level of effectiveness as professional-grade lasers used in aesthetic clinics. While these devices may resemble the handpiece of a clinical laser, it’s important to understand that professional systems also include a powerful base unit with advanced cooling, calibration, and safety features. From a technical standpoint, it’s simply not possible to create a compact, at-home device that delivers the same energy levels and performance as medical-grade equipment. Clinical testing has shown that home-use devices do not permanently destroy hair follicles, but rather place them in a temporary dormant state — typically lasting from a few weeks up to two months. Their low light intensity is not strong enough to fully disable the follicle and its matrix, which are needed for permanent hair removal. It’s also important to note that home-use devices must be 100% safe, which is why their power is significantly reduced compared to professional systems operated by trained practitioners. Otherwise, using them at home could result in skin burns or other complications. If your goal is truly permanent hair reduction, the only proven method currently available is professional laser epilation. We hope this article on laser hair removal myths and facts has helped clear up your doubts and given you the confidence to choose the solution that best fits your needs.