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Laser hair removal is one of those treatments where the price you see on a flyer and the price you actually pay can be very different. A single session might look affordable, but most people need several sessions, and the size of the area, your hair and skin type, and who holds the laser all change the final bill.
This guide breaks down what laser hair removal costs in the US in 2026, area by area, how many sessions to budget for, whether the results are really permanent, and how to save without putting your skin at risk.
Key takeaways
- National averages range from about $175 to $697 per session depending on the survey, and most people need several sessions.
- Small areas such as the chin or underarms cost far less per session than legs, back or a Brazilian.
- Results are long-lasting but not guaranteed to be permanent; touch-up sessions are common.
- Insurance usually does not pay for it, so packages and financing are the main ways to lower the cost.
How much does laser hair removal cost on average?
There is no single national price, and two professional societies report very different averages because they measure different things:
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) puts the average fee for laser skin treatments, the category that includes laser hair removal, at $697. Its 2023 fee table shows that figure up from $582 in 2022.
- The Aesthetic Society reports an average of $175 for laser hair removal, based on its 2022 national databank, covering surgeon and facility fees only.
In practice, the price per session depends mostly on the size of the area. A quick upper-lip touch-up and a full-leg treatment are not the same job, which is why area-by-area prices are more useful than a single average.
Laser hair removal cost by body area
The ranges below are per session and come from national averages compiled by LaserAway from ASPS, RealSelf and CareCredit data (2023 to 2024). Your local price can fall anywhere in these ranges.
| Treatment area | Typical price per session | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Chin / small face areas | $45 to $400 | Quick sessions; hormonal hair may need more maintenance |
| Underarms | $89 to $415 | One of the most popular and best-value areas |
| Bikini / Brazilian | $65 to $1,264 | Brazilian sits at the top of the range because it covers more area |
| Legs | $65 to $1,264 | Lower legs usually cost less than full legs |
| Back / chest | $285 to $1,100 | Large areas take longer per session |
The same source lists RealSelf’s 2023 average at $1,043 per session and a CareCredit range of $207 to $913, a reminder of how much prices vary between clinics and cities.
How many sessions you need and what that means for your total
Laser only affects hairs in their active growth phase, so one session is never enough. Mayo Clinic says most people need 4 to 8 treatments, spaced several weeks apart. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says most patients need 2 to 6 treatments, typically once every 4 to 6 weeks, and that the first treatment usually removes 10% to 25% of the hair.
To estimate your real cost, multiply your local per-session price by the number of sessions your provider recommends, then add a touch-up or two. For example, an area quoted at $200 per session over 6 sessions comes to $1,200 before any package discount.
Estimated total for a full course (6 sessions)
This illustration multiplies the per-session ranges above by six sessions, the middle of the 4 to 8 range Mayo Clinic cites. Package deals usually bring the real total down.
| Area | Per session | 6 sessions (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Chin / small face areas | $45 to $400 | $270 to $2,400 |
| Underarms | $89 to $415 | $534 to $2,490 |
| Bikini / Brazilian | $65 to $1,264 | $390 to $7,584 |
| Legs | $65 to $1,264 | $390 to $7,584 |
| Back / chest | $285 to $1,100 | $1,710 to $6,600 |
Things that usually raise the number of sessions:
- Lighter or finer hair, which absorbs less laser energy
- Hormone-driven hair growth, such as on the chin
- Large or dense areas such as the back or full legs
Is laser hair removal permanent?
This is where expectations and reality often clash. The AAD is clear that laser hair removal is not permanent: most patients stay hair-free for months or even years, but regrowth is possible and maintenance treatments may be needed, although regrowth tends to be finer and lighter. Mayo Clinic likewise says it greatly reduces hair growth but does not guarantee permanent removal.
The Aesthetic Society describes the results as permanent once all active follicles have been treated, which can take three to eight sessions. The practical takeaway: expect a large, long-lasting reduction rather than a lifetime guarantee, and ask any clinic exactly what “permanent” means in its contract.
How long does laser hair removal last?
Treated hair does not fall out immediately; it sheds over days to weeks, according to Mayo Clinic, and results typically last several months and sometimes years. Some people need periodic follow-up sessions to maintain results, and The Aesthetic Society suggests scheduling additional treatments if you notice changes over time.
When you compare prices, check whether the clinic includes touch-ups in a package or charges full price for them, because that changes the long-term cost more than a small difference in the per-session rate.
Brazilian, face and full body: the areas people ask about most
Brazilian laser hair removal
A Brazilian covers more area than a standard bikini line, which is why it sits near the top of the bikini price range above. Ask whether the quote is for a bikini line, an extended bikini or a full Brazilian, since clinics define them differently.
Face
Upper lip and chin sessions are short and usually among the cheapest. Facial hair driven by hormones may keep coming back, so budget for maintenance. Lasers should not be used on the eyelids, eyebrows or the skin around the eyes, according to Mayo Clinic, because of the risk of serious eye injury.
Full body
Full-body packages are usually sold as a bundle of areas rather than one price per session. Get an itemized quote so you can see what is actually included.
Laser hair removal for darker skin
Laser hair removal works best when hair is darker than the surrounding skin, but people with darker skin can be treated safely with the right equipment and an experienced provider. DermNet describes the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) as the safest option for hair removal in skin of colour, and notes that test pulses and cooling help lower the risk of burns and pigment changes. It also notes that the alexandrite laser has been reported to cause blistering in darker skin types.
If you have darker skin, ask which laser the clinic uses and whether it does a test spot first.
At-home laser and IPL devices: cheaper, with trade-offs
Home devices cost a one-time purchase price instead of per-session fees, and research supports that light-based home hair removal works. A 2023 systematic review on eye safety found that injuries reported from office-based IPL and lasers occurred at energy levels within home devices’ limits, that 40% of the injured patients wore no eye protection, and that the most common injury was permanent. The authors urge protective eyewear and caution against bypassing safety sensors.
If you go the home route, follow the manufacturer’s skin-tone limits, wear eye protection and never use the device near your eyes.
Side effects and risks to know before you pay
According to Mayo Clinic and the AAD, the most common side effects are temporary redness, swelling and discomfort. Less common but more serious risks include:
- Blistering, crusting or scarring
- Skin darkening or lightening, which can occasionally be permanent
- Herpes simplex (cold sore) flare-ups and infections
- Rarely, more hair growth around the treated area
The AAD recommends having laser treatments done by a board-certified dermatologist, because inexperienced hands raise the risk of complications. A cheaper session that leaves a burn or permanent discoloration is not a bargain.
How to lower the cost without cutting corners
Laser hair removal is considered cosmetic, and the ASPS notes that most health insurance plans do not cover it. These are the realistic ways to pay less:
- Buy a package for one area instead of paying session by session, but confirm what happens if you need extra sessions.
- Ask about financing; many practices offer payment plans.
- Start with your priority area and add more later instead of buying a full-body bundle up front.
- Prepare properly so you don’t waste sessions: Mayo Clinic advises avoiding sun and tanning, and stopping plucking, waxing or electrolysis at least four weeks before treatment.
Questions to ask before you book
- Who will perform the treatment, and what training do they have?
- Which laser will you use for my skin and hair type?
- How many sessions do you expect I’ll need, and what does a touch-up cost?
- Is the price per session or per package, and is it refundable?
When to see a doctor
See a board-certified dermatologist before treatment if you have a sudden increase in facial or body hair, irregular periods or other signs of a hormonal problem, since the hair growth itself may need medical evaluation. After a session, contact a doctor if you develop blisters, signs of infection, severe pain or skin color changes that don’t fade.
Frequently asked questions
How much is laser hair removal for the underarms?
National averages range from about $89 to $415 per session, and most people need several sessions, so ask for a package price.
How much does a Brazilian laser cost?
It falls in the bikini range of roughly $65 to $1,264 per session, with a full Brazilian usually toward the higher end because it covers more area.
Does insurance cover laser hair removal?
Usually not. It is considered a cosmetic procedure, so most plans do not pay for it; financing plans are common instead.
Is laser hair removal worth it compared with waxing?
It costs more up front, while waxing is a repeat cost. Whether laser pays off depends on your hair and skin type, how many sessions you need and how long your results last.
Can laser hair removal be done on dark skin?
Yes, with the right laser and an experienced provider. The Nd:YAG laser is considered the safest option for darker skin.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most people describe it as a quick snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band against the skin, according to Mayo Clinic. Redness, swelling and mild discomfort usually fade within a few hours to a few days.
Does laser remove 100% of hair?
No. The AAD says the first treatment typically removes 10% to 25% of the hair and that results are not permanent, so expect a large reduction over several sessions rather than total removal.
Why does laser hair removal cost more in some cities?
The ASPS notes that price depends on the provider’s expertise, the type of procedure, the time the treatment takes and the office’s geographic location, so big-city clinics often charge more.
If you’re comparing other elective treatments, see our breakdown of LASIK eye surgery costs, and if unwanted facial hair comes with thinning on the scalp, our guide to female hair loss causes and treatments explains the hormonal conditions worth checking.
Sources
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Laser hair removal cost
- The Aesthetic Society, How much does laser hair removal cost?
- Mayo Clinic, Laser hair removal
- American Academy of Dermatology, Laser hair removal: FAQs
- DermNet, Laser therapy in skin of colour
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