Permanent Hair Removal | Prices. How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Costs?

An important consideration affecting one’s decision to opt for the laser route is its cost. So, how much does laser hair removal costs?

Different variables influence how laser hair removal clinics set their prices. And that includes the type of laser you’re opting for, the size (or location) of the treatment zone, the number of sessions required, the location of the clinic or the mode of payment selected etc. For example, a customer making a lump sum payment in advance may be entitled to discounts that one on the monthly installment plan wouldn’t get to enjoy.

People are often attracted to the cheapest plan but the conventional wisdom “you get what you’re paying for” still holds. Make sure you research for the option that gives you the most value. Not just the lowest prices. Here are some steps to help you research on the best value packages :

(1) Understand the 3 Basic Pricing Structures

It’s important for you to first understand the different pricing structures so that you can have a baseline for comparison later. Even though laser hair removal pricing structures differ across the board, there are 3 common ways clinics use to ascertain the cost for the specific client :

1. Flat Fee. A flat fee may be charged either on a per treatment or a package of treatments basis. For example, removing unwanted facial hair can be $300 per treatment regardless of the amount of hair or only for particular type of hair growth patterns. Some clinics might also charge a series of treatments for a flat fee. And that may or may not be dependent on the customer’s hair growth patterns.
2. Time Required. Some laser clinics charge in every 15 minute blocks. Just like the electrolysis hair removal permanent treatments. If a clinic charge $125 for every 15 minutes spent and removing leg hair takes about half an hour, it would cost the customer about $250 for each treatment. How fast the technician (together the laser) can accomplish the task on the amount of hair to be removed, will in turn influence the price.
3. Charge For Every Pulse. This is a more complicated pricing method that’s based on the number of pulses required to completely treat the specific area of body hair. An activation of the laser is “a pulse.” Each pulse can take away about a hundred strands of hair and lasts about 1 second. The area of each pulse is dependent on the laser’s spot size. Assuming that a clinic charge $1.50 for each pulse with a minimum flat fee, removing armpit hair may cost up to $170 with a flat rate of $100 for the first 50 and $1.50 for each pulse after. You’ll realize that your cost for each progressive treatment will be gradually lower since the hair to be removed is lesser.

(2) Determine the Size of Your Preferred Treatment Zone

Once you’re clear about the possible pricing structures, determine the size and location of your preferred treatment zone. Many customers have vague ideas about this and are often easily cajoled by the consultant to go for a bigger treatment area which may add up to their cost estimates. Be firm about where you want the hair removal to be done, while taking note of the recommendations they provide in the quote later. More importantly, this information helps you estimate the number of treatments with the use of the average body hair chart. You can find this average body hair chart by googling on the internet. This in turn will help you calculate at the estimate baseline cost for each pricing

(3) Decide The Location of The Clinic

Do you prefer to have the treatment at a clinic near your office. Or somewhere available in your neighbourhood. Bear in mind that transportation costs can erode any savings you get from a cheaper clinic. Deciding on the location of the clinic can also help you narrow down the research into a manageable list of clinics later.

(4) Shortlist about 3 to 4 Clinics For the Comparison

Based on your preferred location and baseline cost, shortlist 3 – 4 laser hair removal clinics to do a more detailed comparison. You can google for a list of clinics in your area or ask your friends for any recommendations. Find out if there’s anything particularly good or bad about the clinics you’re considering. Either through online hair removal forums or from people who’ve tried their service. While you checking this out, see if the clinics are offering free trials so that you get experience the level of service before committing.

(5) Get Quotes

Once this list is finalized, you can either email, call or even pop by for a quotation. Since laser hair removal prices may differ accordingly to the person, some clinics may want to you pop by for a consultation before quoting. Make full use of this opportunity to assess the quality of the facilities and service. If there’s a free trial offered, just go for it. Remember, price isn’t the only consideration. Some people are willing to pay a premium for quality service and better technology. So, always assess your options before taking out your credit card.

Don’t forget to ask if there’s any discounts for different payment plans. Sometimes, the difference can be equivalent to the cost of an extra treatment!

(6) Make The Decision

After you’ve done the prior homework, compare your notes against your baseline. Ask yourself if you feel good about the facilities, service and if there’s a trial, the results after the first treatment. Choose the clinic that offers you the most comfort at the best value for money. They may not necessary be the cheapest. But definitely one that you’ve chosen after deep consideration and research on permanent hair removal.