Laser hair removal for men: cost, pain, side effects and how many treatments are needed

Laser hair removal is no longer just for women. More and more men are consciously choosing to reduce hair loss in areas where shaving or trimming simply doesn't work. Think of back hair that grows back quickly, a chest that never looks completely even, or a neck that's constantly irritated by shaving. The beard line is also a much-discussed area, especially among men who suffer from ingrown hairs or inflamed hair follicles.

In this blog post, you'll read at your leisure, without any sales pitches, about what laser hair removal for men entails. We'll cover the costs , pain , possible side effects , and the number of treatments typically needed. No quick claims, just realistic information.

Short answer (summary): Laser hair removal for men provides long-term hair reduction in areas such as the back, chest, shoulders, neck, and (parts of) the beard line. On average, you need 6–10 treatments , spaced 4–6 weeks apart (face/neck) and 6–10 weeks apart (body) . It often feels like a warm, prickly sensation , and the most common side effects are temporary redness and slight swelling around the hair follicles.

Is laser hair removal suitable for men?

Laser hair removal is attractive to many men because it offers a permanent solution for recurring problems. Shaving can cause daily irritation, waxing is painful and temporary, and trimming often leaves stubble and shadows. Laser hair removal attacks the hair follicle, often causing hair to grow back thinner and growth to slow .

Lasers generally work best on darker hair because they react with pigment (melanin) . This doesn't mean it produces exactly the same results for everyone, but for many men, it does significantly reduce hair growth and skin problems.

Less suitable: Gray, white, or very light hair often responds less well (little pigment). Extra caution is also required for recently tanned skin.

Which areas are treated most often?

Back

The back is one of the most commonly treated areas in men. Back hair is often thick and grows in different directions, making shaving difficult and resulting in short-lived results. Because the hairs here are often highly pigmented, laser hair removal is usually very effective, although multiple sessions are required due to the hair growth cycle.

Chest

When it comes to the chest, many men don't necessarily opt for completely smooth hair, but rather for less dense hair or a more even appearance. Laser hair removal doesn't have to remove everything; it can also be applied more subtly if that's your preference.

Shoulders

Shoulders are often included because hair can be stubborn there and cause irritation due to friction with clothing.

Neck and hairline

Neck/hairline is popular with men who wear their hair short and suffer from razor bumps or a dark shadow on the neck.

Face and beard line

The face and beard line require extra precision. Laser hair removal is often used here to reduce ingrown hairs , folliculitis , and constant irritation, while maintaining the natural beard shape. This always requires careful coordination.

How does laser hair removal actually work?

Laser hair removal uses concentrated light that is absorbed by melanin (the pigment in hair). This light energy is converted into heat and weakens the hair follicle. Hair in the active growth phase reacts most strongly to this.

Because not all hairs are in the growth phase at the same time, one treatment is never enough. By scheduling treatments at intervals, new active hairs are targeted each time. That's why a treatment consists of multiple sessions.

Is laser hair removal painful for men?

Most men describe the sensation as a warm, prickly feeling or the brief snap of a rubber band against the skin. The level of sensitivity varies by area and person. The neck and face are often perceived as more sensitive than the back or chest because the skin there is thinner.

Factors that can influence the feeling:

• Hair thickness (thicker hair may feel more intense)

• Area (neck/face often more sensitive)

• Stress, caffeine, lack of sleep

• Intensive exercise just before treatment

With proper cooling and the right settings, laser hair removal is well tolerated by most men.

Side effects of laser hair removal in men (and recovery)

After treatment, your skin may feel red and warm. This is normal and usually disappears within a few hours. Sometimes you may see slight swelling around the hair follicles; this can last one to two days and is often a sign that the hair follicle has reacted.

Less common (but important to know):

• Pigment changes (especially with sun exposure after treatment)

• Blisters/crusts (rare)

• Burns (rare; risk increases with incorrect settings or insufficient intake)

Professional intake and guidance are essential to limit risks.

When is it better not to have laser treatment (yet)? (Contraindications)

Laser hair removal isn't suitable for everyone at all times. Always disclose your medical history and any products/medications you use. Examples of treatments that are often discouraged or require extra caution include:

• Sunburned or recently tanned skin

• Active skin infections, open wounds or inflammation in the area

• Use of certain light-sensitizing medications (always discuss)

• Some skin diseases or recent intensive skin treatments

• Tattoos: Tattoo ink is not lasered over

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Laser hair removal for men: cost (what does the price depend on?)

Costs vary, and that's understandable. A small area like the nape of the neck takes less time than the entire back. Hair density and thickness also play a role, as do the type of equipment and the clinic's working methods.

Cost factors at a glance:

• Zone(s) and surface area

• Hair density/hair thickness

• Number of sessions you need

• Technology and cooling

• Packages (often cheaper per session)

General guideline: Smaller areas often cost tens to hundreds of euros per session; larger areas are more likely to cost hundreds of euros per session. An intake is the best way to get a realistic estimate.

How many treatments do you need? (and at what interval)

For men, the average is between 6 and 10 treatments per area. Sometimes more sessions are needed because men's hair is often thicker and deeper in the skin. Hormonal influences play a role, especially in the chest and beard areas.

Commonly used intervals:

• Face and neck: every 4–6 weeks

• Body (back, chest, shoulders): every 6–10 weeks

After completing a course, some men opt for maintenance, for example 1–2 times a year.

Preparation: How to get the most out of your treatment

• Usually shave the area 24 hours beforehand (do not wax/epilate)

• Avoid sun/solarium around your treatment (follow the advice of your clinic)

• Do not use aggressive scrubs/peelings just before your appointment

• Report medications, skin products (such as retinoids) and recent treatments

  
  

Aftercare: what you should and shouldn't do

The first 24–48 hours:

• Avoid saunas, hot showers and intensive exercise if your skin is still warm/red

• Do not scrub or scratch

• Hydrate with a mild, fragrance-free cream

The days after:

• Use SPF (especially on face/neck)

• Avoid sunbathing as advised by your doctor

• Hair may “fall out” 1–3 weeks later: this is normal

  
  

Laser vs IPL: What's the Difference?

Laser and IPL are often confused online, but they're not the same. IPL uses a wider beam of light, while laser is more targeted. Which method is most suitable depends on your skin type, hair color, and the desired treatment goal. An intake consultation will determine which method is best for you.

Laser hair removal vs. shaving or waxing

• Shaving: quick and cheap, but often causes irritation, stubble and requires daily maintenance.

• Waxing: smoother for longer, but painful and temporary; can cause ingrown hairs.

• Laser hair removal: a multi-session process, often with long-term reduction and fewer skin problems.

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What can you expect from the result?

Laser hair removal should be considered long-term hair reduction . This means less hair, thinner hair, and much slower growth. Many men find that shaving is hardly necessary anymore and that skin problems like irritation and ingrown hairs are significantly reduced. The result looks more groomed, yet remains natural.

Laser hair removal for men in Amsterdam North (Banne Centrum)

For those who want to take laser hair removal seriously and safely, a personal consultation is essential. At Lana Skyn in Amsterdam Noord (Banne Centrum), we'll consider your skin type, hair type, and specific goals, ensuring a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Want to know what works best for you? Schedule an intake or appointment at https://www.lanaskyn.com .

FAQ: Laser hair removal for men

Does laser hair removal for men really work?

Yes, for many men, it significantly reduces hair loss and irritation. The effect is often strongest on dark, coarse hair.

Is laser hair removal painful for men?

It usually feels like a warm, prickly sensation. The neck and face are often more sensitive than the back and chest. With cooling, it's manageable for most men.

How many treatments do I need?

An average of 6–10 per zone. Sometimes more on the chest/beard due to hormonal influences.

Can I shave between treatments?

Yes, shaving is fine. Waxing/epilating is generally discouraged.

When will I see results?

Some men notice less growth after 1–2 sessions, but the real difference builds over multiple treatments.

Can I have laser hair removal if I have just had a tan?

It is generally recommended not to treat recently tanned or sunburned skin, due to an increased risk of side effects.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Think of it as long-term hair reduction. Maintenance (e.g., once or twice a year) can sometimes help.

Can laser hair removal be done on the beard line/neck?

Yes, this is popular for ingrown hairs and razor bumps. We'll discuss in advance which areas you want to reduce and which you don't.