You may have seen ads for laser hair removal that read something like "Virtually Painless Permanent Laser Hair Removal! - 100% Guaranteed!!!" If these ads set off your quackery alarms, then be aware that you're absolutely right to be skeptical.

Many laser hair removal practitioners advertise the laser hair removal process as safe, painless and providing permanent hair removal. Unfortunately for them, the FDA strongly disagrees and so do reputable laser hair removal providers.

Permanent Hair Reduction
Laser hair removal providers and manufacturers of laser hair removal devices are not permitted by the FDA to market their devices as providing permanent hair removal - because they don't. The best they've been able to get permission for is to claim permanent hair reduction, and only some devices have qualified for that approval.

Excerpt from FDA resource: Laser Facts

Further, manufacturers may not claim that laser hair removal is either painless or permanent unless the FDA determines that there are sufficient data to demonstrate such results. Several manufacturers received FDA permission to claim, "permanent reduction," NOT "permanent removal" for their lasers. This means that although laser treatments with these devices will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in a permanent removal of all hair. The specific claim granted is "intended to effect stable, long-term, or permanent reduction" through selective targeting of melanin in hair follicles. Permanent hair reduction is defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing after a treatment regime, which may include several sessions. The number of hairs regrowing must be stable over time greater than the duration of the complete growth cycle of hair follicles, which varies from four to twelve months according to body location. Permanent hair reduction does not necessarily imply the elimination of all hairs in the treatment area.

If you see a laser hair removal provider touting permanent hair removal, beware. They've already lied to you. Reputable laser hair removal providers and informational resources take care to avoid claiming to provide permanent hair removal and specifically warn consumers against providers who do.

Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal treatment recognized by the FDA.

Excerpt from FDA resource: Removing Hair Safely

Electrolysis is considered a permanent hair removal method, since it destroys the hair follicle.

Painless Hair Removal
While the discomfort experienced from either electrolysis or laser hair removal varies from person to person, any claim that such a procedure is "guaranteed painless" or "virtually painless" should be a red flag. Again, this is a claim that no reputable provider for either process would make.

One difference to consider is that laser hair removal procedures affect much larger areas per session than electrolysis. This has been a source of concern for the FDA due to the improper use of topical anesthetics by laser consumers trying to numb large areas all at once. Laser hair removal consumers should be certain to consult with a doctor or their certified laser hair removal provider before applying topical anesthetics. If your provider instructs you to apply a topical anesthetic to an area more than a few inches square, you should seek a different provider.

Excerpt from FDA resource: Removing Hair Safely

Research has received reports of serious and life-threatening side effects after use of large amounts of skin-numbing products for laser hair removal.

Safe Hair Removal

Excerpt from FDA resource: Removing Hair Safely

Side effects of laser hair removal can include blistering, discoloration after treatment, swelling, redness, and scarring.

Laser hair removal equipment is complicated and needs to be operated by a professional. Laser hair removal consumers should always check for proper licensing and certification to ensure that the treatment is performed safely.

The risks the FDA associates with electrolysis in the same resource article include infection from an unsterile needle and scarring from improper technique. It is important to choose a certified electrologist as this indicates that they are educated and tested against national standards with regard to safety procedures, infection control, and proper use of their equipment. Click here for further information on choosing a Certified Professional Electrologist.

FDA Resources
Laser Facts
Removing Hair Safely
Life-Threatening Side Effects with the Use of Skin Products Containing Numbing Ingredients for Cosmetic Procedures