Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a laser — an intense, pulsating beam of light — to remove unwanted hair.

During laser hair removal, a laser beam passes through the skin to an individual hair follicle. The intense heat of the laser damages the hair follicle, which inhibits future hair growth. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair.

Although laser hair removal effectively slows hair growth, it doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. It typically takes multiple laser hair removal treatments to provide an extended hair-free period. Periodic maintenance treatments might be needed as well.