Here's a Frustration-Free Way to Permanently Remove Facial Hair

Managing facial hair for a man can be a real pain... literally. It requires consistent care (shaving) and even with this it can be painful (i.e.- razor burn) and leave visible signs which can be embarrassing. Remember that one time you happened to meet a cute girl at the coffee shop the morning you forgot to shave your overgrown neck? Doh… frustrating.

What is the best method for permanent facial hair removal?

Facial hair can be removed permanently with treatments like laser hair removal, electrolysis, and permanent tweezing.

Laser hair removal is the most popular option for permanent facial hair removal because it's fast, safe, and proven effective. The laser works by targeting the pigment in your unwanted facial hairs and delivering a pulse of light that destroys the follicle so your hairs don't grow back.

Electrolysis involves inserting an electric needle into each individual follicle to disable them from producing future growth. While very effective, this is a very time-consuming solution as well as painful. There may be some swelling or redness after the treatment which could require avoiding sun exposure for several weeks as your skin may be sensitive.

Permanent tweezing is a slower process where you pluck the hairs one by one until permanent loss of hair is achieved. Can you say, "OUCH"? No thank you!

Whichever option you choose, you'll have to go through several treatments in order to get permanent results. More on that later.

The rest of this article is going to focus on the best method for permanent facial hair removal, which we believe to be high-energy laser devices. Here's why we recommend laser hair removal for men, specifically:

• Treatment times are much shorter because the laser targets a larger area rather than one follicle at a time as compared to electrolysis or tweezing.
• Lasers prove to be less painful than other hair removal treatments.
• Recovery is a breeze with minimal downtime.

At Flycatcher we use the LightSheer^® QUATTRO™ from Lumenis which can treat all hair types and skin tones.

Can facial hair be removed permanently?

Laser hair removal can be a permanent solution but it will take multiple treatments. This is not a one-and-done solution. You must be invested in the process in order to achieve the best results.

Men will need six to eight sessions to achieve 80-90% reduction in their facial hair. It is not uncommon to need up to 10 sessions. An annual touch-up session will be necessary to ensure new hair growth is effectively treated, and to maintain the smooth, hair-free look you desire.

Darker skin tones can require more treatments because dark hair is more dense and coarse than light hair. The thick cuticle of these darker hairs absorbs more light energy from lasers, making them more resistant to treatment. Additionally, thicker, coarse hairs are often more deeply rooted in your skin which can make it harder for the laser to target them effectively.

Each session will be scheduled four weeks apart. Considering this frequency, six to ten months can be required to achieve your goal of permanent facial hair removal.

How much does permanent facial hair removal cost?

Before we get to specific costs, let's talk about the specific area you are interested in addressing first. Do you want to eliminate all of your facial hair? Or, do you simply want to "clean up" the cheek areas above your beard line as well as your neckline? Each area, or the whole, can be addressed via laser hair removal.

At Flycatcher all new clients only pay $75 for their first laser hair removal treatment. This is a good way for you to test it out and see if it is a good fit for you.

"Full Face" treatment can be purchased as a series of six treatments for $900. If you also want to treat your neck, the cost for a series of six treatments would be $1350.

If you rock a beard and want to use laser hair removal to reduce the hair around your beard line and neck six treatments would cost $675.

We recommend you visit our pricing page and play around with our handy pricing calculator to determine your potential investment.

Are you a good candidate for laser facial hair removal?

While our laser hair removal device is effective for all hair types and skin tones, it is important to note that there are certain hair types that may not respond as well to the treatment. Specifically, very light hair such as shades of blonde, red, and grey cannot be effectively treated with laser hair removal.

This is because the laser targets the pigment in the hair, and lighter hair colors have less pigment for the laser to target. However, this does not mean that these individuals cannot still benefit from laser hair removal. Our licensed laser hair removal professionals can provide a consultation to determine if laser hair removal is a viable option for those with lighter hair colors. In some cases, alternative hair removal methods may be recommended.

It is important to note that laser facial hair removal should not be performed on clients with active acne or acne scars, as the laser may aggravate these conditions. Similarly, any type of cut or wound to the skin – including cold sores –  should be fully healed before undergoing treatment. This is because the laser may cause further damage or delay the healing process. It is best to wait until the skin has fully recovered before scheduling a laser hair removal session.

If you have any concerns about the condition of your skin, it is recommended to consult with your dermatologist or our licensed laser hair removal professional prior to scheduling an appointment.

What about ingrown hairs? Will laser work?

Ingrown hairs are not only a nuisance, but they can also be painful and cause skin irritation.

Ingrown hairs occur when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells, causing the hair to grow in the wrong direction or become trapped beneath the skin's surface. Men with darker skin are more susceptible to this issue due to the curvature of the hair follicle, which can cause the hair to grow back into the skin instead of straight out.

This irregular growth leads to inflammation and the formation of red, painful bumps that can be difficult to get rid of. Shaving, waxing, and plucking can all exacerbate the problem, as they can cause the hair to become trapped beneath the skin's surface.

Laser hair removal is a great solution for men with ingrown hairs on their face and neck, as it not only removes the unwanted hair but also prevents it from growing back, reducing the likelihood of future ingrown hairs. By targeting the hair follicle with a beam of light, the laser destroys the follicle at the root, effectively eliminating the ingrown hair and preventing it from causing further discomfort. 

In addition to treating ingrown hairs, laser hair removal can also help reduce the appearance of razor bumps and other skin irritations caused by shaving.

What about pain and side effects?

The laser used for permanent facial hair removal does have a slight sensation, but most men don't find it too uncomfortable. It has been likened to the snap of a rubber band on the skin. You can request numbing cream prior to treatment if you're worried about discomfort or pain.

And, because we're talking about the face and neck, these small areas only require 10 to 15 minutes of treatment time. This is much less than what would be required for painful tweezing or electrolysis.

The side effects of laser hair removal are generally mild and temporary. Immediately after the treatment, the skin may appear slightly red and swollen, but this should subside within a few hours. Some people may experience itching or a mild burning sensation, but this can be relieved with topical creams or ice packs. In rare cases, blistering or scarring may occur, but this is more likely with inexperienced technicians or those using outdated equipment.

It's important to choose a reputable clinic with trained and licensed technicians to minimize the risk of side effects. Overall, the benefits of laser facial hair removal far outweigh the potential risks, and most men experience minimal discomfort or downtime. With proper pre- and post-treatment care (keep reading), you can achieve smooth, hair-free skin with minimal side effects.

Pre- and post-treatment care for laser facial hair removal

As mentioned earlier, your success with laser facial hair removal will take real commitment, and that includes pre-treatment and post-treatment care.

Reducing your exposure to direct sunlight is crucial before undergoing laser facial hair removal. This means avoiding tanning beds, sunbathing, and any other activities that will expose your face to the sun's harmful UV rays.

Two weeks prior to your treatment, it's essential to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even if you plan to spend just a few minutes outside. A hat or other protective clothing that covers your face and neck is also highly recommended.

By taking these precautions, you'll ensure that your skin is in the best possible condition for the laser treatment and minimize the risk of side effects. Don't forget to continue these precautions for two weeks following your treatment, as your skin will be especially vulnerable during this time.

Because of these strict protocols, your laser hair removal can take significant planning. Many of our Central Texas clients will skip treatment during summer months if they plan to be active and, especially, on the water in full sun.

Requiring less work, but equally important, is that you must shave your facial hair 24 to 48 hours prior to your treatment. If our laser technicians are required to shave you then you will be charged an additional $50.

Be sure to clean your face thoroughly before your appointment. This will remove any dirt or oil that may be on your skin, allowing the laser to penetrate more effectively.

It's also important to avoid using any skincare products that contain harsh chemicals, such as retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids, for at least a week before your treatment. These products can make your skin more sensitive to the laser, increasing the risk of side effects.

By following these simple pre-treatment steps, you'll ensure that your laser facial hair removal is as effective and safe as possible.

Conclusion

For men looking for a more permanent solution to unwanted facial hair, laser hair removal is the way to go. Not only is it fast and nearly painless, it also requires far less time than traditional methods like electrolysis or tweezing.

If you are ready to say goodbye to daily shaving or waxing maintenance and hello to smoother, hair-free skin, then please reach out to our experienced team at Flycatcher by phone at 737-239-0112 or book your consultation here.

Located in Spicewood, Texas, just three miles west of The Galleria in Bee Cave, we proudly serve Spicewood, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and the surrounding areas of Austin and the Texas Hill Country.

Learn more about laser hair removal by reading our detailed guide on the subject and view our pricing page here to learn about the costs you can expect.