Before we go into the actual cost of hair removal, you should be aware of the different types of hair removal procedures so that you can better understand what it is you are paying for.
The Two Types of Hair Removal
Strictly speaking, hair removal can be split into two types: depilation and epilation. Depilation is the process of removing the part of the hair which is exposed or above the skin surface. The usual depilation methods are as simple as shaving or cutting the hair.
You also have the option to use depilatory creams or powders. These are chemical products that break down the disulfide bonds in your hair, causing it to disintegrate. The cost of hair removal products like these goes from $10 to several hundred dollars, depending on quantity and effectiveness.
On the other hand, epilation removes hair in its entirety; from the exposed part down to the hair’s roots which is embedded in your skin. There are a lot of ways to do this. The common epilation methods include waxing, sugaring, threading, and the age-old method of plucking with tweezers. You can do any of these by yourself, or get the service at a salon or spa. What these methods have in common is that they involve a certain amount of pain, something which many people avoid. The cost for waxing typically goes from $10 to $90, depending on the size of the area to be waxed and the quality of the waxing service.
The more advanced methods of epilation are usually done in clinics. These include laser hair removal and intense pulsed light treatments such as the AURORA-ELOS system. Although they are typically more expensive than wax treatments, these advanced methods are practically pain-free and have longer lasting results. We’ll go into more detail in the following subsections.
Laser Hair Removal
The average cost of laser hair removal is $450. This is the base price which represents the doctor’s fee. Other price factors include the quality of the facility, the expertise of the doctor, and the region (city/state) where you get the treatment. Of course, the biggest factor for the cost is the area you want to treat.
Smaller areas, like the upper lip, should only cost you around $50-$175. Large areas, such as your entire back, can cost up to $1,000. Your doctor will determine the laser hair removal cost based on the size of the area, hair density, thickness of the hair follicles, and the number of sessions you’ll need.
AURORA-ELOS™ Hair Removal
Depending on the location of the clinic, an AURORA-ELOS treatment typically costs $1000 for a 6 session plan. You may also need anesthetic cream, which may add to the cost.
Keep in mind that ELOS is a fairly new procedure so some practitioners may be less experienced than others. Clinics purchase the equipment at various costs; as cheap as $999 to $45,000 for the more advanced models. This is important because the price of the equipment also affects the cost of hair removal.