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.
How Long Do Hair Removal Results Last?
The duration of hair-free results depends largely on the type of hair removal method used. Depilation methods like shaving may only last a day or two, while waxing can keep skin smooth for 3 to 6 weeks.
Laser hair removal and ELOS treatments, on the other hand, provide much longer-lasting outcomes. After completing a full treatment plan, many patients only require occasional touch-ups every 6 to 12 months.
While no method guarantees 100% permanent hair removal, advanced epilation techniques offer the closest results to it—with less maintenance over time.
Is Laser Hair Removal Worth the Cost?
A common question many people ask is, “Is laser hair removal worth it?” While the upfront cost may seem high compared to shaving or waxing, laser hair removal offers long-term savings and convenience.
Unlike temporary solutions, laser treatments target hair follicles to reduce regrowth significantly after a few sessions. Most patients experience permanent hair reduction of 70% to 90%, depending on hair type and body area.
Over time, this can save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars on razors, waxes, or salon visits, making it a smart investment for those seeking a long-lasting solution.
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.
At-Home Laser Hair Removal vs Professional Treatment
With the rise in popularity of at-home laser hair removal devices, many people wonder how they compare to professional clinic treatments. At-home devices are more affordable upfront—often costing between $200 and $500—but are typically less powerful and slower to show results.
Professional laser machines, especially those using advanced systems like AURORA-ELOS, offer higher energy output, better targeting of follicles, and are operated by trained professionals.
For large treatment areas or long-term effectiveness, professional sessions are usually more efficient and safer, though home devices can be useful for small touch-ups or maintenance.