Laser Hair Removal for Teens
By: Dr. Iman Bar
Understanding the Growing Teenage Trend
“Teens have a tendency to be overly sensitive about their hair growth, especially when it appears in a less desirable area of the body such as the face or arms. Girls are usually more sensitive about this than boys.” What can they do about it? Laser hair removal might be an option.
It can be difficult to deal with the potential embarrassment and anxiety brought on by unwanted body hair, but in the especially judgmental landscape of high school, such aesthetic imperfections can be even harder to come to terms with.

With the advances made in laser hair removal safety and effectiveness, the treatment is generally considered a completely viable option for teens. Whether it’s a teen girl hoping to get rid of unsightly facial hair, or a boy looking to shed body hair for the swim team, perma-nent laser hair removal is now a more popular solution than ever for teens that visit Dr. Bar’s Medical Practice.

How Laser Hair Removal Works for Teenagers
A teenager might not want to shave just yet, or use wax because these methods can encourage more rapid hair growth in a teen whose body is not fully mature. Laser hair removal is an option to consider, but should be decided by both the parent and the teen. All laser hair removal clinics require a parent’s consent to perform the pro-cedure on a child under 18 years of age.
Our Practice has the new laser technology the Coolglide, that produce a laser light to destroy hair follicles where the unwanted hair appears. The procedure is safe for teens, and definitely much less painful than waxing.
Having the procedure during a school holiday week or the summer months might be a good idea. Teens should also understand that several visits might be required to remove all the unwanted hair. Four visits are the average, but it might take more or less depending on the amount of hair that needs to be removed, and the color of the patient’s hair and skin. Treatments can cost anywhere from $120 on up per session. Most people need four-to-six sessions to completely remove hair.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for Teenagers?
Yes. In some cases, unwanted body hair appears as a result of hormonal changes that may or may not carry through into adulthood, so it’s imperative for any teen (and their parent) considering laser hair removal to schedule an in-depth consultation with Dr. Bar, to make sure the treatment is truly warranted.
Do Teenagers Experience the Same Laser Hair Removal Results as Adults?
When applicable, laser hair removal can work for teens as well as it does for anyone else. Also, because teenagers’ hair tends to re-grow at a faster rate than adults, teens may generally require more treatment sessions than adults.
Most common in teenagers, the bikini area in girls, and facial area in boys with acne, are regions of common occurring folliculitis, inflammation and infection of the hair follicles. Not only does this result in itchy and painful lesions, but fairly often secon-dary darkening of the skin from the inflammation. Fortunately, the laser has been very helpful in reducing, or eliminating, hair growth and diminishing, or stopping, re-current folliculitis.
“A successful treatment can help build confidence and provide a safe, simple way to get rid of unwanted hair. Whole parts of the body can be treated at once, it’s much quicker, the pain is minimal and now it is more af-fordable”.
For more information and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bar, please call 949-646-3623.
Dr.Bar
Boutique Pediatrics
359 San Miguel Dr. Suite 200
Newport Beach Ca 92660