October 5, 2026 · 4 min read · The Laser Point team

Laser hair removal myths, 6 myths and the facts

Some things you hear about laser are simply wrong, and some hold a grain of truth. We go through the most common myths one by one, without exaggeration.

People say a lot of things about laser hair removal. Some say it causes cancer, others that it removes hair forever, others still that it can only be done in winter. Some of these ideas are simply wrong, while others hold a grain of truth. In this article we go through the myths we hear most often, one by one, without exaggerating and without scaring anyone.

Laser hair removal myths and the short answer on safety

Done properly, laser hair removal is considered a safe cosmetic treatment for a healthy woman. Three things matter: a quality machine, an experienced specialist and honest information from you.

We work with an original Candela Alexandrite laser (755 nm) and Zimmer cold-air cooling. The laser targets the pigment in the hair, and the energy stays in the skin layer where the follicle sits. Most risks come from the wrong machine or settings, a fresh tan, or contraindications that were not mentioned to the specialist. You can read more on our Candela Alexandrite page.

Does laser cause cancer

This is the most common fear. The light used in laser hair removal is not ionising radiation like X-rays. Its energy turns into heat in the upper layers of the skin, at the level of the hair root, and does not reach internal organs.

There are still sensible precautions. If you have a suspicious mole, or one that is growing or changing shape, that spot is not treated and should be checked by a dermatologist. If there is an active rash, herpes or a fresh tattoo in the zone, that area is skipped too.

A few things should also be mentioned to the specialist in advance. These include medication that makes skin sensitive to light, such as isotretinoin, epilepsy triggered by light, and a tendency to form keloid scars. None of this means laser is dangerous. Like any treatment, it simply starts with an honest conversation.

Does laser cause more ingrown hairs

Usually the opposite. Ingrown hairs mostly come from shaving, waxing and epilators, especially with coarse hair. Laser makes hair sparser and finer, so many women find they get fewer ingrown hairs during the course.

In the 7-14 days after a session you may see black dots at the root. These are not ingrown hairs, they are burnt hairs that leave on their own. A gentle scrub and moisturiser help the process. In friction zones like the bikini area and underarms, it also helps to avoid tight synthetic clothes. We cover underarms in detail on our underarm laser hair removal page.

Is laser hair removal forever

This is the most exaggerated topic of all. The honest answer is that laser reduces hair long-term, but a 100% "forever" promise is not accurate.

The main course is usually 6-8 sessions. Many clients notice after the first 1-2 sessions that hair grows sparser, finer and more slowly. After the course most of the hair does not come back, but hormonal changes, age and genetics can bring new hairs. That is why maintenance sessions are sometimes needed.

Why is one session not enough? Because hairs do not all grow at the same time. Each session mainly affects the hairs in their active growth phase, and the rest are caught in later sessions. That is why a course takes 6-8 sessions.

With us, the first touch-up after the first session is free, and later ones are rarely needed and cost 5 AZN.

Can you have laser during pregnancy

Laser hair removal is usually postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The reason is not proven harm from the laser. It is that there is not enough data for this period, and hormonal changes affect the result. During pregnancy hair can change because of hormones, and skin is more prone to pigmentation.

So if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always tell the specialist. Planning the course for after the birth and breastfeeding is the calmest choice. In the meantime simple methods like shaving are fine. If you become pregnant in the middle of a course, there is no need to worry, we simply pause and continue later.

Is laser only for winter

Winter really is the ideal laser season. There is less sun, your skin is at its natural tone and it is easy to avoid tanning. But that does not mean laser is off limits in summer.

The main rule is not to tan. Avoid sun tanning and sunbeds for about 2 weeks before and after each session, and use SPF 50 every day. Under the Baku summer sun this takes some care, especially for exposed zones. We explain this in detail in our post on laser hair removal in summer.

Starting in autumn or winter has another advantage. A course of 6-8 sessions takes several months, so if you start now, you will already see results by spring.

Laser is very painful and burns the skin

The sensation depends on the zone and how sensitive your skin is. We never say "completely painless". But most clients describe it as a short warm snap, and the Zimmer cold-air unit makes it more comfortable. There is more in our post on whether laser hair removal hurts.

The risk of burns mainly comes from freshly tanned skin, wrong settings or an unsuitable skin type. That is why at the consultation we look at your skin, your hair and any medication you take. Mild redness for a few hours is normal.

The Laser Point is a women-only studio in Narimanov, Baku. Visits are by appointment, the door is closed and only you and our specialist Fatima Aliyeva are in the room. If you are thinking about several zones at once, take a look at the full body package. Still have questions? Message us or book a visit and we will answer every one honestly.

FAQ

This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. If you have a skin condition, are pregnant or take medication, tell the specialist before the procedure.