Eyebrow Shaping Laser Hair Removal: What You Need to Know

By Your Beauty Plug
January 23, 2024

Eyebrows are one of the most important features of your face. They frame your eyes, express your emotions, and enhance your beauty. But keeping them in shape can be a hassle. Plucking, waxing, threading, and shaving are some of the common methods that people use to remove unwanted hair from their eyebrows. However, these methods are often painful, time-consuming, and temporary. If you are looking for a more permanent and convenient solution, you might want to consider eyebrow shaping laser hair removal.

What is Eyebrow Shaping Laser Hair Removal?

Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser beams to destroy the hair follicles in your eyebrows. The laser targets the pigment in the hair and heats it up until it damages the root of the hair. This prevents the hair from growing back, or at least reduces its growth significantly. Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal can help you achieve your desired eyebrow shape and size without having to worry about constant maintenance.

How is Eyebrow Shaping Laser Hair Removal Different from Eyebrow Laser Hair Removal?

Eyebrow laser hair removal is a broader term that refers to any laser hair removal procedure that involves the eyebrow area. This includes the unibrow, which is the hair that grows between the eyebrows. Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal, on the other hand, is more specific and focuses on the hair that grows above or below the brow line. Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal is not recommended for actually sculpting or defining your brows, as this can be risky and difficult to achieve with a laser. Instead, eyebrow shaping laser hair removal is meant to complement your existing brow shape and remove any excess or stray hairs that you don’t want.

What are the Benefits of Eyebrow Shaping Laser Hair Removal?

Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal has many advantages over other methods of eyebrow hair removal. Some of the benefits are:

Permanent or long-lasting results: Unlike plucking, waxing, threading, and shaving, which only remove the hair temporarily, eyebrow shaping laser hair removal can give you permanent or long-lasting results. Depending on your hair type, color, and thickness, you may need several sessions to achieve optimal results, but once you do, you can enjoy smooth and hair-free eyebrows for months or even years.
Less pain and irritation: Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal is generally less painful and irritating than other methods of eyebrow hair removal. The laser pulses are quick and precise, and the heat is absorbed by the hair, not the skin. You may feel some discomfort or a sensation of heat or tingling during the procedure, but this is usually mild and tolerable. You may also experience some redness, swelling, or sensitivity after the procedure, but this is usually temporary and can be treated with ice, aloe vera, or soothing creams.
More convenience and time-saving: Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run. You don’t have to spend hours in front of the mirror every week or every month to pluck, wax, thread, or shave your eyebrows. You also don’t have to worry about ingrown hairs, bumps, cuts, or infections that can result from these methods. With eyebrow shaping laser hair removal, you can have perfectly shaped eyebrows all the time, without any effort.

What are the Risks or Side Effects of Eyebrow Shaping Laser Hair Removal?

Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal is generally a safe and effective procedure, but like any cosmetic treatment, it has some potential risks or side effects. Some of the possible complications are:

Eye damage: The most serious risk of eyebrow shaping laser hair removal is eye damage. The laser beams can be harmful to your eyes if they come in contact with them, even if you wear protective goggles. This can cause permanent vision loss or blindness. To avoid this, you should only have eyebrow shaping laser hair removal done by a qualified and experienced professional who knows how to handle the laser safely and accurately. You should also follow the pre- and post-care instructions carefully and avoid any exposure to sunlight or bright lights before and after the procedure.
Skin damage: Another risk of eyebrow shaping laser hair removal is skin damage. The laser can cause burns, blisters, scars, or changes in skin color or texture if it is too strong or applied incorrectly. This can be more likely if you have dark, tan, or sensitive skin, or if you have any skin conditions or infections. To prevent this, you should consult with your doctor before having eyebrow shaping laser hair removal and make sure that the laser is suitable for your skin type and tone. You should also avoid any skin products or treatments that can irritate or inflame your skin before and after the procedure, such as retinoids, acids, peels, or scrubs.
Hair regrowth or changes: A rare but possible side effect of eyebrow shaping laser hair removal is hair regrowth or changes. The laser can stimulate the hair follicles instead of destroying them, causing the hair to grow back faster, thicker, or darker than before. This can be more likely if you have hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or if you take certain medications, such as steroids, that can affect your hair growth. To avoid this, you should inform your doctor of any medical conditions or medications that you have or take before having eyebrow shaping laser hair removal and make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. You should also follow the recommended number and frequency of sessions and avoid any factors that can trigger hair growth, such as stress, heat, or friction.

How to Prepare for Eyebrow Shaping Laser Hair Removal?

If you decide to have eyebrow shaping laser hair removal, you should prepare yourself properly to ensure a safe and successful outcome. Here are some tips on how to prepare for eyebrow shaping laser hair removal:

Do your research: Before you book an appointment, you should do some research on the clinic, the doctor, and the laser that you are going to use. You should look for reviews, testimonials, and before-and-after photos of previous clients who have had eyebrow shaping laser hair removal. You should also ask for a consultation, where you can ask questions, express your expectations, and get a personalized treatment plan. You should choose a reputable, licensed, and certified clinic and doctor who have experience and expertise in eyebrow shaping laser hair removal and who use the latest and safest laser technology.
Avoid sun exposure: You should avoid any sun exposure for at least two weeks before and after your eyebrow shaping laser hair removal session. Sun exposure can increase your risk of skin damage, such as burns, blisters, or discoloration, as well as reduce the effectiveness of the laser. You should wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat whenever you go outside, and avoid tanning beds, sun lamps, or self-tanners. You should also avoid any products or treatments that can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, such as retinoids, acids, peels, or scrubs.
Stop other hair removal methods: You should stop any other hair removal methods for at least four weeks before your eyebrow shaping laser hair removal session. This includes plucking, waxing, threading, and shaving. These methods can interfere with the laser’s ability to target the hair follicles and cause irritation or infection. You should only trim your eyebrows with scissors or a razor if they are too long or unruly, but leave at least a millimeter of hair for the laser to work on.
Clean and moisturize your skin: You should clean and moisturize your skin before your eyebrow shaping laser hair removal session. You should wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry with a soft towel. You should also apply a light moisturizer to hydrate and protect your skin. You should avoid any products or treatments that can irritate or inflame your skin, such as alcohol, perfume, makeup, or lotions. You should also remove any jewelry, glasses, or contact lenses that can interfere with the laser.

What to Expect During and After Eyebrow Shaping Laser Hair Removal?

Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal is a quick and easy procedure that can be done in a few minutes. Here is what you can expect during and after eyebrow shaping laser hair removal:

During the procedure: You will be asked to lie down on a comfortable bed and wear protective goggles to shield your eyes from the laser. The doctor will apply a cooling gel or device to your skin to numb and soothe it. The doctor will then use a handheld device to deliver short and precise pulses of laser light to your eyebrows. You may feel some discomfort or a sensation of heat or tingling during the procedure, but this is usually mild and tolerable. The doctor will adjust the settings of the laser according to your hair type, color, and thickness, and monitor your skin’s reaction. The procedure will take about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and shape of your eyebrows.
After the procedure: You will be given some post-care instructions and products to use after the procedure. You may experience some redness, swelling, or sensitivity in your eyebrow area, but this is usually temporary and can be treated with ice, aloe vera, or soothing creams. You should avoid any sun exposure, heat, or friction for at least 48 hours after the procedure, as this can worsen your skin’s condition or cause infection. You should also avoid any products or treatments that can irritate or inflame your skin, such as alcohol, perfume, makeup, or lotions. You should gently wash your face with a mild cleanser and apply a moisturizer with SPF daily. You may notice some hair shedding or falling out in the first few weeks after the procedure, but this is normal and expected. This means that the laser has successfully destroyed the hair follicles and the hair is being expelled from your skin. You should not pull or pluck the hair, as this can damage your skin or cause ingrown hairs. You should let the hair fall out naturally or gently wipe it off with a cloth.

You will need to have multiple sessions of eyebrow shaping laser hair removal to achieve the best results. The number and frequency of sessions will depend on your hair type, color, and thickness, as well as your desired eyebrow shape and size. Typically, you will need four to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, to see a significant reduction in hair growth. You may need more or less sessions, depending on your individual response to the laser.

You should also have maintenance sessions every six to twelve months to keep your eyebrows in shape and prevent any hair regrowth. You should consult with your doctor to determine the optimal schedule for your eyebrow shaping laser hair removal.

FAQs about Eyebrow Shaping Laser Hair Removal

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about eyebrow shaping laser hair removal:

How much does eyebrow shaping laser hair removal cost?

The cost of eyebrow shaping laser hair removal will vary depending on the clinic, the doctor, the laser, and the number of sessions that you need. On average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 per session, or between $800 and $2,400 for the entire treatment. You may also have to pay for consultation fees, post-care products, or maintenance sessions. You should ask for a quote from your clinic before you start your eyebrow shaping laser hair removal.

Is eyebrow shaping laser hair removal covered by insurance?

Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, not a medical necessity, so it is usually not covered by insurance. However, some insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost of eyebrow shaping laser hair removal if you have a medical condition that causes excessive or abnormal hair growth, such as hirsutism, PCOS, or hormonal imbalances. You should check with your insurance provider before you have eyebrow shaping laser hair removal to see if you are eligible for any coverage or reimbursement.

Who is a good candidate for eyebrow shaping laser hair removal?

Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal is suitable for most people who want to have smooth and hair-free eyebrows without having to pluck, wax, thread, or shave them regularly. However, some factors may affect your suitability or results of eyebrow shaping laser hair removal, such as:

Skin type and tone: Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal works best on people who have light skin and dark hair, as the laser can easily differentiate between the hair and the skin. People who have dark, tan, or sensitive skin may have a higher risk of skin damage, such as burns, blisters, or discoloration, or may need more sessions to achieve the same results. People who have light or gray hair may not respond well to the laser, as the laser may not be able to detect the pigment in the hair. You should consult with your doctor to find out which laser is best for your skin type and tone.
Hair type and thickness: Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal works best on people who have coarse and thick hair, as the laser can easily penetrate and destroy the hair follicles. People who have fine or thin hair may have a lower chance of permanent hair removal, or may need more sessions to achieve the same results. You should consult with your doctor to find out how your hair type and thickness will affect your eyebrow shaping laser hair removal.
Medical conditions and medications: Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal may not be suitable for people who have certain medical conditions or take certain medications that can affect their hair growth, skin sensitivity, or healing ability. For example, people who have diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, or autoimmune disorders, or who take blood thinners, steroids, or antibiotics, may have a higher risk of complications or infections from eyebrow shaping laser hair removal. You should inform your doctor of any medical conditions or medications that you have or take before you have eyebrow shaping laser hair removal.
What are the alternatives to eyebrow shaping laser hair removal?

If you are not a good candidate for eyebrow shaping laser hair removal, or if you are not satisfied with the results, you may consider other alternatives to remove unwanted hair from your eyebrows, such as:

Electrolysis: Electrolysis is a method of hair removal that uses an electric current to destroy the hair follicles. Electrolysis can be more effective than laser hair removal for people who have light or gray hair, as it does not depend on the pigment in the hair. However, electrolysis can be more painful, time-consuming, and expensive than laser hair removal, and it may also cause more scarring or infection.
Microblading: Microblading is a method of eyebrow enhancement that uses a semi-permanent tattoo to create the illusion of fuller and more defined brows. Microblading can be a good option for people who have sparse or uneven eyebrows, or who want to change the shape or color of their brows. However, microblading can be more invasive, risky, and costly than laser hair removal, and it may also require more maintenance and touch-ups.
Brow lamination: Brow lamination is a method of eyebrow styling that uses a chemical solution to lift and set the brow hairs in a desired direction. Brow lamination can be a good option for people who have unruly or curly eyebrows, or who want to achieve a fluffy and natural look. However, brow lamination can be more damaging, irritating, and temporary than laser hair removal, and it may also require more care and products.

Conclusion

Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that can help you achieve your desired eyebrow shape and size without having to pluck, wax, thread, or shave them regularly. Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal can give you permanent or long-lasting results, less pain and irritation, and more convenience and time-saving. However, eyebrow shaping laser hair removal also has some risks or side effects, such as eye damage, skin damage, or hair regrowth or changes. You should consult with your doctor before having eyebrow shaping laser hair removal and follow the pre- and post-care instructions carefully. You should also have multiple and maintenance sessions to ensure the best results. Eyebrow shaping laser hair removal is not the only option for eyebrow hair removal, and you may consider other alternatives, such as electrolysis, microblading, or brow lamination, depending on your preferences and needs.