Do you have patchy and scraggly stubble you want to get rid of? Unwanted facial hair can be a nuisance not only for its look but also because it requires endless waxing and shaving. But instead of letting this hassle ruin your grooming session, you can try laser hair removal for men to eliminate your pesky stubble once and for all.
In this post, our specialists shared professional insights on how the laser works for heavy stubble beards, its pros and cons, and what you can expect from the treatment. We also answered some common questions about laser stubble removal you might be asking!
Why stubble beard can be a problem
While many men sport stubble beard styles, some prefer to shave the unwanted scruff on their faces and necks. In particular, they want to get rid of stubble for the following reasons:
- Ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs are a common problem among men, especially those who grow out their beards. Some of their facial hair may curl back and grow into the skin, causing painful and inflamed bumps. It can also be worsened with shaving and waxing, making laser removal the best option in the long run.
- Skin irritation. Repetitive shaving increases the risk of razor burns, nicks, and bumps, which can trigger a slew of irritations. Those with sensitive skin may experience frequent rashes and itchiness until they opt for long-term hair removal treatments.
- Uneven growth. Some individuals have uneven beards and stubble that give them an unkempt appearance. Instead of growing it out, they decide to shave it closer to the skin.
- Demanding grooming. Men who prefer a neat look have to deal with regular shaving, which can be a hassle on busy days. Instead, they can benefit the most from long-term solutions like laser hair removal.
- Hygiene problems. While short, stubble can still trap dirt and excess sebum in the face, which can lead to breakouts if not groomed properly. Combined with sensitive skin and ingrown hairs, stubble can be a recipe for disaster for some men.
How laser hair removal works for short stubble beard
For the most part, men rely on stubble beard trimmers to groom their facial hair. They help keep the beard short and trimmed close to the skin.
However, trimmers only offer a short-term solution to the problem. Eventually, the stubble will grow back and repeat the same cycle of regular grooming and skin irritation.
This is where laser hair removal in North Hollywood can be the ultimate answer. Instead of plucking or trimming the stubble as close to the skin as possible, laser targets its roots to prevent the hair from growing back.
Using specialized equipment like the Candela GentleMax Pro, our licensed technician will point the laser toward the target facial area. The laser beams will then be absorbed by the stubble’s melanin or colored pigment, converting it into heat. From there, the heat will damage the stubble’s follicle, stopping future hair growth.
Depending on the thickness and density of your stubble hair, you’ll need around 6 or more sessions to eliminate the unwanted hair fully. In general, a light stubble beard may require fewer sessions than a full mustache with stubble beard removal.
Pros of laser removal for stubble beard
- Precise hair removal. Unlike waxing or shaving, laser targets the hair follicles without harming the surrounding skin. This makes laser hair removal a great solution for those who also want to shape their beard instead of fully removing it.
- Long-term results. Unlike traditional stubble removal, which you have to do weekly, laser offers long-lasting results. Many men enjoy years of zero regrowth, while others only need annual touch-ups.
- Safe for delicate areas. The beard line is a sensitive area, but laser hair removal does a great job of eliminating your stubble without severe irritations. In fact, our laser treatments are so safe that both men and women also use them to remove unwanted bikini hair.
- Less ingrown hairs. Since laser will remove the stubble from the roots, it can help reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs. It’s also a big help for those who prefer short stubble beard designs with hair that are more likely to grow back to the skin.
- Customizable treatment. Here at Pure Skin Laser Center, we use the Candela dual-laser technology to personalize each treatment based on your skin type and desired results. This way, you can get rid of unwanted stubble without too much discomfort.
- Cost-efficient in the long run. Instead of spending money on repetitive waxing or shaving supplies, you can invest in a laser treatment plan. After finishing several sessions, you’ll enjoy a stubble-free face – no more shaving, waxing, or dealing with razor burns.
Cons of laser removal for stubble beard
While laser hair removal has a ton of benefits, it also has its share of downsides. Here are some points you also need to know:
- You need multiple sessions. For full stubble removal, you need to finish several sessions, as determined by our licensed specialist. Nevertheless, you’ll start seeing stubble falling off even after the first appointment, though it’s not enough to give you a smooth result.
- There are pre-treatment restrictions. Laser hair removal is noninvasive, but you need to do some prep work. You may have to pause certain medications, skincare products, and treatments days before your scheduled laser appointment.
- Not suitable for all people. Laser stubble removal is relatively safe, but individuals with keloid scarring in the treatment area are not good candidates for the procedure. The same goes for people with an allergy to laser, dealing with certain medical conditions, or experiencing an active skin issue.
How to prepare for stubble laser hair removal
Before
Before the actual treatment, our licensed laser technician will conduct a one-on-one consultation to discuss the procedure and your desired results. We’ll also assess your skin to plan the treatment and advise you of the ideal number of sessions.
At the same time, we’ll also inform you of the pre-treatment preparation you need to observe. Most of the time, we ask clients to avoid excessive sun exposure and pause certain medications upon the approval of their physicians.
And the most important reminder: DO NOT wax or pluck your stubble before your laser hair removal appointment.
Instead, you should only shave your stubble 24 to 48 hours before the procedure. This way, you can remove the excess hair growth outside the skin to ensure that the laser beams target the hair inside the follicles.
During
During your stubble laser removal, our laser technician will clean the area and apply a cooling gel to minimize discomfort. We’ll also ask you to put on protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser beams. You’ll be lying down comfortably throughout the entire procedure.
Once you’re all set, our laser tech will start the treatment using a handheld laser device. You’ll feel a mild snapping sensation as the laser hits your skin. Many of our clients compare the feeling to that of a rubber band snapping in their skin, which is tolerable for most.
Each session takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the stubble thickness and the size of the treatment area.
After
Right after your laser hair removal session, the treated skin will feel tender, reddish, and slightly swollen. These are normal reactions, which will subside in several hours or a few days.
Our laser technician will also brief you about proper aftercare, which is very minimal. Overall, you need to avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks and skip harsh skincare products that may irritate the skin.
Don’t worry—we can also schedule you for a follow-up check to see if your skin is recovering well from the treatment. Your next sessions will be spaced out between 4 and 6 weeks, allowing the remaining stubble to enter the active growth phase, which is the most effective for laser treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Can laser remove facial hair permanently?
Does laser hair removal help with beard shadow?
Will my beard grow back after laser?
Should I laser my beard line?
Can I get laser hair removal if I have scarring on my beard area?
Can I continue to shave my stubble between laser sessions?
Can hormonal factors influence the effectiveness of laser hair removal on stubble?
How can I prevent skin discoloration on my face after laser treatment for stubble?
How does the growth cycle of beard hair affect the timing of laser sessions for stubble?
Your hair growth cycle is a huge factor in the effectiveness of stubble laser hair removal. Here’s why:
Your hair goes through four cycles: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding). Of all these stages, laser hair removal is the most effective during the anagen phase. It’s the stage when hair actively grows and has the most amount of melanin, the pigment that absorbs the laser beams.
The higher the laser absorption rate, the more effective the treatment will be in neutralizing the follicles. This is also one of the reasons why your laser appointments are spaced out in weeks to ensure all targeted hair will enter the anagen phase during treatment.
Ready to get rid of your stubble beard for good?
If you want to remove stubble or a patchy beard, our laser hair removal treatment might be the solution you need! Feel free to contact Pure Skin Laser Center, and we’ll discuss how our treatment can help you achieve smooth and irritation-free skin.
For 10+ years, we’ve been providing FDA-approved, safe, and effective laser treatments for both men and women in North Hollywood. Above all, only licensed and experienced laser technicians will provide your treatment for the best results.
If you want to learn more about laser hair removal for men, contact us today, and let’s talk!
