Before:
Those with dark skin should be particularly careful to stay out of the sun before the procedure, says Frank, since a sunburn makes skin irritated and prone to burning from the laser. Dark skin is already more laser-sensitive than light skin, since the dark pigment absorbs more energy, so a recent sunburn means you should stay away from a laser for two weeks. Schweiger says that using ice or a provided numbing agent before the session can reduce pain.

During:
The laser session can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how much hair you're trying to remove. Dark skin requires anywhere from six to 12 sessions (the thicker the hair, the more sessions required) spaced five to six weeks apart.

After:
Don't walk out the door after your laser session without applying a layer of sunscreen. Laser-ed skin is more sensitive to the sun's rays and overexposure can cause it to redden and peel.

As they say, beauty is pain, and laser hair removal does sting a little, especially for dark skin. Schweiger says it's because the skin contains more melanin, which absorbs more of the laser's energy. Still, it's less painful than waxing!

There is a catch to laser hair removal: It's effective, but it's not permanent. The FDA has classified laser hair removal as an effective method of "permanent hair reduction," compared to electrolysis' categorization of "permanent hair removal." Both Frank and Schweiger say that patients with dark skin need touch-ups one or two times a year if they're using a laser approved for dark skin.

Over time, laser hair removal is less expensive than waxing. Cost varies, but you can expect to pay about $2,000 initially if you want everything below the eyebrows removed. Users of RealSelf.com, an online community of people who have received treatments like laser hair removal, found that the average cost was $1,050, and 72 percent of those people said it was "worth it."

Recently, two laser devices have hit the at-home hair removal scene that are approved for all skin types.

Me Smooth, $395
This hair follicle sharpshooter is equipped to emit 6,000 light pulses. Use it once a week for about seven weeks to see results, then follow with once-monthly touch-ups. It can be used on the face, but shouldn't be used over areas with light hair. Replacement cartridges are $50.

iluminageTOUCH, $445
This device is also used once a week for seven weeks. The initial cartridge emits 120,000 pulses. Replacement cartridges are $150 and also emit 120,000 pulses. This device will be available in stores this fall.