Because hair removal lasers work by targeting hair's pigment, the best candidates are those who have a lot of it of it, i.e. dark hair, though there also needs to be contrast between the hair and the skin, explains Kauvar. So, basically, anyone with light skin and dark, coarse hair -- coarse strands contain more pigment than fine ones -- is the ideal candidate and can expect the best results. That being said, technology advancements and all kinds of new lasers mean that it can also be done on anyone with dark skin or finer, lighter, hair; just keep in mind that the results may not be quite as successful, so manage your expectations accordingly, recommends Frank. (See our story on laser hair removal for dark skin here.)

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"Any place on the body where hair grows can be treated," says Kauvar. This includes arms, legs, underarms, bikini line, and even the face; the upper lip is one of the most common treatment stops, according to Kauvar. The only spot that's off limits is your brows, since the types of lasers used are too powerful to be used near your eyes. When deciding which area to zap, you may also want to consider that this will impact the final price, more on that to come.

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If we're talking real tan, the answer should always be no (the ensuing skin damage is so not worth it), but it's even more of a no-no in this instance. "If you're naturally fair-skinned but go in for your appointment with a tan, there will be less contrast between the color of the skin and the color of hair, and the laser may not be as effective," notes Frank. It's a good idea to skip self-tanner, too, just to be safe, as there's a chance the laser could pick up some of that color as well, he adds.

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Google "laser hair removal near me," and you'll quickly get the sense that every spa on every corner offers laser hair removal these days, but bear in mind that this isn't like walking in for a massage or facial. It's important to do your due diligence and be superselective: "Only a licensed medical professional should be performing laser hair removal," advises Frank. "As with any treatment, there are potential risks, and you want someone who knows how to handle those issues should they arise."

We're not trying to be alarmists, but do a Google image search of "laser hair removal gone wrong," and you'll see what he's talking about; potential problems include burns, blisters, scarring, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation... some pretty gnarly stuff. "Don't let price be the only deciding factor and be wary of overly aggressive sales pitches," adds Andréa Young, owner of Beam Laser Spa
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The night before your appointment, shave any spots that will be zapped (avoid waxing, since you don't want to pull out the hair entirely, as that's the laser's target). Thanks to new innovations and technologies, the process itself is faster and less painful than ever, so you'll be in and out quickly; a full leg can be done in as little as 15 minutes, says Frank.

Some minor redness afterward is normal, though be sure to stay out of the sun and avoid using any harsh ingredients or products on the lasered area for two weeks afterward, including retinoids, alpha and beta acids or topical acne medications, advises Young.

But remember that laser hair removal isn't a one-and-done situation: "There are three different stages of hair growth, and the laser can only a knock out a hair when it's in the active growth phase," explains Kauvar. "To catch all the hairs in any given area in that phase, you'll need about six sessions." How far apart those are spaced depends on which part of the body you're treating -- hair grows at different rates in different areas -- but as a rule, plan on going in every four to six weeks, says Frank. That's why it's a good idea to book your laser hair removal treatments in the fall or winter so that you'll be ready to bare your newly smooth skin come summer.

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