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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The costs for laser hair removal vary greatly and are determined by a number of things including where you live, what laser is being used, how many treatments you're having, and the area of the body being treated, just to name a few. As a frame of reference, the national average was $306 per session in 2016, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (and don't forget that you'll need multiple sessions). Bust out the calculator and crunch some numbers; it's worth comparing how much you'd spend on a series of treatments versus how much you'd be spending on alternate methods (razor blades are not cheap!), and remember that going to laser route, while pricier, will last much longer than anything else.

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Sure you can, but take their promises and claims with a grain of salt. "All of these devices are underpowered compared to the professional lasers out there," says Kauvar, meaning it will take more treatments to see results. As a rule, they also work best on those "ideal" candidates, so if you don't have that fair-skin-dark-hair combo, you may want to take a pass. Not to mention that treating certain parts of your body yourself (ahem, bikini line) will require some serious Cirque du Soleil-style contortion. If anything, consider one of these devices for potential touch-ups after a series of in-office treatments, suggests Frank. One to try: Iluminage Precise Touch, $245, the first at-home option FDA-cleared for use on all skin tones.

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