Areas Suitable for Laser Hair Removal: What You Can (and Can’t) Treat

Thinking about trying laser hair removal but unsure which body parts it’s actually safe and effective for?

You’re not alone.

Laser hair removal is widely used for long-lasting smoothness—but not all areas are created equal. Some spots respond incredibly well, while others need extra care or may be off-limits altogether.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common areas suitable for laser hair removal, explain what to expect with each, and highlight some precautions to keep in mind—especially when using at-home devices.

✨ Not sure how laser hair removal works? Start with What is Laser Hair Removal?

Legs

One of the most popular treatment zones—and for good reason.

Why It Works:

Large surface area = great ROI for effort
Hair is often darker and coarser, making it easier for lasers to target

Tips:

Sessions can take 30–60 minutes for full legs
Full results usually appear after 6–8 treatments
Ideal for both above and below the knee

Bikini Line and Brazilian

Laser hair removal is a favorite for reducing ingrown hairs and keeping your bikini area smooth year-round.

Treatment Options:

Bikini line: Just the edges
Brazilian: Front, back, and everything in between

Considerations:

The skin is more sensitive, so expect some discomfort
Results are long-lasting, especially after maintenance sessions

Interested in comparing hair removal methods down there? Check out Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing

‍♀️ Underarms

A quick win! Laser hair removal works especially well under the arms.

Why It’s Ideal:

Small treatment area = short sessions (usually under 10 minutes)
Hair is typically coarse, making it laser-friendly
Huge time-saver if you shave daily

‍ Face

Laser hair removal can be done on facial areas like:

Upper lip
Chin
Sideburns
Jawline

At-Home vs Professional:

At-home devices are great for small, precise areas
Professional treatments offer extra safety near delicate zones

Safety Note:

Avoid the eyebrow area—lasers near the eyes pose a risk.

Neck & Beard Line

For both men and women, treating the neck or beard line can eliminate:

Shaving irritation
Razor bumps
Uneven regrowth

Men Often Treat:

Neckline
Cheeks
Back of the neck

Pro Tip:

This is a great area for laser touch-ups to maintain a clean, sharp beard outline.

Arms & Hands

The forearms and upper arms are commonly treated for smoother skin, while fingers and hands can also benefit from precision targeting.

Good To Know:

Hair here tends to be lighter or finer, so results may vary
Best results occur on darker, thicker hair

Shoulders & Back

Popular with men, laser hair removal on the back and shoulders reduces thick, patchy growth.

Why It’s Popular:

Hard-to-shave areas
Long-lasting confidence boost
Can prevent ingrown hairs and breakouts

Tip:

This is usually best left to the pros due to size and reach.

❤️ Chest & Stomach

Chest and stomach hair can be removed for aesthetics, hygiene, or comfort—especially for athletes or those prone to irritation.

What to Expect:

Sessions take 15–45 minutes depending on size
You may need 6+ treatments for full reduction

Areas to Avoid (Or Use With Caution)

Some areas are not suitable for laser hair removal, especially if you’re using a home device:

Area	Why to Avoid
Eyebrows	Too close to the eyes
Genitals	Delicate skin and higher risk
Tattoos	Can cause burns or pigment damage
Moles / Birthmarks	May absorb laser light abnormally
Tanned or sunburned skin	Increases chance of side effects

Learn more about Who Can Use Laser Hair Removal Devices

What Affects Suitability?

A few things influence how effective (or safe) laser hair removal is in each area:

Hair color & thickness – Dark, coarse hair responds best
Skin tone – Some lasers are better suited for darker skin
Hormonal zones – Areas like the face or stomach may see regrowth due to hormones
Device strength – At-home devices are gentler but may take longer
Pain tolerance – Some areas are more sensitive than others