Done With Shaving. Ready for Smooth.
Tired of constant shaving, waxing every few weeks, and ingrown hairs in between? Laser hair removal targets hair follicles directly — delivering long-term permanent reduction without the endless cycle. At Desert Bloom Skincare in Scottsdale, Dr. Natalya Borakowski uses a Quanta EVO Alexandrite 755nm for Fitzpatrick I–III (lighter skin) and Nd:YAG 1064nm for Fitzpatrick IV–VI (darker skin tones). The right wavelength for your skin type, matched at consultation.
Laser hair removal in Scottsdale is one of our most requested services at Desert Bloom, alongside CO2 laser resurfacing, IPL photo facial, and RF microneedling. Explore the full laser treatment options at Desert Bloom.
At a Glance
- What it is
- Medical laser hair removal using Quanta EVO Alexandrite 755nm or Nd:YAG 1064nm — wavelength matched to your skin tone
- Reduction
- 70–90% permanent hair reduction after a complete series (results vary by individual)
- Sessions
- Typically 6–8 sessions per area, spaced 4–8 weeks apart
- Skin types
- All Fitzpatrick types (I–VI) safely treated with the appropriate wavelength
- Comfort
- Most patients describe a rubber-band snap sensation; Quanta EVO cooling makes it tolerable
- Downtime
- Minimal — resume normal activities the same day
- Cost
- Starts at $30/session; see price list for per-area rates
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses concentrated light energy to target and destroy hair follicles, producing long-term hair reduction. The laser wavelength is absorbed by melanin — the pigment inside your hair — converting to heat that damages the follicle at its root. This process is called selective photothermolysis: targeting the darker structure (hair) without harming the surrounding skin.
The FDA classifies this as “permanent hair reduction,” not permanent removal. After a complete series of 6–8 sessions, clinical studies confirm 70–90% reduction in unwanted hair (results vary by individual). Annual touch-ups maintain results long-term. It is one of the most effective, evidence-based ways to eliminate unwanted body hair — for women and men alike.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Our Quanta EVO Alexandrite 755nm laser penetrates deep into the dermis where melanin in the hair shaft absorbs the laser energy, converting it to heat. That heat destroys the germinal cells in the follicle bulb and bulge — the structures responsible for hair regrowth. For darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI), we use the Nd:YAG 1064nm wavelength, which bypasses epidermal melanin to safely reach the follicle below.
Only 20–30% of hairs are in the active growth phase (anagen) at any time — and the laser only destroys follicles in anagen. That is why multiple sessions are needed: each appointment catches a new wave of follicles in their growth window, ensuring comprehensive hair removal across each area.
The sensation? Most patients describe tiny rubber-band snaps — brief, tolerable, and over quickly. Advanced laser technology and the Quanta EVO’s cooling design make treatments comfortable for virtually all skin types.
Treatment Areas and Sessions
6–8 sessions · 4–6 weeks apart
Face (upper lip, chin)
Fine facial hair responds well to laser. Hormonal areas like the chin may require additional sessions and ongoing maintenance.
6–8 sessions · 4–6 weeks apart
Underarms
One of the most popular and predictable areas — coarse, dark underarm hair responds quickly to the Alexandrite wavelength.
6–8 sessions · 4–6 weeks apart
Brazilian / Bikini
Bikini and Brazilian treatments are among the most requested. Sensitive area — Quanta EVO cooling keeps it tolerable.
6–8 sessions · 6–8 weeks apart
Legs (full or lower)
Large surface area handled efficiently with the Quanta EVO. Spacing is slightly longer because leg hair grows in a slower cycle.
6–8 sessions · 6–8 weeks apart
Back / Chest
Common in male patients. Dense back hair can require additional sessions beyond the standard series.
6–8 sessions · 6–8 weeks apart
Arms
Full or half-arm treatment. Hair density and skin tone determine session spacing and total number needed.
Laser vs. IPL vs. Electrolysis vs. Waxing
Each method has trade-offs. For most patients with dark hair, medical laser is the most effective and time-efficient choice — and is the only option safe for all skin tones when the wavelength is matched correctly.
| Factor | Laser (Alexandrite / Nd:YAG) | IPL | Electrolysis | Waxing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Permanent reduction 70–90% | Temporary reduction | Permanent removal | Temporary |
| Speed | Fast | Moderate | Very slow (hair by hair) | Moderate |
| Pain level | Mild (rubber-band snap) | Similar to laser | Higher | Moderate to high |
| Skin tones | I–VI | I–III best | All | All |
| Sessions | 6–8 | 8–12 | Months to years | Ongoing |
| Long-term cost | Moderate (series + touch-ups) | More sessions needed | Highest (time) | Highest (lifetime) |
Laser (Alexandrite / Nd:YAG)
- Result
- Permanent reduction 70–90%
- Speed
- Fast
- Pain level
- Mild (rubber-band snap)
- Skin tones
- I–VI
- Sessions
- 6–8
- Long-term cost
- Moderate (series + touch-ups)
IPL
- Result
- Temporary reduction
- Speed
- Moderate
- Pain level
- Similar to laser
- Skin tones
- I–III best
- Sessions
- 8–12
- Long-term cost
- More sessions needed
Electrolysis
- Result
- Permanent removal
- Speed
- Very slow (hair by hair)
- Pain level
- Higher
- Skin tones
- All
- Sessions
- Months to years
- Long-term cost
- Highest (time)
Waxing
- Result
- Temporary
- Speed
- Moderate
- Pain level
- Moderate to high
- Skin tones
- All
- Sessions
- Ongoing
- Long-term cost
- Highest (lifetime)
Laser Hair Removal Cost in Scottsdale
Pricing starts at $30 per session, serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the greater Arizona area. Cost depends on treatment area, number of sessions, and hair density. Over time, a complete series typically costs far less than years of ongoing waxing or shaving — and delivers results that free you from that cycle entirely.
Pricing
- Laser Hair RemovalOn Demand
Why Choose Desert Bloom for Laser Hair Removal
- Treatments performed under Dr. Borakowski's direct medical supervision — not delegated to non-physician staff
- Quanta EVO Alexandrite 755nm + Nd:YAG 1064nm — wavelength matched to your skin tone
- All Fitzpatrick types (I–VI) safely treated with the appropriate wavelength
- Honest candidacy assessment — if laser is not the right fit, you will hear that
- 17 years of aesthetic medicine experience and a clinical-aesthetics approach
Laser hair removal is a wavelength decision before it is a treatment decision. Matching the right device to your skin tone is what makes it both safe and effective — and that match is what Dr. Borakowski sets at the consultation, not the technician at the laser. Read more about our clinical aesthetics approach and the full laser treatment lineup at Desert Bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal
How much does laser hair removal cost?
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Does laser hair removal hurt?
How many sessions do I need?
Is laser hair removal safe for dark skin?
How long do results last?
Can I get laser hair removal while pregnant?
Does laser hair removal cause cancer?
Medically reviewed by
Founder of Desert Bloom Skincare · 17 Years Aesthetic Medicine Experience
References
- 1.
Anderson RR, Parrish JA.. Selective photothermolysis: precise microsurgery by selective absorption of pulsed radiation. Science; 1983;220(4596):524-527.
Foundational paper establishing the photothermolysis principle underlying all modern laser hair removal.
- 2.
Gan SD, Graber EM.. Laser hair removal: a review. Dermatologic Surgery; 2013;39(6):823-838.
DOI: 10.1111/dsu.12116
Comprehensive review of laser hair removal devices, wavelengths, and patient outcomes.
- 3.
Thomas MM, Houreld NN.. The 'in' and 'outs' of laser hair removal: a mini review. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy; 2019;21(6):316-322.
DOI: 10.1080/14764172.2019.1605449
Wavelength and skin-type selection criteria informing our Alexandrite vs. Nd:YAG matching.
- 4.
Husain Z, Alster TS.. The role of lasers and intense pulsed light technology in dermatology. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology; 2016;9:29-40.
DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S69106
Comparative review of laser vs. IPL safety and efficacy across Fitzpatrick types.
- 5.
Haedersdal M, Beerwerth F, Nash JF.. Laser and intense pulsed light hair removal technologies: from professional to home use. British Journal of Dermatology; 2011;165 Suppl 3:31-36.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10736.x
Distinguishing medical-grade laser performance from consumer IPL devices.
- 6.
Tierney EP, Goldberg DJ.. Laser hair removal pearls. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy; 2008;10(1):17-23.
DOI: 10.1080/14764170701817049
Practical safety guidance for darker Fitzpatrick types informing our Nd:YAG 1064nm protocol.
- 7.
Vachiramon V, Brown T, McMichael AJ.. Patient satisfaction and complications following laser hair removal in ethnic skin. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology; 2012;11(2):191-195.
Patient-reported outcomes and complication profile in Fitzpatrick IV–VI populations.
- 8.
Lim SP, Lanigan SW.. A review of the adverse effects of laser hair removal. Lasers in Medical Science; 2006;21(3):121-125.
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-006-0377-y
Adverse-event review covering paradoxical hypertrichosis and pigmentary changes referenced in our safety section.
Individual results may vary. Laser hair removal outcomes depend on hair color, skin type, hormonal factors, and treatment adherence. A consultation with Dr. Borakowski is required before treatment. Last updated: June 2026.
