Unwanted hair grows all over and we try (in vain) to get and keep the smooth skin we want, but that pesky hair always comes back. What if there was a way to get rid of it for good?

No, not waxing, shaving, or plucking — these methods are painful, outdated, and very temporary. Instead, there's a permanent, though often misunderstood, solution to unwanted hair: laser hair removal.

This method is growing in popularity, and with that recognition comes misinformation and myths. The experts at Milan Laser Hair Removal have heard it all, and they’re here to bust some of the most common myths about laser hair removal.

Myth No. 1: Laser hair removal doesn’t work on darker skin tones.

This outdated belief may have been true when laser hair removal was first approved by the FDA in the '90s, but the technology has evolved, making laser hair removal safe and effective for all skin tones when performed correctly.

For instance, a laser such as the Candela GentleMax Pro (used by Milan Laser) gives clients the safest laser hair removal treatments. That’s because it includes two technologies: the Nd: YAG laser for darker skin tones and the Alexandrite laser for lighter skin tones.

Myth No. 2: Laser hair removal results are temporary.

During treatments, a laser pulse is delivered directly to the hair follicle. The follicle is heated and destroyed, so it can never, ever grow again. When performed correctly, each laser hair removal treatment gives you permanent results.

But our bodies are unpredictable — new hair follicles can become active and new hair can grow due to hormones, age, genetics, and more. This is where touch-up treatments come in.

Take advantage of places that offer unlimited laser hair removal packages, like Milan Laser. You’ll never have to worry about touch-up fees or other surprise costs down the road because your results are guaranteed for life at one affordable price.

Be wary of med spas that offer laser hair removal services and sell packages of six to nine sessions — it might be cheaper initially, but you’ll likely have to pay for touch-ups and buy additional packages to get the results you want.

Myth No. 3: Laser hair removal hurts.

Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but laser hair removal is way less painful than waxing (especially in super sensitive areas). Many say it stings like a rubber band snap, but only for a millisecond — the time it takes for the laser to zap your hair.

Most lasers, such as the Candela GentleMax Pro used at Milan Laser, have built-in comfort features. Older, less sophisticated lasers rely on numbing creams, messy gels, and chilled air.

But the Candela has an innovative cooling cryogen mist that’s released immediately after each laser pulse to instantly relieve any potential discomfort and provide you with the most comfortable experience.

Myth No. 4: Laser hair removal is expensive.

Here’s the truth: A lifetime of waxing and shaving is more expensive than laser hair removal. Don’t believe it? The average person spends $3,800 over a lifetime on shaving essentials like razors, creams, and exfoliators. For waxing appointments at salons, you’re looking at $24,000 in a lifetime.

But what did that money do? Did anyone ever wax and shave and then never have to again?

On the flipside, laser hair removal is cost-effective — it’s an investment, not an expense. The average Milan Laser client is 95 percent hair-free in their treated areas within seven to 10 treatments. There's no constantly having to buy supplies, pay for salon appointments, or carve out the time to keep up with your outdated hair removal routine.

Plus, to make beauty and confidence affordable for all, some places offer payment plans. For instance, Milan Laser offers great specials plus no-interest, affordable laser hair removal payment plans that can be as low as $29 a month.

Myth No. 5: It’s easier to just shave.

The process of shaving is easy — it’s quick and can be done in the comfort of your own home. But add up all of those minutes spent twisting yourself into a pretzel to get those hard-to-reach hairs over a lifetime, and it’s about 39 hours a year. Think of what you could do if you got that precious time back!

On the other hand, laser hair removal results are permanent, treatments can be as quick as 10 minutes, and there’s no recovery time after. Many places even offer evening and weekend appointments to make it as convenient as possible for you. Case in point, Milan Laser is open weekends and evenings to fit the busiest schedules.

If you’re still unsure about ditching your razor for the laser, give the experts at Milan Laser a call at 833-NO-RAZOR or visit with a local laser hair removal expert during a free consultation. Milan's San Antonio location is conveniently off 410 and Blanco Road, in the shopping center with Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and World Market.

Head here to learn more about laser hair removal in San Antonio.