As the festive season rolls in, our feeds are filled with influencers promoting everything from glow serums to hair removal devices and each promising flawless, effortless beauty. But amid this surge of sponsored content, it’s crucial to separate fact from marketing fiction, especially when it comes to laser hair removal.
Many salons and aesthetic centers advertise laser packages as a one-time investment for “permanent” results. However, without proper counseling on hormonal factors or maintenance sessions, clients are often left disappointed months later when hair begins to return.
Many influencers collaborate with brands this time of year, endorsing products under the guise of “self-care.” While collaborations do help sustain creators, the ethical line blurs when marketing begins to disguise itself as expert advice — especially on medical-grade treatments like lasers and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). The reality is more different than the claim of permanent removal.
Dermatologists have long clarified that laser treatments are best described as laser hair reduction, not permanent hair removal. The diode laser — which uses a single, coherent wavelength of light — targets the melanin in hair follicles to reduce growth. However, factors such as genetics, hormonal balance, and medical conditions like PCOS can influence regrowth.
This means that even after multiple sessions, most people require maintenance treatments every 6–12 months to sustain results. Calling it “permanent” is not only misleading but also sets unrealistic expectations for consumers.
Dr. Aparajita Lamba, MBBS, MD, consultant dermatologist at Iksana wellness, Delhi is calling out such promotion targeting Diwali shoppers in an Instagram reel. She explains the difference between IPL and Laser; and what is FDA regulations regarding medical grade products.
Diode lasers are medical-grade tools used in clinics for hair reduction, which deliver focused light at a single wavelength that is absorbed primarily by melanin in the hair shaft and follicle. The absorbed energy heats the follicle and damages the structures that support hair growth.
IPL devices (like the at-home ones frequently promoted online) use a broad spectrum of light. IPL isn’t as selective — it scatters light across multiple wavelengths. This makes it less effective and riskier for darker Indian skin tones, where it can cause burns or pigmentation, Dr. Lamba explains.
She goes on to explain another key marketing tactic, which is to flaunt the label “FDA approved.” But in the most of devices, the correct term is FDA cleared. This means the device has been deemed no more harmful than similar products already in the market — not that it’s been proven to deliver permanent or medically verified results.
Expect multiple sessions spaced according to device and treated area and plan for possible maintenance treatments thereafter.
Discuss skin type, hair color, hormonal factors (for example, polycystic ovary syndrome), and medication history with the treating clinician before starting treatment.
Verify device labeling and regulatory status and request objective pre- and post-treatment documentation with adequate follow-up intervals.
For darker skin types, ask which wavelengths will be used and whether staff are experienced treating similar skin phototypes.
Laser hair reduction is a safe and effective solution for many — when performed correctly and with realistic expectations. But consumers deserve full transparency, especially when influencers and salons profit from the promise of “permanence.”
Will laser hair removal give a permanent solution?
Laser hair removal does not permanently remove all hair. It provides long-term reduction by damaging hair follicles and slowing regrowth. Most people experience a significant decrease in hair density after several sessions, but maintenance treatments are often needed once or twice a year. Hormonal changes, genetics, and skin type can influence regrowth.¹ ²
Will laser hair removal cause side effects?
Mild redness, swelling, or temporary skin irritation can occur after treatment and usually resolve within a few hours or days. Rarely, blistering or pigment changes may happen, especially in darker skin types. Serious complications are uncommon when performed by trained professionals.¹
American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Laser Hair Removal: FAQs.” AAD. Accessed October 15, 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/hair-removal/laser-hair-removal-faqs.
Załęska, Beata, Alicja Krajewska, Agnieszka Miętus, Bogumila Kalus, Anna Ratajczak, and Anna Kowalewska. “Safety and Efficacy of Diode Laser Hair Removal in Mixed-Race Patients.” Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 12, no. 4 (2019). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6499570
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