Laser hair removal for men: back, chest and beard — is it suitable?

Laser hair removal is entirely suitable for men, for the back, chest, shoulders or beard. Male hair, often thick and dark, responds well to the diode laser. Its density and dependence on hormones do, however, mean a few more sessions, and sometimes maintenance. At the Centre Laser Valbonne, the free preliminary consultation with Dr Milène VERA is used to decide with you which areas to treat and the right treatment course.

Which areas are most often treated in men?

The most frequent requests concern the back, shoulders and chest: areas that are often a source of discomfort or self-consciousness, and difficult to shave alone. We also treat the beard or its outline, the nose and ears, the underarms, the legs and forearms. Athletes, particularly swimmers and cyclists, often ask for their legs or chest to be treated.

Is laser hair removal of the beard possible?

Yes. Most men do not want to remove their beard, but to treat a specific area: the neck, to avoid razor burn and ingrown hairs, or the upper cheeks, for a clean outline. Treating the full beard is also possible. It is a dense, very hormone-dependent area: it generally requires 8 to 10 sessions, followed by maintenance sessions. On the cheeks and neck, Dr VERA also assesses at the consultation the risk of paradoxical hair growth, that is, fine hairs being stimulated instead of destroyed.

How many sessions does a man need?

Men often need more sessions than women: generally 8 to 10, and about 6 when hair on the back or chest is sparse. Sessions are about 6 weeks apart at first, then about 8 weeks apart. The exact number is adjusted over the treatment course, according to how you respond.

Are there particular precautions for men?

The contraindications are the same as for women: skin recently exposed to the sun, photosensitising medicines, infection or a wound on the area. We treat skin types up to phototype IV. On the shoulders and upper back, paradoxical hair growth is possible: this risk is assessed at the consultation. Tattoos are never treated, and any history of thick scars (keloids) must be mentioned.

Frequently asked questions

How do I shave my back before the session if I live alone? Don't worry: just let the team know when booking, and your back will be shaved at the clinic before the session.

Can I keep my beard and only treat the neck or cheekbones? Yes. The laser treats precisely the chosen area: the neck or upper cheeks can be treated to create a clean outline and make the beard easier to maintain, while keeping it.

Are sessions more painful for men? Areas with thick, dense hair, such as the beard, are more sensitive. During the session, the assistant can increase the cold air flow and slow the pace. Dr VERA can also prescribe an anaesthetic cream to apply before the session.

How long does a session last? About 15 minutes for the chest, 20 to 30 minutes for the full back and 15 to 20 minutes for the beard.

Free and compulsory preliminary consultation — booking via Doctolib. Book an appointment on Doctolib