10 Ways to Save Money on Laser Hair Removal

The last post I wrote was supposed to be about 10 ways to save money on laser hair removal, but turned into more of a ramble about my last year shopping around for the best prices. Thought it'd be best for my readers if I summarized exactly how to save money on laser hair removal treatments...

1. Free Consults are Your Friend
Go to at least 3 places for a free consultation. If you can, go to 5+ places for a free consult.

2. Get it in Writing

Get everything in writing, especially prices and package deals. Find out how long they're good for.

3. Paying Up Front? Ask About Discounts
Ask about financing plans. Places that offer financing plans pay a ridiculous fee to the medical credit companies. See if you can get that fee discounted off your price if you pay up front (one clinic offered to take another 10% off each package if I paid cash up front.)

4. Play Hard to Get
Let the clinic know you're shopping around. Make them have to sell you on why you should pick them, instead of letting them take you for all you're worth.

5. Negotiate Your Package

Find out if you can purchase a package of 6-7 treatments, instead of the normal 5. Even though this will cost more up front, this will save you money in the long run. You will need more than 5 treatments unless you don't have a lot of hair, in which case, why are you bothering with laser hair removal to begin with?

6. Research Your Laser

Make sure you go somewhere that has a laser that's right for your skin type. The Alexandrite, Diode and YAG lasers are all good for different skin & hair color combinations. Use the wrong one, and at worst you can hurt your skin, at best you're not getting the most effective treatment, which means you'll be disappointed with the results and have to pay for even more treatments for it work to your expectations.

7. Wait for Specials
After you get full pricing information in writing, wait for package deals. Most spas tend to offer good deals in the early summer, as this is when their clinics slow down. Sign up for mailing lists so you know when the deal is available. There are sometimes good deals at other times throughout the year, depending on how the economy is doing. I've seen some great deals lately, in the fall.

8. Purchase Multiple Packages for Best Savings
Buy multiple packages at once. You have a lot more wiggle room in terms of negotiating price this way. Only do this if you feel like you can pay up front and know you like the place and who will be doing the treatment on you. I recommend purchasing a single package or just one treatment to get a real idea of what the treatments are like before diving into packages costing thousands of dollars.

9. Follow Treatment Timing
Make sure to go back for your follow-up treatments in the right intervals. Waiting too long or not long enough will make your treatment less effective. Ask your practitioner how long you should wait for each body part.

10. Get a Free Zap or Two
You can't get your legs free if you buy arms, but you might be able to negotiate your feet and toes and bikini line in a "full legs" package. My underarm hair removal package now, unofficially, includes the small bit of hair between my breasts in the center of my chest. It's only about 10 hairs, but it's the worst as it shows up in all my outfits. I mentioned this to the RN doing my armpits while she was treating me and she said "I'll just zap them for you." Even if the clinic does not condone freebies, you might be able to get a little more for your money by asking. Do this before paying for your package and then it's official, and make sure to get it in writing. Note - this won't work for places that charge by the laser pulse or for time spent on treating.