The essentials at a glance
- Only methods that damage the root have a permanent¹ effect: laser, IPL and electrolysis.
- Alexandrit 755 nm suits light to medium skin, Nd:YAG 1064 nm is for dark and tanned skin, diode lasers are between 800 and 810 nm.
- For white and grey hair, the only option is electrolysis, hair by hair.
- Laser is a one-off cost for the course, for example underarms are 480 € in a 10-session package at Laserazor, while waxing and shaving are ongoing costs.
- Laserazor has no studio in Köln. The nearest one opens in January 2027 in Düsseldorf, 22 to 30 minutes from Köln Hbf.
Which hair removal is truly permanent
Permanent¹ hair removal refers to methods that damage the hair root itself, meaning no more hair grows back in the treated area after a full series of sessions, provided the treatment reached it. This includes laser, IPL and electrolysis, but not shaving, waxing, sugaring or hair removal cream.
For most people with dark hair, laser is the fastest permanent method: Alexandrit for light to medium skin, Nd:YAG for dark and tanned skin. For grey, white and light blonde hair, needle electrolysis is the only option. Waxing, sugaring, shaving and hair removal cream only remove hair for days to weeks.
Laserazor doesn't have a studio in Köln. The nearest Laserazor studio opens in January 2027 in Düsseldorf, Elisabethstraße 30, 40217 Düsseldorf, 22 to 30 minutes by train from Köln Hbf. This comparison covers all methods, including those we don't work with. The detailed version without city references can be found in our guide Permanent hair removal: Methods compared.
| Group | Methods | What happens to the root |
|---|---|---|
| permanent¹ with light | Laser (Alexandrit, Nd:YAG, diode), IPL | the pigment in the hair absorbs light, the heat damages the root |
| permanent with electrical current | Electrolysis (needle) | current cauterises each root individually |
| temporary with root | Waxing, sugaring, epilators | the hair is pulled out, the root forms a new one |
| temporarily on the surface | Shaving, hair removal cream | the root remains untouched |
What “permanent¹” really means
With any method, “permanent” never means “every single hair forever”. What it means is: after a complete series, no hair that was successfully treated will grow back in the treatment zone. However, lasers always have two limitations. First, they only target hair with pigment, meaning grey, white, and very light hairs aren't affected. Second, hormonal changes can trigger new growth. If that happens, a top-up session is usually all you need.
What the research says: The Cochrane review by Haedersdal and Gøtzsche 2006 analysed randomised trials and found a hair reduction of around 50 percent up to six months after treatment for Alexandrit and diode lasers. For IPL and Nd:YAG, the data was thinner at the time, and long-term data over several years was missing from the evaluated studies. That's why reputable providers explain the word “permanent” rather than selling it as a guarantee.
Lasers: Alexandrit, Nd:YAG and diode
Laser hair removal uses focused light of a single wavelength, which is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and converted into heat; this principle of selective photothermolysis damages the hair root while protecting the surrounding skin.
This principle was described by Anderson and Parrish 1983. Three types of lasers are commonly used for hair removal, differing in their wavelength (Ibrahimi et al. 2011). The wavelength determines how strongly the pigment in the epidermis reacts, and therefore which skin type a laser is suitable for.
| Laser | Wavelength | Particularly suitable for | Typical in the market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandrite | 755 nm | light to medium skin with dark hair | in studios with Alexandrit and Nd:YAG, which are less common |
| Nd:YAG | 1064 nm | darker and tanned skin, where it's the safest choice | often together with Alexandrit |
| Diode | 800 to 810 nm | depending on the device and settings | often in chains and beauty studios |
A studio with Alexandrit and Nd:YAG can treat all six skin types according to Fitzpatrick 1988. Laserazor works with both wavelengths in all studios and cools the skin immediately before each pulse. To find out which wavelength suits you, check out our guide Alexandrit or Nd:YAG, and for choosing based on your skin type, see the guide Laser by skin type.
Strengths: covers large areas quickly, underarms in around ten minutes, full legs in 45 minutes, with the right wavelength for every skin type. Limitations: only works on hair with pigment, requires 8 to 12 sessions, no sun or fake tan for two weeks before each session, no waxing, epilating or plucking for four weeks beforehand.
IPL: flashlamp instead of laser
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) isn't a laser, but a flashlamp that emits light across a broad spectrum of many wavelengths; filters narrow down the spectrum, but it isn't focused like a laser beam.
IPL also targets the pigment in the hair. Because the light contains many wavelengths and isn't focused, it can't be tailored to your skin and hair as precisely as a laser. In the Cochrane review, the evidence base for IPL was thinner than for Alexandrit and Diode (Haedersdal and Gøtzsche 2006). The Federal Office for Radiation Protection lists the same potential risks for both laser and IPL: redness, pigmentation changes, and burns if the wrong energy level is used. It recommends application by qualified professionals.
In the studio, the same rules apply to IPL as to lasers: since 31 December 2020, the NiSV requires specialist certification for hair removal with laser and IPL. Home devices, on the other hand, you use yourself, without a skin type check by a professional. You can find out how IPL works and what its limitations are on the IPL hair removal page.
Strengths: widespread, many providers, also available as a home device. Limitations: less targeted than a laser, riskier on dark skin, only works on hair with pigment, just like a laser.
Electrolysis: the needle for white hair
Electrolysis is a method where a fine probe is inserted into each individual hair follicle and an electric current destroys the hair root; because it doesn't rely on pigment, it's the only method that permanently removes white and grey hair too.
The needle works hair by hair. This makes it precise, but slow. It makes sense for individual hairs on the chin or upper lip, for light or grey residual hair after a course of laser sessions, and for fine contours. It's hardly practical for legs or backs because so much hair grows there. You'll feel each hair as a quick prick or a bit of heat. How good the result is depends heavily on the skill of the person treating you.
If you're looking for an electrolysis provider in Köln, ask about their experience with the method, get a small area treated first, and clarify how they charge. Because the needle requires many appointments, a short journey is especially valuable here.
Strengths: works on every hair and skin colour, the only option for white and grey hair. Limitations: very time-consuming, only for small areas, more noticeable than laser.
Waxing, sugaring, shaving, hair removal cream
Temporary hair removal removes the hair at the surface or pulls it out by the root without destroying the hair root, so it grows back in the next growth cycle.
- Waxing and sugaring pull the hair out along with the root. Your skin stays smooth for a few weeks, then the hair grows back. The pulling hurts, and ingrown hairs and irritated skin are possible. If you're planning a course of laser sessions, stop doing this four weeks beforehand, because the laser needs the root.
- Epilators pull the hair out mechanically, with a similar result to waxing, just at home. Again, you need a four-week break before laser.
- Shaving cuts the hair at the surface, and stubble appears after one to three days. It doesn't make the hair thicker. Risks include small cuts, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. Between laser sessions, shaving is the method of choice; you shave the area 12 to 24 hours before each session.
- Hair removal cream chemically dissolves the hair at the surface. It lasts about as short a time as shaving and can irritate sensitive skin.
None of these methods reduces the amount of hair. They're practical for the moment, but they cost you money and time again and again over the years.
All methods in one table
| Method | Lasting results | Skin type | Hair colour | Sensation | Costs over the years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Alexandrit 755 nm | permanent¹ after 8 to 12 sessions | light to medium | dark, partly red | brief pinch per pulse, cooling | one course, for example underarms 480 € in a 10-session package |
| Nd:YAG laser 1064 nm | permanent¹ after 8 to 12 sessions | dark and tanned | dark | brief pinch per pulse, cooling | one course, for example full legs 1.800 € in a 10-session package |
| diode laser 800 to 810 nm | permanent¹ after one course | depending on the device and settings | dark | heat per pulse | one course, price depends on provider |
| IPL | reduction, less targeted than laser | mostly fair, riskier on dark skin | dark | warmth, tingling | course in the studio or at-home device |
| Electroepilation | permanent, hair by hair | all | all, including white and grey | sting or heat per hair | many appointments, often time-consuming |
| Waxing, sugaring | a few weeks | all | all | pulling pain | ongoing, per appointment or material |
| Shaving | one to three days | all | all | none, razor burn possible | ongoing, blades and time |
| Hair removal cream | a few days | caution with sensitive skin | all | none, irritation possible | ongoing, cream |
Calculating costs correctly over the years
The biggest difference is in the right column. Laser costs once for the series, whereas temporary methods are an ongoing cost for as long as you remove hair. At Laserazor, a series of ten sessions in a 10-session package is 370 € for the upper lip, 480 € for underarms, 590 € for the bikini zone and 1.800 € for full legs. If you wax instead, you pay fresh for every appointment; if you shave, you pay mostly with your time.
Do the maths for yourself: what does your current method cost a year, and how many more years do you plan to use it? Compare that to the price of a series. After your series, hormonal changes might mean you need a top-up session, which is charged individually – 79 € for underarms. Packages with 3, 5 or 10 sessions are valid for 24 months and reduce the price per session; in a 10-session package by 20 to 45 percent. From 300 €, 12 instalments at 0 % are available. Read more in our guide Laser hair removal Köln: prices and costs.
Which method is right for you?
The choice comes down to three questions: what colour is your hair, what is your skin type, and how large is the area? The table categorises typical cases.
| You have | Suitable method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| light to medium skin and dark hair | Alexandrit laser | effective for this combination |
| dark, olive or tanned skin | Nd:YAG laser | the safest choice for dark skin types |
| red hair | laser after test pulses | red hair only partially responds |
| grey, white or light blonde hair | Electroepilation | doesn't need pigment |
| stray hairs after a laser series | top-up or electrolysis | depending on hair colour |
| large areas like legs or back | Laser | large areas, full legs in 45 minutes |
| a special appointment tomorrow | Shaving | immediately and without preparation |
| a skin condition, medication or sudden heavy hair growth | Medical clearance first | The cause comes before the method |
For heavy facial hair, like on the chin and upper lip, laser is often the first step. The needle can take care of individual light hairs later. At Laserazor, the chin and upper lip cost 37 € each per session in a package of 10. If hormonal causes are a possibility, our guide on hirsutism and hypertrichosis can help, and for the face, check out the removing female facial hair page.
Permanent laser hair removal from Köln
For laser hair removal, your nearest Laserazor studio is Düsseldorf. It opens in January 2027 at Elisabethstraße 30 in Unterbilk, featuring Alexandrit 755 nm and Nd:YAG 1064 nm just like all Laserazor studios, complete with cooling right before every pulse. From Köln Hbf, it takes 22 to 30 minutes on the RE1, RE5 or ICE to Düsseldorf Hbf, then a few minutes on tram 708 or 709 to Graf-Adolf-Platz, followed by about a five-minute walk. A full series means around eight to twelve trips over one to one and a half years.
Laserazor works with lasers. For grey or white hair, you'll want to find an experienced electrolysis provider, ideally close to home. For a laser series, you can join the waiting list for Düsseldorf now and get an invite for a 0 € trial session. This includes a skin type check, test pulses, and one complete zone – no purchase required and no subscriptions. Read more: Permanent hair removal in Düsseldorf, Directions from local districts and surrounding areas, Laser hair removal for Köln and Laser hair removal in NRW.
Sign up for the Düsseldorf opening
Sign up and we'll invite you to the first appointments in January 2027, with a 0 € trial session for a complete zone. No purchase, no subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hair removal is really permanent?
Only methods that damage the hair root offer permanent results: laser, IPL, and electrolysis. A laser using Alexandrit 755 nm or Nd:YAG 1064 nm requires 8 to 12 sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart. Waxing, sugaring, shaving, and hair removal creams only last for days or weeks.
What does permanent mean in laser hair removal?
After a full series, any hair the laser successfully targeted won't grow back in the treated zone. However, no laser can pick up grey, white, or very light hairs. Hormonal changes might trigger new growth, but a quick top-up session is usually all you need. The 2006 Cochrane review found around a 50 percent hair reduction up to six months post-treatment for Alexandrit and diode lasers.
Is IPL just as good as laser?
Not quite. IPL isn't a laser; it's a flashlamp with a broad spectrum of light. It can't be tailored as precisely to your skin and hair, and the evidence in the Cochrane review was weaker for IPL than for Alexandrit and diode lasers. In the studio, both laser and IPL require the exact same specialist qualifications under NiSV.
Which method removes white or grey hair?
Only electrolysis. A fine probe is inserted into each hair follicle, and an electrical current destroys the root. Because it doesn't rely on pigment, it works on every hair colour. It treats one hair at a time, making it perfect for smaller areas like the chin and upper lip.
Which laser is suitable for dark skin?
The Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm is considered the safest choice for darker skin types, as the pigment in the top layer of skin reacts less. It's also safe for tanned skin, but the golden rule still applies: no sun and no fake tan on the area for two weeks before every session.
What's the difference between Alexandrit, diode and Nd:YAG?
The wavelength: Alexandrit operates at 755 nm and suits fair to medium skin. Diode lasers use 800 to 810 nm and are common in chains and beauty salons. Nd:YAG at 1064 nm is the safest choice for dark and tanned skin. Studios offering Alexandrit and Nd:YAG are less common.
How many sessions do you need for permanent laser hair removal?
8 to 12 sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart, which takes about a year to a year and a half. The laser only targets hair in the active growth phase, so the rest will be caught in later sessions. After each session, the treated hairs will shed within two to three weeks.
Is laser hair removal cheaper than waxing in the long run?
Over the years, usually yes – because you only pay for a course of laser sessions once, whereas waxing is an ongoing cost. At Laserazor, a course of 10 sessions costs 480 € for underarms, 590 € for the bikini line, and 1.800 € for full legs. Compare that to what you spend on waxing every year and how many more years you'd keep doing it.
Can I wax or shave between laser sessions?
Shaving yes, waxing no. Avoid waxing, sugaring, epilating, or plucking for four weeks before each session, as the laser needs the hair root to work. Shave the area 12 to 24 hours before your appointment. On the day of your treatment, don't apply any creams or deodorant to the area.
Where can I get permanent laser hair removal by Laserazor near Köln?
Laserazor doesn't have a studio in Köln. The nearest one opens in January 2027 in Düsseldorf at Elisabethstraße 30, 40217 Düsseldorf – just 22 to 30 minutes on the RE1, RE5, or ICE from Köln Hbf. You can join the waiting list before we open and get invited to a 0 € trial session for one complete area.
Sources
The expert statements in this guide are based on the following sources. For each source, you'll find who wrote it, when it was published and its status.
- Haedersdal M, Gøtzsche PC (2006). Laser and photoepilation for unwanted hair growth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4, CD004684. systematic review (Cochrane). View source. Evaluates randomised trials: Alexandrit and diode lasers show a hair reduction of around 50 percent up to six months after treatment; data for IPL and Nd:YAG was thinner at the time. Long-term data over years was missing in the evaluated studies.
- Ibrahimi OA, Avram MM, Hanke CW, Kilmer SL, Anderson RR (2011). Laser hair removal. Dermatologic Therapy, Volume 24, pages 94 to 107. peer-reviewed review article. View source. Overview of mechanism of action, wavelengths (Alexandrit 755 nm, diode 800 to 810 nm, Nd:YAG 1064 nm), skin types, cooling and side effects; Nd:YAG is considered the safest choice for dark skin types.
- Gan SD, Graber EM (2013). Laser hair removal: a review. Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 39, pages 823 to 838. peer-reviewed review article. View source. Summarises research, side effects and treatment parameters; confirms the role of the hair cycle for the number of sessions.
- Anderson RR, Parrish JA (1983). Selective photothermolysis: precise microsurgery by selective absorption of pulsed radiation. Science, Volume 220, pages 524 to 527. peer-reviewed article. View source. Describes the principle behind all laser hair removal: light of a suitable wavelength and pulse duration specifically heats pigmented structures, while the surrounding tissue remains unharmed.
- Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz (BfS) (continuously updated). Hair removal with laser and IPL: Information from the Federal Office for Radiation Protection. bfs.de, optical radiation section. Official information. View source. Explains the working principle and risks (redness, pigment changes, burns if the wrong energy is used) and recommends application by qualified professionals.
- Fitzpatrick TB (1988). The validity and practicality of sun-reactive skin types I through VI. Archives of Dermatology, Volume 124, pages 869 to 871. peer-reviewed article. View source. Defines the six skin types based on their reaction to the sun, which remain the basis for choosing wavelength and energy today.
- Federal Government (Regulation) (2018, in effect since 31.12.2020). Ordinance on Protection against the Harmful Effects of Non-Ionising Radiation in Human Applications (NiSV). Federal Law Gazette 2018 Part I, page 2034. statutory order. View source. Regulates who is allowed to use lasers and IPL on humans. For hair removal, proven expertise is mandatory; treatments that intentionally damage tissue are reserved for doctors.
- Laserazor (as of 9. September 2026). Laser hair removal price list, all 31 zones. laserazor.de/preise. own price list. View source. Single sessions and packages of 3, 5 and 10 sessions, valid in all studios, 24-month duration.
¹ 'Permanent' means: after a complete series, no hair that the laser has reached will grow back in the treated zone. No laser can reach grey, white and very light hairs. Hormonal changes can trigger new growth, in which case a top-up session is usually enough.
NiSV-certified specialists from the Laserazor studios in Berlin, München, Augsburg, Hamburg and Düsseldorf. They perform treatments daily with Alexandrit and Nd:YAG lasers and write down here what they explain in the studio: no marketing promises, with sources.
This guide provides general information and doesn't replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure; if you have skin conditions, take medications that increase light sensitivity, are pregnant or have unexplained hair growth, it makes sense to get medical advice first.
