you have waxed, plucked, shaved - and every single tactic seems to either consume too much time or leave you in pain. There has to be a better way, you moan, as you go through another one of your hair removal routines before a big night out. As it so happens there actually is a better way, and it is called laser hair removal. But before you head to a skin clinic, get to know the three main facts about this modern hair removal procedure.

1. Laser hair removal, is not a permanent solution but it is a long-term approach to getting rid of unwanted hair. This type of cosmetic procedure beams highly concentrated light into your hair follicles, right to the roots of your hair. The pigment in the follicles then absorbs the light, which destroys hair growth - but not forever. Some men and women may see results after three to five sessions, and then require a yearly touch-up. So when you are going in for this procedure, make sure to ask your skin specialist about the number of sessions you can expect.

2. Laser hair removal is best for people with dark hair (brown or black) with light skin because the laser zeroes in on the melanin in the hair. However, fear not blondes and reds and grays, with dark skin. The technology is constantly being improved upon and currently, there is a machine that works best for those with dark skin. You just have to make sure that the skin clinic you have chosen has a technician who uses the right machine and calibrates it in the proper setting for your particular skin type. The wrong machine and erroneous calibration can produce hyperpigmentation and reportedly even increase hair growth - which could be very bad if you are trying to get rid of underarm hair.

3. You need to prepare before you go in for your session and practice post procedure habits to ensure a smooth procedure. Before the session, you need to steer clear of sun exposure for up to six weeks, as some doctors may recommend. Sun exposure and tanning may increase side effects. You should also not tweeze or wax before your laser procedure as these may disturb hair follicles, which will then interfere with the laser removal. But shaving is allowed as this preserves the hair shaft and follicle. After your procedure, avoid sun exposure and when heading out in daylight, always put on some sunscreen.