Tired of shaving every day? Are you tired of irritation, ingrown hairs and the drudgery of shaving?Laser beard removal offers a long-lasting solution for reducing or eliminating facial hair. Whether you want perfectly smooth skin, a reshaped beard or simply to space out your shaving, CtrlZ guides you through the process: price, number of sessions, pain and expected results.
Laser hair removal for men: what are we talking about?
Laser beard hair removal involves using a laser beam to permanently destroy the hair follicles on a man’s face and neck. Unlike shaving, which cuts the hair on the surface, the laser targets the melanin in the hair bulb to destroy it deep down.
This technique can be applied to different areas of the male face:
- Full beard: cheeks, moustache, chin, sideburns, contours
- Specific areas: moustache only, chin, sideburns, beard contours
- Neck: front and back for a clean finish
- Redefinition: to sculpt the contours of an existing beard
💡 Good to know
Laser beard removal can be total (perfectly smooth skin) or partial (to reshape contours and reduce thickness). At CtrlZ, we tailor the treatment to your personal project, whether aesthetic or linked to a gender transition.
Why choose laser hair removal over shaving?
The limits of daily shaving
Traditional shaving has a number of disadvantages that you are probably familiar with:
- Daily constraint: 10-15 minutes every morning, over 60 hours a year
- Long-term cost: blades, foam, after-shave… approx. €200-300 per year
- Recurring irritations: razor burn, redness, tightness
- Ingrown hairs: particularly painful on the neck and chin
- Rapid regrowth: visible shadow the very same evening
- Cuts: especially in the morning when you’re in a hurry
The benefits of laser beard removal
1. Considerable time savings
Imagine not having to shave for years! Laser hair removal frees up 60 to 100 hours a year that you can devote to much more enjoyable activities.
2. Eliminating ingrown hairs
By destroying the hair bulb, the laser definitively eliminates the problem of ingrown hairs, which are often very painful in the neck area.
3. Healthier, more comfortable skin
No more daily irritation, redness or razor burn. Your skin regains its natural comfort.
4. Sustainable results
After a full treatment, you’ll see an 85-95% reduction in hair growth for several years. A few maintenance sessions are all that’s needed afterwards.
5. Long-term savings
Although the initial investment may seem high, you’ll quickly save on shaving products (blades, foams, care products), which represent €3,000 to €5,000 over 15-20 years.
6. Freedom and trust
There’s no need to worry about your growing beard at the end of the day or during the vacations. You’ll have more peace of mind every day.
To discover all the benefits of male laser hair removal, visit our page dedicated to male laser hair removal.
Beard laser hair removal: does it really work?
Proven effectiveness
Yes, laser beard hair removal is highly effective! Scientific studies and the clinical experience of thousands of patients demonstrate a lasting 85-95% reduction in hair growth after a complete treatment.
However, CtrlZ claims total transparency: laser hair removal is not 100% definitive. Here’s why:
- The laser only treats hair in the active growth phase (20-30% at each session).
- New hair follicles can be activated throughout life (hormones, age…).
- Some very fine or light-coloured hairs do not contain enough melanin to be destroyed.
- Maintenance sessions (1-2 per year) may be necessary after a few years.
Factors influencing results
Hair type
Dark, thick beard hair responds perfectly to laser treatment. Blond, red, grey or white hair cannot be treated effectively, as it contains too little melanin.
Skin phototype
All phototypes can be treated with modern dual-wavelength lasers. At CtrlZ, we use the Nd-YAG laser (1064 nm) for dark and matte skins, guaranteeing safety and efficacy.
Density and surface to be treated
The male beard is one of the most hair-dense areas of the human body. It generally requires more sessions than hair removal from women’s legs, but the results are just as satisfying.
Age and hormones
The younger you are, the more active your hair system. A 25-year-old man will need more sessions than a 45-year-old. Hormonal variations (stress, medication, etc.) can also influence results.
⚠️ Paradoxical response: a risk to be aware of
In certain areas, such as the cheeks, cheekbones or neck, lasers can sometimes stimulate dormant follicles instead of destroying them. This is known as the “paradoxical response”. This phenomenon is rare (1-5% of cases), but it’s important to be aware of it. If it occurs, further sessions with the appropriate parameters are needed to treat this new hair.
How many sessions are required for laser beard removal?
Average number of sessions
To achieve an 85-95% reduction in beard hair, you will need to spend an average of :
- 10 to 15 sessions for a full beard (mustache, cheeks, chin, sideburns, neck)
- 8 to 12 sessions for partial areas (moustache only, chin, contours)
- 12 to 18 sessions for very dense beards or dark skins
This number varies significantly according to :
- The density and thickness of your beard
- Total surface area to be treated
- Your age (the younger you are, the more active the hair system)
- Your phototype (darker skin = more sessions with the Nd-YAG laser)
- Your level of requirement (perfectly smooth skin vs. significant reduction)
- Compliance with instructions and intervals between sessions
Pace and spacing of sessions
The recommended interval between beard laser hair removal sessions is 4 to 6 weeks. This shorter interval than for other areas of the body is explained by the beard’s rapid hair cycle.
| Sessions | Spacing | Visible results |
|---|---|---|
| Sessions 1-4 | 4 weeks | 30-50% discount |
| Sessions 5-8 | 4-6 weeks | 60-75% discount |
| Sessions 9-12 | 6-8 weeks | 80-90% discount |
| Session 13+ | 8-12 weeks | 90-95% discount |
| Maintenance | 6-12 months | Maintaining results |
Indicative timetable for a complete treatment
Here is an example of a schedule for full beard laser hair removal:
- Month 0: Information consultation + laser test
- Months 1-4: first 4 sessions (one per month)
- Months 5-8: 4 sessions spaced 5-6 weeks apart
- Months 9-14: 3-4 sessions spaced 6-8 weeks apart
- Months 15-18: Therapeutic window (pause to assess results)
- After 18 months: 1-2 maintenance sessions per year if necessary
Total treatment time: 12 to 18 months on average
Does laser beard removal hurt?
This is often the first concern of men considering laser beard removal. Let’s be honest: the face is a sensitive area, but the pain is generally bearable.
Level of pain felt
On a scale of 1 to 10, most men rate their pain between 4 and 6/10, with variations depending on the area:
- Cheeks and sideburns: 3-4/10 (less sensitive)
- Moustache: 5-6/10 (moderately sensitive area)
- Menton: 4-5/10
- Neck: 6-7/10 (most sensitive area, especially Adam’s apple)
Sensations described by patients:
- Intense but very brief tingling (like “rubber band snapping”)
- Sensation of localized heat
- Slight discomfort rather than real pain
What influences pain
- Beard density: the fuller the beard, the more sensitive the first sessions may be.
- Hair thickness: thicker hair absorbs more laser energy
- Personal sensitivity: each person has a different tolerance threshold
- Fatigue and stress: a relaxed, well-rested patient tolerates discomfort better
- Progression of treatment: pain decreases significantly with each session as hair becomes finer and less numerous.
How to limit pain at CtrlZ?
Several features contribute to your comfort:
- Integrated cooling system: a pulsed jet of cold air (-10°C) locally anaesthetizes the skin during laser treatment
- Treatment speed: a full beard is treated in 20-30 minutes, limiting exposure time
- Adjustable parameters: our nurses adapt laser power to your tolerance
- Possibility of breaks: you can request a stop at any time
- Anaesthetic cream: on prescription, you can apply EMLA cream 1 hour before the session.
💡 Patient testimonial
“I was very afraid of the pain before my first session. In the end, it’s much less painful than I imagined. The most unpleasant part is really the neck, but it only lasts 2-3 minutes. From the 5th session onwards, it’s almost painless.” – Thomas, 32, Paris
How much does laser beard removal cost?
CtrlZ price list
| Zone | Price / session |
|---|---|
| Inter-brow | 29 € |
| Nose | 29 € |
| Ears | 29 € |
| Menton | 39 € |
| Favourites | 39 € |
| Moustache | 39 € |
| Pomettes | 39 € |
| Cheeks | 39 € |
| Upper beard contour | 49 € |
| Neck (front) | 49 € |
| Neck | 49 € |
| Lower beard contour | 59 € |
| Full beard (moustache + cheeks + chin + sideburns + contours + neck) | ~200-250 € |
| Popular combination | Price / session |
|---|---|
| Moustache + Chin | 78 € |
| Moustache + Chin + Favorites | 117 € |
| Moustache + Cheeks + Chin | 117 € |
| Beard contours (upper + lower) | 108 € |
| Full face (without neck) | ~170 € |
| Full beard + Neck | ~250-300 € |
Total budget for a complete treatment
For a complete beard treatment (10-15 sessions), count :
- Moustache alone: 390€ to 585€ (10-15 sessions × 39€)
- Menton alone: 390€ to 585€ (10-15 sessions × 39€)
- Beard contouring: €1,080 to €1,620 (10-15 sessions × €108)
- Full beard: €2,000 to €3,750 (10-15 sessions × €200-250)
Rates include :
- Laser hair removal session
- Systematic medical consultation
- Post-session healing cream
- Access to the 24/7 medical hotline
Comparison with shaving over 15 years
Over a 15-year period, a man who shaves daily spends an average of :
- Razor blades: €1,500 to €2,500
- Shaving foams and gels: €600 to €1,000
- After-shave and treatments: €500 to €800
- Electric shavers (replacement): €300 to €600
- Total: €2,900 to €4,900
Not to mention the time spent: around 1,000 hours over 15 years!
⚠️ Beware of low bids
Unjustifiably low prices may indicate a lack of medical supervision, obsolete equipment or poorly trained practitioners. Laser beard removal requires specific expertise: the facial area is complex (relief, bones, cartilage) and the risks of burns or scars are real in the event of poor practice.
How does a beard laser hair removal session work?
Information consultation (mandatory)
Before any session, a free information consultation is mandatory at CtrlZ. It includes :
- A comprehensive medical questionnaire
- Systematic medical consultation with a doctor (unique in France)
- An examination of your beard and skin, and determination of your phototype
- A laser test on a small area to check tolerance
- Detailed explanations of the protocol, precautions and expected results
- A transparent personalized quote
This no-obligation consultation lasts about 30 minutes.
A typical session
1. Preparation (5 minutes)
Your beard should be clean-shaven the same morning or the evening before. Arrive with a clean, makeup-free face, free of creams and perfumes. Our team then cleanses the area with a mild disinfectant.
2. Protection (2 minutes)
You will be fitted with protective eyewear specific to the laser’s wavelength. It is strictly forbidden to remove them during the session.
3. Laser treatment (15-30 minutes)
The nurse applies the laser zone by zone: cheeks, moustache, chin, neck… The pulsed-air cooling system operates continuously to limit discomfort. You’ll feel a tingling sensation and a sensation of warmth.
4. Application of soothing cream (2 minutes)
A healing cream is applied to the entire face. This cream is provided for home care.
Total duration: 25 to 40 minutes depending on the size of the area
After the session
Immediately after the session, your face may show :
- Marked redness (like a mild sunburn)
- Slight swelling around the follicles
- A sensation of residual heat
These reactions are normal and disappear within 24-48 hours. You can resume your activities immediately, but avoid intense sport on the same day.
Treated hair gradually “falls out” between D+5 and D+30 after the session. You can shave normally between sessions if necessary.
Instructions before and after a beard laser hair removal session
Before the session
The day before or the morning of:
- Get a close shave with a razor blade (no clippers, the hair must be cut flush).
- Cleanse your face with a mild soap
- Do not apply any creams, lotions or perfumes
Within 48 hours of the session:
- No sun exposure on the face
- No scrubs or exfoliating treatments
- No sauna, steam bath or jacuzzi
1 month before the first session:
- Stop depilatory waxing, tweezing or electric epilators
- Only shaving is allowed
After the session
Same day (D0):
- Apply the healing cream 2-3 times
- Avoid very hot water (lukewarm showers only)
- No intense sports or excessive sweating
- No sauna, steam bath or swimming pool
- SPF 50+ sun protection for outdoor activities
The following 72 hours (D+1 to D+3):
- Continue applying the healing cream 2-3 times a day
- SPF 50+ sun protection mandatory outdoors
- Shaving authorized if necessary (gentle razor, no pressure)
- No scrubs, peels or harsh treatments
Between sessions :
- Daily SPF 50+ sun protection (even in winter, even on cloudy days)
- Shaving allowed as long as necessary
- No waxing, tweezing or epilating
- Gentle exfoliation possible 1 week after a session
⚠️ Watch out for the sun!
This is THE major contraindication: no sun exposure or tanning for the duration of the treatment. Sun exposure considerably increases the risk of burns, scarring and hyperpigmentation. Plan your treatment for autumn-winter if possible, or protect yourself rigorously in summer.
Frequently asked questions
Can laser hair removal be used on white or gray beards?
No, unfortunately not. The laser targets the melanin (dark pigment) in the hair. White, gray, very light blond or red hair does not contain enough melanin to be effectively treated. If you have a salt-and-pepper beard, only the darker hairs will be removed.
How long do the results of beard laser hair removal last?
Results last for many years. CtrlZ claims total transparency: hair removal is not 100% definitive. After 10-15 sessions, you will see a reduction of 85-95% for a minimum of 3 to 5 years. Maintenance sessions (1-2 per year) may then be necessary.
Is it possible to grow a beard after laser hair removal?
If you opt for total beard removal, it will be very difficult (if not impossible) to regrow a full beard afterwards. That’s why we recommend you think carefully about your project before taking the plunge. If you’re looking for a change of style, consider waxing the contours or the neck.
Is laser beard removal covered for transgender people?
Yes, as part of a gender transition (MtF), laser beard removal can be covered by the French Assurance Maladie under certain conditions (ALD protocol, prior agreement, referring psychiatrist…). At CtrlZ, we accompany many trans patients with kindness and professionalism. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
Can I shave between sessions?
Yes, it’s even compulsory before every session! Between sessions, you can shave as much as you need. No waxing, tweezing or epilating is allowed, however, as these methods tear out the hair bulb that the laser is designed to target.
Are there any serious side effects?
Serious side effects are rare with modern equipment and a trained practitioner. The main risks are: burns (if recent sun exposure), hyperpigmentation (poorly protected dark skin), scarring (very rare). At CtrlZ, systematic medical consultation and a 24/7 emergency hotline minimize these risks.
Beard laser hair removal at CtrlZ: our expertise at men’s service
At CtrlZ,laser beard removal is a major part of our business. Every day, we treat dozens of men in our 40+ centers in France, with results that exceed their expectations.
Our tailor-made approach
Every beard is unique. Our state-qualified nurses, specifically trained in male hair removal, adapt the treatment to :
- Your skin type and phototype
- The density and thickness of your beard
- Your objective (smooth skin, reduction, contours…)
- Your sensitivity and tolerance to discomfort
Certified state-of-the-art technology
All our centers are equipped with dual-wavelength lasers (Alexandrite 755 nm + Nd-YAG 1064 nm), CE-certified and NF-compliant. This technology enables all phototypes to be treated in complete safety, from fair to very dark skins.
Medical supervision unique in France
CtrlZ is the only network in France to offer :
- Systematic medical consultation (not optional) before any treatment
- Medical opinion available before each session if required (teleconsultation/tele-expertise)
- 24/7/365 medical emergency hotline
Your safety is our top priority.
Caring support
Whether you’re a cisgender man looking to save time in the morning, a transgender person on the transition path, or simply someone who’s tired of shaving, you’ll be greeted with the same professionalism and kindness.
Our teams are trained to listen and support all profiles, without judgment.
The information consultation is free and without obligation. It’s an opportunity to discover our centers, meet our team and get all the answers to your questions about laser beard removal.
Make an appointment for a free consultation
