Sick of shaving yet? After all, we’re a few weeks into summer … and shorts, tanks, swimsuits and sundresses, all of which require that you break out the razor.

How about breaking out the laser instead? Laser hair removal has come a long way recently, and some of the old rules of hair removal don’t hold up anymore.

Here are the top five laser hair removal myths, busted by Dr. Paul Flashner, chief medical director for American Laser Skincare:

1. Doesn’t treat all skin types
Today, there are more advanced technologies, which delivers a wide range of treatments for effective hair removal on all skin types. However, if you are considering laser hair removal, you should first work closely with a skincare consultant to understand what treatment options work best for your individual skin.

2. Too painful
No pain, no gain? The leading-edge technology in laser hair removal has enabled a more comfortable experience for those nervous about the “ouch” factor. It delivers an intense, but gentle, burst of energy onto targeted areas of the skin, delivering a controlled amount of therapeutic heat to the area.

3. Too expensive
While laser hair removal does require a more substantial upfront investment, long-term results significantly trump traditional routines such as shaving. Studies have shown that women spend, on average, $10,000 on shaving over their lifetime.

4. Requires frequent clinic visits and treatments
Some treatments last only four to 12 weeks, depending on the treatment area and the individual’s hair regrowth cycle, making long-term hair removal a much less tedious and time-consuming task.

5. Need to let unsightly hair grow in between treatments
Laser treatments target the root of the hair, rather than the surface hair, so you are able to shave in between treatments and not worry about growing any unsightly hair.

“Anyone is who is thinking about getting laser hair removal wants to experience fast and effective results,” said Flashner. “The technologies available now target faster results, fewer treatments and less discomfort.”

For more information on laser hair removal, visit americanlaser.com.