Sep 23 2008
Laser Hair Removal - Does It Work?
About two years ago, I entered a contest on a local news channel website. The contest could win me a laser hair removal treatment package. I was hoping for the package, but I got a call telling me I had won a gift certificate.
I had been thinking about the idea of laser hair removal for a while. I’m the perfect candidate, fair skin and dark hair. I had done my research and had spoken to some dermatologists who perform the treatment.
I went in for a consultation with the company from whom I had won the gift certificate. I was curious as to how much the certificate was for, excited that I had actually won something and skeptical, because, well, that’s my nature.
The woman I met with was very sweet and explained the process. I listened as if I had no idea what the criteria was. She asked me areas of interest and I told her, of course, I’d like to have everything done, but it would depend on cost. She told me I had won a $300 gift certificate. She gave me prices on packages and individual treatments.
I told her I’d have to think about before forking over that kind of money. She gave me all the information, price quotes (which only last for a few days, of course) and my gift certificate. It took me a couple of days to make up my mind.
I opted for the underarm laser hair removal treatment. It was the cheapest and the smallest area to try. With the gift certificate, I saved about 40% off the total price and paid about $450.00. A certain number of treatments were included in the package and then a guarantee that if hair came back, I could come in any time after that. I was told, on average, 6 to 8 treatments would be what it would take to finish the hair removal. Also, I would have to wait 6 weeks between treatments for the different hair growth cycles.
A bit more information than I needed about how hair grows, but I was eager to begin.
They were really sweet that first treatment. They took a photo of my underarms for their before and after file, covered my eyes and slathered some gel on. They did a test patch to see if it was painful. Apparently, a lot of people find it painful and, I was told, have hit the estheticians. I didn’t find it painful, but then again, I didn’t find my tattoo painful either.
I went to the appointments religiously anxiously awaiting some reduction of hair growth. After 6 treatments I started to see a bit of reduction. Keep in mind, I was told 6 to 8 treatments usually took care of it all.
A year and a half later, I had about 40% reduction. It’s been nearly 2 years now and I am at about 50% reduction.
I am still waiting to see if this actually will work. The treatments are really easy and don’t take long. I’m usually there 20 minutes max, but I have to drive out to the suburbs to have it done. That’s usually all I am going out there for, so it’s a bit inconvenient.
I had friends tell me that they were interested in doing it, but would wait to see how it went for me. They are still waiting. I think I discouraged people more than anything with the amount of time it is taking to remove the hair. I am sure each case is different, but this seems excessive.
I recently saw on the Today Show that there are new handheld home devices for laser hair removal. I’m thinking about getting one and trying it out on my legs. If I do, I will let you know if it is any more affective than the professional version.
i had my legs done 2 years ago … i havent finished my 8 treatments .. i lack 2 more .. but no hair has grown yet so i dont see the need to go back for treatment. I think it varies per person but with me, it really worked. Im also faired skin with dark hair. Good luck finding out about the handheld laser removal. I hope it works as well :)
I have been doing laser treatments for a few months but I am a toughie, dark skin, dark hair and super sensitive skin. My hair is growing less in so I am convinced. I would be careful with the at home lasers… but I am the girl that carries bandaids.
alicia
http://todaystyle.today.com/
I have little pain tolerance when it comes to beauty so it’s not something I’d be trying anytime soon - but what an interesting post. There’s such a lot of info out there about what it is and what it’s supposed to do, this post is the other side of the fence and fascinating! Thanks for sharing!
@blognuts, I think everyone is different too. I also wonder if the more hair per square inch the less likely it works…If you saw my mane, you’d understand how thick and dense my hair is.
Alicia, I had a feeling you would be one to try it! I know they have newer lasers that are good for darker complexions. I hope it works for you!
@Daily Blissings, thankfully I have not noticed any odor…that would be horrible! EEK!
@katieanne, they test how much you can take. I have a high tolerance for pain, so they generally cranked it up, but if you are not good with pain, I’d stay away too…
Lucero, my sister and I both have a lot of hair. She has sensitive skin so she doesn’t shave above the knee either. She kind of blisters from it. She was told to buy Aveeno shave gel and use razors for African American men because they tend to be gentler on the skin….I know that if you have a medical reason that hair removal would benefit, some insurance companies pay for it if you have a doctors order…. I have tried those home wax and chemical things. The only one that I have found to work at all is Veet. No kidding, it does remove the hair!
My wife is much hairier than I am. She is latin and has hairier arms, legs, stomach and lower back. I hardly grow much hair at all. Everyone is different.