Any one do laser hair removal?

[Tinkermommy]

In prep for the summer, I thought I would start this thread (since I just read the self-tanner one). I would really like to try laser hair removal, but the cost is high and I want to make sure it works.

Here are my questions:
- What part of your body did you get done?
- Does it hurt?
- Where did you go to get it done (spa, doctors office, etc)?
- How much did it cost?
- How long has it been and has there been any hair regrowth?

I currently get waxed, but I would love my legs and underarms done and my husband is voting for the bikini area. So any info would be much appreciated.

 

[MommaSnowwhite]

A friend of mine recently went to a laser hair removal place and her quote for her bikini area was $1500

 

[TheRatPack]

I saw online where they have a new laser product for home use, but it's not supposed to be used on the face or the 'private' area.....I guess only for your legs and underarms?

 

[KigerKat]

I've started getting laser hair removal treatments in January, and I LOVE IT! I've only had 2 treatments, and I can already see the results.

- What part of your body did you get done? Underarms and bikini
- Does it hurt? It feels like a really hot rubber band being snapped on your skin. It stings while they zap you (and a little sore for about an hour after), but it's over so quickly.
- Where did you go to get it done (spa, doctors office, etc)? I go to Ideal Image (I think they are a national chain). Laser hair removal is all they do.
- How much did it cost? I was lucky to win a $500 gift certificate on a local radio station. Each area was a separate package priced at $995 each. If I combined the two, I got 20% off. After my gift certificate, my out of pocket cost was around $1100. I paid 1/2 at my first visit and the other 1/2 at my second visit. They also have financing available.
- How long has it been and has there been any hair regrowth? My last appointment was about a month ago, and I have only shaved twice! Like I said, I've only had 2 appointments so this is pretty cool!

Some of the things they told me before I started were that you cannot get waxed, use those hair removal creams, or tweeze while you are getting laser treatments. Also, they tell you to stay out of the sun and don't tan. The lasers zap color, so if you have tan legs then they will zap your skin which will probably make it hurt more.

They space the appointments out because of the hair growth cycle - about 10-12 weeks apart. My next appointment is in June - just in time for summer! I know I probably sound like a commercial, but I am just really happy with my results!

Not to give TMI...but I sometimes sweat heavily under my arms and have to use very powerful deodorants. If I used them right after shaving my underarms, it burns SO BADLY! With summer coming, I'll be using that stuff almost every day. Knowing that I don't have to shave my underarms anymore is such a blessing for me!!

 

[mousefanmichelle]

I have had the chin/neck area done (I have dark skin and dark hair ). I went for several treatments and it stung a bit like PP said - a rubber band snap. I did it on my lunch hour and I went to a dermatologist. I paid $70 per treatment. There is a big difference in that area for me. I have a friend who recommended them to me beause she got her underarms done, her toes, her unabrow, and her bikini area. She said it was the best thing she ever did and is considering doing her legs. I totally think that this is worth it - at least for me. I was very self-conscience of my facial hair and now - no more!!!!

Good luck!

 

[Jakesmom504]

Does anyone know about lasering on light skin/light hair? I have super sensitive skin and I'm really afraid to get waxed for that reason. I want to try laser on my face (upper lip and chin) it's blond but I feel like it's noticeable and I don't like it. I've heard about laser treatments not working on blond hair, anyone know anything about that? I've tried Nair and at home waxing, broke out in hives, then had a horrible rash that looked like a disease for a week. It happened everytime I used either one so I finally gave up! Tweezing just takes too long and grows back too fast because they are really fine hairs so I think I'm just breaking them not pulling them from the root. Oh how I would love to get legs and bikini though and not have to ever worry about shaving and razor burn again!!!

 

[KigerKat]

Does anyone know about lasering on light skin/light hair? I have super sensitive skin and I'm really afraid to get waxed for that reason. I want to try laser on my face (upper lip and chin) it's blond but I feel like it's noticeable and I don't like it. I've heard about laser treatments not working on blond hair, anyone know anything about that? I've tried Nair and at home waxing, broke out in hives, then had a horrible rash that looked like a disease for a week. It happened everytime I used either one so I finally gave up! Tweezing just takes too long and grows back too fast because they are really fine hairs so I think I'm just breaking them not pulling them from the root. Oh how I would love to get legs and bikini though and not have to ever worry about shaving and razor burn again!!!

When I went for my consultation, they explained to me how the laser zaps color, so if you have light/fair skin then it may not work on you. You could probably do a few test spots to see if it would work on you. Might be worth a try!

 

[christa112]

My friend has her bikini area done. I believe it was about $1200. They guarantee the laser treatment for a year afterwards with free removal.

She has been very happy with the results. I believe she goes to American Laser Removal which is a national chain.

 

[StillPinballFamily]

I noticed an ad in our last Sunday paper for a new (?) salon advertising laser hair removal for "the bikini area or underarms - until it's gone" for a flat rate of $475. This caught my eye as I spend $$$ waxing - this sounds interesting, but the salon is about an hour's drive away. Maybe this flat price thing will catch on at other salons near you (?) and nearer to me ...!

 

[Green Tea]

$273 for underarms. $273 for a second area as well. It doesn't hurt me at all. I thought bikini area woould hurt but nothing there. Underarms have been a little irritated feeling afterwards. It really does take a series of visits because the hair has to be hit in a specific stage. Hairs are all on different schedules so one time you get one that wasn't there before, etc.

I have it done in the aestetic department of an OBGYN physician practice.

 

[Green Tea]

Forgot this. Check with several places. My own OB's office charged $1100 for underarms where the other ob practice charges $273. Same equipment.

 

[Stacy9402]

I am having my upper lip done. I have only had one treatment son far and I am happy with the results thus far. I can actually tell a difference. I am going to a doctor's office.

I also would a $400 off coupon from American Laser so my daughter is going to have her upper lip done today is her 1st appointment.

And to answer a question above about light hair - American Laser told me they have a product called Melanin ?? on sp.. that you spray on to make the hairs darker so the laser can find them. It is $100 a bottle though

 

[MissyBrenda]

I'm not wanting to hijack the thread, but I have a question - What is the difference between laser hair removal and IPL (intense pulsed light)? The IPL claims to be better - which do you prefer and why?

A little background - I would love to get my chin, upper lip, and sideburns(cheeks) done and have dark hair. Would one work better over the other for my type?

Thanks - Brenda

 

[mrsklamc]

When I went for my consultation, they explained to me how the laser zaps color, so if you have light/fair skin then it may not work on you. You could probably do a few test spots to see if it would work on you. Might be worth a try!

I could be wrong here, but my understanding of that was, it's ok to have light skin as long as the hair you want to zap is dark?

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

- What part of your body did you get done? Bikini, armpits, and legs
- Does it hurt? YES!!! Legs and armpits not so bad, but bikini area is so super sensitive that it hurts for a second why they zap over the area. After that I don't notice any pain.
- Where did you go to get it done (spa, doctors office, etc)? Laser Center called Hollywood Body.
- How much did it cost? All areas for 6 treatments, and 2 year guarantee cost me $3000 but they also gave me 18 months interest free.
- How long has it been and has there been any hair regrowth? I have had 3 treatments and I can go about 2 weeks without shaving.

 

[lsg1]

I had laser hair removal last year. I went for 5 sessions and it did remove hair,but i really need to go for more, becasue it did not do it completely.

Here are my answers:
- What part of your body did you get done? upper lip and chin area
- Does it hurt? it did hurt and the smell of burnt hair was awful
- Where did you go to get it done (spa, doctors office, etc)? dermatologist office
- How much did it cost? $125 for both lip and chin
- How long has it been and has there been any hair regrowth? one year, and yes, there has been regrowth, but much less.

The question about IPL, on my last session, I think he used IPL instead of the regular laser since he said my hair seemed to be resistent to the laser. It did work, and I really have to go back and maybe have 2 or 3 more sessions.

 

[sd mouse]

I have a question for those of you that have had your chin and upper lip done. How long does the hair need to grow out before your go in for your treatment? Does it just have to be through the skin and does it have to be a certain length? I would be VERY self-conscious if I had to let all my facial hair grow out before I went in for a treatment!!

 

[KigerKat]

I could be wrong here, but my understanding of that was, it's ok to have light skin as long as the hair you want to zap is dark?

You're probably right - I guess I jumped the gun and assumed if you had fair skin you probably had light colored hair.

And the pp was right about the burnt hair smell - it kind of lingers with you until you shower. Yuck!

 

[sorul82?]

I have a question for those of you that have had your chin and upper lip done. How long does the hair need to grow out before your go in for your treatment? Does it just have to be through the skin and does it have to be a certain length? I would be VERY self-conscious if I had to let all my facial hair grow out before I went in for a treatment!!

I would like to know the answer to this as well.

 

[smacky1]

I just had this done last week on my bikini area in my OB's office. They charge you based on how much hair you want removed.....for the bikini area, if you just want the sides that show in a bathing suit its much less than if you want a braziliam type area done, which is what I did. Anyway, they used a laser, not ipl and told me the laser is more effective for permanent hair removal. I was given a topical cream to put on one hour before the procedure that helped to numb the skin, but yes....it did hurt in some places , other places it wasnt so bad. As other people have said, it also smells like burning hair. They gave me a scented cloth to smell so that made it tolerable. It is quick, the whole thing only took about 5 minutes. It takes 10-21 days for the hair to start shedding and I havent reached that point yet...its been 7 days. Your hair does not have to be fully grown out to get this done. I think just a stubble so they can see where it grows and so the laser can get it. I skipped shaving for 3 days prior and she went through with a razor to make it a little shorter, so I could have just done 2 days prior. Right after the procedure the skin burned like a severe sunburn for about 30 minutes and that was it. I was told 4-6 treatments and then maybe 1 or 2 times a year. She said 80-90% would be permanent, but there may be a small amount of growth that would require some periodic treatments. My next appt is in 5 weeks. If it works as well as they say, I will consider my underarms as well.