Laser Hair Removal: Is it Worth it?

The pros and cons, the good and the ugly, and what they don't tell you about zapping your hair off.

I have always been blessed (and cursed) to have the hair on my head grow insanely fast. I would get a haircut and 6 months later it would be back to its normal long length again. It was amazing, but I was also cursed with that insane hair growth on every.single.inch. of my body.

When I tell you I would spend hours shaving my body, face, and every crevice just for me to have cactus legs in next day, I am not lying. It was truly miserable trying to keep it away for so long. I tried it all, waxing, shaving, and nair and nothing seemed to really stop the hair from growing back thicker and faster. So, after a long time thinking and researching I finally decided to try out laser hair removal. My experience so fair has been interesting, and here are a few things to keep in mind about getting your hair zapped off.

Not everyone qualities for laser hair removal

You have to have very dark and course hair to be able to even be considered for laser. The laser picks up the hair follicle and if it can't see the follicle (because the hair is so light) then it won't work for you. Sorry to my red heads, blondes and silver foxes, it won't work on light hair!

Say goodbye to tweezing, waxing, and Nair

Once you start getting laser, you are only allowed to shave. Be sure to shave a few days before your treatment as well so they are able to fry off the follicles before your next hair growth cycle.

Will it work or not?

Unfortunately, the treatment will not always work. Your hair should shed in a few days, and you will be able to tell because it will literally flake off. You will also have bald patches and your hair will grow back thinner and thinner.

Everyone's skin is different and they all react to procedures differently - if you do not see results in the first 2-3 sessions be sure to tell your specialist.

Beauty is pain

I won't even lie and say that it is a painless experience, because it's not. It can be extremely painful depending on the area you are getting it. From what I noticed and experienced, the thicker and courser the hair - the more painful it is. Armpits, bikini, and legs can be extremely painful if your hair grows thick in those areas. I can almost compare it to getting a hot rubber band smacked on your body for a few seconds.

On the bright side, according to my laser lady, if it hurts that means that the treatment is working and that it's a good sign.

Money! Money! Money!

If you are planning on getting several spots treated, be sure to save your money. While this is a costly procedure, it can be so worth the time and energy bending in the shower to reach those hard to reach spots. My recommendation would be to look for specials and groupons that do package deals. and read the reviews!

Touchups

As women, we have hormones that will follow us for life. Most laser hair treatments take about 8-10 sessions depending on how big the are is. After your completed sessions, it is going to take maintenance to keep the hair from coming back. Basically, as women, we have plenty of reasons for the hair coming back, so its best to go back once a year for a touch up.

Aloe and exfoliating is your best friend

After your sessions, immediately follow it with putting aloe on your skin. It will help with the lingering pain you might feel and it will cool your skin.

As I mentioned above, your hair will shed off so be sure to really exfoliate those areas. It helps with removing the shedding hair.

Is it worth it?

From my personal experience with laser hair, I believe it is. I have been fortunate enough to be able to get my stomach, bikini, back and armpits all lasered. I am still going through the process of seeing results so I don't have huge before and afters yet, but I have seen a major difference in my armpits. If you also suffer from ingrown hairs, this is also such a great treatment for it, since the hair grows back thinner it prevents you from getting ingrowns.

Months ago, I would have to shave my underarms every other day, (no I'm not joking) and now I shave every 4-5 days because my hair growth has slowed down tremendously. My shaving time has also been cut in half. I went from shaving my whole body from 1 hour to 30 mins because it has gotten so much thinner.

Here is my truthful pros and cons list if you are considering getting laser

Pros

• Shaving time get's cut in hair

• Grows back thinner

• Long run, you save more money

• Helps with ingrown hairs

• Leave your skin smooth

• Hairless body!

Cons

• Can be expensive

• Painful (at times)

• Maintenance

• Risk of it not working

Have questions about laser? Feel free to message me! I can answer any and all questions about my personal experience.