Is Laser Hair Removal Worth The Hype?
While body hair is a personal preference, I want nothing to do with it. I like to be silky smooth at all times, but using a razor every day isn’t ideal. I’ve been toying with the idea of laser hair removal for years, so when Skin Revival Clinic & Spa agreed to partner I was beyond thrilled! After a year and a bit, I am finally sharing my entire laser hair removal experience – the good and the bad! I’m also sharing must-know information on laser hair removal incase you’re considering it for yourself!
So you’re curious about laser hair removal. It is a medical procedure with a financial commitment, so you’re best off knowing all the facts before you dive right in. A few months back I asked if y’all had any questions on laser hair removal on Instastories. Today I’m compiling the most asked questions, plus some I had myself!
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a laser to emit a concentrated beam of light which is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. This process destroys the hair follicle, leaving you with smooth skin!
Does It Hurt?
Pain is all relative, but I would compare the feeling to snapping a warm rubber band against your skin. It stings for a second, but the pain dissipates immediately. In the most sensitive areas I’d rate it a 6/10 pain and in less sensitive areas 4/10 pain. With each hair removal session you will have less hair follicles to laser, therefore it hurts less each time!
How Many Sessions Are Required?
The number of sessions you will need depend on a variety of factors including skin and hair color. As the laser is attracted to the pigment in your skin – a higher contrast in skin and hair color works best. Those with light colored skin and dark hair are prime candidates, however those with darker skin and lighter colored hair can also get laser hair removal. On average, 6-10 sessions are needed for maximum hair reduction. Typically, you’ll see a decrease of 10% of hair per session.
How Often Will My Appointments Be?
At the beginning of your laser hair removal journey, appointments will be anywhere between 4-8 weeks. The second half of your journey, your hair re-growth will be slower and appointments will be further spread out.
Is Laser Hair Removal 100% Permanent?
Sadly, no. The goal is 80-90% hair reduction. After reaching this goal, it is recommended you get an annual maintenance treatment. If you become pregnant or experience menopause you may need to re-visit your laser technician as additional hair re-growth may occur.
Where Should I Get Laser Hair Removal?
Since laser hair removal is a medical procedure, you don’t want to skimp out on the price point. It is essential you find a trained technician with lots of experience performing laser hair removal. Make sure to read online reviews, ask about sanitation procedures and what laser device they use. At Skin Revival Clinic & Spa, Alexis used an Elite IQ Laser, an elite system designed with the most advanced technology in laser hair removal. It has proven effective and safe treatments on all skin types. You can typically ask for a free consultation to see if you are a good fit for laser hair removal!
My Experience With Laser Hair Removal
What Areas Did You Have Lasered?
I initially signed up to solely have my Brazilian lasered. After 2 sessions I saw so much hair reduction I immediately became hooked and started sessions for armpit and sideburn laser hair removal.
How Many Sessions Did You Have?
I ended up having 10 sessions for my Brazilian and 8 sessions for my armpits and sideburns. During the first 3 sessions I noticed the biggest difference in hair reduction. Like, I was in awe. After 2 sessions I had tons of “bald spots” and the hair that grew back was much thinner. After each session, the bald spots got bigger and eventually I only had little clumps of hair! The last 3 sessions were basically zapping the last few hairs.
Which Areas Were Most Effective In Hair Reduction?
My brazilian! Ladies, I cannot tell you how liberating and freeing it feels to not have to shave/wax anymore! It has definitely boosted my self confidence in that area. I feel more cleanly and just overall better! My sideburns also saw amazing reduction. The hairs were thinner to begin with, but by the end of the sessions I only have a few baby hairs that grow back. My armpits saw the least amount of hair reduction – I’d say about 70%. Overall my armpits feel so much more fresh and produce less odor. I do still have hair growth, but the hair is thin.
Were You Self Conscious During The Appointments?
Having your armpits or sideburns lasered is definitely no big d. Having your brazillian lasered… is slightly different. I’ll admit the first 3-4 sessions I was slightly self conscious but Alexis made me feel as comfortable as possible. A word of advice: talk about literally anything else while you’re getting the procedure done! We talked about our partners, travel plans, being entrepreneurs and more! It definitely helped distract me. Each session got easier and I just had to tell myself it’s not a big deal. And it isn’t. I’d also suggest asking for a female to perform your laser hair removal!
Would You Pay For These Services Yourself?
100% yes. I would recommend laser hair removal for everyone! I would literally get my entire body done if I didn’t have to refrain from tanning the areas receiving laser hair removal (the lighter your skin, the better results). Literally obsessed.
Were There Any Downsides To Laser Hair Removal?
The downsides to laser hair removal for me are far and few between. The time it takes to commit to receive the best results is definitely something you should consider. If you stop going to appointments before you reach the 80% hair reduction goal, you might as well kiss your money goodbye. The hair will grow back and you’ll most likely be patchy! I was also told I may need to re-visit after having children as your hormones may increase hair growth. Bummer, but still so worth it!
If you live in Ottawa or surrounding areas I would highly recommend Skin Revival Clinic & Spa! They prioritize your health (sanitation on point) and they use an incredibly advanced laser. They’re also super friendly! The owner, Alexis, is so kind and has that confident girl boss energy we all need in our lives. You can see her passion in her work! Some of my sessions were performed by Virginia who is also sweet as pie. We were both engaged at the same time so we would talk all things weddings during our visits! If you’ve been considering getting laser hair removal this is your sign to do it!