This post was created in partnership with Skin Revival Clinic & Spa. All opinions and experiences are my own.

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! Fast-forward over a year, and I’m sharing my honest laser hair removal experience, including the pain, results, number of sessions, and whether it’s actually worth the money. From Brazilian laser hair removal to my underarms and sideburns, I’m spilling all the details and answering your most-asked questions!

Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Laser Hair Removal

Before we get into my personal results, let’s cover the basics. Laser hair removal is an investment in both time and money, so it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for before booking your first appointment.

What Is Laser Hair Removal and How Does It Work?

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic medical procedure that uses concentrated light energy to target pigment in the hair. The light is absorbed by the hair and converted into heat, which damages the hair follicle and reduces its ability to produce new hair. Unlike shaving, which simply cuts hair at the surface, laser hair removal targets the follicle beneath the skin. Over a series of treatments, this can significantly reduce hair growth, leaving skin feeling smoother for longer. One important thing to know? Laser hair removal is best described as long-term hair reduction, not guaranteed permanent hair removal. Some hair may eventually grow back, although it is often finer and less noticeable.

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

Okay, this was one of my BIGGEST questions before starting treatment! Pain is obviously subjective, but I would compare laser hair removal to having a warm rubber band snapped against your skin. There’s a quick sting, and then it’s over almost immediately. I’d rate Brazilian laser hair removal around 6/10 in the most sensitive areas, underarm laser hair removal around 4/10 in less sensitive spots, and sideburn laser hair removal as manageable with brief stinging sensations. The good news? I personally found the appointments easier as my treatments progressed. As my hair became thinner and less dense, the experience felt more manageable. Of course, everyone’s pain tolerance is different, and factors like the treatment area, laser settings, and individual sensitivity can affect discomfort. My advice? Don’t let the fear of pain stop you from booking a consultation. Ask your provider what the treatment feels like and whether they offer cooling or other comfort measures.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Do You Need?

One of the most common questions I received was how many laser hair removal treatments are needed to see results. Most people require multiple appointments because hair grows in different cycles, and laser treatment is most effective when hairs are in their active growth phase. A common starting estimate is 6–8 sessions, although some people need more depending on the treatment area, hair color, skin tone, hormones, and how their hair responds. Dark, coarse hair often responds particularly well because it contains more pigment for the laser to target. However, modern laser technology can also treat a wider range of skin tones when the appropriate device and settings are used. Very light blonde, white, grey, and some red hair can be more difficult to treat effectively. And here’s something I wish more people knew: you don’t necessarily need to finish every session before noticing a difference. I started seeing significant hair reduction after just my first few appointments!

How Often Do You Need Laser Hair Removal Appointments?

Laser hair removal isn’t a one-and-done beauty treatment. You’ll need to commit to a series of appointments spread out over several months. Depending on the treatment area and your provider’s recommendations, sessions are often scheduled approximately 4–8 weeks apart, sometimes longer. As my treatments progressed, my hair growth slowed down, and my appointments became more spaced out. Consistency is important because treatments are timed around the hair growth cycle. Your provider can recommend the most appropriate schedule based on your progress.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

This is probably the biggest misconception about laser hair removal! While laser treatments can provide long-lasting hair reduction, they don’t guarantee that every single hair will disappear forever. Some people experience substantial hair reduction that lasts for years, while others notice regrowth and benefit from occasional maintenance treatments. Hormonal changes, including pregnancy and menopause, can also influence future hair growth. For me, the biggest benefit wasn’t necessarily having zero hair forever. It was dramatically reducing how often I needed to shave and making my beauty routine so much easier. And honestly? That alone was a major win!

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?

Laser hair removal prices vary depending on your location, the size of the treatment area, the clinic, and how many sessions you need. Smaller areas, such as the upper lip or sideburns, generally cost less per session than larger areas like the legs. Brazilian and underarm laser hair removal fall into their own pricing categories depending on the provider. Because multiple appointments are typically needed, it’s important to consider the total treatment cost rather than just the price of one session. Before booking, I recommend asking whether the clinic offers treatment packages, how many sessions are included, and what maintenance appointments may cost in the future. Although laser hair removal requires an upfront investment, I personally loved the convenience of spending less time shaving and waxing.

How Do You Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?

There are a few important things to know before your first laser hair removal appointment. First, you’ll generally need to avoid waxing, plucking, or threading the treatment area for several weeks beforehand because the laser needs hair within the follicle to work effectively. Your provider will usually ask you to shave the area shortly before treatment, often the day before your appointment. You’ll also need to avoid tanning and protect your skin from sun exposure. Recently tanned skin can increase the risk of burns and pigmentation changes, so always follow your clinic’s specific instructions. Be sure to tell your provider about any medications, skincare products, skin conditions, or recent sun exposure before treatment. A good consultation should cover your medical history, skin type, expectations, and whether laser hair removal is appropriate for you.

Where Should You Get Laser Hair Removal in Ottawa?

When it comes to laser hair removal, choosing an experienced provider is SO important. This is a procedure involving medical-grade equipment, and improper treatment can cause burns, scarring, or changes in skin pigmentation. Before choosing a clinic, I recommend researching the provider’s training, reading reviews, asking about the laser technology used, and finding out how they approach treatment for different skin tones. I had my treatments at Skin Revival Clinic & Spa in Ottawa, where Alexis used the Elite iQ laser system. The Elite iQ platform offers different laser wavelengths that can be selected for different skin and hair characteristics. However, the safety and effectiveness of any treatment depend on proper patient assessment, device settings, and operator training. I personally felt comfortable throughout my appointments, and the team was wonderful about answering my questions. If you’re considering laser hair removal in Ottawa, I’d recommend starting with a consultation to discuss your goals and determine whether you’re a good candidate.

My Experience With Laser Hair Removal

What Areas Did You Have Lasered?

Originally, I only planned on getting Brazilian laser hair removal. I’d been shaving and waxing for years, and the thought of not having to constantly worry about hair removal sounded like an absolute DREAM. But after just two Brazilian laser hair removal sessions, I noticed such a dramatic reduction in hair growth that I immediately became hooked. So naturally, I decided to add my underarms and sideburns to the mix! In total, I had laser hair removal on three areas: my Brazilian area, underarms, and sideburns. And spoiler alert: the results were different for each area!

How Many Sessions Did You Have?

I ended up completing 10 Brazilian laser hair removal sessions and 8 sessions each for my underarms and sideburns. The biggest difference happened during my first three appointments. I’m talking noticeable bald spots, significantly thinner hair, and much slower regrowth. After just two Brazilian sessions, I could already see patches where hair was no longer growing like it used to. I was honestly amazed! With every additional treatment, those patches became larger, and the remaining hair became increasingly sparse. By my final few appointments, we were mainly targeting the small areas of hair that were still growing. Seeing the gradual transformation was so satisfying, especially after years of constantly shaving.

My Brazilian Laser Hair Removal Results

Ladies, THIS was the area that completely sold me on laser hair removal. My Brazilian laser hair removal results were by far the most dramatic, and I cannot explain how freeing it felt to no longer have to shave or wax constantly. After completing 10 sessions, I experienced a significant reduction in hair growth, and the little hair that remained was much easier to manage. Not having to worry about shaving before putting on a swimsuit or planning around waxing appointments was such a relief. It also gave me a little confidence boost, simply because I felt more comfortable with my personal grooming routine. Of course, body hair is completely natural, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with keeping it! This was just my personal preference, and I loved the results. If you’re wondering whether Brazilian laser hair removal is worth it, it was absolutely worth it for me.

My Underarm Laser Hair Removal Results

My underarms were a slightly different story. While I experienced noticeable hair reduction, the results weren’t quite as dramatic as my Brazilian area. After eight sessions, I’d estimate that I had approximately 70% less underarm hair than when I started. The hair that continued to grow was much thinner and less noticeable, which made shaving significantly easier. I also personally noticed less underarm odor after my treatments, although laser hair removal isn’t an established treatment for body odor, and individual experiences may vary. Would I have loved completely hair-free underarms? Absolutely! But I was still happy with how much my hair growth had decreased.

My Sideburn Laser Hair Removal Results

I was also really happy with my sideburn laser hair removal results! The hair in this area was naturally finer than the hair in my Brazilian area or underarms, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. After eight treatments, I noticed a major reduction in visible hair growth. By the end, I only had a few fine baby hairs remaining. One thing to keep in mind is that very fine facial hair can be more challenging to treat, and laser treatment can occasionally stimulate additional hair growth in certain areas. That’s why it’s especially important to have an experienced provider assess facial hair before starting treatment. For me, though, I was thrilled with the results!

Was I Embarrassed During Brazilian Laser Hair Removal?

Okay, let’s talk about something that I know a LOT of women worry about. Getting your underarms or sideburns lasered? No big deal. Getting a Brazilian laser hair removal treatment? That’s a slightly different experience! I’ll admit that I felt a little self-conscious during my first three or four appointments. Having someone perform a treatment on such an intimate area can feel awkward at first. But Alexis was so professional and made me feel incredibly comfortable. My biggest tip? Talk about literally anything else during your appointment! We chatted about our partners, travel plans, running businesses, and everything in between. Having a conversation helped distract me from both the discomfort and the awkwardness. After a few sessions, I barely thought twice about it. You can also request a provider of a particular gender if that makes you feel more comfortable, depending on the clinic’s staffing. Remember, trained laser technicians perform these treatments regularly. What feels like a big deal to you is simply part of their workday!

What Are the Downsides of Laser Hair Removal?

As much as I loved my results, I do think it’s important to talk about the potential downsides. For me, the biggest drawback was the time commitment. Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions over several months, and you need to plan around appointments. Avoiding tanning and protecting treated areas from the sun was another inconvenience, especially because I love spending time outdoors. There’s also the financial investment to consider. Depending on the number of areas you’re treating, the total cost can add up. And while my personal experience was positive, laser hair removal does carry potential side effects, including temporary redness, swelling, skin irritation, burns, pigment changes, and, rarely, scarring. Another thing to remember is that results aren’t guaranteed. Some hair may grow back over time, and maintenance treatments may be needed. That said, I still feel the benefits outweighed the downsides for me.

Is Laser Hair Removal Worth the Money?

For me? 100% YES! If I had to go back and make the decision again, I would absolutely choose laser hair removal. The convenience alone has been amazing. I spend significantly less time shaving, my hair growth is much more manageable, and I love the smooth results. Would I consider having additional areas treated? Definitely! The only thing holding me back is having to plan treatments around sun exposure and the financial commitment. Of course, laser hair removal isn’t necessary for everyone. If you’re perfectly happy shaving, waxing, or embracing your natural body hair, there’s no reason to change your routine. But if you’re someone who spends a lot of time removing unwanted hair and wants a longer-lasting solution, I think it’s worth exploring.

After more than a year of laser hair removal treatments, I can confidently say that it was one of my favorite beauty investments. My Brazilian area had the most dramatic results, my sideburns responded beautifully, and even my underarms experienced a noticeable reduction in hair growth. I also genuinely enjoyed my experience at Skin Revival Clinic & Spa. Alexis was incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, and professional. She has that confident girl-boss energy I love, and you can tell she’s passionate about what she does! Some of my appointments were also performed by Virginia, who was equally lovely. We were both engaged around the same time, so naturally, we spent our sessions chatting about all things weddings! If you’re looking into laser hair removal in Ottawa or the surrounding area, Skin Revival Clinic & Spa is a clinic I personally had a positive experience with. My biggest advice is to do your research, book a consultation, ask lots of questions, and go into the process with realistic expectations. Laser hair removal isn’t necessarily a permanent goodbye to every single hair, but for me, the reduction in shaving and upkeep made it SO worth it. And honestly, anything that makes my beauty routine a little easier gets a big yes from me!