Laser Hair Removal
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I have had laser hair removal treatments in a few different areas because I am a walking hair ball! About 5 years ago I started laser on my upper thighs and bikini area and as most reading this and who follow me will know, I suffer from PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) which means I produce a lot of hair due to the in-balance in my hormones. However, you don’t have to have this condition to undergo laser, some of us are just naturally more hairy than others. The reason I chose to go with laser was that I got tired of shaving and waxing and being left with a rash every time as well as a gazillion ingrown hairs. For me to have a smooth no hair feeling on my skin, I would legit need to shave every day, which is just ridiculous! Laser combats this and prevents ingrown hairs! Sold?
So without a long ass essay about it, I thought I would do a Q&A. I have pulled these questions from my Instagram, of what my followers asked me and written the answers for you. I hope this helps any queries around laser you might have, especially if you’re thinking of starting a treatment course.
Question & Answers
Is it painful? You know what they say “no pain, no gain”. In all seriousness, depending on the area, if it is sensitive it can hurt a little bit at first while the hairs are thick and fresh, but after a few sessions the hair is a lot softer and more responsive and the pain becomes a lot less.
What does it feel like? It feels like an elastic band being pinged against your skin. The laser gun blows out cold air though which helps soothes the area during treatments.
Does it smell? Funny question but one I get a lot, yes it does, smells like burning hair. Nice!
How quick do you see the results? This does depend on your hair, and skin tone, the darker the hair, the quicker the results. I noticed results on my legs and bikini within about 3 sessions!
I’ve heard you need to be pale and not tanned, does that mean as a black woman I cannot have laser? No it doesn’t at all, at the Therapie Clinic they use a laser that is suitable for all skin tones. You can not tan though, either in the sun, sun-beds or fake tan 6 weeks before or after treatment and must wear an SP50 (if laser is on your face) at all times. I chose to do my laser on my legs and bikini during the winter months where I wouldn’t be exposed to the sun.
Why is it so expensive? Some places are more expensive than others, I have been to a few different skin clinics for laser but have found I really love Therapie Clinic, they have fab rates and package deals for all different areas so worth keeping an eye out on their website for those!
What type of laser do you have? My sessions at the Therapie Clinic use a medical grade laser called Cynosure Elite Plus, this one actually treats all skin tones.
Do you have to shave the area? You do, yes! If it’s your face you’re looking to have done I understand how you might not want to do this, I didn’t either, but you can just shave the areas as opposed to your whole face or even trim with nail scissors close to the skin.
Will it last forever? Nothing lasts forever, sorry to break it to you! But it will last a very very very long time. You might need a few top up sessions every now and again but it does last longer than any other form of hair removal.
When the hair grows back, what’s it like? Once laser has worked it’s magic you’ll notice the hair growth is a lot softer, more fine and basically just feels soft like baby hair.
How often do you have to shave or wax now you’ve had your laser on your legs done? I now only wax my upper leg and bikini, and can go between 3 - 5 weeks on this before it starts to become noticeable to the eye and to touch.
How many treatments will I need? Completely varies, you’ll need a consultation to decide on this, but treatments can range from 2 to 4 to 6 or more.
When is a good time to start laser? As soon as you possibly can, if it bothers you enough, make a booking. I choose to do mine during the winter months, when the hairy areas are mostly covered from both the sun and other humans!
Would you truly recommend it, as I know some of your sessions were gifted to you? Yes I would, before I was an influencer I was paying for my own sessions on the upper leg and bikini area. I am fortunate enough to be going through some of my facial sessions with the Therapie Clinic as press but I will always pay my own way and be honest with my audience.
Disclosure: I paid for THE treatments on my thighs and bikini at a place I won’t mention as don’t recommend years ago. I was gifted 4 sessions at the Therapie Clinic as press on my face and have since then bought my own sessions for my underarms.
Links for reference: Therapie Clinic
I hope this has helped you understand laser but if you have any further questions or want to have a more personal chat about laser hair removal, feel free to get in touch :) Alex x