I get terrible ingrown hairs. (You know… down there.) They’re the deep ingrown hairs — the kind that make you think there is some type of growth under your skin. Super painful.
I have tried shaving my bikini area, which led to the awful ingrown hairs. I’ve tried waxing my bikini area, which was better, but expensive to keep up and not super pleasant to get done.
So I finally did it. I started professional laser hair removal treatments, and I am loving the results.
I did my research on laser hair removal, and if you are considering it you should do yours as well. I chose professional laser hair removal compared to an at-home IPL (intense pulsed light) device, mostly because it is more effective.
Here is a quick rundown of what has surprised me the most about laser hair removal treatments.
You do not need to let the hair grown out. In fact, the opposite is preferred. You will be asked to shave the area being treated about a day before your treatment. Your professional technician or nurse will explain to you why this is important.
Laser hair removal can be done on all skin tones. As long as the hair itself is not red, blonde, or white, you can get laser hair removal. Just make sure your med spa has a laser safe for all skin tones. I am currently being treated with a Candela machine, which can treat every skin tone.
The hair falls out one to three weeks after a treatment. Immediately after treatment the hair stops growing. So, because you just shaved, you basically have a hairless area for a week. Then, the hair looks like it is starting to grow back, but it just falls out instead.
You cannot be exposed to sunlight for at least two weeks before treatments (for the area you want to have hair removed). This is super important. Sun exposure beforehand will affect your results. This is why I started in the fall — sun exposure is not an issue in the cooler months, and I’ll have a mostly hairless area by next summer.
You will need treatments approximately every six to eight weeks. This is something you will discuss with your laser hair removal technician.
It does hurt, but it’s not that bad. My first three treatments hurt the most, but honestly, they were so quick I could easily suck it up and get through it. And there is no post-treatment lingering pain or sensitivity. My last treatment (number five) felt uncomfortable but was not painful.
After five treatments I’ve had very little hair grow back. After the first few treatments I had patchy results. This is totally normal. Most med spas have packages for between eight and ten sessions.
The treatments are so quick. I have been getting my underarms and a full bikini (yup, think Brazilian). My treatments take less than 10 minutes!
Yes, it is an investment, but it’s so incredibly worth it. Especially if you add up what you could be paying for waxing. I am so much more comfortable (and my husband is happy).
I am currently getting my treatments at Uniqlaser, but there are med spas and laser hair removal centers all over. Do your research and ask questions about services — not all centers are the same. I’ve loved the professional staff and the super clean and modern facility where I get my treatments.
If you are considering it, go for it — now is the time. Start with a few phone calls, and learn whether you are a good candidate. I think for Christmas I’ll ask to get my lower legs done.
