Finally technology has made its way into the beauty world! A month before my wedding I got an at home hair removal laser in hopes to rid myself of unwanted hair on my honeymoon. FULL DISCLOSURE: I came to this decision because I have already spent collectively $2,000 (Groupon dollars) on professional laser hair removal. So now after 3 months of using my new laser, I am writing you a lengthy description of exactly what it’s like to get laser hair removal. Both professionally and at home.

Before we begin I just want to mention, so you know I know what I’m talking about, that I have gotten laser hair removal on my underarms, bikini area AND Brazilian, and side burns (as much as I’d hate to admit it, I did). The total amount of treatment time I’ve had would total to be 3 years. Retail Value almost $7,000!

Why be hairless?

I decided to be hairless because: shaving and having hair on my legs, bikini, and underarm area was uncomfortable and not the most sanitary.  Shaving is painful and annoying to do everyday, and I was sick of the black dots that show under your skin (dark hair problems) and forgetting to shave and having to reluctantly say “not tonight honey.”

A better alternative to waxing.

I’m lucky enough to be one in the thousands of women who are allergic to wax, sadly.

Getting laser hair removal for the first time.

Before your first appointment, shave the area 24 hours – 48 hours before you go. The best time to remove hair is when the hair comes out just enough to feel prickly. Too long and there is too much hair for the laser to kill, and too little there is not enough for the laser to grab on to.

Depending on the area you get treated, some are more awkward than others. I think the bikini area is the most awkward. Like when I got it done, no one had ever been that close to my hooha before and to stare at it? I was frightened. That feeling is totally normal though! Just make sure to clean properly before you go ;).

The laser pulse feels like someone taking a rubber band and snapping it on you over and over again. Someone told me that laser feels like getting a tattoo, although, I wouldn’t know about that though since I don’t have one.

When you get laser, they are always going to give you protective eye wear. I’ve been to 4 different locations and gotten 3 different locations treated and it is standard.Some places offer a numbing creme for a little extra cost, for your first time, I don’t suggest doing that. Whatever area it is, you should feel your first time getting laser removal. For a couple of reasons: 1. So you know your pain tolerance and if you can handle the pain 2. Prevents the technician from burning you.

Don’t take antibiotics 2 weeks before laser treatment.

I made the mistake of doing this and telling my technician before treatment and she sent me home. I was angry at the time, but apparently it’s very dangerous!

Ways to ease laser hair removal pain.

All of these ways have been offered to me:

• topical numbing creme (for an added cost)
• Ice/Ice Packs – the technician will place ice on the treatment area until it gets numb and then they begin to laser you.
• Cool air – the technician has a cool air blower that will blow cool air on the treatment area as you receive treatment

The hair cycle.

Don’t miss an appointment! Every body parts hair grows at a different pace and cycle. The laser damages the hair follicle when it is active, meaning it just started growing a new hair. You might not see it because at this point it is under the skin. When a hair follicle is damaged it cannot grow hair, thus the hair will grow and fall out. You can only kill a hair follicle at its new stage of growth. If you miss your appointment, you run the risk of losing your chance at damaging a large group of hairs at the new stage of growth. This will get you off track, and you’ll likely need an additional appointment which ranges from $50-$200. So do your self a favor and avoid rescheduling your appointment at all costs.

The at home solution.

Literally I have been wishing for this product since 2010 and now it’s here. I’ve researched the best of the best and the Tria 4x Hair Removal Laser still takes the cake. The product is less than $400 and is charged by a lithium ion battery, so you can essentially get treatment forever!

I started using the laser in August, using the Tria on my legs. You’re supposed to see 70% hair loss within 3 months, but I’ve not been consistent, and have only seen about 20% hair loss, oops (but I had a wedding to plan, so it was a little hectic). If you want this product to work you need to schedule it consistently to what Tria recommends, remember, the hair cycle description? So it’s important to keep up with it.

I can’t imagine life without it now, so I guess you can call it a necessity ;).

It’s one of my new years resolutions for my legs to be completely hairless! I’m going to continue to document my journey, but I’d thought I’d share some insight, on why, what and how laser hair removal is the best.

 

FAQ:

When did you start getting laser hair removal?

When I was 18, in 2010, my older sister took me to this little Korean spa that offered it. At the time they had a special of $120 for 5 treatments. From there I was addicted and found more options on Groupon.

How did you afford laser hair removal?

When I was a student, I had paid internships and worked as a waitress and catering server on the side. I would put aside my tip money every day and bought a Groupon when I had enough money.

How do I go about getting laser hair removal professionally?

If you want to get it done professionally, always buy a Groupon, please don’t spend the full price on it. Also, there is always a Groupon.

Where can I buy the Tria?

You can buy it directly from their website here.

Have any questions for me? Or want to share your laser hair removal tips? I’d love to hear you in the comments!

xo,