Laser Hair removal

Does laser hair removal really work and do you really need 5 treatments or will one or two work?

I've had laser hair "removal." I put the removal in quotes, because it's honestly more of a reduction. I went with a company called Hair Today Gone Tomorrow. I signed up during a bonus special "Buy one part, get one free." So basically paying for the more expensive treatment.

I opted for underarms and bikini, since those were my problem zones. I would recommend it if you have darker, coarser hair that when you shave you almost immediately get a "5 o clock shadow."

The laser beam is attracted to darker/thicker hair, and doesn't take well with blonde or red hair. I had 7 treatments every 6-8 wks over a year time span. I can honestly say it was worth it to me because it didnt' necessarily REMOVE everything. But what does grow back takes longer, and is much finer.

They told me if i chose to continue, it might take me a few more maintenance treatments to completely remove it.

I've had two treatments on bikini and one for underarm.  I have very fair skin and very light brown hair in these areas (the hair was borderline "too light" for it to be effective). 

It is a reduction in the hair; for me it has been awesome.  I have like 5 or 6 stray dark hairs in the treated area in the bikini line (and a some blonde ones that the laser didn't get).  The armpits also had fantastic results.  The hair that is left is very sparse, and the second treatment would probably eliminate it completely.

Oh - I have to add that I found this incredibly painful.  They had to turn the laser way up because of the light coloured hair.  It is mercifully fast though, and I would say worth the pain & expense. 

It varies for different people, some respond after 2-3 treatments... while some never respond.

Make sure that the place you go to is reputable, otherwise you can end up with some nasty scars, or ineffective treatment cuz they're using a crappy old laser.

Oh and also, there's no permanent hair removal method out there. There's only hair reduction. If a place claims that they can permanently remove hair, they're lying.

I got hair removal for my lower legs and my underarms as a present from my hubbby.  I've had 4 treatments so far, and it has not removed everything, but the growth rate is much slower, and the hair is much finer.  I'm simply pleased that after 6 weeks of "growth" (there isn't much), that it takes me less than 5 minutes to shave what's there. 

Definitely go with a reputable place that offers packages of multiple treatments.  You don't want to go with someone who doesn't know what they're doing.

And yes, it hurts like a b##ch!  I have to keep telling myself - only 5 minutes to shave, only five minutes to shave...

Original Post by babyd:

It varies for different people, some respond after 2-3 treatments... while some never respond.

Make sure that the place you go to is reputable, otherwise you can end up with some nasty scars, or ineffective treatment cuz they're using a crappy old laser.

Oh and also, there's no permanent hair removal method out there. There's only hair reduction. If a place claims that they can permanently remove hair, they're lying.

Great points babyd and was128.

WAS128...I didn't find it VERY painful. Just uncomfortable...like hot rubberbands snapping on the skin. And I'm a huge baby.

The pain factor totally depends on the area you're doing, and of course on your pain threshold. It's definitely not comfortable, but I wouldn't say it's the worst pain ever! I kinda compare it to getting a tattoo... painful yet tolerable. 

Vagina=ouchie

Yeah, I do now vaguely remember after the 1st and 2nd treatment aiming my air conditioning vent "down there" to cool it off. LOL

I'm no wuss; I've had both tattoos and piercings (in sensitive areas).   The armpit didn't hurt very much at all, but for me, the brazillian was very painful.  The second time, I got them to put ice packs on before hand and I took painkillers before going which dulled it a bit.   The experience, to me, felt like getting tattooed with 10 random, unexpected piercings.

Original Post by was128:

I'm no wuss; I've had both tattoos and piercings (in sensitive areas).   The armpit didn't hurt very much at all, but for me, the brazillian was very painful.  The second time, I got them to put ice packs on before hand and I took painkillers before going which dulled it a bit.   The experience, to me, felt like getting tattooed with 10 random, unexpected piercings.

I've never had tattoos, but I guess after getting the brazilian as well I probably could if I really wanted to.

Do not go through with it unless you want to spend alot of money and still not be satisfied.  I have so many horror stories.  I live in Mobile, al and I went to Julianne Terry of Electrolysis and Associates http://www.laseaway.com

Also I went to The martin Center http://www.themartincenter.com

and I have been living a nightmare every since.  For the first place, she took the laser and went all over places that i didnt ask for her to go there- my neck, chin, sides of my face and under chin, and now hair is growing in those places.  Initially I only had light hairs, now there are dark, coarse, longer growing hairs.  I had over 20 treatments with her.  The next place is The Martin Center I had 35 treatments in one area on my chin with 10% results and spending alot of money they used the laser Syneron on me and now they have a new laser and they went up on the price 4x what i was quoted in the beginning and they will lie only to get money.  They are not about helping you only making money.  I now have discoloration and bad skin still with hair growing and I feel like I been living a nightmare.

You may want to talk with your doctor.  I had the same problem, as it turns out I have a hormone imbalance.  The hair is horrible and depressing.  After talking with my physician and some simple blood test the hormone imbalance was diagnosed.  I'll have to lose weight and try the laser again.  But even if I don't get the laser treatment, there are medications that can help.

Hope things get better!

I had it done too on my chin. I have a lot less hair but still some stray hair. I would love to get it done on my underarms because I hate the hair under there. And my peach fuzz mustache too!  I just hate hair on body parts period. What about vericose veins? Has anyone had them removed? How much does it cost? I'm starting to get them on my thighs. YUCK!

I'm kind of surprised at alot of the responses here. Wher did those of you who had bad experiences go? I'm in the process of getting LHR and yes it is a bit painful but they offered numbing cream and ice packs. Also I've seen a dramatic decrease of hair and i still have 3 treatments. On top of that they offer a Lifetime garauntee. This isn't an advertising or anything but I go to Ideal image and I've had great experience with them so far and I'm considering getting more areas done with them

Original Post by nenewa:

What about vericose veins? Has anyone had them removed? How much does it cost? I'm starting to get them on my thighs. YUCK!

I just had my first treatment for veins last week.  It hurt like CRAZY, and I'm not a person intolerant to pain.  At first they lightened, but, now they seem darker.  I know I need more treatments still.

Since I'm having it done in a rather small area, it is $150 a treatment but she said regularly it is $500 a treatment.