My first laser hair removal experience

Hi Everyone! How are you all doing? I’m soo happy it’s finally spring and we are THAT much closer to summer! With the warm season fast approaching, I also worry about unwanted body hair. As I mentioned in this previous post I have been struggling with unwanted body hair for years and I decided to try laser hair removal on my upper lip and underarms. My upper lip hair has bothered me since high school, I started with hair removal cream (yikes) and then switched to waxing for many many years. It was really tough to keep up and of course hair grew back within two weeks! As for my underarms, I have struggled with hyper pigmentation from razor burn. The last few months I have been waxing (thanks to winter) but the growth process is just not feasible.

After a consultation at Regenerative Aesthetics and Lasers Northwest, the specialist provided me with a step by step breakdown of what I could expect for my first laser hair removal treatment.

* This post was sponsored by Regenerative Aesthetics and Lasers Northwest

Honestly, I was super nervous to try laser hair removal because I had no idea what it would feel like. I had heard from friends who had gotten laser hair removal, that it feels like pin pricks and a light zapping. And if I could handle waxing it would be a breeze! I have to say the sensation is much different than waxing and the zapping is every few seconds where as waxing is over in a few seconds. But once again that is simply my opinion and everyone’s experience will be different.

Here is a quick background about laser hair removal.

First, the clinician applied numbing cream on my upper lip ( I only did partial numbing on my upper lip) and after about 15 minutes my lip was super numb and it had a weird swollen sensation. I did not have any numbing cream for my underarms but looking back I feel like I needed at least partial numbing) Upon being all numbed up, I was given protective eyewear and the specialist started the treatment. A cool gel like substance was applied on the area and what started as a cold sensation turned into a tingly, zapping feeling which occurred every time a hair follicle was zapped. Throughout the treatment there was an intense burning smell, which meant that my hairs were heating up on my skin and follicles were zapped to prevent reproduction.

This process followed for the next 20-30 minutes or so and yes at it was a bit painful. The most sensitive area was my upper lip and the middle of my armpit. Luckily, my hair responded really well to the treatment and I noticed that some hairs actually started to fall out right there. Following the treatment I had slight redness in the treated areas but it quickly went down in a few hours. However it took a few hours for the numbing cream to wear off and an ice pack helped to relieve the numbing.

I will note that because everyone is different, the side effects and pain level will vary from person to person. I am pretty sensitive to pain so at times it was a little painful for me so for my next treatment I plan to do a full numbing treatment for my lip and a partial numbing for my underarms as they are not as sensitive.

Here are some tips to keep in mind before a treatment:

• Hair should be cleanly shaven

• Do not wear makeup on the treated area the day of the treatment

• Don’t sun-tan or use self tanners 4 weeks prior to the treatment (includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning bed or sun exposure)

• No waxing, plucking or tweezing at least 4 weeks prior to the treatment

• Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment

Also following the treatment keep in mind:

• Avoid sun exposure and use broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen

• Redness and perifollicular edema is common and will resolve with time

• bruising and swelling may occur

• Hair may take up to 2 weeks to fall out

• Avoid heat, hot tubs, saunas etc for 1-2 days

• Avoid products containing retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents etc.

• Notify clinic of any concerns ( blistering, excessive redness/swelling etc. )

• Apply sunscreen to face every day even on cloudy days

• Be careful of spraying perfume to not get in on upper lip or any treated area

If you are interested in laser hair removal I would recommend a consultation prior to starting a treatment to assess your skin and hair.

As for the cost, it will vary based on the number of treatments you will need. Click here for more information on pricing.

And lastly, be sure to mention this post and receive 20% off any dermaplanting, micro needling, chemical peel or laser hair removal package from Regenerative Aesthetics and Lasers Northwest.

Have you tried laser hair removal? What was your experience like? Share below in the comments!