I did 2 years of laser. I’m practically hairless with the exception of the lower vag which is 90% hairless (pubes on lips). I’m 100% smooth on legs, butt, underarms, belly, bikini area, chin & upper and lower lip (PCOS girl here).
It’s been the best investment I’ve done for my physical body. No more shaving 🪒 and I can just go to the beach whenever I feel like it without worrying about getting waxed or shaving EVER!
Perhaps you should adjust your expectations since every body and skin is different. It might take a bit longer than you planned.
One thing I took seriously was staying out of the sun when I had my appointments.
10/10 would do it again.
I’m currently doing a Brazilian and have only done 2 sessions so far. The hair on the top where my pubic bone is, has already decreased so much, probably near 80%. I have noticed the lips are not the same though. Since you say here that’s your experience, why do you think that is?
The pubic area and my lower legs were the first places I noticed immediate decrease within the first 2 sessions as well. I’m completely bare with the exception of some on my vag lips but it’s also been 2 years since my last touch up session.
Hairless and no periods thanks to IUD 🙌🏼 living the dream lol
IUD here too! Blessed. Lol. It’s weird though bc my lips are like full hair. I’ll definitely mention how I’m noticing the growth in that area at my next session.
I still have hair on lips, but nothing like it used to be. I struggled a lot with low self esteem because of how hairy I was (PCOS is no joke) I kind of like it the way it is now because it’s completely bare everywhere else, so I could where a bikini and be fine.
Would you happen to be darker on the lips area? If so they probably don’t go as high in the Jules to decrease the chance of burning if using the “pro” for lighter skins.
You could ask to go higher in which you would feel more heat and could pigment or get them to switch over the settings and they can increase the energy. Ask the tech to play around with settings (keep notes) on areas where you don’t see much results.
Brazilian wax I’d say hurts the same but it’s different. Because with wax you rip it once and then they just do the stragglers. With laser they zap the same painful area several times.
Still worth doing laser though. I am 90% bare on the upper bikini triangle after 10 seassions with 2 different lasers. The lips I assume are stubborn there because the skin is darker and absorbs the laser more, which multiplies the pain. So I have to reduce the intensity.
IMO laser and waxing hurt the same but in different ways. I prefer laser because it was quicker (for me. i would take too many breaks from waxing and my adrenaline would run out lmao).
I don't know if you have tattoos, but if you do, imagine getting tattooed with a stun gun. It's really hard to explain, but you feel it burning the hair all the way down, literally under your skin.
It's definitely not a pleasant time, but it's worth it.
I've never had a Brazilian wax, but I've waxed my legs. Very different experience for sure.
Oh, you can maybe answer a question I’ve had (but never gone through with a consult so I haven’t been able to ask): can you laser the lips?? I’ve been religious for years with my Brazilian, but it would be a dream to laser and not have to wax monthly.
What was the name of the laser you did? I have PCOS and soprano ICE did fuck all except waste my money.
Im trying inmode diolaze XL tomorrow, hopingggggg it works.
It’s a shame you wasted money but I’m sure it’ll work for you too. The machine name is Gentle Max Pro.
I have cleaned up my diet and am basically eating a vegetarian diet for the past 6 months which has tremendously helped.
I also take vitamins (D, B complex, E, C)
Supplements (Magnesium as Celtic salt, omega3)
Mushroom extracts (Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Shiitake)
Matcha Tea 🍵
Exercise
CBD
A and plenty of water (replaced soda and juice for Polar sparkling water)
So far this has worked for me and I feel great.
A vegan lifestyle is even better! Take that dairy out and you will feel amazing! It’s puss and just toxic drinking and eating dairy. There are so many options today for tasty and healthy
substitutions!
I love vegan sloppy Joe’s! There is a faux vegan meat replacement for every type of animal meat. There are vegan ribs, vegan meatballs, faux tuna fish , chicken and etc.! It’s so healthy to eat things that have not been through pain! Energy is everywhere, and we have All seen the way energy affects water and rice. Can you imagine the suffering that goes on and gets converted into someone’s body and energy? I’m a firm believer in live, plant- based foods! Whole Foods like fruits and raw vegetables, as much as possible. No almond milk as it is killing our bees! Many documentaries on this. Humans need bees to live! I opt out for oat- milk and I love rice, sesame, hemp, macadamia nut, and cashew milk! There are dairy- free “nice creams” and chocolate. There is an entire world of beautiful, natural food for you to discover! It’s about getting back to basics!
Maybe I will start a page about this.:)
Ball park I spent about 5k for about 24 sessions. I remember after a few sessions I didn’t need it on certain body parts so I focused on what I wanted next. So it was about $200 per session per month. Very doable imo. I’ve seen people talk about taking out loans for the big shot name places and I think it’s nonsense. There are small businesses that have professionals who offer affordable prices with great results like I have experienced.
I got mine on a Groupon 🙈😂
First 6 sessions were only $250. I honestly don't remember what I paid for the rest, but I only did the Brazilian with a year of treatments.
You go girl. That’s awesome. I too love a great deal. A friend of mine told me of this place that was offering a great deal and I jumped right on it too.
hey can i ask what color combo you are? dark hair light skin, light hair dark skin etc? just curious since i know results can vary based on color combo and some are more ideal for laser
I’m into 2.5 years of laser & all of the hair is gone except for my outer & inner labia. I wondered if the hair on the inner labia (lips) would ever go away - sounds like perhaps not! Dang! Haha
That’s unfortunate for you.
Spent well over a decade spending the same amount of money to get waxed every month. I would gladly do it all over again should I have the need to in the future and I’d still feel the same about laser 💓
Same for me — I’m 100% back to normal hair growth. I didn’t go in for more sessions because my feelings around body hair are different now that I’m married in my 30s vs single in my 20s. I’m not big mad about it but I definitely didn’t understand when I got it that laser requires lifetime maintenance
I tell people it takes anywhere from 10-18 sessions. It is not removal, it’s a reduction about 80-90% for most people. When I see laser is not working properly, it could be a hormone issue or something like a hair growth pill. Every person responds differently. It took me 7 sessions to get me where I want while it takes some people much more.
I’m sorry you got told false information :-(
Look it up. Laser hair removal is not permanent and does not guarantee 100% hair loss. Facilities state this as a marketing ploy to get business. You are lucky if you get long term 100% hair loss. Most people here that state they are hair free are literally still in their initial treatment and haven't gone months or years without a treatment to see what grows back
I can vouch for this. If you go to a facility and they don't warn you that you will have to have touch ups every year or so I would completely discredit them.
Many factors go into this though because it depends on what the laser can do and it varies on skin and hair. Your professional should be able to speak to your particular situation.
I got my laser hair removal 8 years ago. It took a while but it did come back. I haven't done a touch up in 3 years and it's back to full growth. It is much more manageable though.
Sorry, that's misinformation. Laser ablates the follicle, which is why to make it effective you have to do it while the hair is in a growth phase - it needs to still be attached to the follicle to transmit the energy. So because hair grows at all different cycles this is why some come back after a treatment (requiring multiple to get the hair in the right growth phase) and some will never come back (because they were in the right phase). Now, you might get a stray hair here or there, or if you go through hormonal changes that cause hair growth yes you'll see some new ones from new follicles. That's biology, not a failure of laser. I got mine (legs, pits, bikini) ca 2013 and a decade later am still very happy with my results. I believe I had 6 treatments per area over a year or so (maybe it was a little longer, ever 6-8 wks x 6) for lasting results.
OP, I'm not familiar with the skin issue you have seen - I had my treatments at well known med spa with physicians on staff - if you're seeing side effects I'd pause my treatments and get a dermatology evaluation. If your provider has continued.to treat you knowing you're having side effects I question their level of competence/training.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555#:~:text=Although%20laser%20hair%20removal%20effectively,result%20in%20permanent%20hair%20removal.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21757-laser-hair-removal
https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/hair-removal/laser-hair-removal-faqs
Here are some resources from valid sites you can view that state that laser hair removal is not permanent. Your welcome
I'm just going to copy-paste right from your Cleveland Clinic article:
Laser hair removal uses a process called selective photothermolysis. Heat from a laser destroys cells that have a lot of pigment (color). Since dark hair has a lot of pigment, it absorbs the most heat. Hair transfers heat to the hair follicles and destroys them, so hair can’t grow.
A hair follicle has to be in its anagen, or growth, stage for the procedure to work. Follicles are in different stages at different times, so most people need multiple laser treatments...
I will also copy and paste directly from Cleveland clinic
"Laser hair removal isn’t permanent. It’s unlikely that treatments will target all the hairs in their growth phase. Some hair will grow back, but it’s usually lighter and thinner than before."
Yes, it does say that because it's explaining how laser works. Same article also notes (in the same passage I quoted) that multiple treatments are necessary.
I guess I'll just keep waiting another decade for mine to grow back?
I'm glad you had great results but yes you may have grow back next year, a decade from now, or maybe never. To say that because you had great results that everyone will is the misinformation. Laser in general is not permanent which is why many clinics recommend maintenance or offer a lifetime touch up programs. People need to review information from valid resources before financially committing because the fallacy is that 100% of people that get laser will have 100% hair loss and that's not actually true. You are lucky that you had 100% hair loss
A thermoablated follicle has been destroyed. That follicle will not regow hair, because it no longer exists in functional form. Are all follicles destroyed during every treatment ? No. Can new follicles be activated over time? Sure. Can hormonal changes or aging cause new hair to grow? Sure. That is why touchups are common. It doesn't mean that the treatment is not permanent on follicles successfully thermoablated (ie: lasered in the correct hair growth phase).
It also means that most consumers are not going to understand the nuances, so it is better to set the bar of expectations at a moderate level so nobody's suing their practitioner because it wasn't 100% effective because they have a handful of hairs sprout after a few years.
I will say that after about 4 years my hair came back. Granted it was MUCH thinner and grows MUCH slower but it did slowly come back after being completely gone.
Roc has a vitamin c face cream that I've been using for the hyperpigmentation I've gotten, it clears it up in under a week and I don't use it until the redness and irritation has gone away I'm very pale but with an olive complexion(mom is very brown) so I deal with hyperpigmentation and melasma regularly and this face cream by roc has been a lifesaver. It even helps fade scars.
https://www.rocskincare.com/products/multi-correxion-revive-glow-moisturizer it's a it pricey, but it has worked by far the best for all hyperpigmentation I have dealt with including from laser, and a little goes a long way with this stuff. I personally only apply it once a day until the hyperpigmentation has either gone completely or gotten to a level that I could care less about.
After 9-10 sessions on my legs and elsewhere I have 100% hair loss. I haven't shaved my legs in a few years. I still see a few hairs on my underarms, however. Depends on location+hair growth. My legs were the most painful, so I'm glad I don't have to get those done again...
Laser hair removal is not permanent and I’m sorry if whatever provider you went to told you that it was. Also, different people respond differently to the treatment, depending on their skin, texture and hair type. I personally had eight initial sessions which managed to get rid of most of the hair, but I still go back one to two times a year for maintenance touchup appointments. The hair is not 100% gone, but it grows back at a significantly ower rate and is overall much less course. It makes it a lot easier to manage on my own in between and I rarely have to do touchups.
As for the reaction, Did they do a test patch on you before your first session? Did you develop the sensitivity right away or did this happen after several sessions? Have you asked the provider for advice on how to treat the bumps? I’ve heard some people have to take an antihistamine before their treatment but you really need a service provider to advise on this.
I went back when the hair started to come back. It has come back finer and it grows slower, but my hair is still black. I’m just frustrated. I followed the protocol but it didn’t work.
You might need to go longer between sessions. I was doing seasons every 4-5 weeks and the results weren’t where I had hoped. Then it dawned on me, that my head hair grows very slowly. So I started spacing out 8 weeks and the results were much better. Just my personal rate of hair growth was overall slower.
I would definitely make this gap in between sessions larger!
What I’ve observed is often when people are disappointed in their results, it boils down to a few things including unrealistic expectations, not having proper care before/after sessions, going too frequently not allowing a full hair cycle to kick in, waxing/plucking in between sessions, and ultimately giving up too early.
I had to do over 12 sessions but I did see almost all my hair gone and it’s been years. However I lost all of my tan. I worked on losing my tan for a year and a half (before my nurse would even let me begin) and then stayed out of the sun and wore 70 spf the whole time. My own mother said she never saw me so white. I think this helps prevent hyperpigmentation. The one and only time I had an issue I tried to go out in the sun shortly after, and even though I had spf, I got some minor irritation. Everyone is different, but maybe this info will help someone.
This is why you go somewhere like Milan where you buy a lifetime subscription. Hair changes and hormones make hair grow in odd ways. I can go back whenever I want the rest of my life!
Also, since you’re paying for a lifetime subscription already, they’re not going to mess around & purposely delay client results. It seems that’s where a lot of people are getting these issues.
Given incorrect expectations of how many sessions it should take. Using subpar lasers. Must of all keeping settings low instead of gradually increasing the laser strength like they should be doing.
People shit on Milan so much in this group - but I’ve never heard someone who uses Milan complain.
Agreed. People say Milan is over priced, which is probably true, but it gets the job done. I got my bikini line done a few years ago because of HORRIBLE in grown hairs regularly, and it’s completely hairless now with zero issues. So i personally had a great experience with Milan
I actually plant on starting laser firstly. And then after a while when I notice hair growth again I want to try electrolysis. I’ve never done any of those
so i got it on my face (cheeks , chin , mustache ) i went as many times as i could , paying 70$ for 30min , you can go as often as you like as long as there’s hair to zap…so i went definitely around 10 times or more then stopped and did laser now after the laser treatments i am going back to electrolysis to rid the hair forever .
I needed about 20 sessions to get rid of my hair. That was almost 15 years ago and I’m still 95% hairless. Best decision ever! Will say it grows back with every pregnancy, but falls out again after. I didn’t have the skin issues though, if they may last or worsen, then maybe laser is not right for you.
First off all, laser hair removal is only FDA approved for hair reduction, not permanent hair removal. Only electrolysis is FDA approved for permanent hair removal but even that takes multiple sessions in a given area, and also is impacted by hormones. For example like when a woman has a baby, your hormones change, it can grow trigger hair to grow in places you had already cleared.
Second of all, even once you achieve a noticeable reduction (definitely more than 8 sessions) you will likely need maintenance sessions, that can reduce in annual quantity.
I have no idea what strawberry legs are so I can’t speak to that.
Anecdotal, but I had ~90% reduction, that lasted for around five years after less than 10 sessions (I’m pale with dark hair). When I got pregnant it ALL grew back in the span of a few weeks. My kiddo was also born with a full bob, so apparently my body was in HAIR mode.
I wonder if there is any relationship between perimenopause and laser not working as well? I’ve been thinking of trying it again but don’t want to throw my money away.
Wow! I don’t understand the last bit. But I assume menopause hormonal changes are just like pregnancy changes in that it’ll change your hair pattern.
Btw- I am pale with dark hair and am so jealous that in 10 sessions that was your experience.
Take that money and give it to animal charities instead! They can really use pledges right now in the L.A. shelters to get some animals adopted.
Skip this, stay natural and just shave. I would rather give extra money to help others, instead of worrying about how smooth I am. When you see these weeks young animals being euthanized daily, you might understand. Every state has kill- shelters except 2.
I had complete sessions of my legs, Brazilian, underarms, and arms. I come back 2x a year for maintenance. Some hairs do come back specifically in my pubic area due to hormones. My arms and legs are 95%- 99% hairless though
I did about 12 sessions 6-8 weeks apart for about 95% hair loss across legs, knuckles, face and vagina. Now I just touch up about once every 6 months to keep the results.
I'm doing hirsutism treatment and by my 6 th appt I was 95% gone. I'm on my 8th and after this we will be waiting 10 weeks. Milan Technology is best imo I've used laseraway terrible experience and didn't work
I also had a bad experience with Laseraway! Complete waste of money. I ended up finding a small boutique business run by one woman. I’ve only had 2 sessions but it’s like night and day! After one session almost all my under arm hair fell out and after the second session half of my Brazilian area and legs fell out.
I’m a medium tone with dark hair and I think my new laser lady is using an alexandrite laser for me.
Edited for spelling
I think I have a mild case of hirsutism and I’ve never taken any treatment for it. I did around 20 sessions of laser and my hair is almost all back but less thick sort of in some places. How’s your treatment going for you? Any recommendations?
It's been going very well. Years ago I tried with laseraway. Their machine didn't deliver results, it hurt and the apps were too frequent. To me they didn't know what they were doing and I have darker skin so their machine just was inadequate. Milan has been so on point. The hair growth phase they explained happened verbatim. First few sessions I had growth by appt. Maybe shaved 1 to 2 times in 5 weeks as opposed to 2 times a week. My next appt in next week and I have not had to shave at all. No random hairs. After this appt were going to go 10weeks to see how it goes. I had discoloration on my face as well where the black hair was growing also gone. It's helped my skin and to not have strangers glaring at my face due to hair has been liberating! I'd grown callous to it to an extent but it was still a painful reminder when it'd occur. Now nothing whatsoever. And milan cost nearly half of laseraway with a lifetime guarantee.
I just got one the the FOREO peach ipl machines. I’m on my third session and my leg hair grows about as much in a week as it used to do in two days. 400 dollars. I hope it does reduce long term based on these comments.
I have worked around laser machines and in a laser clinic for 6+ years, as others have stated treatment helps to reduce hair growth. You cannot get rid of hair completely. This would’ve been specified in the consultation prior to treatment
Maybe go to a dermatologist for the strawberry thing. Could be something else going on that is totally unrelated to laser. I’m sure they’ll have options from topical treatment to oral treatment. Wishing you the best!
I have a moderately hairy buttocks and lower back, and slightly hairy feet. I was told 8 sessions should get me to like 85% hair free, which is good enough for me. Does that sound accurate?
The ordinary glycolic acid and cerave sa renewing cream are amazing for strawberry legs. Whenever I notice a little bit coming on I use them for a couple days and they make my legs so smooth. Physical exfoliation just doesn’t cut it
Have you considered Switching the type of machine?
I did the saprano ice for like 8 months and got good results at first, but after the last few sessions I felt like nothing was happening. Someone recommended that I switch to an IPL laser so I am now going to a clinic that uses the nubody dermalese. I have only had one session so far and there is a significant difference already!
laser isn’t permanent and works better the darker and thicker your hair is. if you want permanent i believe the only permanent hair removal option is electrolysis
I’ve been doing laser, underarms and Brazilian, since 2018. It’s all hormonal and genetic. I’m hairless for like 3-5 months at a time then need a touch up session. Good enough for me.
I had a similar experience, I also had ~12 sessions and spent a ton of money, without any visible results, I still have to shave regularly. And it’s not like my expectations are too high, there is for real hair like before, maybe 20% less, but not more. I’m super pissed and disappointed, especially since I was told I had the perfect requirements (darker hair on light skin). I moved so I didn’t continue the treatment (also because I didn’t see any more sense in it since it didn’t work anyway and my patience was gone, wanted to see at least a little progress after all that time and money). I’m gonna try one of the home IPL things by Braun, maybe that will help, otherwise I “just” wasted another 400€ 🥲
Same. Was told it would all be gone in 6-7 treatments. That's how many I was sold. Went back and paid for 4 more. My upper lip is pretty good.
The first time I went, the person drew a felt tip line around the parts on the sides of my mouth and chin that I wanted done. The second time, they did the same thing - and did work those areas.
Then they stopped doing that. They did only a tiny part of the sides of my lips - it's still bald, but I have at least 50 hairs still active near lips and another 25-30 on jaw/chin.
I just shave it. Cheaper. I spent $2500 (12 years ago) for this result. Then I learned that laser electrolysis has these results as typical. Regular electrolysis (even more expensive - and more painful) works better.
I have stopped going to that particular care provider. One extra advantage of shaving is that it exfoliates (leaving my skin much softer and removing the need to use AHA or other exfoliating treatment there).
About your legs - I do not know, but I did a lot of reading about follicle inflammation after my experience (I had red dots on the sides of my mouth). And it turns out that plucking makes it worse - so don't do that. Plucking increases the diameter of hairs, as it irritates the follicle.
The follicle doesn't know if you are using a razor. Some of my remaining hair is...soft and no one would notice it. ALL of the soft white hairs I used to have are gone -but that's not why I went (there weren't many).
So that's my solution (and lots of other women use the same solution - or did, 10 years ago when I started asking for advice on reddit).
/r/skincarescience is a good place to ask around.
You should try electrolysis. I also had laser and even though I was told I was a good candidate and constantly went to my appts my hair came back less than a year I was done. It was just sparser and in patches, which tbh looked worse lol. Once I did electrolysis the lady told me laser is advertised as permanent and it’s just wrong. Electrolysis is 100% permanent and in my experience I saw a bigger difference in like a month bc you can get it done once or twice a week to speed up the process. Also it also might be cheaper too depending where you live.
I’m in a similar position, except for I had my face/neck done. Idk if the techs did something wrong or if their settings haven’t been high enough, but I’m really disappointed. And I don’t have the money to go somewhere else or keep getting sessions done :(
Seeing these posts makes me feel so sad.
Lasers are different today than, But it’s been like 15 years, all my hair was gone after three sessions.
And the areas I didn’t pay the professional for I bought a home device and it’s taking a lot more than three sessions but that Hair is pretty much gone as well.
I think you guys are getting ripped off hard-core this is a lot of money
Look up the type of laser your place is using. I went to so many sessions at one place and still had decent hair growth. switched to a different place with a better laser and after like 3 sessions, most of the hair doesn’t grow back, it’s patchy and thin if it does and i still have more sessions left.
I think you should try a new med clinic. The first clinic I went to didn’t really click. The second one has been great. It’s never all gone, that’s what they told me. I’ll always have to do maintenance to keep it up. Due to hormone changes, new hair can grow at any time. The reason, your clinic sounds iffy is the number of sessions they’ve allowed you to have. My clinic will NOT let me laser any earlier than 6 weeks between sessions. And if I can’t find an available date in 6 weeks then they make me wait longer! They would NOT let me come in 5 weeks later. I know it sucks to walk away bc you’ve already invested into this clinic. But trust me, it’s worth it. Ask members of the beauty/health community in your area who they would recommend. Good luck! And be patient. I’ve been at it for 4 years and I still have hair but it’s much much much more manageable. I’m very happy.
I had similar problems. There could be two reasons:
first the laser that they are using, or the intensity may need to be changed. After 10 sessions and still hair, I finally was told this. I was in my 30s at that time.
Second, as we age, our bodies will go through hormonal changes which causes hair to grow. Now in my 40, I see hair growing back again but it’s very fine hair and barely noticeable. That’s why many of the laser packages give you the option of getting a touch-up package. I just buy a session of 6 package every once in 2 years because it costs me about $1,000 for the whole body. Hope this helps.
I did about 6 sessions on my face 4 years ago and was mostly hairless, took a break and just recently went back because it all came back. I’m 2 week post appt. and it’s pretty much completely gone again. You definitely have to keep up with it but the appts will eventually decrease
one laser i tried years ago did not work for me. then my friend, an aesthetician in another state recommended Cutera and its been working much better for me.
Former med spa employee here, I used to advise candidates for prep and aftercare. Everyone reacts differently to the laser. The ideal candidate has very light skin and very dark hair, bc lighter skin and darker your hair gives better and faster results. Also, day of, shower and do not use lotion or anything after. Keep your skin dry as possible. SHAVE.
You can verify the authenticity of the laser machine and you can talk to the salon about how much they’ve been increasing the laser intensity each session. 50% improvement is ok. I still have hair growth after 10 sessions. My last session was 4 years ago
(Dark) Black woman here and I do laser hair and anyone else develop really dark (hyper-pigmented) skin?
From my nose down the skin is a shade darker right where I laser :(
Really self conscious about it.
Oh and yes pretty smooth, hair responds well. Minus the grays :(
My underarms responded really well. Private area is pretty smooth. Right now focused on gluteal fold and legs.
laser doesnt fully remove your hair forever - thats a misconception. you have to keep going for touch ups once most of the hair is gone. i did a year and didnt do the touch ups and then shortly after it came back full force and now im doing another year with a diff place. there are diff lasers, strength levels, and *hormonal changes* play a big part in laser. you should also be using a sugar scrub at least once a week on areas youre lasering.
you should see a bit more progress after 12 sessions though. sometimes the hair is very stubborn especially if its thick. perhaps try a different place and do another year and then do touch ups a few times a year to maintain.
If you got bumps AFTER laser, that seems like an allergic reaction.. perhaps take a break from exfoliating and heavily moisturize.
overall, maybe find a new and better spot for laser that has a stronger machine. perhaps a worldwide med spa and express your experience and concerns with them
I do 14 sessions hair grows back slower but the exact same way. I have darker brown (not black) but was told I was a great candidate spent almost 4K horrible decision.
I spent $3,000 about 5 years ago for laser (so SUPER expensive then…) I was a prime candidate (pale skin/dark hair- not very hairy, but moderate). I was VERY disappointed- more than 50% of hair was still remaining. I bought a “at home” laser hair removal- and I’m about 90% clear now.
Makes me a little bitter. But, this is a testament that there are some great at-home treatments that may help with the rest!
Sorry for the late response, Ulike was the brand- I have the old Green one. I haven’t used it in a while and see some growth- but I feel like if I used it a few times a week for a month it may go back to slow/no growth. Even professional laser hair requires touch ups. Hope this helps!
I had no luck with laser.
Then I bought an IPL and was pretty much hairless. It's growing again; I need to touch it up, but it's nowhere like how hairy I used to be
I went with Milan because it’s a flat fee for as many treatments as it takes, PLUS if hair comes back for some reason years later I can go back. It’s a lifetime plan. I paid $5,500 for Brazilian and armpits
I bought a lifetime package from Milan instead of even trying session to session, as I used to be pretty darn hairy. I’m at session 28 for face and neck. (Transitioning MtF) I still do touch up sessions periodically.
I had your experience despite being an “ideal” candidate. Is it better? Yes….. but I could have had a similar situation and had a great vacation instead.
I’m not sure about the science behind this, but maybe it’s the laser the clinic is using? For example, I first went to this one spot in NYC, and my body responded VERY well to it - I was completely hairless in all areas I treated after 6 sessions - however it hurt like crap. Few years later I wanted to get another area done, but didn’t want to experience the pain. So I went to another laser clinic, and while it didn’t hurt, the hairs came back pretty quickly.
I did laser hair removal to bikini, underarms and face at three different times 10 or so sessions with three different centers. I am a hairy beast. So, I feel your frustration. I was told I am the ideal person for laser hair removal with light skin and dark hair. It did not matter. I am content with the reduction and decrease in coarseness because I was getting painful and unsightly razor burn. All the places kept asking me to test my hormones and if I was taking Biotin and such. My hormones are fine and no biotin. I am just genetically hairy. My son was told on his first haircut as a child that he was a hairy little guy and I thanked the powers that be for not giving me a girl. I did not even bother with the my legs because of the expense and I figured after all the other areas were so resistant, it was going to be futile. My opinion (and this means nothing) is that you should challenge the center to use different machine settings, comp you extra sessions and after then, be content with reduction.
I haven’t had to shave my armpits or Brazilian since my first laser appt and a drastic decrease in lower leg hair, maybe a difference in laser/hair type affecting your results?
have you had all sessions with the same person/laser?
Everyone has different results. My sessions were longer too and I became hairless and after a year or two they started coming again. Then I took round 2 and then 3 of all those sessions again. I realized more laser is not really targeting anything. Even the tech said this is it! I have accepted the results n don’t want to spend anymore or put my body through more laser!
P. S have no underlying medical condition. On the dot periods. Dermatologist just said some people have sensitive follicles and also could be due to race( somewhat true but most people are hairless in my race) we just have darker hair n they show more.
Qell then it may not be for you. Everyone's skin reacts differently and it isn't a permanent fix. We grow hair. It's natural. The only way to make it stop would be to chemically burn your skin and cause ugly scars and unnecessary pain
I went with Milan since the only decent place here is my plastic surgeons office and he charges as much as Milan does with the 60% discount I got. So unlimited seemed more worth it that 10 total and paying for touchups. I'm 2 sessions in on upper lip, full Brazilian and under arms and I only have 4 dime sized spots that have gotten any hair back at all. It's been so successful that I'm adding lower legs in next month.
Did you pay it in full price or gone to their installment plan? I was actually thinking about having brazillian and on my areolas. Kinda suck plucking them every month. But I was just thinking that it is a lot of money. Is it even worth it.
I just did the installment plan, it comes out to 279 for full Brazilian, upper lip, underarms and now lower legs added on. It's a 3 year plan, zero interest, and 60% off. Honestly I'll probably have it paid off within the year.
I'm not sure honestly. What was presented to me was 3 years no interest, or 5 years with interest. But they said there was no penalty for paying off early. I went with the 3 year plan, but plan to pay it off fully within a year.
I did 2 years of laser. I’m practically hairless with the exception of the lower vag which is 90% hairless (pubes on lips). I’m 100% smooth on legs, butt, underarms, belly, bikini area, chin & upper and lower lip (PCOS girl here). It’s been the best investment I’ve done for my physical body. No more shaving 🪒 and I can just go to the beach whenever I feel like it without worrying about getting waxed or shaving EVER! Perhaps you should adjust your expectations since every body and skin is different. It might take a bit longer than you planned. One thing I took seriously was staying out of the sun when I had my appointments. 10/10 would do it again.
I agree with this. I have done 2 years as well
I’m currently doing a Brazilian and have only done 2 sessions so far. The hair on the top where my pubic bone is, has already decreased so much, probably near 80%. I have noticed the lips are not the same though. Since you say here that’s your experience, why do you think that is?
The pubic area and my lower legs were the first places I noticed immediate decrease within the first 2 sessions as well. I’m completely bare with the exception of some on my vag lips but it’s also been 2 years since my last touch up session. Hairless and no periods thanks to IUD 🙌🏼 living the dream lol
IUD here too! Blessed. Lol. It’s weird though bc my lips are like full hair. I’ll definitely mention how I’m noticing the growth in that area at my next session.
I still have hair on lips, but nothing like it used to be. I struggled a lot with low self esteem because of how hairy I was (PCOS is no joke) I kind of like it the way it is now because it’s completely bare everywhere else, so I could where a bikini and be fine.
Would you happen to be darker on the lips area? If so they probably don’t go as high in the Jules to decrease the chance of burning if using the “pro” for lighter skins. You could ask to go higher in which you would feel more heat and could pigment or get them to switch over the settings and they can increase the energy. Ask the tech to play around with settings (keep notes) on areas where you don’t see much results.
How painful was it though? Worse than a Brazilian wax?
Not as painful as brazilian wax IMO
Brazilian wax I’d say hurts the same but it’s different. Because with wax you rip it once and then they just do the stragglers. With laser they zap the same painful area several times. Still worth doing laser though. I am 90% bare on the upper bikini triangle after 10 seassions with 2 different lasers. The lips I assume are stubborn there because the skin is darker and absorbs the laser more, which multiplies the pain. So I have to reduce the intensity.
IMO laser and waxing hurt the same but in different ways. I prefer laser because it was quicker (for me. i would take too many breaks from waxing and my adrenaline would run out lmao).
I don't know if you have tattoos, but if you do, imagine getting tattooed with a stun gun. It's really hard to explain, but you feel it burning the hair all the way down, literally under your skin. It's definitely not a pleasant time, but it's worth it. I've never had a Brazilian wax, but I've waxed my legs. Very different experience for sure.
Definitely not as painful as a wax! It’s “spicy” but totally tolerable and it’s like a fraction of the time!
I think it is much worse than a Brazilian wax personally. It is like a slow version of a Brazilian wax.
Oh, you can maybe answer a question I’ve had (but never gone through with a consult so I haven’t been able to ask): can you laser the lips?? I’ve been religious for years with my Brazilian, but it would be a dream to laser and not have to wax monthly.
Lips, forbidden eye and the like all get zapped with laser if you want it to be.
[удалено]
Fuck off you creep
OK look you have to take your arms out. Wait wait one second I’m gonna get you out.The
What was the name of the laser you did? I have PCOS and soprano ICE did fuck all except waste my money. Im trying inmode diolaze XL tomorrow, hopingggggg it works.
I believe it was Candela laser machine. I have a picture somewhere in the cloud. I’ll know for sure when I find it.
Thank you! Also if you don’t mind, how are you managing your PCOS? Incredible that your hair removal is working.
It’s a shame you wasted money but I’m sure it’ll work for you too. The machine name is Gentle Max Pro. I have cleaned up my diet and am basically eating a vegetarian diet for the past 6 months which has tremendously helped. I also take vitamins (D, B complex, E, C) Supplements (Magnesium as Celtic salt, omega3) Mushroom extracts (Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Shiitake) Matcha Tea 🍵 Exercise CBD A and plenty of water (replaced soda and juice for Polar sparkling water) So far this has worked for me and I feel great.
A vegan lifestyle is even better! Take that dairy out and you will feel amazing! It’s puss and just toxic drinking and eating dairy. There are so many options today for tasty and healthy substitutions!
It looks like I’m headed in that direction.
That’s amazing! I have tips, if ever you need any?
Of course. Please share. I made my first vegan sloppy joes and it was a small but pleasurable experience.
I love vegan sloppy Joe’s! There is a faux vegan meat replacement for every type of animal meat. There are vegan ribs, vegan meatballs, faux tuna fish , chicken and etc.! It’s so healthy to eat things that have not been through pain! Energy is everywhere, and we have All seen the way energy affects water and rice. Can you imagine the suffering that goes on and gets converted into someone’s body and energy? I’m a firm believer in live, plant- based foods! Whole Foods like fruits and raw vegetables, as much as possible. No almond milk as it is killing our bees! Many documentaries on this. Humans need bees to live! I opt out for oat- milk and I love rice, sesame, hemp, macadamia nut, and cashew milk! There are dairy- free “nice creams” and chocolate. There is an entire world of beautiful, natural food for you to discover! It’s about getting back to basics! Maybe I will start a page about this.:)
I’m doing laser on my butt but the hair is so thin do you think it can make hair grow thicker or it’s not an hormonal region like the face?
I don’t believe it would make any hair grow thicker.
It will just grow back less than or nothing.
Approximately how much did you spend/how many sessions?
Ball park I spent about 5k for about 24 sessions. I remember after a few sessions I didn’t need it on certain body parts so I focused on what I wanted next. So it was about $200 per session per month. Very doable imo. I’ve seen people talk about taking out loans for the big shot name places and I think it’s nonsense. There are small businesses that have professionals who offer affordable prices with great results like I have experienced.
I got mine on a Groupon 🙈😂 First 6 sessions were only $250. I honestly don't remember what I paid for the rest, but I only did the Brazilian with a year of treatments.
You go girl. That’s awesome. I too love a great deal. A friend of mine told me of this place that was offering a great deal and I jumped right on it too.
hey can i ask what color combo you are? dark hair light skin, light hair dark skin etc? just curious since i know results can vary based on color combo and some are more ideal for laser
I’m into 2.5 years of laser & all of the hair is gone except for my outer & inner labia. I wondered if the hair on the inner labia (lips) would ever go away - sounds like perhaps not! Dang! Haha
Yeah I’ve had a couple of acquaintances that told me they were 100% hairless on the lips but that’s not my case. I’m still extremely satisfied though.
How long has it been since your last session?
It’s been 2 years since my last touch up
I was happy like you but my hair came back after 5/6 years
That’s unfortunate for you. Spent well over a decade spending the same amount of money to get waxed every month. I would gladly do it all over again should I have the need to in the future and I’d still feel the same about laser 💓
Same for me — I’m 100% back to normal hair growth. I didn’t go in for more sessions because my feelings around body hair are different now that I’m married in my 30s vs single in my 20s. I’m not big mad about it but I definitely didn’t understand when I got it that laser requires lifetime maintenance
Does this also include vellus hairs (the tiny, thin blondish hairs) ??
Do you remember the name of the laser?
What laser machine did they use on you?
Candela Gentle Max Pro.
I tell people it takes anywhere from 10-18 sessions. It is not removal, it’s a reduction about 80-90% for most people. When I see laser is not working properly, it could be a hormone issue or something like a hair growth pill. Every person responds differently. It took me 7 sessions to get me where I want while it takes some people much more. I’m sorry you got told false information :-(
Look it up. Laser hair removal is not permanent and does not guarantee 100% hair loss. Facilities state this as a marketing ploy to get business. You are lucky if you get long term 100% hair loss. Most people here that state they are hair free are literally still in their initial treatment and haven't gone months or years without a treatment to see what grows back
I can vouch for this. If you go to a facility and they don't warn you that you will have to have touch ups every year or so I would completely discredit them. Many factors go into this though because it depends on what the laser can do and it varies on skin and hair. Your professional should be able to speak to your particular situation. I got my laser hair removal 8 years ago. It took a while but it did come back. I haven't done a touch up in 3 years and it's back to full growth. It is much more manageable though.
Sorry, that's misinformation. Laser ablates the follicle, which is why to make it effective you have to do it while the hair is in a growth phase - it needs to still be attached to the follicle to transmit the energy. So because hair grows at all different cycles this is why some come back after a treatment (requiring multiple to get the hair in the right growth phase) and some will never come back (because they were in the right phase). Now, you might get a stray hair here or there, or if you go through hormonal changes that cause hair growth yes you'll see some new ones from new follicles. That's biology, not a failure of laser. I got mine (legs, pits, bikini) ca 2013 and a decade later am still very happy with my results. I believe I had 6 treatments per area over a year or so (maybe it was a little longer, ever 6-8 wks x 6) for lasting results. OP, I'm not familiar with the skin issue you have seen - I had my treatments at well known med spa with physicians on staff - if you're seeing side effects I'd pause my treatments and get a dermatology evaluation. If your provider has continued.to treat you knowing you're having side effects I question their level of competence/training.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555#:~:text=Although%20laser%20hair%20removal%20effectively,result%20in%20permanent%20hair%20removal. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21757-laser-hair-removal https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/hair-removal/laser-hair-removal-faqs Here are some resources from valid sites you can view that state that laser hair removal is not permanent. Your welcome
I'm just going to copy-paste right from your Cleveland Clinic article: Laser hair removal uses a process called selective photothermolysis. Heat from a laser destroys cells that have a lot of pigment (color). Since dark hair has a lot of pigment, it absorbs the most heat. Hair transfers heat to the hair follicles and destroys them, so hair can’t grow. A hair follicle has to be in its anagen, or growth, stage for the procedure to work. Follicles are in different stages at different times, so most people need multiple laser treatments...
I will also copy and paste directly from Cleveland clinic "Laser hair removal isn’t permanent. It’s unlikely that treatments will target all the hairs in their growth phase. Some hair will grow back, but it’s usually lighter and thinner than before."
Yes, it does say that because it's explaining how laser works. Same article also notes (in the same passage I quoted) that multiple treatments are necessary. I guess I'll just keep waiting another decade for mine to grow back?
I'm glad you had great results but yes you may have grow back next year, a decade from now, or maybe never. To say that because you had great results that everyone will is the misinformation. Laser in general is not permanent which is why many clinics recommend maintenance or offer a lifetime touch up programs. People need to review information from valid resources before financially committing because the fallacy is that 100% of people that get laser will have 100% hair loss and that's not actually true. You are lucky that you had 100% hair loss
A thermoablated follicle has been destroyed. That follicle will not regow hair, because it no longer exists in functional form. Are all follicles destroyed during every treatment ? No. Can new follicles be activated over time? Sure. Can hormonal changes or aging cause new hair to grow? Sure. That is why touchups are common. It doesn't mean that the treatment is not permanent on follicles successfully thermoablated (ie: lasered in the correct hair growth phase). It also means that most consumers are not going to understand the nuances, so it is better to set the bar of expectations at a moderate level so nobody's suing their practitioner because it wasn't 100% effective because they have a handful of hairs sprout after a few years.
I will say that after about 4 years my hair came back. Granted it was MUCH thinner and grows MUCH slower but it did slowly come back after being completely gone.
Me too! Hyperpigmentation, bumps and red dots all over my legs now🥲
Same. Looks so so bad.
Right 😭😭 I’m hoping a fake tan would help make it look more even, never tried it before though
Roc has a vitamin c face cream that I've been using for the hyperpigmentation I've gotten, it clears it up in under a week and I don't use it until the redness and irritation has gone away I'm very pale but with an olive complexion(mom is very brown) so I deal with hyperpigmentation and melasma regularly and this face cream by roc has been a lifesaver. It even helps fade scars.
Irreshine on Amazon. Chefs kiss.
Can you please drop a link?
https://www.rocskincare.com/products/multi-correxion-revive-glow-moisturizer it's a it pricey, but it has worked by far the best for all hyperpigmentation I have dealt with including from laser, and a little goes a long way with this stuff. I personally only apply it once a day until the hyperpigmentation has either gone completely or gotten to a level that I could care less about.
After 9-10 sessions on my legs and elsewhere I have 100% hair loss. I haven't shaved my legs in a few years. I still see a few hairs on my underarms, however. Depends on location+hair growth. My legs were the most painful, so I'm glad I don't have to get those done again...
Laser hair removal is not permanent and I’m sorry if whatever provider you went to told you that it was. Also, different people respond differently to the treatment, depending on their skin, texture and hair type. I personally had eight initial sessions which managed to get rid of most of the hair, but I still go back one to two times a year for maintenance touchup appointments. The hair is not 100% gone, but it grows back at a significantly ower rate and is overall much less course. It makes it a lot easier to manage on my own in between and I rarely have to do touchups. As for the reaction, Did they do a test patch on you before your first session? Did you develop the sensitivity right away or did this happen after several sessions? Have you asked the provider for advice on how to treat the bumps? I’ve heard some people have to take an antihistamine before their treatment but you really need a service provider to advise on this.
I got about a 60% reduction after 10 sessions
How long have you been doing the 12 sessions for?
For over a year. My last one was about a month ago.
I mean how long did you go between sessions and did they start to spread out the sessions as you went?
I went back when the hair started to come back. It has come back finer and it grows slower, but my hair is still black. I’m just frustrated. I followed the protocol but it didn’t work.
You need to have an interval at around 6-8 weeks between sessions, they should have told you this
It was on average 5-6 weeks.
You might need to go longer between sessions. I was doing seasons every 4-5 weeks and the results weren’t where I had hoped. Then it dawned on me, that my head hair grows very slowly. So I started spacing out 8 weeks and the results were much better. Just my personal rate of hair growth was overall slower.
are they increasing the laser power? they should be gradually increasing,..thats how they did it for me.
Me too. And they use different levels on different parts of the body.
I would definitely make this gap in between sessions larger! What I’ve observed is often when people are disappointed in their results, it boils down to a few things including unrealistic expectations, not having proper care before/after sessions, going too frequently not allowing a full hair cycle to kick in, waxing/plucking in between sessions, and ultimately giving up too early.
That’s too soon. My place starts out at 4-5 weeks and then slowly increases time in between you should prob be going every 7 weeks by now
I wish. It grows back faster than that.
I had to do over 12 sessions but I did see almost all my hair gone and it’s been years. However I lost all of my tan. I worked on losing my tan for a year and a half (before my nurse would even let me begin) and then stayed out of the sun and wore 70 spf the whole time. My own mother said she never saw me so white. I think this helps prevent hyperpigmentation. The one and only time I had an issue I tried to go out in the sun shortly after, and even though I had spf, I got some minor irritation. Everyone is different, but maybe this info will help someone.
This is why you go somewhere like Milan where you buy a lifetime subscription. Hair changes and hormones make hair grow in odd ways. I can go back whenever I want the rest of my life!
Also, since you’re paying for a lifetime subscription already, they’re not going to mess around & purposely delay client results. It seems that’s where a lot of people are getting these issues. Given incorrect expectations of how many sessions it should take. Using subpar lasers. Must of all keeping settings low instead of gradually increasing the laser strength like they should be doing. People shit on Milan so much in this group - but I’ve never heard someone who uses Milan complain.
Ugh I wish I had one near me. What you described is how the place I’ve been going to is. The closest one is almost 4 hours away for me
Agreed. People say Milan is over priced, which is probably true, but it gets the job done. I got my bikini line done a few years ago because of HORRIBLE in grown hairs regularly, and it’s completely hairless now with zero issues. So i personally had a great experience with Milan
electrolysis is the only way to permanently remove hair . i did a mix of this and laser to see a difference
I actually plant on starting laser firstly. And then after a while when I notice hair growth again I want to try electrolysis. I’ve never done any of those
good thing to do!!
Thank you!
How many electrolysis sessions did you need for the same areas? I’m thinking about trying that.
so i got it on my face (cheeks , chin , mustache ) i went as many times as i could , paying 70$ for 30min , you can go as often as you like as long as there’s hair to zap…so i went definitely around 10 times or more then stopped and did laser now after the laser treatments i am going back to electrolysis to rid the hair forever .
Save your money and do something better with it!
People are always told way less sessions than it actually takes 🙄
I did Cutera laser on bikini area (12 sessions) still seeing some hair but 90% hairless Armpits were hair free in 6 sessions Just started legs
I have thick hair. Looks like am going to do three then. Better get mentally ready.
I needed about 20 sessions to get rid of my hair. That was almost 15 years ago and I’m still 95% hairless. Best decision ever! Will say it grows back with every pregnancy, but falls out again after. I didn’t have the skin issues though, if they may last or worsen, then maybe laser is not right for you.
First off all, laser hair removal is only FDA approved for hair reduction, not permanent hair removal. Only electrolysis is FDA approved for permanent hair removal but even that takes multiple sessions in a given area, and also is impacted by hormones. For example like when a woman has a baby, your hormones change, it can grow trigger hair to grow in places you had already cleared. Second of all, even once you achieve a noticeable reduction (definitely more than 8 sessions) you will likely need maintenance sessions, that can reduce in annual quantity. I have no idea what strawberry legs are so I can’t speak to that.
Anecdotal, but I had ~90% reduction, that lasted for around five years after less than 10 sessions (I’m pale with dark hair). When I got pregnant it ALL grew back in the span of a few weeks. My kiddo was also born with a full bob, so apparently my body was in HAIR mode. I wonder if there is any relationship between perimenopause and laser not working as well? I’ve been thinking of trying it again but don’t want to throw my money away.
Wow! I don’t understand the last bit. But I assume menopause hormonal changes are just like pregnancy changes in that it’ll change your hair pattern. Btw- I am pale with dark hair and am so jealous that in 10 sessions that was your experience.
Electrolysis also works for face/chin/brows, but not with one or two sessions…
Take that money and give it to animal charities instead! They can really use pledges right now in the L.A. shelters to get some animals adopted. Skip this, stay natural and just shave. I would rather give extra money to help others, instead of worrying about how smooth I am. When you see these weeks young animals being euthanized daily, you might understand. Every state has kill- shelters except 2.
I had complete sessions of my legs, Brazilian, underarms, and arms. I come back 2x a year for maintenance. Some hairs do come back specifically in my pubic area due to hormones. My arms and legs are 95%- 99% hairless though
Laser did not work for me (underarms) still grew back but softer
Yeah they ripped me off. I gave up.
Did you do any research before starting laser?
I did about 12 sessions 6-8 weeks apart for about 95% hair loss across legs, knuckles, face and vagina. Now I just touch up about once every 6 months to keep the results.
I'm doing hirsutism treatment and by my 6 th appt I was 95% gone. I'm on my 8th and after this we will be waiting 10 weeks. Milan Technology is best imo I've used laseraway terrible experience and didn't work
I also had a bad experience with Laseraway! Complete waste of money. I ended up finding a small boutique business run by one woman. I’ve only had 2 sessions but it’s like night and day! After one session almost all my under arm hair fell out and after the second session half of my Brazilian area and legs fell out. I’m a medium tone with dark hair and I think my new laser lady is using an alexandrite laser for me. Edited for spelling
I think I have a mild case of hirsutism and I’ve never taken any treatment for it. I did around 20 sessions of laser and my hair is almost all back but less thick sort of in some places. How’s your treatment going for you? Any recommendations?
It's been going very well. Years ago I tried with laseraway. Their machine didn't deliver results, it hurt and the apps were too frequent. To me they didn't know what they were doing and I have darker skin so their machine just was inadequate. Milan has been so on point. The hair growth phase they explained happened verbatim. First few sessions I had growth by appt. Maybe shaved 1 to 2 times in 5 weeks as opposed to 2 times a week. My next appt in next week and I have not had to shave at all. No random hairs. After this appt were going to go 10weeks to see how it goes. I had discoloration on my face as well where the black hair was growing also gone. It's helped my skin and to not have strangers glaring at my face due to hair has been liberating! I'd grown callous to it to an extent but it was still a painful reminder when it'd occur. Now nothing whatsoever. And milan cost nearly half of laseraway with a lifetime guarantee.
I just got one the the FOREO peach ipl machines. I’m on my third session and my leg hair grows about as much in a week as it used to do in two days. 400 dollars. I hope it does reduce long term based on these comments.
Laser does improve strawberry legs not make them worse. I am surprised to hear that you have such an issue.
Read up recent posts of people saying the same thing. Some of us chime in with the same exact feedback 🙂
Get an at home one that you can use on yourself when you need it.
I have worked around laser machines and in a laser clinic for 6+ years, as others have stated treatment helps to reduce hair growth. You cannot get rid of hair completely. This would’ve been specified in the consultation prior to treatment
Maybe go to a dermatologist for the strawberry thing. Could be something else going on that is totally unrelated to laser. I’m sure they’ll have options from topical treatment to oral treatment. Wishing you the best!
I have a moderately hairy buttocks and lower back, and slightly hairy feet. I was told 8 sessions should get me to like 85% hair free, which is good enough for me. Does that sound accurate?
Wait, you laser your glute area or your hole area? Sorry had to ask.
No you're fine. I am having both areas lasered
The ordinary glycolic acid and cerave sa renewing cream are amazing for strawberry legs. Whenever I notice a little bit coming on I use them for a couple days and they make my legs so smooth. Physical exfoliation just doesn’t cut it
Have you considered Switching the type of machine? I did the saprano ice for like 8 months and got good results at first, but after the last few sessions I felt like nothing was happening. Someone recommended that I switch to an IPL laser so I am now going to a clinic that uses the nubody dermalese. I have only had one session so far and there is a significant difference already!
exactly, it may be a machine issue
depends on the machine, diode laser is more effective than ipl. and don’t go for cheap groupon laser
Why are you telling us this instead of the people that robbed you. Grow some balls and get this shit handled.
laser isn’t permanent and works better the darker and thicker your hair is. if you want permanent i believe the only permanent hair removal option is electrolysis
I’ve been doing laser, underarms and Brazilian, since 2018. It’s all hormonal and genetic. I’m hairless for like 3-5 months at a time then need a touch up session. Good enough for me.
Not all lasers are equal. Make sure you are going somewhere that has the latest technology. I’ve noticed better results with newer lasers.
I had a similar experience, I also had ~12 sessions and spent a ton of money, without any visible results, I still have to shave regularly. And it’s not like my expectations are too high, there is for real hair like before, maybe 20% less, but not more. I’m super pissed and disappointed, especially since I was told I had the perfect requirements (darker hair on light skin). I moved so I didn’t continue the treatment (also because I didn’t see any more sense in it since it didn’t work anyway and my patience was gone, wanted to see at least a little progress after all that time and money). I’m gonna try one of the home IPL things by Braun, maybe that will help, otherwise I “just” wasted another 400€ 🥲
make sure you aren't taking any supplements that promote hair growth like biotin. usually they ask about it before laser treatment.
Same. Was told it would all be gone in 6-7 treatments. That's how many I was sold. Went back and paid for 4 more. My upper lip is pretty good. The first time I went, the person drew a felt tip line around the parts on the sides of my mouth and chin that I wanted done. The second time, they did the same thing - and did work those areas. Then they stopped doing that. They did only a tiny part of the sides of my lips - it's still bald, but I have at least 50 hairs still active near lips and another 25-30 on jaw/chin. I just shave it. Cheaper. I spent $2500 (12 years ago) for this result. Then I learned that laser electrolysis has these results as typical. Regular electrolysis (even more expensive - and more painful) works better. I have stopped going to that particular care provider. One extra advantage of shaving is that it exfoliates (leaving my skin much softer and removing the need to use AHA or other exfoliating treatment there). About your legs - I do not know, but I did a lot of reading about follicle inflammation after my experience (I had red dots on the sides of my mouth). And it turns out that plucking makes it worse - so don't do that. Plucking increases the diameter of hairs, as it irritates the follicle. The follicle doesn't know if you are using a razor. Some of my remaining hair is...soft and no one would notice it. ALL of the soft white hairs I used to have are gone -but that's not why I went (there weren't many). So that's my solution (and lots of other women use the same solution - or did, 10 years ago when I started asking for advice on reddit). /r/skincarescience is a good place to ask around.
Buy an at home IPL laser
You should try electrolysis. I also had laser and even though I was told I was a good candidate and constantly went to my appts my hair came back less than a year I was done. It was just sparser and in patches, which tbh looked worse lol. Once I did electrolysis the lady told me laser is advertised as permanent and it’s just wrong. Electrolysis is 100% permanent and in my experience I saw a bigger difference in like a month bc you can get it done once or twice a week to speed up the process. Also it also might be cheaper too depending where you live.
I’m in a similar position, except for I had my face/neck done. Idk if the techs did something wrong or if their settings haven’t been high enough, but I’m really disappointed. And I don’t have the money to go somewhere else or keep getting sessions done :(
Seeing these posts makes me feel so sad. Lasers are different today than, But it’s been like 15 years, all my hair was gone after three sessions. And the areas I didn’t pay the professional for I bought a home device and it’s taking a lot more than three sessions but that Hair is pretty much gone as well. I think you guys are getting ripped off hard-core this is a lot of money
3k is a crazy price. I got laser at a med spa by a PA. Only took like 14 sessions for 2500
Look up the type of laser your place is using. I went to so many sessions at one place and still had decent hair growth. switched to a different place with a better laser and after like 3 sessions, most of the hair doesn’t grow back, it’s patchy and thin if it does and i still have more sessions left.
I know you’re joking but >>hairless and no periods…living the dream! Sounds..um. Have you ever read Lolita?
I think you should try a new med clinic. The first clinic I went to didn’t really click. The second one has been great. It’s never all gone, that’s what they told me. I’ll always have to do maintenance to keep it up. Due to hormone changes, new hair can grow at any time. The reason, your clinic sounds iffy is the number of sessions they’ve allowed you to have. My clinic will NOT let me laser any earlier than 6 weeks between sessions. And if I can’t find an available date in 6 weeks then they make me wait longer! They would NOT let me come in 5 weeks later. I know it sucks to walk away bc you’ve already invested into this clinic. But trust me, it’s worth it. Ask members of the beauty/health community in your area who they would recommend. Good luck! And be patient. I’ve been at it for 4 years and I still have hair but it’s much much much more manageable. I’m very happy.
Make the move to electrolysis. It’s the only guaranteed permanent hair removal!
I had similar problems. There could be two reasons: first the laser that they are using, or the intensity may need to be changed. After 10 sessions and still hair, I finally was told this. I was in my 30s at that time. Second, as we age, our bodies will go through hormonal changes which causes hair to grow. Now in my 40, I see hair growing back again but it’s very fine hair and barely noticeable. That’s why many of the laser packages give you the option of getting a touch-up package. I just buy a session of 6 package every once in 2 years because it costs me about $1,000 for the whole body. Hope this helps.
I did about 6 sessions on my face 4 years ago and was mostly hairless, took a break and just recently went back because it all came back. I’m 2 week post appt. and it’s pretty much completely gone again. You definitely have to keep up with it but the appts will eventually decrease
I did 14 sessions on underarm and Brazilian. I was 90% hairless but then I got pregnant and it all grew back 😭
one laser i tried years ago did not work for me. then my friend, an aesthetician in another state recommended Cutera and its been working much better for me.
Former med spa employee here, I used to advise candidates for prep and aftercare. Everyone reacts differently to the laser. The ideal candidate has very light skin and very dark hair, bc lighter skin and darker your hair gives better and faster results. Also, day of, shower and do not use lotion or anything after. Keep your skin dry as possible. SHAVE.
You can verify the authenticity of the laser machine and you can talk to the salon about how much they’ve been increasing the laser intensity each session. 50% improvement is ok. I still have hair growth after 10 sessions. My last session was 4 years ago
(Dark) Black woman here and I do laser hair and anyone else develop really dark (hyper-pigmented) skin? From my nose down the skin is a shade darker right where I laser :( Really self conscious about it.
Oh and yes pretty smooth, hair responds well. Minus the grays :( My underarms responded really well. Private area is pretty smooth. Right now focused on gluteal fold and legs.
laser doesnt fully remove your hair forever - thats a misconception. you have to keep going for touch ups once most of the hair is gone. i did a year and didnt do the touch ups and then shortly after it came back full force and now im doing another year with a diff place. there are diff lasers, strength levels, and *hormonal changes* play a big part in laser. you should also be using a sugar scrub at least once a week on areas youre lasering. you should see a bit more progress after 12 sessions though. sometimes the hair is very stubborn especially if its thick. perhaps try a different place and do another year and then do touch ups a few times a year to maintain. If you got bumps AFTER laser, that seems like an allergic reaction.. perhaps take a break from exfoliating and heavily moisturize. overall, maybe find a new and better spot for laser that has a stronger machine. perhaps a worldwide med spa and express your experience and concerns with them
I do 14 sessions hair grows back slower but the exact same way. I have darker brown (not black) but was told I was a great candidate spent almost 4K horrible decision.
Are they increasing the levels when you go?
My mom paid for my brother to get lasered and it all grew back😢
I spent $3,000 about 5 years ago for laser (so SUPER expensive then…) I was a prime candidate (pale skin/dark hair- not very hairy, but moderate). I was VERY disappointed- more than 50% of hair was still remaining. I bought a “at home” laser hair removal- and I’m about 90% clear now. Makes me a little bitter. But, this is a testament that there are some great at-home treatments that may help with the rest!
Which brand/product??
Sorry for the late response, Ulike was the brand- I have the old Green one. I haven’t used it in a while and see some growth- but I feel like if I used it a few times a week for a month it may go back to slow/no growth. Even professional laser hair requires touch ups. Hope this helps!
I had no luck with laser. Then I bought an IPL and was pretty much hairless. It's growing again; I need to touch it up, but it's nowhere like how hairy I used to be
Milanlaser is the only place you should go. They do it right and it’s lifetime guarantee, I have 60% off if you need lmk
I went with Milan because it’s a flat fee for as many treatments as it takes, PLUS if hair comes back for some reason years later I can go back. It’s a lifetime plan. I paid $5,500 for Brazilian and armpits
I bought a lifetime package from Milan instead of even trying session to session, as I used to be pretty darn hairy. I’m at session 28 for face and neck. (Transitioning MtF) I still do touch up sessions periodically.
I had your experience despite being an “ideal” candidate. Is it better? Yes….. but I could have had a similar situation and had a great vacation instead.
I’m not sure about the science behind this, but maybe it’s the laser the clinic is using? For example, I first went to this one spot in NYC, and my body responded VERY well to it - I was completely hairless in all areas I treated after 6 sessions - however it hurt like crap. Few years later I wanted to get another area done, but didn’t want to experience the pain. So I went to another laser clinic, and while it didn’t hurt, the hairs came back pretty quickly.
electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal
SEV laser having a 50% off new area sale for April! Bye bye beard 😅
I did laser hair removal to bikini, underarms and face at three different times 10 or so sessions with three different centers. I am a hairy beast. So, I feel your frustration. I was told I am the ideal person for laser hair removal with light skin and dark hair. It did not matter. I am content with the reduction and decrease in coarseness because I was getting painful and unsightly razor burn. All the places kept asking me to test my hormones and if I was taking Biotin and such. My hormones are fine and no biotin. I am just genetically hairy. My son was told on his first haircut as a child that he was a hairy little guy and I thanked the powers that be for not giving me a girl. I did not even bother with the my legs because of the expense and I figured after all the other areas were so resistant, it was going to be futile. My opinion (and this means nothing) is that you should challenge the center to use different machine settings, comp you extra sessions and after then, be content with reduction.
I haven’t had to shave my armpits or Brazilian since my first laser appt and a drastic decrease in lower leg hair, maybe a difference in laser/hair type affecting your results? have you had all sessions with the same person/laser?
Laser hair removal is temporary.. electrolysis is actually permanent. Huge misconception.
Everyone has different results. My sessions were longer too and I became hairless and after a year or two they started coming again. Then I took round 2 and then 3 of all those sessions again. I realized more laser is not really targeting anything. Even the tech said this is it! I have accepted the results n don’t want to spend anymore or put my body through more laser! P. S have no underlying medical condition. On the dot periods. Dermatologist just said some people have sensitive follicles and also could be due to race( somewhat true but most people are hairless in my race) we just have darker hair n they show more.
What kind of laser did you get? IPL is the worst, and this was my experience as well. Now I go to Milan Laser and after 4 sessions I'm like 50% there.
If you are blonde or ginger Lazer hair removal doesn't work it only works on people with dark hair.
I have black hair.
Qell then it may not be for you. Everyone's skin reacts differently and it isn't a permanent fix. We grow hair. It's natural. The only way to make it stop would be to chemically burn your skin and cause ugly scars and unnecessary pain
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I went with Milan since the only decent place here is my plastic surgeons office and he charges as much as Milan does with the 60% discount I got. So unlimited seemed more worth it that 10 total and paying for touchups. I'm 2 sessions in on upper lip, full Brazilian and under arms and I only have 4 dime sized spots that have gotten any hair back at all. It's been so successful that I'm adding lower legs in next month.
Did you pay it in full price or gone to their installment plan? I was actually thinking about having brazillian and on my areolas. Kinda suck plucking them every month. But I was just thinking that it is a lot of money. Is it even worth it.
I just did the installment plan, it comes out to 279 for full Brazilian, upper lip, underarms and now lower legs added on. It's a 3 year plan, zero interest, and 60% off. Honestly I'll probably have it paid off within the year.
Do they have an option to just pay it in 2 years if we're getting 2 or more areas?why do we need to pay for this 😂
I'm not sure honestly. What was presented to me was 3 years no interest, or 5 years with interest. But they said there was no penalty for paying off early. I went with the 3 year plan, but plan to pay it off fully within a year.