Laser Hair Removal Q&A

If you’re thinking about laser hair removal, if it works, if it hurts, if it’s worth the price, or other questions, this post is for you! I’m sharing all about my experience.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL Q&A

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal reduces hair by using a laser light beam to target individual hair follicles. It damages them to inhibit future hair growth without damaging the surrounding skin. Since not all of your hair follicles develop at the same time, multiple sessions are scheduled 6 weeks apart to ensure all of the hair follicles are treated, and each session takes anywhere from 30 to 120 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.

Where did you go?

I go to A Younger You MedSpa in Burlington, WI. (They also have a location in Brookfield.) It is in a beautiful setting, the staff is super friendly and professional, and Carol who does my laser hair removal has been really great and knowledgable! Read more about the MedSpa in this post.

How many treatments? 

I got a package of six treatments for the best results. They recommend a minimum of six to see results, with six weeks in between each session. And when you buy a package, any additional treatments you want to add afterwards are at the discounted rate you paid for the package! I am currently three treatments into hair removal on my legs.

Is it permanent or is routine maintenance needed?

It’s going to depend on the individual and also the laser that’s used, but it’s designed to be permanent. If you are going to a place with low quality lasers, you won’t see the same long term results. I’ve heard that your hormones can affect it over time though — including pregnancy. But again, if you have a high quality laser and techs that know what they’re doing, you’re going to get better long term results.

How many sessions for results?

They recommend six, but it’s going to depend on your hair. A Younger You offers a free consult and will talk you through it and answer all your questions.

Is it painful?

I’ll be honest, is isn’t pain free. It also depends on what part of your body. But it’s quick and 100% worth it (it is killing hair follicles after all!) You can request numbing lotion prior to your appointment too. I feel it the most around my ankles, where the hair is darker/coarser.

How much is it?

It depends on which area you get done. They have areas defined by small, medium, large and x-large. Both of my legs (from under the knee to the ankle- ½) was considered a large area and takes about an hour to do. A package of 6 is $894 or $298 if you buy single treatments. And once you get a package of 6 treatments, they honor any additional treatments at 50% off the rate of the full price for that area- a great savings!

What areas did you do?

Legs, from my knee to ankles. (I’ve also had my armpits and bikini area done a couple years prior.)

Can you shave between sessions?

Yes! This is way better versus waxing, cause with waxing your hair has to be long when you arrive. With lasering, it has to be shaved. So you can continue to shave as normal.

Do you have to scrub off a spray tan first?

Yep. You also have to be careful of sun exposure during your treatments so the laser is accurately calibrated for your skin tone throughout the treatments.

Does it REALLY work?

It REALLY does! I have no razor burns or ingrown hairs anymore. At this point (half way through my treatment package), I just have to shave every 3-4 days versus nearly every day before I started! I can’t wait to see how much less I’ll have to shave any stray hairs after the last 3 sessions!

Does it hurt during or after?

Only in certain sensitive areas it’s a little painful. For me, that was my ankle area. Also if you missed a spot when shaving, it zaps that hair and that’s painful. So shave carefully before your appointment!

Are there limitations on what you can do after? (exercise, swim, etc.)

They recommend to avoid sweating/working out following the appointment.

What areas do you recommend treating?

For me, my legs are the biggest game changer for the summer and travel, because I don’t have to shave constantly. I’d also say the bikini area—especially during summer. No red bumps from shaving or irritation when wearing a swimsuit all summer is HUGE for me and makes me way less self-conscious. It’s an investment, but the time spent shaving along with the razors, cream, etc. certainly adds up too!

What do you wear to the appointment?

I wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to slip off. The tech leaves the room while I change and get on the table. They have a towel and robe for me to cover myself up with on the table. They make me feel super comfortable the whole time.

How did you know you found a trustworthy place?

I’d recommend looking at reviews on google, yelp, and on their website. Then go get a consultation. I personally loved A Younger You MedSpa, which has the free consult, a charming location and very professional and friendly staff.

Do you have any side effects?

None!

How do you know if laser hair removal will work for you?

The machine looks for a contrast in the skin, which is the root of the hair, and targets there. So if you have very light colored hair similar to your skin tone, it’ll have a hard time seeing a contrast and having anything to target. That’s why natural blondes and red heads sometimes aren’t great candidates for laser hair removal.

I hope that answers all your questions! Feel free to leave a comment if you have any other questions.