Is Laser Hair Removal an Option for You?

Aside from pumpkin pie, bonfires and Halloween parties, do you know what else fall is perfect for? Laser hair removal. Yep, that is right. It is true that with the change of seasons we begin that slow transition from barely-there summer clothes to body-hiding, toasty sweaters, unflattering hoodies and comfy fall jackets. More clothes means less incentive to shave, but the perfect time to begin laser hair removal treatment that will provide you with a silky smooth body that never has to be touched by a razor again by spring time.

Why Choose Laser Hair Removal?

The two main reasons that women choose laser hair removal are: convenience and appearance

Let’s start with appearance. Who else deals with highly sensitive skin? You know what I mean, right? Those annoying red bumps that appear within hours of shaving that look worse than leaving your legs looking like a Sasquatch  In addition to those red bumps, who has ever bought  a cheap razor and tried shaving in a rush? Do your legs resemble the legs of Bloody Mary?

Permanently de-fuzzing is also convenient. Imagine sleeping an extra twenty minutes every morning. Imagine just being able to throw on a pair of shorts or a tank top without worrying about finding a razor first. Right now I am imaging all of this and becoming very jealous.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Easy question. A concentrated beam of light is aimed at the section where hair growth is that you want eliminated. The light is absorbed by the pigment, damaging the hair follicle and eliminating future growth.

Does it Hurt?

I wouldn’t know because I am still on the jealousy train, remember? But . . . Here is what I have heard from friends who have tried the procedure. It really depends on your pain tolerance. Some say it feels like a rubber band snapping at your skin, while others insist it is not any more painful that getting your ears pierced.

Is it cost effective?

I think that depends on how you define cost effective. In the long run, I believe it is. Considering how expensive decent razor blades and shaving cream can be, over the course of one’s lifetime the long-term cost effectiveness of laser hair removal is unquestionable. But that doesn’t mean that it is not an investment up front. When I went to Ideal Image, they quoted me around  $1000 dollars just for underarm hair removal. The price points vary on either side of that $1000 depending on the body part you want treated. Also, keep in mind, that was about two years ago.

Another consideration when contemplating the cost-effectiveness of laser hair removal is that sometimes it doesn’t work as well as you would like. In some cases, the hair will return, maybe patchy or completely, within a few years. You should discuss this possibility with your technician if you choose to pay for laser hair removal services and ask if there is a lifetime guarantee that includes follow-up treatments.

How Do I Know if I am a Good Candidate?

It is hard for me to tell you if you are a good candidate. You would have to schedule a consultation with a certified expert. However, I can pass along some information I learned when I spoke with a treatment specialist. I learned that the greater the contrast between your hair and your skin, the better the results. For instance, I have really dark hair and fair skin. This would make me the best candidate (which I found shocking because usually I am the bad exception to everything).

Why Am I Sharing This With You?

The truth? Because I heard a commercial on the radio this morning and again felt jealousy that is like a gnawing in the pit of my stomach. So, instead of lamenting on what I cannot do, I thought I would pay it forward and share with you.

Have you had laser hair removal? What advice would YOU give someone who is considering the treatment? Did it work for you? What were the pros and cons?