My Laser Hair Removal Journey
I'm here to shake up the status quo!
So, I have been dealing with unwanted hair since I don't know when.. Literally, as a 10 year old, I was obsessing over my upper lip hair and even resorted to taking my Mothers razor and shaving it... Well at the time I didn't know any better, and my Mother has never been one of those women whom always has to be on top of the latest and greatest in the beauty world. Most people that know me, definitely will tell you that I am the complete opposite, I research, read, and will do anything to tap into the latest and greatest when it comes to anything beauty related. However, I am also a very practical and realistic person when it comes to trying new things, so that has definitely been a positive thing for me when deciding to try a new product, treatment, or procedure.
If I added up all the times I had gotten a Brazilian wax and upper lip wax in my lifetime; I think I'd have to say that I've spent somewhere in the ball park range of $10,000. This year after my break up with my boyfriend, I started to do some self reflection and I realized that I was always doing things for others and neglecting myself. I promised myself that I would put myself first and practice better self-care, so I decided to finally go for Laser Hair Removal. I started doing my due diligence and research by asking others who have had the treatments done about their experience, looking online at reviews from 3rd parties, and what types of lasers would have the best results for me.
When I started looking at different establishments that provided the treatments I had specific criteria that they needed for me to consider:
The level of professionalism and comfort level I had during my initial consultation.
The type of Laser they used - I decided from my research the Gentle Max Pro (Candela) or LightSheer Duet (Lumenis) would be the best lasers for me and most affective.
The pricing and business stability. I have heard horror stories of people that had bought expensive laser hair removal packages for different areas of their bodies, and then the establishment went out of business. Resulting in, never finishing their treatments, and not getting their money back either.
I booked myself a consultation with 3 different establishments to compare and see which would be the best fit for me. I went to a MedSpa, my dermatologist office, and a nationwide laser hair removal chain. After taking all of the above into consideration, I settled on American Laser Skincare Center. American Laser, is practically in every major city in the country and every state except for Hawaii and Alaska.
The particular laser they used is Candela's Gentle Max Pro - which is also what my dermatologist office was also using as well.
The pricing was spectacular! They had a 70% off special so I signed up for the following areas: Full Brazilian, Under Arms, Face, and Legs. They offered me 0% financing for 18 months, so that was a plus as well! Even though I had the cash to spend right then and there - I figure if it's free financing, why not pay it over the duration of 6 months time (even though I had 18 months to pay it off) rather than shelling out a couple of thousands of dollars in one sitting. plus it builds your credit :) Win win!
My first session was amazing! The Laser did not hurt and was tolerable. I had reservations about my upper lip - I was hoping I wouldn't hyperpigment or burn. It was so easy and my skin didn't even get red!
Within about 3 weeks from my first session I started to notice a bit of a difference with the hair being thinner, less hair growth, and the hair being less apparent. By the second session 6 weeks later, the results kept getting better and better. I decided I was addicted! The only areas that were probably remotely uncomfortable for me was my backside during the Brazilian. In between my butt cheeks was the uncomfortable and felt like a rubber band snapping on my skin. But it was over soon enough.
If anyone has any hesitation about doing Laser hair removal, I have to say as long as you find an establishment with awesome Laser's and great clinicians, you will not regret it! The best money I have ever spent. I will also give someone a Groupon or Living Social Deal for Laser Hair Removal because I feel it is so worth it!