You know how websites have “frequently asked questions?” I feel like we should each have a section like that for us as people. For me, my FAQ section is right here in this blog so I’m dedicating today’s blog to one of the questions people ask me most frequently, right after “should I quit my job as a lawyer” (yes).
“What do you think about laser hair removal? Is it worth it? Does it work?”
Answers: Love it. Yes. Depends.
Should I go on or should I just wrap it up there? Ok fine, I’ll elaborate.
I would say the best investment of money I’ve ever made was in laser hair removal. The amount of time and money saved more than makes up for the cost.
But first, a little background. And yes, this blog should carry a TMI warning. The areas I have now lasered are underarm, Brazilian (yes, THAT. Including butt), and lower leg. And I would do more in a heartbeat.
I have been getting laser hair removal for about 10 years. I haven’t been going constantly, but I first got it ten years ago on my underarms. At the time, I was teaching fitness classes and I was in a tank top constantly and didn’t want to shave daily. My Brazilian journey also began because of fitness. It all started with an STD scare. My gynecologist was like, “um, that’s not a disease that’s an ingrown hair and you shouldn’t be on a spin bike for at least 7 days.” To which I said, “um, I have to teach tonight and also tomorrow.” She recommended I start to get waxes so the hair follicle wouldn’t get as irritated/bacteria, science science blahblah. Anyway, she said I had three options: continue to be uncomfortable, wax, or laser. So I chose wax because I was broke and dumb. Fast-forward hundreds of dollars and about 5 years, and I was like, “huh… I probably should have taken the plunge and gotten rid of this permanently.” So I did.
The way I describe it: why would you continue to rent, when you could buy?
Unless you really foresee a future where you miss and pine for your underarm hair, I don’t know why you wouldn’t get rid of it forever. So, for the question of what I think about laser, the answer is “DO IT. YESTERDAY.” Don’t spend one more dollar on waxing, it’s a waste of time and money.
I should warn you, not all lasers and salons are created equal. That one I went to a decade ago? Garbage. My underarm hair grew back almost completely. There definitely can be regrowth over time, and it is a known fact that you will need touch-ups. But the first place I went to I barely had any results. I learned my lesson, though, and started reading reviews.
This leads to my next FAQ “is it worth it?” Usually when people ask this they are talking about money. I won’t lie, it’s not cheap. But if you divide it over time, it’s definitely a good investment. That’s how I view it: an investment in both time and money. Also, less effort and planning! With shaving, you always have to make sure you shave in case you end up in a tank top, or at a pool or beach etc. With waxing you have to time them out because your hair needs to be a certain length before waxing. With laser, you actually shave before an appointment, so there’s no planning at all, and then once the hair is gone, it’s gone forever! You can attend all of the impromptu pool bashes you want! The ONLY thing to note: you are not supposed to have sun exposure before or after, so get lasered in the winter to prepare for your summer fun.
How much money are we really talking? It depends. A lot of places charge by the size of the area. Large areas will be more (like legs) and small areas will be less (like upper lip).
The first salon I went to had a deal on Groupon for “unlimited sessions for a year,” but the reality is, you only go every 6-8 weeks max. So that really means 6-8 sessions within that “unlimited” year. Plus, as I said, that first salon was trash. The place I go to now, sells either single sessions or packs of six sessions at a discount for a specific area. It’s far cheaper to buy a package, and they have specials all the time on top of the bundle discounts. ALSO: GROUPON. Yes, you heard me right, I used Groupon again even after my first travesty experience. The place I love now has a sticker price of 6 sessions on small area for $954, medium $1596, and large $3500. But with the specials they are always running, it’s more like $300, $450 and $600. Plus… GROUPON! On Groupon right now it is $61.50 for six small, $135 for six medium, or $208 for six large. That is a STEAL.
As with the salons, not all Groupons are created equal. And I’ll say it again… READ THE REVIEWS. The reviews will tell you everything. The place I go to now has 1,459 ratings and it is rated 4.9/5 stars. I’m telling you, this place is bomb.
Now to my final FAQ: does it work? Well yes, duh. I wouldn’t be writing this whole saga of a blog post if it didn’t. But again, not all results are equal. First of all, they say that the more contrast there is between the skin color and the hair color, the better the results. So lighter skin and darker hair make for better results. Also, not all areas work the same. My underarms are PESKY. I have had many, many sessions on them and I still have residual hair. But the hair that is left is way lighter and not visible from a distance at all, definitely not in a dark gym studio. I shave maybeee once a week now instead of every day. But the results on my legs?? COMPLETELY GONE. In six sessions. And that was pre-pandemic and still I have no hair. Best impulse purchase I’ve literally ever made. And I do mean impulse. I had my pants off for Brazilian laser and my aesthetician was like “we have a special going on, want anything else?” and I was like “sure go for it.”
Ok wait, I missed a question you may ask: does it hurt? Yes. But not a crazy amount. Way less than waxing, and again, I think of it as an investment! Beauty is pain, right? If you have a very low pain tolerance or no experience with waxing, take two ibuprofen half an hour before and you’ll be fine. And/or ask for a stress ball. I usually dig my nails in my palms if it really hurts. Underarms for me hurt wayyyy more than vagina or butt. Shins hurt second most.
If you got this far, I know you’re dying to know where I go. If you are in New York, I HIGHLY recommend Laser Bar and Spa for these reasons:
- They are incredibly affordable as far as laser goes.
- They always have Groupons! Literally. ALWAYS. First time customers only, though, so I recommend buying a lot in your first go!
- They also always have specials for existing customers. That’s how they got me with the leg add-on.
- The results are amazing. I have referred many friends there and they all have had fantastic results.
- It’s centrally located and easy to get to (right in Herald Square).
- Most importantly – mention my name and I can get a free session. I’m addicted! What should I get lasered next?
