Outfit is from this blog post; swimsuit review is in this post
In an older blog post (8 years ago to be exact … dang!), I casually mentioned getting laser hair removal in Boston and received a number of questions. At that time, I was just finishing up treatments on my legs and didn’t feel like I could speak to long-term results yet. I thought about getting the bikini area done in one fell swoop, but was literally scared off by other customers screaming bloody murder and cursing through the treatment room walls!
Fast forward to last year. I’ve been so happy with my long-term results from pre-2010 that I decided to bite the bullet and get my bikini area done (currently on pause due to pregnancy). I mentioned this recently on Instagram stories, and TMI be damned, it sounds like several of you have considered it too but have questions. Hair removal is not a sexy topic yet is something many of us are confronted with regularly, so I wanted to answer some of your Q’s! I am not a doctor or specialist, so please do your own research on the risks – I’m just sharing my personal experience and what worked and didn’t work for me.
A Hair-y History: removal METHODS TRIED
When I mention hair removal, people often go “oh please, you’re Asian! You can’t have much body hair to begin with…” Well not everyone fits that stereotype, in fact, according to my mom I was dubbed a “wolf child” at birth. But if excess body hair also means more hair on my head, I won’t complain too much! Here are some general hair removal methods I’ve tried since my early teen years:
- Shaving: a wasted effort for me – if I shave in the morning there’ll be new growth by afternoon.
- Waxing, sugaring, epilating, threading: even though these methods pull the hair out by the root, I usually see new growth within a few days, so the cost and time spent really adds up! Also factor in uncomfortable ingrown hairs, even when I exfoliate beforehand. I do still use these methods for facial areas because I’m hesitant to laser near my face.
- Electrolysis: I tried this once, but it targets one strand of hair at a time so was time-consuming for me.
- At-home laser hair removal: I purchased the Tria many years ago. It’s a small laser device and I’m guessing the settings are less powerful in order to be safe for at-home use. This has good reviews from some so may work for certain hair types. Personally, it was time consuming as well and I didn’t notice much of a difference.
- Professional laser hair removal: This has been my favorite solution by far and so worth it given my long-term results. But results will vary for everyone based on your hair and skin type, the # of sessions you go, and of course your clinic’s laser technology and technician!
What is Laser Hair Removal?
It’s a laser that aims intense pulses of light at the roots of your hair. The laser head is about an inch wide, so each zap targets any hair follicles growing in that area. The heat of the light travels down the root of each hair follicle and disables it, which should reduce chances of future hair growth.
The laser is able to selectively target your hair (instead of your skin) because its drawn to pigment in hair. An ideal treatment candidate has dark hair and light skin for maximum contrast. If you have light hair or lower hair to skin color contrast, I was told you can still do the treatment but at an adjusted laser setting.
Image source: Affordable Laser Texas
Does it remove hair completely + permanently?
Laser hair removal is technically hair “reduction” instead of removal. Results also take time, so manage expectations accordingly. Because each strand of your hair is constantly growing in different cycles, it may take several sessions to successfully target and disable the follicle for most strands. Sessions are usually spaced out about 2 months apart, to allow hair that wasn’t disabled the last time to grow back and be re-targeted.
In my own experience, after 6 to 7 sessions (done over a 1-year period for each body part) for my underarms, forearms, and legs, I’m happy to say my unwanted hair was almost completely gone and has stayed gone for years. With each later session, I would notice finer and less re-growth. These days, I will spy an occasional lone strand of hair every few months or some baby hairs, but other than that it’s been very effective for me. Some said that removed hair may grow back during pregnancy due to hormones, but so far so good …
Image source: Groupon
Finding a Good clinic
- Look for trustworthy reviews: If you don’t have a friend’s personal recommendation, start by looking for reputable reviews online. Be wary of Yelp reviews done by people with only 1 or 2 reviews total!
- Ask questions: Call the center and ask if you can go check out the facility and/or have a verbal consultation based on your skin and hair type and concerns. If you have very sensitive skin, express that concern as they should start with a gentle setting in a small area. If you are on medication, be sure to let them know in case it causes sensitivity. Generally, I looked for centers that appear updated and clean with knowledgeable staff. They should make you feel comfortable about asking questions, and not rushed or pressured straight into buying big packages (which happened a LOT during my search) right away. Be wary of guarantees or prices that seem too good to be true.
- Start small: If you have doubts about the laser center or how effective the treatment will be for you, don’t be tempted by temporary pricing specials on larger areas until you’ve tried a smaller spot first (i.e. underarms)!
Where to go in Boston for Laser Hair Removal
For fellow Boston ladies, I started at Laser Care in Brookline then switched to The Laser Skin Center on 119 Newbury Street, and am very happy with the latter one. The facilities are clean, their package pricing is reasonable, and each technician I’ve had has been professional and swift.
Other Laser Hair Removal FAQ / TIPS:
Where to start? I vote the underarms. This was the first area I did while on a budget, and it was 100% worth it (and the least painful area for me). No more running out the door in a sleeveless top, only to turn around when you realize it looks like you’re smuggling baby porcupines in your armpits!
Sun exposure / tanning: I was told it’s very important to avoid sun exposure before sessions and between sessions, and to always use sunscreen. Faux tanners can also affect your treatments. I chose to start most of my sessions in the middle of winter when I was at my palest, and took long breaks over the summer if necessary. If your skin color does change a bit, your technician should evaluate that before proceeding with a session.
Pain level: Each zap is a small blast of pain. For me personally, the underarms were a breeze, the upper thighs were sensitive but tolerable, and the bikini area was nothing short of brutal! The latter area is obviously sensitive and with thicker, more coarse hair. So as the roots of those thicker hairs get lit up, you may feel the burn more. I had to keep asking the technician to pause for breaks, otherwise the neighboring offices might’ve thought a crime was being committed ; ) As you’re yelling or gritting your teeth, just try to picture no more irritating ingrowns or having to waste time grooming that area again …
Before sessions: Avoid waxing weeks before your first session, and do a close shave with a new, clean razor the night before a session. Otherwise, the technician may need to dry shave you right before using the laser (and for me, nothing causes irritation like a razor to dry skin)! I used to think hair stubbles needed to be visible for the technician to target each strand, but that’s not true – in fact, stubble during laser treatments can add to skin irritation.
After sessions: The week after a session I will see dead hairs “eject” themselves, which I mentioned before is a good sign. I also have sensitive skin and occasionally get redness or a slight rash after sessions, but it goes away in a few days. I’d call your center and send photos if this happens. They may prescribe you a cream and/or adjust the laser setting next time.
Maintenance between sessions: Shaving only. No tweezing, waxing or methods that remove hair by the roots, since that will disrupt the hair growth cycle and make your next laser session less effective.
Numbing cream: I did not need this until I did my bikini area (and trust me, you will want it for that). It’s not magic but helped a little bit, although there’s mixed opinions on whether it make the session less effective. I’d ask your laser technician about recommend creams – I know my center sells one and schedules for you to come in 30 minutes before each session to apply it.
Package vs individual sessions? I always got multiple session packages for one particular area, instead of paying pricier per-session rates and hoping for results after 1 or 2 sessions. You likely won’t see visible results until multiple sessions in, but each person could respond to treatments differently!
I had laser hair removal on my lower arms and lower legs two years ago. Prior to the laser, I had to shave every other day. Now, I shave 2-4 times per month. If I go longer than 1-2 weeks without shaving, hair still grows long. I noticed my hair also growing back thinner, but it’s still visible. I had 8 treatments done on each body part, and am wondering if I should get another round and see if it helps at all.
Thanks for sharing! I did laser a little over 2 years ago and all i can say is *Invest in yourself* although it’s pricey, it works. I have PCOS and in my case, it lead to facial hair. Everyone’s case is different. Unfortunately for me this was mine. My doctor told me, i can try laser but to always remember that while it doesn’t stop the growth, it can minimize. I did full face laser and it helped a lot. Note * laser hurts when on menstrual cycle* or right before, since hormones are out of whack. fast forward 2 years and i get a little hair or two. For those with my case, get that laser done. you will not regret it.
I just started laser treatment after decades of dealing with PCOS and my horrible goatee and beard. I’ve only had one treatment so far and I feel my self esteem and confidence rising. I can’t wait to see how the six treatments are finished and how I feel. My ex-husband used to call me the bearded wonder and it always went straight to my heart. I’d like to go back in time and get the procedure and saved myself decades of Sasquatian worry.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been considering laser hair removal for months… I’m so glad I found this article!
Amelia
http://www.workandwhatshewore.com
Jean, thanks for your candid thoughts on this subject. I’d been thinking about laser for a while and your post gave me the clarity I’d been lacking. Had my first session at Laser Skin Center yesterday and was really pleased with the experience!
So I know this post is about laser hair removal and not the swimsuit, but I have been trying to find a onepiece that fits me and have failed so far. I was excited to see you had reviewed the one in this post’s photos and purchased it. I tried it on, and the front fits which is incredible (my small bust is always problem) but I’m not sure about the back. When you wear it, is the butt area slightly wrinkled? It’s not to the extent of sagging , but I’m just wondering because I really like the front and I guess I never really figured out how to tell if a swimsuit fits…
I’ve had underarms, bikini, and thighs removed via laser. I am a woman of color and there are horror stories out there for us. However, it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. There is some discomfort, but it is not nearly as bad as waxing. Laser hair removal is well worth the investment. Be sure to choose a reputable place with PAs or Nurses completing the procedures.
This is so great, thank you! Especially for the Boston recommendation! I almost did this before my wedding, chickened out at the cost, and then REALLY wished I’d done it when I got pregnant and couldn’t reach anything below my waist from halfway on (and post partum hair removal is a joke, because nobody has time to do it at home or get to an appointment!) Now that my daughter is four I’m starting to think about investing in it again. With little kids time is precious and I would love to streamline getting ready in the summer. I wish I had done the bikini before I had to do those 8 a.m. mommy and me swim classes at the Y and I’d be furiously trying to shave before my babe woke up! Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it!
I have heard that there’s a new machine out that gives ZERO pain zaps. i am a total believer in laser hair removal.. underarm first then bikini. and it’s time to go back for maintenance before the summer season starts. so will report back. Insightful post! i also hope that the pregnancy hormones don’t revert what you have already been through.
The first time I experience this, I was hesitant. But I am glad I did it.
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
This is so helpful! I’ve been interested in getting laser hair removal for so long, but didn’t know a lot of details behind it. Thanks for sharing!
xx Jen
http://lilthoughtswithjen.com/
Loved hearing about your experience. I’ve been so interested in laser hair removal but never really took the plunge as I was always afraid of the thought of going through it.
Jae
http://www.allthatjae.com
I tried it with my facial hair issues (curse these Italian genes) and wasn’t 100% happy with the results. I went back for 2 years. I still have to periodically wax the girlstache lip (although not as often because it did grow back finer). My cheeks do have baby hairs on them as well. I no longer grow whiskers though, so I guess it was helpful for that. I found lasers got the really thick dark hairs, but I had hairs that were dark enough to be visible, but too light to be picked up by the laser (I wonder if the technology has improved since then and would pick them up).
I got laser done 2 years ago – legs, arms, underarms and bikini area. Was painful, very much, but worth the effort.
I still have little growth in all the areas mentioned, however, compared to what I had before, this is so much less, and easier to maintain now.
Does anyone have recommendations for places in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area?
I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time, this post is very helpful! Thanks for sharing
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
Hey girly,
Firstly, thank you so much for sharing!
Hair removal has been my biggest issue for as long as I can remember.
As for you, shaving literally didn’t work for me and I tried everything!
Laser hair removal had the best results.
This inspired me to finally get laser hair removal! I plan on doing underarms first. My question that no one has addressed is whether tipping is necessary. I haven’t even thought about tipping but I’ve read somewhere that since this is a cosmetic procedure, tipping is encouraged (20% from pre-sale cost- that could be $600!) What do you do? Thanks, Jean!
This is such great information. I’ve been considering it so this is super helpful. Thank you!
http://moosmusing.com
This was an informative post. During both my pregnancies, my body hair didn’t really grow even though the hair on my head grew nicely. Hopefully you won’t have regrowth. Thanks for the post!
In addition to numbing creams my technician suggested taking Advil or Ibuprofen about 30 minutes prior to the appointment. The times when I remembered in advance to do this were SO much better and I saw less swell initially.
I did laser hair removal and it’s totally worth it! I did brazilian and armpits (started with armpits). I didn’t use numbing cream, the pain is done after the treatment is done and it’s fine. I mean i’ve had tattoos so i think i can deal with laser pain. But yes it works really well on your thicker and darker hairs. I have a few hairs that have come back but only really soft and/or light ones. Since the prickly thick ones are the biggest problem anyway I am quite happy.
Laser Lumiere in Northern Virginia is great and super affordable!
This is really helpful, Jean, thank you for sharing all these tips and this info!
Quick question – what price range do you (anyone on here!) consider to be reasonable? I want to be sure I’m wary of places with deals that are too good to be true…
And if anyone had positive recs for places in the DC/Arlington area, please post 🙂
Highly recommend Jacqueline at Shobha in Dupont Circle. She’s really personable, but more importantly, has medical training and is very knowledgeable about the different lasers.
Just a warning! When I was pregnant, hair on my underarms starting coming back! I had to shave my armpits from about 4 months till the end of my pregnancy. Luckily, the hair stopped growing a month or so after I have birth 🙂
Another quick piece of advice – take a pain reliever (Advil or Tylenol) before each bikini laser session! I did this every time and believe it helped to mitigate pain.
Hi, Jean! Thank you for sharing your story. I think it’s very important to share your true experience with people as many can be scared to try laser hair removal due to a large number of scary stories. My story is very similar to yours, although I’ve done a couple of sessions of electrolysis for my underarms. After that laser for underarms and Brazillian – great results, virtually no hair in the underarms and slight regrowth in the bikini area. My legs turned out to be no so responsive. However, I think it’s partially due to the place where I’ve done it. It was a different laser technology and the technician wasn’t very good (would not recommend that place to anyone – Sleek Laser Center in Milford, MA). There is a great technician in Reading, MA (New Image Laser Hair Removal). They often had some Groupon deals for packages and the touch-up sessions priced fairly. The one great advice I received from that lady – lay off caffeine the day of your laser treatment as it can heighten your pain. Also, a couple of Advil pills 30-40 min before treatment can be helpful.
I recently started laser hair removal at my dermatologist’s office for a full brazilian and omg it was so painful! After the first session I asked for prescription numbing cream which has helped somewhat. My most recent (4th) session was actually a lot more tolerable as my hair has been significantly reduced. I’m LOVING the results so far and think it is so worth it!! Paying $300 for the first session and $150 for each session after. I’ve been told that it won’t remove every single strand of hair and that we may have to go in with electrolysis to target individual strands.
Love the way you write Jean. This was, as always, a great tip. Thank you
This sounds like a great option! You look lovely in that black swimsuit!
http://www.jessicabroyles.com
I have such thick and stubborn hair and I have lasered my whole body. I found it so amazing and effective!! I use the Soprano laser and I love the clinic I go to because I think you really do have to develop a sense of trust with the person doing it!
x
Shloka
http://www.thesilksneaker.com
Me and my boyfriend are both super curious about laser hair removal, so thank-you for the in depth post Jean!
I hope you’re having a lovely Wednesday!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
I am a nurse in dermatology/Cosmetic dermatology and LHR is a one of our most requested treatments. I would like to add that not all laser hair removal devices are not created equally. Please ask questions: age, name and power of the machine and especially, the experience of the technician. Lasers require training and experience, please assure that you are in safe hands before treatment! When successful, it is amazing. I opted for underarms and bikini area over 10 years ago and still remain clear of hair. (although occasionally a stray pops up in bikini area now). Also, there are different strengths of numbing cream available. A dermatologist will have prescription strength or custom compounded cream that is applied in the office, this is very effective and much appreciated in the tender bikini area. (lower leg is another area that is painful due to the bony prominence of the skin and ankle area) Laser hair removal can be expensive but is SO worth it! Thanks for a great review Jean! And thanks for your great blog site from another 5 ft petite, you have helped me find so many great pieces for my wardrobe.
Agree with you, B. Basically, lasered my whole body several years ago now. The boney areas hurt the worst! (Ankles, shins, wrists, hands,etc.) For me, bikini area wasn’t that bad. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you so much for this super detailed post, Jean! I’ve really considered laser hair removal for awhile now, and I think I would definitely start with the underarms first too! 🙂 Really enjoyed all o
Hi all,
I’m a relatively hairless Asian, but still find it annoying to have to shave so frequently in the underarms and bikini areas. After hearing about a friend of mine going for laser hair removal in late 2015, I decided to take the plunge myself in 2016. I took her recommendation and went to Golden Gate (GG) Skin Center in San Francisco – they offered a free consultation session where I got to check out the place and chat with one of the nurse practitioners. Consistent with my prior research, she said I had the perfect combination (dark hair light skin) for the procedure. The people who administer the laser treatment there are registered nurses (RN), which is a very important factor for me. I started with underarms, which wasn’t too painful. Being encouraged by my first underarm session, I decided to add on the Brazilian as well – I figured since I was already committed to going to the skin center every 6-8 weeks for at least half a year (possibly longer), I might as well take care of another area simultaneously as I could afford it financially. I’m not going to mince my words: The latter hurt like hell. I took a painkiller ~30 mins before my 2nd Brazilian session, which seemed to have helped a lot. I started doing that every session and the nurse practitioner also applied ice pack on each section before she zapped them. It still hurt, but less than my first Brazilian session. She also gave me cooling aloe to sooth the skin after each session. My underarm took only ~5 sessions but the Brazilian took about 8 in total (it’s difficult to get everything for Brazilian, so 90% was what we were aiming for). GG Skin Center does a buy 3 sessions get 1 free package, which I bought every time I run out of my 4 sessions in the package. It has been almost a year since I completed my treatment and I have not seen much regrowth so far, which I’m really happy about. There are 1-2 stray strands underarm and the remaining 5-10% down under, which I just shave off every now and then.
Would love to hear recommendations for places in San Francisco if anyone has tried!
Thanks for sharing these tips. I am in laser season myself. Almost 1.5 years now and I’m very happy with the results.
Here are a few tips from my side;
1. If you have PCOD, bikini laser is a must for you. You would have thicker and more hair which are recurrent as well. Laser done here would definitely make your hair more fine and less. I’m in my 7th session and there is a huge change!! Huge huge!
2. Pain wise, yes this region will hurt the most. Once the staff applied ice cos the vent where the cold air comes out was not working properly. Ice worked big time. I don’t know if I should recommend that cos it might now be hygienic or maybe it’s fine? But, be parepared that in the initial few sessions, she will use the higher frequency and precise equipment which targets 5-6 hair in one shot. That’s painful. Then she will move on to 10-12 and then 20-25.
3. Legs- first time it’s painful for the ingrowth.
Arms and underarms – painless for me
Front and back- slightly painful around the naval – most nerves! Otherwise no pain.
Tried upper lips once. Slightly tingly feeling but the post look was terrible. I have sensitive skin and I had done it during summers (bad call) so i developed rash and boils due to extensive heat.
Don’t know if I’ll do it again or not.
Overall, laser hair removal is definitely expensive and is unending if you have body hair and Hormonal issue (which tends to aggravate the situation). But, it’s totaly worth it! I literally don’t decide my clothes according to my waxing schedule now. So happy 🙂
This is amazing! Thanks for this guide
Hi! I’ve contemplated getting laser forever and finally took the plunge a few years ago and have been quite satisfied with the outcome! I started off with legs, then underarms, and now hesitating to get bikini. Although my place has done a wonderful job, they charge an insanely high price and not willing to give a decent discount despite my loyalty b/c they know they’re good. I’ve seen many groupons for an outrageously cheap price (maybe 1/4th of the price I paid) for other places with decent reviews but not sure how reliable those reviews are. Looking to switch places but not sure if it’s worth it. What do you think is a reasonable price range per session for a bikini area at a reliable professional place? Thanks for sharing your experience!
I have been thinking about getting laser hair removal so this is perfect timing! Thanks for the in-depth guide!
http://www.rosegoldrhyme.com
Thank you for sharing your experience, Jean! It’s crazy how many methods are. I appreciate that different ones might be suitable for different girls. Glad you found something that works for you! 🙂
http://charmainenyw.com
I’ve had my face, arms, and back treated; so happy with the resul. I’m considering get my legs done this year. I visited a couple of places that offer laser hair removal, before I made my final decision. Make sure you are comfortable with the place and the technician.
I am also Asian and definitely does not fit in the stereotypes. I went to ideal image thanks to Danielle from Elvis Duran and the morning show 7 years ago and have had great results on my legs. I had the highest setting and after 13 sessions, my legs are completely hair free. I got my underarms done at the same time with the same amount of sessions but I still have to shave every week for a few strands of hair that is left. I was pregnant 1.5 years ago and I was lucky that I didn’t get any new hair. I am hoping to tackle on my bikini area before we try for a 2nd one! I love all your posts btw and congratulations on your pregnancy!
This is so helpful Jean! I’ve been longing to get my underarms done, but because it is somewhat of a coarser type, I hesitated to do so. The price, the multiple treatments, the end results…all of those factors. I hated going sleeveless with dark, hairy armpits, but I may just start checking into laser treatment thanks to you! Sometimes, it’s always nice to hear when someone else of similar traits and in this case, hair type, is relatable! 😊😊
I have never read an article in the topic of hair removal that I agree with more! Partly because I think we have similar hair types and pain tolerance. For years I felt that Brazilian waxes were my only option (shaving was harsh and regrow this happened too fast) even though they were so painful, expensive and caused ingrown hairs. Not to mention that you have to let that hair grow out before waxing which was always the worst part for me! Because of this I opted for a full bikini laser package at Laser MD Spa on Newbury Street and had fabulous results. It’s been about 1 year since I finished and I now have very fine hair regrowith but it is nothing at all like the coarse hair I had before. It’s so light and thin that I think I will be able to manage it easily through the summer and then return for and touch up next winter when I am at my palest! I’m also going to do my legs and armpits at that time. Thanks for the recommendations on Guilt and the honesty! Very refreshing to read.
I’ve been contemplating trying laser hair removal for ages but often chickened out since it seemed like such an unfamiliar process. It’s quite helpful that you’re sharing not only long-term results for you, but also personally, your experience in the Boston area. This might just be the push I’ve needed. Thank you! Been such a fan!!
Hi Jean – how bad is the pain in the bikini area compared to waxing or sugaring?
Hi. Personally I would say that laser is worse. I had been doing sugaring for years and wouldn’t even feel anything but the laser was something else. I’m really good with pain (just a bit of aloe gel after each laser session was enough) but that was pretty painful. However it was all worth it as nothing has grown since then.
Can you get laser hair removal if you’re trying to get pregnant?
I’ve had my bikini lasered. I have blonde hair and light skin so the technician had to put the laser on what she said was one of the highest settings she’s ever used. I felt the snapping sting but I can’t say it was horrible. Some parts hurt more than others but the head of the laser was constantly blasting out cold air which helped and I did not use any numbing creams. The technician was actually impressed with how well I tolerated the pain so maybe I just have a high tolerance for that kind of torture hehe. I’d say for my light hair, I saw an 80% reduction in hair. The very light, almost white ones keep coming back. I might go in for a few touch up sessions since it’s been three years that I’ve had this done.
Hi! I did laser hair removal prior to having kids and loved the results unfortunately pregnancy started to make the hair grow again. So I suggest getting it don’t after children unless you want to repeat the process.
“looks like you’re smuggling baby porcupines in your armpits!” Probably one of the funniest things I’ve ever read! Great post and information, hope you’re feeling well during your pregnancy so far!