My Laser Hair Removal Experience

I recently finished my laser hair removal treatment and wanted to share my experience online! I grew up having really thick hair all over my face which always bothered me. I tried it all - from bleaching (don't make this mistake), shaving, threading, and waxing. My skin is extremely sensitive and all those procedures either ruined my skin / made the hair situation on my face even worse. Finally, after graduating college, my mom treated me with a laser hair removal package which was my dream come true. I have a lot to share so keep reading if you're interested!

Disclaimer: I am not any sort of specialist - this is my personal experience and I just want to share my thoughts and advice. 

The Process:

- My first session was just a consultation where the specialist told me all about the process. It was very helpful and allowed me to make the choice to go ahead with the procedure. 

- After my first session, I only did the laser hair removal on my sideburns. I noticed that after doing so my sideburns were very clean and smooth, but the rest of my face looked a different shade. I realized my whole face has a lot of hair and I need to start doing the treatments for my entire face. 

- My second session was when I did laser hair removal all over my face and neck. To be honest - it hurts. I would describe it like take a hair straightener and sticking it to your face for a second, but it only lasts about 2 minutes so it really isn't so bad.

- From what I have noticed, each person removes their hair differently around their sideburns. Some people decide to keep the sideburn but remove the tiny growing hairs around it, but other decide to remove the entire hair patch. I personally removed it all and left some above which will probably keep growing. I felt that looked the most clean but also natural. 

- After my sixth and final session, I no longer need to go back. This varies between everyone, some people have a lot thicker hair and need to go in for more sessions. From now on, I will be going back just once a year for the procedure. 

- Just an FYI - laser hair removal does NOT remove all hair from your face! It will grow back a little (especially thicker hair closer to your hairline). However, it makes the biggest difference. My upper lip never needs to be threaded anymore and I don't have to worry about hiding my sideburns ever again.

Tips for Maintenance After Each Session:

- Do not have any sun exposure two weeks before and two weeks after your procedure. Sunlight exposure will cause your skin to become even more sensitive, then the laser on top of that can cause hyperpigmentation, burns, and scars. I avoided any outdoor activities because my skin is sensitive to begin with. 

- Going off of the first tip, invest in a high quality sunscreen. I recommend the Shiseido sunscreen which I got from Sephora. 

- Don't work out or take a hot shower for up to 24 hours after your procedure. Overheating your body after laser treatments can cause blisters. 

- If you put on prescribed medication on your face (such as for acne) avoid doing so for the week before and after your laser treatment. I was putting on my cream at first and it gave my skin some bad reactions. Once I stopped doing this, I wasn't getting so red and dry after each treatment. 

- Avoid unnecessary shaving. I shaved my face two nights before my laser treatment because shaving a lot throughout the month can cause acne breakouts. Also, don't shave the day of your laser treatment because the cuts will burn / cause sensitivity. 

- Aloe vera gel became my best friend for 6 months. It cooled down my skin after each session and also helped with shaving my face. 

- You will most likely break out as you get closer to your next laser hair removal session - this is normal. When new hair starts to grow on your face, that comes with bacteria which can cause acne. I was breaking out a lot in between my sessions, but it has calmed down a lot for the most part. I spoke to my dermatologist about it and she said that laser hair treatment usually helps stopping acne once all sessions are done.

Pricing:

- This 100% depends on location. I live in Northern Virginia, so I am paying less than $500 for my package which includes six sessions of full face and neck. 

- Since I plan on going back once a year - each one of those sessions will be $50. They have a deal where if you paid for a package, coming back after will be a reduced price. 

- I go to Lumiere Skin and Laser - HIGHLY recommend this spa! Prices are great and everyone working there is super friendly. 

Final Thoughts:

I definitely recommend laser hair removal for anyone interested. I grew up feeling insecure about my hair and just wanted it all gone. If you feel the same way, then it is worth the investment. My makeup goes on so smoothly now and my skin has a new glow to it. Overall, I am very happy with the results and feel a lot more confident!

Comment down below or message me with any questions or concerns! 

Always,

Ainy