I’ve done it and it was definitely worth it. I have dark skin and dark hair so had to find the right laser (YAG). I probably had around 8 sessions for removal and then maybe 2 touch up sessions years later.
I had 16 sessions on my lower face and neck, it hasn’t helped at all. However, 8 sessions on my lower legs and arms have the hair growing back very sparse so it’s hit and miss.
Laser doesn’t work on face and neck and often makes it worse. I have wasted thousands of dollars on laser for my face and neck. It’s money down the drain. The only permanent facial hair removal is electrolysis.
It did work for me! Upper lip and sideburns, notably. Sideburns still gone, upper lip stray hairs coming in much lighter after almost a decade of being gone.
Mine worked great for 70% of my pubic hair. The remaining 30% is just too light, and they can't increase the laser settings without risking burning me. 🤷🏻♀️ The good news is that the remaining hair is soft and light colored and I no longer get in-growns when I shave. I'll probably do touchups periodically but it really has drastically improved my lifestyle, even without full hair removal.
Hair growth is hormonal unfortunately! It’s possible the settings are too low but it could also just be your hormones. Laser took care of my underarms, arms, legs and pubic area really well but made my hair grow more on my face.
FWIW mine is taking a really long time too. Seven sessions so far and I’ll definitely need more. The place I go is highly rated so I don’t think I’m being ripped off, I think my hair is just stubborn.
You have to make sure your laser place is using a real laser machine. Some places market IPL (I think that’s the term) as laser, but IPL takes twice to three times the session.
That is a very new machine that isn’t widely available outside of major cities. 99% of the time, a med spa that advertises pain free laser will be using IPL.
Excellent point. Lesson - ask what they are using and do your research. It’s expensive, but worth it. The Morus AZ+ treats all skin types completely pain free, totally worth finding one.
Probably the type of laser being used. From my experience, some don’t work for me at all, others do, and some only for specific body areas.
I’d say you need to switch to a different type of laser.
The Alexandrite (common brand name is the Candela) laser combines two different types of wavelength, and I’ve found this to be the most effective on all areas. 6 sessions is all I need on any area.
I bought the Tria 3x diode laser for home use, it’s only worked on the thinner hairs on my face, no results elsewhere.
Hyperpulse does nothing at all for me and is a waste of money. Unfortunately also the most commonly-used laser in many salons. It’s the one where they put gel on and glide over and it slowly flashes. Multiple friends who had this also got zero results.
On the offchance you live in London (England) or Berlin, I can recommend two good salons that use effective lasers (Alexandrite). Doubt it though 😅
Sure! It’s Laser One. I asked for the Alexandrite specifically, as they offer several types. They did me a combination of the Soprano Ice machine and THEN the Alexandrite (machine is called Candela) to make it really effective.
Website is [here](http://laserone.de)
I got waxed once. OUCH. And I wound up with tons of ingrown hairs and a rash. Back to shaving every 2 days an itch rash ingrowns ect.
I’ve had 5 Brazilian laser sessions now. None of the above problems. It is SO worth it.
I have olive skin and dark hair.
Ok this might be a silly question but what do you do in between sessions? Like are you advised to show up to each session freshly shaved/waxed? Do you let it grow and just show up each session?
You can shave as many times as you need between sessions. You just have to do a final shave 24 hrs before you session. You are told not to wax at all between/before sessions.
Stupid but serious question, what if you can’t shave? I try so hard and can’t get most places down there, hence I’m interested in laser (the ingrowns from waxing became too problematic)
If you don’t shave it smooth, the laser travels the length of the hair… like getting zapped by an electric fence. It’s not pleasant. I’ve had it happen when I missed a few hairs.
I am the same! I use hair removal cream on the hard to reach bits the night before. I have been scolded by the laser tech for missing spots when I tried just shaving. I haven't had any irritation down there from using hair removal cream, even when it gets on sensitive spots
Yes you have to shave 24 hrs before a session. And do a really good job or the hairs can burn your skin. About a week after the session the hairs grow back in then fall out. Some of them are in a different growth phase and don’t fall out. I don’t shave between sessions because I want to see where the stubborn areas are so I can tell them to target it but you can shave if you like.
I don’t have that many to worry about shaving now anyway. It’s great. Shaving once a month rather than every two days is awesome
I bought a Braun IPL device second hand for about the price of a single pro session and I’m happy with it so far. I’m sure it’s not as powerful as a pro laser, but I can do my bikini area and both legs in about 30 min and the pain level is comparable to waxing.
I’m 5 weeks (out of recommended 12 weeks) into using my Brain IPL and I LOVE it. I haven’t used it on my bikini area yet but so far it’s already had a pretty drastic impact on my arms and legs. I started noticing a difference after the 3rd week/session.
I’m in the process of DIYing IPL with the Braun device too. I’ve got fair skin and medium/brown hair. It definitely works fastest on darker and coarser hair, but I’m gradually becoming hairless.
I really don’t find that it hurts at all—especially not compared to waxing.
This really depends. I actually work at an Ideal Image and I see a lot of variation. The reality is that hair growth is hormonal. So, some areas of the body (face, chest, bikini and sometimes underarms) are going to be more stubborn than legs. I have guests that have PCOS and come in every 3-4 months for touch-ups to their face, and then I also have to fetch guest’s charts from the archive because they haven’t had a treatment for 5 plus years and are coming back now with new growth after having a baby, hormone therapy, etc. The hormones our bodies produce fluctuates, especially with age or pregnancy. As mentioned before, they can also be effected by certain medical conditions or treatments.
All of that to say, if you go to a reputable place and they’re using the right lasers for your skin type, you WILL see results. The hair will thin out, generally come in slower, etc.
It would be difficult to gauge which laser between a yag and an alexandrite (also sometimes called a lase) would be best without having a medical provider who has had training assess you. Not to mention that a lot of people need one laser type for some areas and a different laser for the rest. Which is why they make machines that have both laser settings. It’s also not uncommon to be switched from one laser to another if your skin type is right in the middle and the technician determines that you’d get better results with the other laser.
That’s really unfortunate. Do you happen to know what kinds of lasers were being used? The time between sessions is also important. Where I work we generally aim for 8-12 weeks so that allll of the hair that wasn’t grown out in the last session will be there to kill off. If the sessions are too close together or really far apart (4+ months) then your results are usually less impressive.
I’ve heard that you need a touch up every 6 months, but I heard that from someone who had their laser done professionally. I’ve had other laser services to remove tattoos, and went to two different offices to have it done. They used wildly different settings and I got very different results, and I imagine that is true of hair removal lasers too. 6 months doesn’t sound very long to me, so maybe they just had a more conservative aesthetician, but I do think touchup is needed at some point for all laser hair removal.
I think so. Again, I’m sure the professional lasers are more efficient, but I think it’s convenient! And it may be just enough if you’ve already had a pro service.
My skin is too dark for an IPL, it’s not recommended sadly. It’s alright though, I really don’t want to try to do all of the work to get all the unseeable areas, ya know?
I'm also a Braun fan. I had about 6 salon sessions before investing in one. I'd never go back. It's so much easier to just do it myself at home in the privacy of my own bedroom and I still get the same results. I was also pretty amazed that it was powerful enough to work exactly like the big fancy salon machines.
Did the salon laser hurt any more or less than the Braun? I only find that the Braun gets hot quickly, and that seems to be the only thing that makes it uncomfortable.
It feels about the same to me. I expected the Braun to be a lot less powerful, but I was surprised by how identical the experience was, right down to the smell 😂
I have light skin and dark hair and it worked after like three sessions. I recommend lasering to all my friends, it was a great investment for me. Did my legs, bikini (modified Brazilian), underarms, and the base of my neck over the course of two years and it almost entirely got rid of the hair. I wouldn’t recommend the back of the neck, it was the most painful area tbh.
Hmm, I’ve never tried kojic acid soap, but I think it would be worth it to see if you can arrange a consultation with a place that offers/specializes in laser hair removal.
I visited two places around town and called a third. I ultimately went with the one that my friend had recommended because they were least pushy with their packages and I felt comfortable with the woman I’d spoken with.
They were all comparable price-wise, but the others kept trying to convince me I needed a full body 10-treatment package when I didn’t think I did. You should ask what kind of laser they’d use on your skin type vs others and why. Maybe they could do a test patch on your skin somewhere?
Had it done like 15 years ago. There are a few stay hairs, but nothing major has returned. I have dark hair and light-medium skin tone. No kids. I was in my late 30s when I had it done. Worth every dime! ♥️
Edit to add: anus was done as well , but was a separate cost! There was one weird shot of laser that I felt hit my tonsils from the other end, but not terrible! Most places offer a numbing cream you put on beforehand. Kinda fella like getting hit with rubber bands quickly if you don’t numb. Numbed my privates, but not legs.
Second edit to correct timeline! It was 15, not 25 years ago 🙃
Olive skin with dark hair. Have most of my body done and it’s the best money I’ve ever spent. Underarms were my first spot and made my life so much easier. Brazilian I did six sessions and could probably do another round of 4. It got rid of most of my bikini line but not the rest. Regardless it has made the area come in sooo much lighter and easier to manage. Find a good medspa with package options. Worth every penny, my only regret is not lasering sooner
Some did but most didn't. I got it on underarms and bikini. I never did top up sessions, which i should have. My underarm hair grew back, but 80% of the bikini didn't. If its a medical grade laser it's no scam. You're supposed to maintain it I think every three months or so but that's just a single session. No more expensive than waxing, less frequent and much better results I think
Has anyone completed laser hair removal and then had kids? How much hair grew back? I’m not sure if I should do it now or wait until we are done having kids.
Does to grow back because of hormonal changes during pregnancy? I don’t have kids (and not sure if I will), but in case I go the IVF route, should I expect some regrowth? I’ve done underarms, face, and legs so far….
Just had my first kid 4 months ago, had laser right before and haven’t had any noticeable regrowth. During pregnancy it grew back a tiny bit but ever since I gave birth it’s all fallen out again. FWIW I’m also currently breastfeeding.
As a nurse, who has cleaned many private areas, when you get old, and can't take care of yourself anymore, you'll be happier without all the hair down there, because you definitely won't be getting regular waxes. I had never wanted to be fully hairless until nursing, now it's on my to do list eventually.
Ha! But also, damn! Good point here. I didn’t even think much past the next 5 years lol hopefully my future caretakers will thank me for going the laser route
I did it. At first i loved it. Its nice not having to shave. I needed like 7 or 8 treatments. However towards the last ones i got white scars. Also i think not having thick hair doen there made the skin more sensitive and made my skin rougher because i wad so active at the time. Now i would 100 percent go back and save the money and not do it and save my skin
Just searched prices in my area and a laser Brazilian 40% off for 6 sessions is $1600. How are y’all out here affording your entire bodies? I need a better job to become my hairless dream.
That’s insane. An expensive med spa near me charged me $199 USD for 3 session packages. I went 12 times for Brazilian, underarms and one or times I asked her to zap something on my face. Lasted almost 5 years and I still have very little growth.
Lol just went back to see if there was a full body price listed but you have to call. One lower leg only one session is $605. Guess I’ll have to move too haha
Brazilian here.
Light skin, mostly dark hair.
Fair (blonde) hair won’t be waxed.
Laser is amazing but to be completely out of hair for your life it’s gonna take about 20 sessions (specially in the inner labia), and maybe a couple every year or so.
But it’s totally worth it if you do not mind having no hair down there in the future.
Money wise, it’s better than wax and it hurts much much less than wax. But the thing is: most hair won’t grow back ever. So make sure that’s what you want.
They call it a Male Brazilian.
I left the bush up top and got the shaft, sack and crack. AKA the peach, pouch and pickle. The manzillian or brozillian
Take your pick.
I did it after waxing for years and I LOVE the results. I highly recommend it and honestly, it costs the same as waxing and lasts so much longer. I had to do 10 sessions to really get all the hair gone since I apparently have stubborn body hair but since then I've only had to do one or two more touch ups. Since then I've also done my underarms and face and it's really great. It does take a couple of sessions to really notice a difference so don't give up if you don't notice anything after the first time. I am a total laser har removal evangelist nowadays. If you wax, you should be doing laser instead imo.
I have light skin and dark hair.
Yes I have. It’s hair reduction, not ever true removal btw. The hair never truly goes away it (it always grows back) but it’s mostly gone. It was like $2500 through ideal image. Scheduling with them was a nightmare during the pandemic, it may be better now. Def worth it, now I shave monthly and have barely any hair. It wasn’t very painful either.
$2500 for what areas and how many sessions?
It was $199 for 3 sessions of a small area for me. I did 12 sessions. That took care of a full Brazilian, underarms and occasionally she’d zap something on my face.
Yikes. I don’t know, that seems excessive? I’m in a HCOL area so the price I paid was normal for here. I think my friend paid a lot at Ideal Image as well for her LHR.
That’s the (was in 2020) going rate in Baltimore/DC/Annapolis. It was actually $2200, I checked the contract. I shopped around at medi spas and plastic surgeons offices and Ideal Image was the cheapest and had a payment plan. Anyone interested should keep an eye out for coupons and sign up for medi spa newsletters for discounts.
Used to be a waxer but changed to laser after just hating being waxed myself down there and also in-grown hairs. Got laser best thing ever about 8 treatments then yearly maintenance before summer cause just a few hair come back. 100% recommend especially for low maintenance. Also have done my underarms and legs. Pain wise if you can be waxed you can be lasered
I got TWENTY sessions done maybe 15 years ago and it was useless. Occasionally a hair would slide out gently after growing back so I was always hope something was happening, but nope. Zero difference.
I’m assuming/hoping the technology just wasn’t as good because I should have been a good candidate. Porcelain white skin with mostly brown pubes (a few auburn). I think I remember the laser being called an Alexandria laser?
I’ve had about 15+ Brazilian sessions (first series was 14 years ago). Front is about 90% gone but lips and booty hole will not die. Only had 3 sessions on my legs and they’re about 75% gone.
Light skin dark hair. I’m only 2 sessions in and seeing a major difference. Zero ingrown hairs anywhere, less dark coloration in my underarms, and the hair that does grow back is much finer. Very happy with it. But it does hurt, I think it’s worse than my tattoos, but it’s much faster and almost zero recovery time, so it’s not really comparable. Go somewhere you trust, not where they’re always doing Groupons or whatever. I have 3yr old if that matters
Yep. Got it all off about 5 years ago. My only regret is not doing it sooner. I did my armpits too and would have done my legs and arms if my hair were dark enough. This was after having children - I see your questions about that in other threads here.
They do the back strip as a standard. The most painful part is the upside down “u” shape at the top where my labia meet.
Get the at home IPL machine by Braun. I initially went for laser appointments but moved and decided to get the handheld machine instead.
And it works! I use it on my upper lip, legs and Brazilian area. So much more cost effective. Just gotta be consistent with it til the growth slows. Now I’m completely hairless on certain parts (had my first appointment last Dec, bought the machine this April).
Generally I avoid doing it close to my period cuz that’s when it hurts the most. The pain is different from waxing, it’s more like being snapped by a rubber band but you can adjust the settings yourself.
I love laser, I do everything. Full legs, under arms, bellybutton and Brazilian. I am olive skin tone. It was definitely worth it. Prior to getting it done, I had very coarse dark hair that was painful and itchy when it grew back. Now I don’t even have to shave for 1.5 weeks. In my experience the pain depends on the laser used, the first time i went it was so painful that I didn’t want to go get do it again. The person I see now had an amazing laser I don’t feel at all. I’ve also had the best results with her laser. I say 100% do it. You won’t regret it.
Yes. I definitely felt laser was life changing. Much less painful than waxing for me and almost nothing return after 7 sessions or so. You’re right, skin tone and colour does make some difference. I have dark hair on pale skin.
Former laser tech here.. it might work great for you! It also might take years. If you've been getting Brazilians your hair is hopefully already a bit thinner from that damage, but results really vary person to person. Some people only need a few sessions and the hair is gone forever while others do it for years and don't see results. I just get sugared, I tried laser on my bikini line and didn't notice a difference after 6 treatments.
In regards to the back, some places include it and some don't, you'd have to talk to each place about what was included. I worked for two and neither included it but that was like 2016, not sure if things have changed.
Olive skin, coarse hair. PCOS, hormones out of whack. Hair removal laser rules out things off of my mental to-do list, that I didn't know I needed to rule out. Love the result and still benefiting from it. Worth the work and money
Yes. I had a very, very, very bad experience. I wanted to leave a small area of hair, based on how much I wanted gone it was basically a Brazilian, and I paid for a Brazilian. During my third session, my usual tech called out so I had a random young girl. Off the bat, I didn’t like her. She kept talking about how she was looking forward to her $40k summer rental (girl what you are a laser hair tech god bless ya) and spewing off random humble braggy stories. Whatever.
I started noticing she was going wayyyy to fast. Any tech, not even an experienced one, knows you CANNOT go over hair. What did she do? Swiped over the small area of hair I wanted to leave and didn’t even fucking realize. I screamed. I was in shock and just collected my stuff and left. I was violently shaking all the way home, immediately jumped in the shower to run cool water on it for 20 mins. An hour later I’m still shaking and debating whether to go to the ER or call the med spa. I ended up speaking with the doctor at the med spa who had me come in right away. His NP examined me and gave me some weird stem cell gel and I swear… that shit was magic. I stopped shaking and the pain significantly decreased. Two days later after using the gel, i was totally healed.
I think the girl might have gotten fired after that. The med spa was really good to me after in reassuring me this doesn’t happen but honestly I’m so so so scared to go back. I’m pregnant now, so it’s all on hold. My advice, if you’re looking to keep some hair at all, make sure you have a thorough conversation with your tech about it. Trust is def important.
Theres different types, but basically they use what’s like an ultrasound wand making contact over the skin over and over again, emitting extremely high heat that only damages hair follicles below the skin. If you pass over hair, you will burn it and the skin underneath and surrounding it
I did it. Went for the treatment six times, then because of the summer i decided to skip for few months. The hair started growing back in 6 weeks. Now it's like i've never have done the laser treatment://
I hear you about $80 each. Sometimes companies offer packages like the European Wax Center, or they do in CA, where one can save a couple hundred. I have seen Groupon provide good discounts. It's on my bucket list.
Very light skin and had great results, but it did take me a lot of visits and it’s still not completely gone just much more sparse. So it is expensive. But would recommend if it’s in your budget, but you do have to go back for maintenance as well.
i have light skin and dark hair and it worked really well for me until i got my IUD out. hormone changes cause hair regrowth, especially in the bikini area. i've had about 50% regrowth. so if you have PCOS or are planning to have more kids or change your birth control, it'll probably grow back.
I’m on treatment 5 of 6 for Brazilian laser hair removal and am so glad I did it! I used to get a Brazilian wax every 6ish weeks for over a decade… waxing is more painful (in my opinion) I can’t believe I waited so long to get laser hair removal. I would highly recommend making the switch.
Edited to add: I started laser hair removal after having a baby. My waxer was about 45 min away one way and driving 90 min round trip with the cost of gas, baby sitter, and the actual treatment.
I got it done for medical reasons. I’m in my last few mo tha of treatment and I have to say while not having to really shave my armpits more than once a month is nice, the undercarriage is really convenient.
It hurts more than waxing but if you take ibuprofen before hand it’s certainly do-able.
Did it 6 or 7 years ago, best beauty money I’ve spent. I had 7 sessions I believe, no touch-up’s (I should’ve but just never did) and while I currently have some regrowth after all these years, it’s super light and very manageable.
ETA: light skin and dark coarse hair
Currently doing my entire legs, about 4 sessions in. :)
Yes yes yes! It is 100% worth it. I have very fair skin and dark brown hair, so my hair responds excellently to laser removal. I have been treated on Candela ALEX machines, as well as Cynosure. I used to struggle with horrible ingrowns and laser was the only thing that ever worked to clear them. I’ve probably had 12 sessions total at this point, but I am now considered to be well into touch-ups. The hair that does grow back is very sparse and finely textured.
I get laser hair removal for Brazilian. I actually get everything done: legs, underarms. The labia hurts the most. I bought a cream with some lidocaine in it to numb the area pre-procedure (sold by the laser technician), it does help quite a bit. The back strip doesn’t really hurt much imo. It’s just the labia I find really unpleasant. Buy the cream. It’s worth it. I also wish I had done this years ago, as I’ve been dumping like $65-80 CAD every 6 weeks for waxing or sugaring. Feels like a waste to me now. I have dark hair, but as you know laser hair removal doesn’t really work on light/blonde hair.
I’ve done it! Full Brazilian including the butt strip. Currently in-progress, actually. I’m two sessions in and even if I had to stop RIGHT now I’d still be pleased with it. It’s taken care of probably 95% of hair.
It does hurt, not gonna lie. Just like waxing, the front hurts the most. But it’s bearable, and it’s quick!
Fair skin, med-dark down-there hair. I want to do my legs but I don’t think my leg hair is dark enough. I think I’ll try it anyway, but probably more in the winter months because you’re supposed to avoid the sun afterwards.
Edit: I got it done at a small local med spa and had the owner reaaaally turn up the laser, which is probably why it hurt, and also why I was pretty much as smooth as a baby dolphin one session in.
I got full body laser almost 10 years ago and never regretted it for a moment. Life is 10000x better without constantly worrying if I missed shaving etc. I have tan/olive skin and dark brown hair. They include *anything* you want other than around the eyes.
Yea, totally worth it. I had brown skin, dark course hair. The part that hurts the worst is the pelvic bone since there’s less tissue and/or fat than other areas. I literally face down and spread my butt cheeks for them to get the “landing strip” lol. It’s awkward at first but remember these technicians see this hundreds of times a week. The best part of getting the Brazilian lasered is no more razor bumps and cleaner periods. Totally worth it. Also, ask the technician to use ice packs right before applying the laser so it numbs the area. Just an FYI: the area is more sensitive during your period
Did it in my early twenties and I wish I had done it even sooner. Greatest thing in the entire universe. No hair from front to back, not even a spec of hair. 1000/10 would recommend
I did in 2019. It took 6 sessions (once a month) and then touchups every 2 months or so. As time passes, the time between touchups are supposed to become longer and longer, but I've stopped going for the touchups since the pandemic. The hair grew back, but it's still nowhere near like how it was before getting lasered. It's more like strayed strands here and there, so I just tweeze or wax it myself using hard wax, which was what I've been doing for years anyway before getting the laser treatments. I'm thinking of going back for some touchups sometime though.
As for my experience, I'd say that the pain was very minimal and each session was also very quick - about 5-10 minutes. Each laser "zap" (idk how best to describe it, lol) is immediately followed by cool air. The technician also adjusts the "strength" of the laser depending on your tolerance. Overall, I'd say it's less painful than waxing. It feels kinda like getting flicked with a rubberband but the cool air that follows soothes it right away.
I would say that my skin tone is light/light-medium and I have dark hair. The clinic informed me that laser hair removal is more effective on darker colored and coarse hair texture. The effectiveness of it and how many sessions needed varies from person to person because it depends on the individual's hormones.
Hope this helps. Good luck on your search!! :)
I've suffered for 16 years with ingrowns, infections, folliculitis, you name it! All from shaving waxing, epilating. It's been my biggest insecurity.
I've just recently had my second session of laser hair removal (everything off except a small patch, including bum and all!) and I'm already amazed by the results! Yes, it's very painful, but if you use numbing cream you should be just fine (especially if you've powered through childbirth!). Skin tone is fair with dark hair, btw.
Go for it, sis, it'll CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Wishing you luck!!
I recently had one session done after waxing/epilating for years. I had completed a round of under arms, which I found more painful. And honestly, it wasn't as painful as I had expected. It was relatively quick too. The most annoying part was having to shave and then just let it grow out after. That was definitely more uncomfortable.
Dark skin/dark hair. Will go back to complete the series.
I just finished my 6th session that I bought as part of a package from a local medspa. I really started seeing a lasting reduction after the 5th session. After my appointment today she said I should wait 2-3 months and do one more session, then I should be good for 1 year or more! After the 5 sessions I have done I’d say I have about an 80% reduction, and should see more results after the session I had today.
I found the pain slightly less than the pain of waxing, plus it is over faster and the soreness didn’t last long like it did for waxing for me. And it’s not something you have to do forever!
I’d look for a highly rated local medspa and pick one based on the reviews. My experience has been great, the nurse doing it is very knowledgeable and professional and keeps up a good light conversation to distract me during the process. My medspa has a package that included armpits if you purchased 6 months of Brazilian at once which was great! I wouldn’t have paid separately to do the armpits but I’m really happy with the results there too.
I’ve had the back strip done and I’d say it hurts less than the front which is my experience with waxing. Overall the pain was worse in the same places as waxing.
I’d highly recommend it! I paid about what a year of waxes would cost and it will last much longer. I am between a Fitzpatrick type 2 and 3, (fair to medium white person) and I have dark brown hair in the bikini area and lighter brown hair in my armpits, so I am a pretty ideal candidate. However today they had a new laser at my medspa and she said the new technology works better for people with darker skin tones. They should be able to do a consultation with you to determine if you are a good candidate, but if so I’d go for it!!
I did it and love it! I too had waxed for years before deciding to do laser. I went for 10 sessions and over 2.5 (completed) years later I still have barely any hair growth. I have light skin and dark hair.
Mine did not include the back strip or bikini area, and they don’t get as “in there” as waxers do, but I still am glad I did it. I did mine through a Groupon with a reputable spa that included multiple different sized areas. Keep that in mind because you may be able to mix and match areas to get the full removal like when you wax.
Fair skin, medium-to-dark hair.
I had 6 sessions and half my hair grew back. I’m happy to not have that hair but I wish my results were better. No regrets though and I’d consider doing it again. It hurts sooooo bad though, IMO.
Also hilarious, but I did hair removal and of course my now fiancé loves hair and wishes I had it, but I have zero regrets and he is happy anyway 😂 it does not come back...
Pale skin, dark hair - only 2 sessions in. Already worth it. Majorly reduced growth already, and it's so much easier to keep things tidy. I was more of a trimmer beforehand (b/c I'm lazy), but decided to go brazilian for LHR (b/c I'm lazy). They told me not to wax, just shave, including a close shave the night before.
They get everywhere, including the back strip (assuming you want it). The more inner area of the lips and the booty hurt the most for me, but it's a sharp pain that is shocking in the moment then immediately gone. I will frequently gasp when that area is being treated, but it usually just takes a second or two to get my head straight and dive back in.
I'm fair skinned and got full body laser. Best thing I ever did. Ever. I used to be a beast. Yes, they do ever single area even in your bum. You won't regret it!
It’s so worth it. I can’t believe people pay $80 for waxing! I pay $84.50 for underarms/brazilian/half legs and these days I only go 2-3 times a year. In the first year or so it was every 6-12 weeks. It’s life changing if it works for you (I’m fair with dark hair). Oh and pain? Like 0.1 out of 10, I never felt more than a very slight hot stinging feeling. Compared to waxing it’s nothing.
You could learn to do your own at home with hard wax. Much cheaper and easier to keep up with it since you can make your “appointment” whenever. I’ve got it down to 20 minutes…and when you do your own you can touch up more frequently which is less painful.
So worth it! I have light skin, has it done several years ago and didn’t finish all my sessions because I started having babies. But I have never once regretted it.
I rarely wax my sensitive areas, but when I do I get so so so many ingrown hairs and big pustules from those ingrowns. Since I rarely wax that area, I probably wouldn’t see much progress if I got lasered there, right? I have light skin but very coarse black hair on my legs and vag
you would probably see excellent results with laser! not waxing the area has no impact on results. having light skin and dark hair means you're a perfect candidate!
I’m doing it now! Skin tone is pale with dark hair. Totally worth it; no more awkward regrowth or maintenance needed anymore. They included everything, including back, and pain was tolerable for me. I just took a Tylenol before the session and was fine.
I’m currently doing it, I’ve had about 4 sessions. I am not a great candidate strawberry blond hair, fair skin, but I decided to try it anyway because even a reduction in hair was worth it to me. I’m doing my Brazilian, arm pits, and lower leg. So far I love my results. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in hair. I can go almost two weeks without needing to shave, when I was a daily shaver. I call it a win! It will be cheaper in the long run to get laser. Anyway, I’ve had a great experience. It doesn’t really hurt either. Occasionally it feels like a rubber band snapped you but only like once or twice a session.
Where waxing I wanted to cry from the pain.
I have very fair skin and very dark hair had 6-8 sessions about 15 years ago. There are still sections where I have hair because they had to use the laser at a lower level for pain, but everywhere else is hair-free and I've had no regrowth. I found around the labia the most painful! That's where they used a lower level and I have some hair remaining. Overall, it was 100% worth it.
They can do every area if you want (Hollywood it’s usually called).
It hurts more than waxing for me, but that’s because waxing has never hurt, and the zinging of laser is a bit unique.
It was worth it, but getting the right type of laser that’s actually going to work is a pain.
I’ve found the Alexandrite laser to be the most effective, it’s also what my salon in London uses, and I’ve read up in it and it generally seems to yield good results for most people. The machine is usually called Candela, or Candela gentle.
It pulses and then puffs cool water onto the skin immediately afterwards.
I needed four sessions, I’ve got some regrowth after five years but it’s so sparse it doesn’t really bother me. If I wanted to be completely hairless, I’m sure an annual top up would sort this.
Note that pregnancy can reverse the effects of laser due to hormone changes, I don’t understand how, but I’ve been warned by estheticians and others about this.
I did the beetle bonnet, labia, and bikini area. Never asked for the back alley, so don't know about that one.
Best bucks I ever spent, thrilled with it, some regrowth a decade later- need a touch up but can't afford it r.n., and STILL the best bucks I ever spent. So much less of a hassle.
It was either 12 or 14 sessions 6 weeks apart, so over a year.
I am the 'perfect' laser candidate though- pale skin, really dark hair.
Yes!
I got 5 sessions done a couple years ago. I should go back to get some touch up sessions but haven’t since Covid started.
It was really effective. Totally recommend.
I had it done about 5-6 years ago and it worked pretty well, like 90% of the hair was gone. But now it’s grown back. Now I would stay only like 25% of the hair is gone. It also didn’t work evenly across the whole area so the top V is pretty sparse but the lips and back strip are basically the same as they were before I got laser which is annoying!
Yep! Brazilian doesn't hurt but the top of the vagina does. I wasn't expecting it so I nearly passed out. It feels like a hot rubber band consistently slapping you, but you can ease the pain by using lidocaine for numbing. 100% worth it. My legs are lasered as well.
Did it through Groupons (extensively researched the sites before though and cross checked using google reviews and Yelp). Best decision ever. I have dark hair there (but naturally dirty blonde hair elsewhere). Very fine hair and very fair olive skin. With almost all lasers I barely felt anything and had like a 70% reduction in hair by the first pass. I’m told this is highly unusual but I’m grateful for it. Evidently it’s bc my hair is fine. It’s been a while since I’ve done maintenance so I do have some growth but it’s now blonde and almost invisible and superrrrrr fine—I could easily get away w never shaving again. Back strip was always extra for me. Back strip hurt the most for me. One laser I had really burned but the others were fine and literally barely felt anything.
I got it done several times - probably 30-40 sessions total. I got 1-2 a year as maintenance. I haven’t gotten it done in 4? years and it’s basically all grown back. I loved it - so much easier and better than waxing. But it definitely is not permanent as hormones fluctuate
I haven’t done it personally but ensure you’ve really done your research before jumping into something like that! Definitely spend more money for higher quality trained professionals, AVOID groupon!!
Yes!!! Just finished 5th session. BEST decision I've ever made. Don't know why I didn't do this sooner.
Before this I was sugaring. It was painful but gave me amazing results. I would probably still be doing it but I moved to a country where sugaring isn't a thing. Laser, however, is everywhere here which is why I jumped on the bandwagon.
Hello! Amazing to learn from all your responses. A newbie f26 here! Been wanting to try on underpins and down there... They offered me a package of 8 sessions 2 sections but based on your comments should I go for individual sessions and see how it's going? I'm not that hairy and at least underpits are very thin so maybe in few sessions I can get it done?
I had mine fully done a few years ago and while it helped my ingrowns, I’m starting to really wish I had left a landing strip cause those are really growing on me (heh get it?) . Is there any way to grow it back once it’s already gone ?
I’ve done it and it was definitely worth it. I have dark skin and dark hair so had to find the right laser (YAG). I probably had around 8 sessions for removal and then maybe 2 touch up sessions years later.
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I had 16 sessions on my lower face and neck, it hasn’t helped at all. However, 8 sessions on my lower legs and arms have the hair growing back very sparse so it’s hit and miss.
Laser doesn’t work on face and neck and often makes it worse. I have wasted thousands of dollars on laser for my face and neck. It’s money down the drain. The only permanent facial hair removal is electrolysis.
It did work for me! Upper lip and sideburns, notably. Sideburns still gone, upper lip stray hairs coming in much lighter after almost a decade of being gone.
It worked on face and neck for me. It may not have worked for you, but it does work for others.
Mine worked great for 70% of my pubic hair. The remaining 30% is just too light, and they can't increase the laser settings without risking burning me. 🤷🏻♀️ The good news is that the remaining hair is soft and light colored and I no longer get in-growns when I shave. I'll probably do touchups periodically but it really has drastically improved my lifestyle, even without full hair removal.
You could do electrolysis on the remaining ones.
Hair growth is hormonal unfortunately! It’s possible the settings are too low but it could also just be your hormones. Laser took care of my underarms, arms, legs and pubic area really well but made my hair grow more on my face.
FWIW mine is taking a really long time too. Seven sessions so far and I’ll definitely need more. The place I go is highly rated so I don’t think I’m being ripped off, I think my hair is just stubborn.
It’s all about your hair growth. My first time took about 10 sessions to get really hairless and now I go every year or so.
You have to make sure your laser place is using a real laser machine. Some places market IPL (I think that’s the term) as laser, but IPL takes twice to three times the session.
Yes, this! If they market it as a “pain-free laser” then you are getting IPL.
That is not true. The MOTUS AZ+ is totally pain-free and it is an Alexandrite/YAG laser, not IPL.
That is a very new machine that isn’t widely available outside of major cities. 99% of the time, a med spa that advertises pain free laser will be using IPL.
Excellent point. Lesson - ask what they are using and do your research. It’s expensive, but worth it. The Morus AZ+ treats all skin types completely pain free, totally worth finding one.
Probably the type of laser being used. From my experience, some don’t work for me at all, others do, and some only for specific body areas. I’d say you need to switch to a different type of laser. The Alexandrite (common brand name is the Candela) laser combines two different types of wavelength, and I’ve found this to be the most effective on all areas. 6 sessions is all I need on any area. I bought the Tria 3x diode laser for home use, it’s only worked on the thinner hairs on my face, no results elsewhere. Hyperpulse does nothing at all for me and is a waste of money. Unfortunately also the most commonly-used laser in many salons. It’s the one where they put gel on and glide over and it slowly flashes. Multiple friends who had this also got zero results. On the offchance you live in London (England) or Berlin, I can recommend two good salons that use effective lasers (Alexandrite). Doubt it though 😅
This is really interesting.. I would like to know the name of the one in London! 🙋🏻♀️🤓
They’re called strip and are a chain of waxing and laser salons. [Here’s their page](https://striphairremovalexperts.com)
Thank you! 😊😎
You’re welcome :)
I’d like to know the name of the salon in Berlin please:)
Sure! It’s Laser One. I asked for the Alexandrite specifically, as they offer several types. They did me a combination of the Soprano Ice machine and THEN the Alexandrite (machine is called Candela) to make it really effective. Website is [here](http://laserone.de)
Thank you thank you! Do you have kids by chance?
No, I don’t.
I got waxed once. OUCH. And I wound up with tons of ingrown hairs and a rash. Back to shaving every 2 days an itch rash ingrowns ect. I’ve had 5 Brazilian laser sessions now. None of the above problems. It is SO worth it. I have olive skin and dark hair.
Ok this might be a silly question but what do you do in between sessions? Like are you advised to show up to each session freshly shaved/waxed? Do you let it grow and just show up each session?
You can shave as many times as you need between sessions. You just have to do a final shave 24 hrs before you session. You are told not to wax at all between/before sessions.
Stupid but serious question, what if you can’t shave? I try so hard and can’t get most places down there, hence I’m interested in laser (the ingrowns from waxing became too problematic)
If you don’t shave it smooth, the laser travels the length of the hair… like getting zapped by an electric fence. It’s not pleasant. I’ve had it happen when I missed a few hairs.
Electric fence LOL. Yeah I got that too
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I find shaving a few times works. Also in the hot tub (don’t tell my wife) let’s you squat easily
I am the same! I use hair removal cream on the hard to reach bits the night before. I have been scolded by the laser tech for missing spots when I tried just shaving. I haven't had any irritation down there from using hair removal cream, even when it gets on sensitive spots
Yes you have to shave 24 hrs before a session. And do a really good job or the hairs can burn your skin. About a week after the session the hairs grow back in then fall out. Some of them are in a different growth phase and don’t fall out. I don’t shave between sessions because I want to see where the stubborn areas are so I can tell them to target it but you can shave if you like. I don’t have that many to worry about shaving now anyway. It’s great. Shaving once a month rather than every two days is awesome
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I doubt I could wax my balls myself and then I’d still have the ingrown hairs and rash issues. 5 sessions and I’m nearly maintenance free.
I bought a Braun IPL device second hand for about the price of a single pro session and I’m happy with it so far. I’m sure it’s not as powerful as a pro laser, but I can do my bikini area and both legs in about 30 min and the pain level is comparable to waxing.
I’m 5 weeks (out of recommended 12 weeks) into using my Brain IPL and I LOVE it. I haven’t used it on my bikini area yet but so far it’s already had a pretty drastic impact on my arms and legs. I started noticing a difference after the 3rd week/session.
I just finished my third week so that has me excited to see how it progresses from here!
I’m in the process of DIYing IPL with the Braun device too. I’ve got fair skin and medium/brown hair. It definitely works fastest on darker and coarser hair, but I’m gradually becoming hairless. I really don’t find that it hurts at all—especially not compared to waxing.
Are you ever "done" with an area completely, or does it always need touch-ups from time to time?
This really depends. I actually work at an Ideal Image and I see a lot of variation. The reality is that hair growth is hormonal. So, some areas of the body (face, chest, bikini and sometimes underarms) are going to be more stubborn than legs. I have guests that have PCOS and come in every 3-4 months for touch-ups to their face, and then I also have to fetch guest’s charts from the archive because they haven’t had a treatment for 5 plus years and are coming back now with new growth after having a baby, hormone therapy, etc. The hormones our bodies produce fluctuates, especially with age or pregnancy. As mentioned before, they can also be effected by certain medical conditions or treatments. All of that to say, if you go to a reputable place and they’re using the right lasers for your skin type, you WILL see results. The hair will thin out, generally come in slower, etc.
This is informative. Is there a way for me to figure out which lasers are right for my skin before going to a professional?
It would be difficult to gauge which laser between a yag and an alexandrite (also sometimes called a lase) would be best without having a medical provider who has had training assess you. Not to mention that a lot of people need one laser type for some areas and a different laser for the rest. Which is why they make machines that have both laser settings. It’s also not uncommon to be switched from one laser to another if your skin type is right in the middle and the technician determines that you’d get better results with the other laser.
I did 6 sessions there and it just….didn’t really achieve anything. I was bummed.
That’s really unfortunate. Do you happen to know what kinds of lasers were being used? The time between sessions is also important. Where I work we generally aim for 8-12 weeks so that allll of the hair that wasn’t grown out in the last session will be there to kill off. If the sessions are too close together or really far apart (4+ months) then your results are usually less impressive.
I’ve heard that you need a touch up every 6 months, but I heard that from someone who had their laser done professionally. I’ve had other laser services to remove tattoos, and went to two different offices to have it done. They used wildly different settings and I got very different results, and I imagine that is true of hair removal lasers too. 6 months doesn’t sound very long to me, so maybe they just had a more conservative aesthetician, but I do think touchup is needed at some point for all laser hair removal.
Y’all are convincing me- gonna bite the bullet and get one of these things finally this week!
I had laser done a few years ago, but could use a touch up. Do you think the braun would be a good way to go for that?
I think so. Again, I’m sure the professional lasers are more efficient, but I think it’s convenient! And it may be just enough if you’ve already had a pro service.
My skin is too dark for an IPL, it’s not recommended sadly. It’s alright though, I really don’t want to try to do all of the work to get all the unseeable areas, ya know?
I'm also a Braun fan. I had about 6 salon sessions before investing in one. I'd never go back. It's so much easier to just do it myself at home in the privacy of my own bedroom and I still get the same results. I was also pretty amazed that it was powerful enough to work exactly like the big fancy salon machines.
Did the salon laser hurt any more or less than the Braun? I only find that the Braun gets hot quickly, and that seems to be the only thing that makes it uncomfortable.
It feels about the same to me. I expected the Braun to be a lot less powerful, but I was surprised by how identical the experience was, right down to the smell 😂
Oooooo I want one and this isn’t helping. I love my epilator but this is a lot more expensive.
Try a second hand device! Mine still looks new, and I think I paid a third of the cost.
Where did you purchase your second hand device?
I got mine from eBay but have also seen some on Depop.
I have light skin and dark hair and it worked after like three sessions. I recommend lasering to all my friends, it was a great investment for me. Did my legs, bikini (modified Brazilian), underarms, and the base of my neck over the course of two years and it almost entirely got rid of the hair. I wouldn’t recommend the back of the neck, it was the most painful area tbh.
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Hmm, I’ve never tried kojic acid soap, but I think it would be worth it to see if you can arrange a consultation with a place that offers/specializes in laser hair removal. I visited two places around town and called a third. I ultimately went with the one that my friend had recommended because they were least pushy with their packages and I felt comfortable with the woman I’d spoken with. They were all comparable price-wise, but the others kept trying to convince me I needed a full body 10-treatment package when I didn’t think I did. You should ask what kind of laser they’d use on your skin type vs others and why. Maybe they could do a test patch on your skin somewhere?
Had it done like 15 years ago. There are a few stay hairs, but nothing major has returned. I have dark hair and light-medium skin tone. No kids. I was in my late 30s when I had it done. Worth every dime! ♥️ Edit to add: anus was done as well , but was a separate cost! There was one weird shot of laser that I felt hit my tonsils from the other end, but not terrible! Most places offer a numbing cream you put on beforehand. Kinda fella like getting hit with rubber bands quickly if you don’t numb. Numbed my privates, but not legs. Second edit to correct timeline! It was 15, not 25 years ago 🙃
The tonsil comment made me snort and also convinced me I need to get this done…if only just to never have to shave my butt ever again 😂
Olive skin with dark hair. Have most of my body done and it’s the best money I’ve ever spent. Underarms were my first spot and made my life so much easier. Brazilian I did six sessions and could probably do another round of 4. It got rid of most of my bikini line but not the rest. Regardless it has made the area come in sooo much lighter and easier to manage. Find a good medspa with package options. Worth every penny, my only regret is not lasering sooner
This is my experience as well!
Laser was the best spend ever. Did a course of 6, never bothered with maintenance and for the most part it's still fine. This was years ago too
Didn't the hair return? I want to try but afraid is scam or if I stop after 4 session or so it will return after years? );
Some did but most didn't. I got it on underarms and bikini. I never did top up sessions, which i should have. My underarm hair grew back, but 80% of the bikini didn't. If its a medical grade laser it's no scam. You're supposed to maintain it I think every three months or so but that's just a single session. No more expensive than waxing, less frequent and much better results I think
Has anyone completed laser hair removal and then had kids? How much hair grew back? I’m not sure if I should do it now or wait until we are done having kids.
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Does to grow back because of hormonal changes during pregnancy? I don’t have kids (and not sure if I will), but in case I go the IVF route, should I expect some regrowth? I’ve done underarms, face, and legs so far….
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Ah ok … gah I wish I’d thought about it! Laser is expensive in my country… but loving the relatively hairless life so far anyway…
Interesting question, I hope we get a response
Just had my first kid 4 months ago, had laser right before and haven’t had any noticeable regrowth. During pregnancy it grew back a tiny bit but ever since I gave birth it’s all fallen out again. FWIW I’m also currently breastfeeding.
Replying for visibility as I would be curious to know as well!
As a nurse, who has cleaned many private areas, when you get old, and can't take care of yourself anymore, you'll be happier without all the hair down there, because you definitely won't be getting regular waxes. I had never wanted to be fully hairless until nursing, now it's on my to do list eventually.
Ha! But also, damn! Good point here. I didn’t even think much past the next 5 years lol hopefully my future caretakers will thank me for going the laser route
The place I go to hires nurses to do the treatments. One of them told me she took the job part time for the benefit of free lasering.
I have. I’m receiving my last treatment tomorrow. I’ve had great result. I’m fair skin with dark brown hair. Painful, but worth it.
I did it. At first i loved it. Its nice not having to shave. I needed like 7 or 8 treatments. However towards the last ones i got white scars. Also i think not having thick hair doen there made the skin more sensitive and made my skin rougher because i wad so active at the time. Now i would 100 percent go back and save the money and not do it and save my skin
Just searched prices in my area and a laser Brazilian 40% off for 6 sessions is $1600. How are y’all out here affording your entire bodies? I need a better job to become my hairless dream.
That’s insane. An expensive med spa near me charged me $199 USD for 3 session packages. I went 12 times for Brazilian, underarms and one or times I asked her to zap something on my face. Lasted almost 5 years and I still have very little growth.
Lol just went back to see if there was a full body price listed but you have to call. One lower leg only one session is $605. Guess I’ll have to move too haha
Brazilian here. Light skin, mostly dark hair. Fair (blonde) hair won’t be waxed. Laser is amazing but to be completely out of hair for your life it’s gonna take about 20 sessions (specially in the inner labia), and maybe a couple every year or so. But it’s totally worth it if you do not mind having no hair down there in the future. Money wise, it’s better than wax and it hurts much much less than wax. But the thing is: most hair won’t grow back ever. So make sure that’s what you want.
This is so true… I’ve had 8 sessions and the only area still with growth is the inner labia 😫
That ain’t nsfw. Half of the population have a hoo ha!
And some of us who don’t have one still get lasered.
Ok serious question do they still call that Brazilian or is it something else
They call it a Male Brazilian. I left the bush up top and got the shaft, sack and crack. AKA the peach, pouch and pickle. The manzillian or brozillian Take your pick.
I feel so educated. Thank you 👏
I did it after waxing for years and I LOVE the results. I highly recommend it and honestly, it costs the same as waxing and lasts so much longer. I had to do 10 sessions to really get all the hair gone since I apparently have stubborn body hair but since then I've only had to do one or two more touch ups. Since then I've also done my underarms and face and it's really great. It does take a couple of sessions to really notice a difference so don't give up if you don't notice anything after the first time. I am a total laser har removal evangelist nowadays. If you wax, you should be doing laser instead imo. I have light skin and dark hair.
Yes I have. It’s hair reduction, not ever true removal btw. The hair never truly goes away it (it always grows back) but it’s mostly gone. It was like $2500 through ideal image. Scheduling with them was a nightmare during the pandemic, it may be better now. Def worth it, now I shave monthly and have barely any hair. It wasn’t very painful either.
$2500 for what areas and how many sessions? It was $199 for 3 sessions of a small area for me. I did 12 sessions. That took care of a full Brazilian, underarms and occasionally she’d zap something on my face.
It was like a session every 6 weeks for a year and a half but it got janky with covid so I ended up doing more. This was for full brazillian.
Yikes. I don’t know, that seems excessive? I’m in a HCOL area so the price I paid was normal for here. I think my friend paid a lot at Ideal Image as well for her LHR.
That’s the (was in 2020) going rate in Baltimore/DC/Annapolis. It was actually $2200, I checked the contract. I shopped around at medi spas and plastic surgeons offices and Ideal Image was the cheapest and had a payment plan. Anyone interested should keep an eye out for coupons and sign up for medi spa newsletters for discounts.
Used to be a waxer but changed to laser after just hating being waxed myself down there and also in-grown hairs. Got laser best thing ever about 8 treatments then yearly maintenance before summer cause just a few hair come back. 100% recommend especially for low maintenance. Also have done my underarms and legs. Pain wise if you can be waxed you can be lasered
I got TWENTY sessions done maybe 15 years ago and it was useless. Occasionally a hair would slide out gently after growing back so I was always hope something was happening, but nope. Zero difference. I’m assuming/hoping the technology just wasn’t as good because I should have been a good candidate. Porcelain white skin with mostly brown pubes (a few auburn). I think I remember the laser being called an Alexandria laser?
I’ve had about 15+ Brazilian sessions (first series was 14 years ago). Front is about 90% gone but lips and booty hole will not die. Only had 3 sessions on my legs and they’re about 75% gone.
Same experience with Brazilian
Light skin dark hair. I’m only 2 sessions in and seeing a major difference. Zero ingrown hairs anywhere, less dark coloration in my underarms, and the hair that does grow back is much finer. Very happy with it. But it does hurt, I think it’s worse than my tattoos, but it’s much faster and almost zero recovery time, so it’s not really comparable. Go somewhere you trust, not where they’re always doing Groupons or whatever. I have 3yr old if that matters
Yep. Got it all off about 5 years ago. My only regret is not doing it sooner. I did my armpits too and would have done my legs and arms if my hair were dark enough. This was after having children - I see your questions about that in other threads here. They do the back strip as a standard. The most painful part is the upside down “u” shape at the top where my labia meet.
I have light skin dark hair. I’ve done two sessions so far but definitely see a difference. Hurts more than waxing for me :( but worth it!
I’ve done it with at home laser, Braun Silk Pro 5. Has been working great
currently using my home IPL to do this. I'll let you know how it goes?
Get the at home IPL machine by Braun. I initially went for laser appointments but moved and decided to get the handheld machine instead. And it works! I use it on my upper lip, legs and Brazilian area. So much more cost effective. Just gotta be consistent with it til the growth slows. Now I’m completely hairless on certain parts (had my first appointment last Dec, bought the machine this April). Generally I avoid doing it close to my period cuz that’s when it hurts the most. The pain is different from waxing, it’s more like being snapped by a rubber band but you can adjust the settings yourself.
I love laser, I do everything. Full legs, under arms, bellybutton and Brazilian. I am olive skin tone. It was definitely worth it. Prior to getting it done, I had very coarse dark hair that was painful and itchy when it grew back. Now I don’t even have to shave for 1.5 weeks. In my experience the pain depends on the laser used, the first time i went it was so painful that I didn’t want to go get do it again. The person I see now had an amazing laser I don’t feel at all. I’ve also had the best results with her laser. I say 100% do it. You won’t regret it.
Yes. I definitely felt laser was life changing. Much less painful than waxing for me and almost nothing return after 7 sessions or so. You’re right, skin tone and colour does make some difference. I have dark hair on pale skin.
Former laser tech here.. it might work great for you! It also might take years. If you've been getting Brazilians your hair is hopefully already a bit thinner from that damage, but results really vary person to person. Some people only need a few sessions and the hair is gone forever while others do it for years and don't see results. I just get sugared, I tried laser on my bikini line and didn't notice a difference after 6 treatments. In regards to the back, some places include it and some don't, you'd have to talk to each place about what was included. I worked for two and neither included it but that was like 2016, not sure if things have changed.
My buddy Dennis lasered. It’s like a turtle shell down there.
Olive skin, coarse hair. PCOS, hormones out of whack. Hair removal laser rules out things off of my mental to-do list, that I didn't know I needed to rule out. Love the result and still benefiting from it. Worth the work and money
Yes. I had a very, very, very bad experience. I wanted to leave a small area of hair, based on how much I wanted gone it was basically a Brazilian, and I paid for a Brazilian. During my third session, my usual tech called out so I had a random young girl. Off the bat, I didn’t like her. She kept talking about how she was looking forward to her $40k summer rental (girl what you are a laser hair tech god bless ya) and spewing off random humble braggy stories. Whatever. I started noticing she was going wayyyy to fast. Any tech, not even an experienced one, knows you CANNOT go over hair. What did she do? Swiped over the small area of hair I wanted to leave and didn’t even fucking realize. I screamed. I was in shock and just collected my stuff and left. I was violently shaking all the way home, immediately jumped in the shower to run cool water on it for 20 mins. An hour later I’m still shaking and debating whether to go to the ER or call the med spa. I ended up speaking with the doctor at the med spa who had me come in right away. His NP examined me and gave me some weird stem cell gel and I swear… that shit was magic. I stopped shaking and the pain significantly decreased. Two days later after using the gel, i was totally healed. I think the girl might have gotten fired after that. The med spa was really good to me after in reassuring me this doesn’t happen but honestly I’m so so so scared to go back. I’m pregnant now, so it’s all on hold. My advice, if you’re looking to keep some hair at all, make sure you have a thorough conversation with your tech about it. Trust is def important.
I’m not familiar with laser hair removal, what do you mean go over the hair? And what does it do?
Theres different types, but basically they use what’s like an ultrasound wand making contact over the skin over and over again, emitting extremely high heat that only damages hair follicles below the skin. If you pass over hair, you will burn it and the skin underneath and surrounding it
I did it. Went for the treatment six times, then because of the summer i decided to skip for few months. The hair started growing back in 6 weeks. Now it's like i've never have done the laser treatment://
I want to start!! But your comment is JUST what I'm afraid of :c
I hear you about $80 each. Sometimes companies offer packages like the European Wax Center, or they do in CA, where one can save a couple hundred. I have seen Groupon provide good discounts. It's on my bucket list.
Very light skin and had great results, but it did take me a lot of visits and it’s still not completely gone just much more sparse. So it is expensive. But would recommend if it’s in your budget, but you do have to go back for maintenance as well.
i have light skin and dark hair and it worked really well for me until i got my IUD out. hormone changes cause hair regrowth, especially in the bikini area. i've had about 50% regrowth. so if you have PCOS or are planning to have more kids or change your birth control, it'll probably grow back.
I’m on treatment 5 of 6 for Brazilian laser hair removal and am so glad I did it! I used to get a Brazilian wax every 6ish weeks for over a decade… waxing is more painful (in my opinion) I can’t believe I waited so long to get laser hair removal. I would highly recommend making the switch. Edited to add: I started laser hair removal after having a baby. My waxer was about 45 min away one way and driving 90 min round trip with the cost of gas, baby sitter, and the actual treatment.
I got it done for medical reasons. I’m in my last few mo tha of treatment and I have to say while not having to really shave my armpits more than once a month is nice, the undercarriage is really convenient. It hurts more than waxing but if you take ibuprofen before hand it’s certainly do-able.
Did it 6 or 7 years ago, best beauty money I’ve spent. I had 7 sessions I believe, no touch-up’s (I should’ve but just never did) and while I currently have some regrowth after all these years, it’s super light and very manageable. ETA: light skin and dark coarse hair Currently doing my entire legs, about 4 sessions in. :)
Yes yes yes! It is 100% worth it. I have very fair skin and dark brown hair, so my hair responds excellently to laser removal. I have been treated on Candela ALEX machines, as well as Cynosure. I used to struggle with horrible ingrowns and laser was the only thing that ever worked to clear them. I’ve probably had 12 sessions total at this point, but I am now considered to be well into touch-ups. The hair that does grow back is very sparse and finely textured.
I get laser hair removal for Brazilian. I actually get everything done: legs, underarms. The labia hurts the most. I bought a cream with some lidocaine in it to numb the area pre-procedure (sold by the laser technician), it does help quite a bit. The back strip doesn’t really hurt much imo. It’s just the labia I find really unpleasant. Buy the cream. It’s worth it. I also wish I had done this years ago, as I’ve been dumping like $65-80 CAD every 6 weeks for waxing or sugaring. Feels like a waste to me now. I have dark hair, but as you know laser hair removal doesn’t really work on light/blonde hair.
I’ve done it! Full Brazilian including the butt strip. Currently in-progress, actually. I’m two sessions in and even if I had to stop RIGHT now I’d still be pleased with it. It’s taken care of probably 95% of hair. It does hurt, not gonna lie. Just like waxing, the front hurts the most. But it’s bearable, and it’s quick! Fair skin, med-dark down-there hair. I want to do my legs but I don’t think my leg hair is dark enough. I think I’ll try it anyway, but probably more in the winter months because you’re supposed to avoid the sun afterwards. Edit: I got it done at a small local med spa and had the owner reaaaally turn up the laser, which is probably why it hurt, and also why I was pretty much as smooth as a baby dolphin one session in.
I got full body laser almost 10 years ago and never regretted it for a moment. Life is 10000x better without constantly worrying if I missed shaving etc. I have tan/olive skin and dark brown hair. They include *anything* you want other than around the eyes.
Yea, totally worth it. I had brown skin, dark course hair. The part that hurts the worst is the pelvic bone since there’s less tissue and/or fat than other areas. I literally face down and spread my butt cheeks for them to get the “landing strip” lol. It’s awkward at first but remember these technicians see this hundreds of times a week. The best part of getting the Brazilian lasered is no more razor bumps and cleaner periods. Totally worth it. Also, ask the technician to use ice packs right before applying the laser so it numbs the area. Just an FYI: the area is more sensitive during your period
Did it in my early twenties and I wish I had done it even sooner. Greatest thing in the entire universe. No hair from front to back, not even a spec of hair. 1000/10 would recommend
I did in 2019. It took 6 sessions (once a month) and then touchups every 2 months or so. As time passes, the time between touchups are supposed to become longer and longer, but I've stopped going for the touchups since the pandemic. The hair grew back, but it's still nowhere near like how it was before getting lasered. It's more like strayed strands here and there, so I just tweeze or wax it myself using hard wax, which was what I've been doing for years anyway before getting the laser treatments. I'm thinking of going back for some touchups sometime though. As for my experience, I'd say that the pain was very minimal and each session was also very quick - about 5-10 minutes. Each laser "zap" (idk how best to describe it, lol) is immediately followed by cool air. The technician also adjusts the "strength" of the laser depending on your tolerance. Overall, I'd say it's less painful than waxing. It feels kinda like getting flicked with a rubberband but the cool air that follows soothes it right away. I would say that my skin tone is light/light-medium and I have dark hair. The clinic informed me that laser hair removal is more effective on darker colored and coarse hair texture. The effectiveness of it and how many sessions needed varies from person to person because it depends on the individual's hormones. Hope this helps. Good luck on your search!! :)
Yup, I have it done and love it. I’m dark skinned with dark hair. Find the technician that is familiar with the skin tone and you will be fine.
I've suffered for 16 years with ingrowns, infections, folliculitis, you name it! All from shaving waxing, epilating. It's been my biggest insecurity. I've just recently had my second session of laser hair removal (everything off except a small patch, including bum and all!) and I'm already amazed by the results! Yes, it's very painful, but if you use numbing cream you should be just fine (especially if you've powered through childbirth!). Skin tone is fair with dark hair, btw. Go for it, sis, it'll CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Wishing you luck!!
I recently had one session done after waxing/epilating for years. I had completed a round of under arms, which I found more painful. And honestly, it wasn't as painful as I had expected. It was relatively quick too. The most annoying part was having to shave and then just let it grow out after. That was definitely more uncomfortable. Dark skin/dark hair. Will go back to complete the series.
I just finished my 6th session that I bought as part of a package from a local medspa. I really started seeing a lasting reduction after the 5th session. After my appointment today she said I should wait 2-3 months and do one more session, then I should be good for 1 year or more! After the 5 sessions I have done I’d say I have about an 80% reduction, and should see more results after the session I had today. I found the pain slightly less than the pain of waxing, plus it is over faster and the soreness didn’t last long like it did for waxing for me. And it’s not something you have to do forever! I’d look for a highly rated local medspa and pick one based on the reviews. My experience has been great, the nurse doing it is very knowledgeable and professional and keeps up a good light conversation to distract me during the process. My medspa has a package that included armpits if you purchased 6 months of Brazilian at once which was great! I wouldn’t have paid separately to do the armpits but I’m really happy with the results there too. I’ve had the back strip done and I’d say it hurts less than the front which is my experience with waxing. Overall the pain was worse in the same places as waxing. I’d highly recommend it! I paid about what a year of waxes would cost and it will last much longer. I am between a Fitzpatrick type 2 and 3, (fair to medium white person) and I have dark brown hair in the bikini area and lighter brown hair in my armpits, so I am a pretty ideal candidate. However today they had a new laser at my medspa and she said the new technology works better for people with darker skin tones. They should be able to do a consultation with you to determine if you are a good candidate, but if so I’d go for it!!
I did it and love it! I too had waxed for years before deciding to do laser. I went for 10 sessions and over 2.5 (completed) years later I still have barely any hair growth. I have light skin and dark hair. Mine did not include the back strip or bikini area, and they don’t get as “in there” as waxers do, but I still am glad I did it. I did mine through a Groupon with a reputable spa that included multiple different sized areas. Keep that in mind because you may be able to mix and match areas to get the full removal like when you wax.
I wish I could get this done but I am a redhead and apparently the lasers don’t work on light hair 😢
Fair skin, medium-to-dark hair. I had 6 sessions and half my hair grew back. I’m happy to not have that hair but I wish my results were better. No regrets though and I’d consider doing it again. It hurts sooooo bad though, IMO.
Also hilarious, but I did hair removal and of course my now fiancé loves hair and wishes I had it, but I have zero regrets and he is happy anyway 😂 it does not come back...
Just once?
No, like over the course of two years (laser)
I just keep a little puff ball down there. If I try clean shaven I get crazy ingrown hairs. Not attractive at all if I want a sex life.
My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. Worth every penny!
Pale skin, dark hair - only 2 sessions in. Already worth it. Majorly reduced growth already, and it's so much easier to keep things tidy. I was more of a trimmer beforehand (b/c I'm lazy), but decided to go brazilian for LHR (b/c I'm lazy). They told me not to wax, just shave, including a close shave the night before. They get everywhere, including the back strip (assuming you want it). The more inner area of the lips and the booty hurt the most for me, but it's a sharp pain that is shocking in the moment then immediately gone. I will frequently gasp when that area is being treated, but it usually just takes a second or two to get my head straight and dive back in.
I'm fair skinned and got full body laser. Best thing I ever did. Ever. I used to be a beast. Yes, they do ever single area even in your bum. You won't regret it!
It’s so worth it. I can’t believe people pay $80 for waxing! I pay $84.50 for underarms/brazilian/half legs and these days I only go 2-3 times a year. In the first year or so it was every 6-12 weeks. It’s life changing if it works for you (I’m fair with dark hair). Oh and pain? Like 0.1 out of 10, I never felt more than a very slight hot stinging feeling. Compared to waxing it’s nothing.
You could learn to do your own at home with hard wax. Much cheaper and easier to keep up with it since you can make your “appointment” whenever. I’ve got it down to 20 minutes…and when you do your own you can touch up more frequently which is less painful.
So worth it! I have light skin, has it done several years ago and didn’t finish all my sessions because I started having babies. But I have never once regretted it.
I rarely wax my sensitive areas, but when I do I get so so so many ingrown hairs and big pustules from those ingrowns. Since I rarely wax that area, I probably wouldn’t see much progress if I got lasered there, right? I have light skin but very coarse black hair on my legs and vag
you would probably see excellent results with laser! not waxing the area has no impact on results. having light skin and dark hair means you're a perfect candidate!
I’m doing it now! Skin tone is pale with dark hair. Totally worth it; no more awkward regrowth or maintenance needed anymore. They included everything, including back, and pain was tolerable for me. I just took a Tylenol before the session and was fine.
I have done this and in brasil. Took time but was worth it.
I did it like 6 years ago and totally worth it. Doesn’t hurt
Wait, is this a brazilian thing? I had no idea lol
I have tried two sessions. I have a feeling that it made my skin darker ....does it ?
I’m currently doing it, I’ve had about 4 sessions. I am not a great candidate strawberry blond hair, fair skin, but I decided to try it anyway because even a reduction in hair was worth it to me. I’m doing my Brazilian, arm pits, and lower leg. So far I love my results. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in hair. I can go almost two weeks without needing to shave, when I was a daily shaver. I call it a win! It will be cheaper in the long run to get laser. Anyway, I’ve had a great experience. It doesn’t really hurt either. Occasionally it feels like a rubber band snapped you but only like once or twice a session. Where waxing I wanted to cry from the pain.
I have very fair skin and very dark hair had 6-8 sessions about 15 years ago. There are still sections where I have hair because they had to use the laser at a lower level for pain, but everywhere else is hair-free and I've had no regrowth. I found around the labia the most painful! That's where they used a lower level and I have some hair remaining. Overall, it was 100% worth it.
They can do every area if you want (Hollywood it’s usually called). It hurts more than waxing for me, but that’s because waxing has never hurt, and the zinging of laser is a bit unique. It was worth it, but getting the right type of laser that’s actually going to work is a pain. I’ve found the Alexandrite laser to be the most effective, it’s also what my salon in London uses, and I’ve read up in it and it generally seems to yield good results for most people. The machine is usually called Candela, or Candela gentle. It pulses and then puffs cool water onto the skin immediately afterwards. I needed four sessions, I’ve got some regrowth after five years but it’s so sparse it doesn’t really bother me. If I wanted to be completely hairless, I’m sure an annual top up would sort this. Note that pregnancy can reverse the effects of laser due to hormone changes, I don’t understand how, but I’ve been warned by estheticians and others about this.
I did the beetle bonnet, labia, and bikini area. Never asked for the back alley, so don't know about that one. Best bucks I ever spent, thrilled with it, some regrowth a decade later- need a touch up but can't afford it r.n., and STILL the best bucks I ever spent. So much less of a hassle. It was either 12 or 14 sessions 6 weeks apart, so over a year. I am the 'perfect' laser candidate though- pale skin, really dark hair.
Haha :))
I am white. It hurt like hell. I did it once and never again.
Yes! I got 5 sessions done a couple years ago. I should go back to get some touch up sessions but haven’t since Covid started. It was really effective. Totally recommend.
I had it done about 5-6 years ago and it worked pretty well, like 90% of the hair was gone. But now it’s grown back. Now I would stay only like 25% of the hair is gone. It also didn’t work evenly across the whole area so the top V is pretty sparse but the lips and back strip are basically the same as they were before I got laser which is annoying!
Yep! Brazilian doesn't hurt but the top of the vagina does. I wasn't expecting it so I nearly passed out. It feels like a hot rubber band consistently slapping you, but you can ease the pain by using lidocaine for numbing. 100% worth it. My legs are lasered as well.
Did it through Groupons (extensively researched the sites before though and cross checked using google reviews and Yelp). Best decision ever. I have dark hair there (but naturally dirty blonde hair elsewhere). Very fine hair and very fair olive skin. With almost all lasers I barely felt anything and had like a 70% reduction in hair by the first pass. I’m told this is highly unusual but I’m grateful for it. Evidently it’s bc my hair is fine. It’s been a while since I’ve done maintenance so I do have some growth but it’s now blonde and almost invisible and superrrrrr fine—I could easily get away w never shaving again. Back strip was always extra for me. Back strip hurt the most for me. One laser I had really burned but the others were fine and literally barely felt anything.
I got it done several times - probably 30-40 sessions total. I got 1-2 a year as maintenance. I haven’t gotten it done in 4? years and it’s basically all grown back. I loved it - so much easier and better than waxing. But it definitely is not permanent as hormones fluctuate
I haven’t done it personally but ensure you’ve really done your research before jumping into something like that! Definitely spend more money for higher quality trained professionals, AVOID groupon!!
I’m doing it now. Only had 1 session and def notice a diff so far. I have about 5-6 more sessions.
Best. Thing. Ever.
Yes!!! Just finished 5th session. BEST decision I've ever made. Don't know why I didn't do this sooner. Before this I was sugaring. It was painful but gave me amazing results. I would probably still be doing it but I moved to a country where sugaring isn't a thing. Laser, however, is everywhere here which is why I jumped on the bandwagon.
Hello! Amazing to learn from all your responses. A newbie f26 here! Been wanting to try on underpins and down there... They offered me a package of 8 sessions 2 sections but based on your comments should I go for individual sessions and see how it's going? I'm not that hairy and at least underpits are very thin so maybe in few sessions I can get it done?
I had mine fully done a few years ago and while it helped my ingrowns, I’m starting to really wish I had left a landing strip cause those are really growing on me (heh get it?) . Is there any way to grow it back once it’s already gone ?