Laser Hair Removal - I've gone the 'hollywood' route!! YIKES

DetectivFoxtrot

what do you ladies all think of laser hair removal down below? Would love to hear opinions and gauge if many poeple are getting it done.

I wanted to get it done for ages, mainly because I was sick of waxing and then getting ingrown hairs etc. So last November I took the plunge and went for a consultation and patch test. I intitally only wanted a 'short, back and sides' job but then they asked me did I want a 'thong' line - it meant I'd never have to wax again no matter how skinny the bikini bottom was LOL - so I said why not. You have to have 6 sessions - one every month. On the second session I decided I wanted rid of more so opted for Brazilian, then on third sessions I said ah feck it - take it all! Just finished 4th session and hair is virtually gone. However it's only now that I'm realising it's gone forever and I'm panicking thinking 'what if I want it back later in life, like when I'm a granny!!?? and 'Will it look attractive when I'm 78' - not likely... The advantages are great - much more hygenic, don't have to worry about stray hairs stick out from the side etc, but the downside is people's opinions - I get stared at by other women in the changing room of the gym like I'm a porn star or something (i'm not btw! ). I thought the procedure was much more common.... no?? Has anyone esle got it done or thinking about getting it done? Do people think it' weird to get it done?

thanks for reading!

Barlow07

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

. However it's only now that I'm realising it's gone forever and I'm panicking thinking 'what if I want it back later in life, like when I'm a granny!!?? and 'Will it look attractive when I'm 78' - not likely... The advantages are great - much more hygenic, don't have to worry about stray hairs stick out from the side etc, but the downside is people's opinions - Do people think it' weird to get it done?

thanks for reading!

From a male point of view , i wouldnt think its weird and im sure a lot more people have it done then you may think. If your worried about what it will look like when you hit 70, i dont think anyone but yourself will see whats down there, unless you go shouting from the roof or end up in a old folks home. Your bound to have second thoughts or doubt now its done, same if you had a NIP tuck etc.

Be happy

DetectivFoxtrot

Barlow07 wrote: »

From a male point of view , i wouldnt think its weird and im sure a lot more people have it done then you may think. If your worried about what it will look like when you hit 70, i dont think anyone but yourself will see whats down there, unless you go shouting from the roof or end up in a old folks home. Your bound to have second thoughts or doubt now its done, same if you had a NIP tuck etc.

Be happy

thanks barlow07.:)

I wouldn't say I'm having doubts and I'll probably have dementia in my 70's anyway to be worried about it then but the staring in the gym locker room is gettng to me. I'm less free-er with the bath towel if ya know what I mean. Thought our nation lost that kind of conservativeness:rolleyes:

MyDseMkesAngels

I got it done. Doesn't hurt, but it's expensive. You need to have it done 6 to 8 times for it to remain permanent.

Barlow07

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

thanks barlow07.:)

I wouldn't say I'm having doubts and I'll probably have dementia in my 70's anyway to be worried about it then

Thats the spirit, i bet in couple of years more and more will follow your thinking and you'll be glad.

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

but the staring in the gym locker room is gettng to me. I'm less free-er with the bath towel if ya know what I mean.

I cant say i do, sorry , I'm sure they will start talking to you and probably find a few asking you questions, the end of the day its what you feel comfortable with and maybe some think its not very lady like.

DetectivFoxtrot

Barlow07 wrote: »

I cant say i do, sorry , .

I cover meself up more than before - so essentially I've traded one insecurity (too much hair) with another (no hair)! :rolleyes:

DetectivFoxtrot

MyDseMkesAngels wrote: »

I got it done. Doesn't hurt, but it's expensive. You need to have it done 6 to 8 times for it to remain permanent.

I find it quite sore I have to say, particularly near the sensitive bits:eek:

Barlow07

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

I cover meself up more than before - so essentially I've traded one insecurity (too much hair) with another (no hair)! :rolleyes:

haha , i'm sure some might not even notice ...

I'm going to go now, dont think i take much more, good luck.

Kazobel

Just my opinion but you sound like a guy posting actually especially from the girls looking at you in the changing room comment, girls don't do that. You also made a big mistake in mentioning you got it waxed previously because no place will laser you until at least 3 months after your last wax and will also expect you to shave down there as bald as possible for it to really work, trust me on this I know ALOT about laser and there is no way you got it judging from your op hon

DetectivFoxtrot

Barlow07 wrote: »

haha , i'm sure some might not even notice ...

I'm going to go now, dont think i take much more, good luck.

Kazobel wrote: »

Just my opinion but you sound lke a guy actually especially the girls looking at you in the changing room comment, girls don't do that. You also made a big mistake in mentioning you got it waxed previously because no place will laser you until at least 3 months after your last wax and will also expect you to shave down there as bald as possible for it to really work, trust me on this I know ALOT about laser and there is no way you got it judging from your op hon

Am not a guy..... very suspicious of you Kazobel. If you search my other threads you'll note I've also asked advice on being a chief bridesmaid (last time I checked men don't fulfill that role) and using the contraceptive Dianette, which inidentally can cause the Laser Therapy not to work - found that out in my consultation.
Last time I got waxed was last August for my holidays, started laser in late november - hair was WELL grown back by then - trust me. seems i know more about laser than you eh

and women HAVE been looking - that's my issue - hence I wanted to know how popular the whole thing was?

Stench Blossoms

How much did it cost?

Silverfish

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

and women HAVE been looking - that's my issue - hence I wanted to know how popular the whole thing was?

Quite right, women look at other women more than men look at women.


Tempting as laser hair removal sounds, I don't think I'm comfortable with the word 'laser' and 'lady bits' in the same sentence, never mind in the same area.

NoQuarter

OP i applaude you! nothing more attractive from a male perspective!

youve done the right thing!!:D

ztoical

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

and women HAVE been looking - that's my issue - hence I wanted to know how popular the whole thing was?

having just started back to the gym after a couple months break [someone close died and I needed a few months to get my head around it] I can say girls def look at each other in the changing room - had a couple questions about my tattoos on my back yesterday after getting out of the shower. Def noticed peoples body hair the first day back but that was because I wanted to go swimming and remembered I hadn't shaved my legs in nearly a month AHhhhh lol

I wouldn't worry to much thou - any gals look are prob just curious and are wondering if its inappropriate to ask.

metaoblivia

I've had a few friends get it done. One of them reasoned, "When am I ever going to want hair down there anyway?" I've heard that it can be painful, especially around sensitive areas, but no more so than waxing. It seems more reasonable than waxing, to be honest. And here in the States, it's becoming quite popular. Laser hair removal of all kinds is popular, actually. But it's expensive and that's been my main reason for not looking further into it. I'm not even willing to pay for waxing so laser hair removal is not on my agenda.

Kazobel

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

trust me. seems i know more about laser than you eh

no I actually can pretty much guarentee you I know alot more about laser than you do (As I'm sure most posters on here know why) and I also know alot more about about what you need to do before hand and you're still saying the wrong thing.

Silverfish

Kazobel wrote: »

no I actually can pretty much guarentee you I know alot more about laser than you do (As I'm sure most posters on here know why) and I also know alot more about about what you need to do before hand and you're still saying the wrong thing.

Kazobel, I'm not sure what the issue is here. Can you either explain what the OP is 'saying wrong' or else stop dragging the thread off topic to make accusations.

Barlow07

Kazobel wrote: »

no I actually can pretty much guarentee you I know alot more about laser than you do (As I'm sure most posters on here know why) and I also know alot more about about what you need to do before hand and you're still saying the wrong thing.

Kazobel, i dont know what your problem is here, but weather the OP is trolling or not you have no evidence, she posted here looking for advice not to be slagged off so stop getting all high and mighty. It sounds like maybe you know what your talking about, you probably work in the area or you are qualified to give this treatment.

You might be feeling better this morning.

watna

I'd love to get it ddone. I used to get Brazilians done every 6 weeks but it got too expensive when saving for travelling. I'll get one before I go, I think, just for the beach etc and I'm hoping to keep it up in NZ. I'm presuming it'll be a lot cheaper there.

I've thought about lasering it a lot. My only concern is that in 20 years time it'll go out of fashion and only sluts will get it done or something. Although, it's not like I flash it in the street and I'd say I'll still like it so maybe I should just go for it!

If you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost? Was it painful?

ems_12

I'm with watna on this one - I want to know details!! Very interested in getting laser, how much would it cost, how many sessions will I expect to go through, how much pain :eek:, any limitations......?! So many questions!! Don't mind who the expert is Kazobel or DetectivFoxtrot, just would like as much info as poss!

Crumble Froo

the 'what plastic surgery would you get if you had to have something' question, i always pic laser hair removal. legs and partial down tehre area for me, thanks.

cuckoo

How well does the laser hair removal work on lighter hair? I'm a blonde, and my leg hair and 'other' hair would be a quite light coloured.

Also, is it true that the hormone changes during pregnancy can make the hairs grow back?

And, how long does each session take? Is it like waxing, ie a bit stingy at the time, but no pain afterwards, or would it be sore for a while?

Sorry for all the questions - but i'm interested in this, and would be very tempted by a permanent solution to unwanted hair.

Peared

Im not trying to be smart at all here but I would guess somebody with a vagina knows more about getting lasered around the vaginal area than somebody who has a different body type altogether.

Personally when looking for advice I would want it from somebody who has had the exact procedure, not a similar one.

OP Fair play to you. I reckon a lot of women would love to do this but wouldnt dare. It all comes down to personal preference (men and women). I wouldnt be worrying about when you're 78. I reckon that will be the last thing on your mind at that age. Plus you will have great bikini photos to look back on.

Peared

Peared wrote: »

Im not trying to be smart at all here but I would guess somebody with a vagina knows more about getting lasered around the vaginal area than somebody who has a different body type altogether.

Glad to hear your not trying to be smart because the notion that my vagina came with certified laser hair removal skills is one of the most stupid things I ever heard!

Peared

Read my post again.

A woman who has been lasered around their ladybits will know more about that experience than somebody who does not have a vagina and was born a man.

A mans body and a womans body are different.

Therefore they will have different experiences of this process.

Whats not to understand?

I think its a great idea rather than waxing. Laser is generally billed as a permanent hair reduction, so it might be a bit optimistic to hope that it is gone forever. But it was never going to look good at 78 anyway! Remember old man ass on SATC. I don't think skin that has been waxed for decades will look good in its old age either.

People don't stare in my gym, shy people generally avoid looking and not shy people generally seem to be oblivious to other peoples nakedness.
Maybe people can't help looking because they are curious about getting a hollywood themselves.

RuailleBuaille

Kazobel wrote: »

Just my opinion but you sound like a guy posting actually especially from the girls looking at you in the changing room comment, girls don't do that. You also made a big mistake in mentioning you got it waxed previously because no place will laser you until at least 3 months after your last wax and will also expect you to shave down there as bald as possible for it to really work, trust me on this I know ALOT about laser and there is no way you got it judging from your op hon

Kazobel, your post comes across as rather petulant IMHO, don't want to offend you as I am aware of your situation, but who are you to say what girls do or do not do? I'm a girl and I don't think I can speak with authority on what other girls do. I've also done 15months of LHE and what the OP said sounds about right to me. Why the automatic putdown? There's no need to be on the attack over something so trivial (ok ok lasers near ladybits is far from trivial but YKWIM!). Chill out!

Silverfish

Okay, everyone back on the topic, of lasers near your bits.

RuailleBuaille

Sorry Silverfish, not a big fan of know-it-all's.

As I said, I've had the LHE done on my face and I have to say I wouldn't consider doing it down below. I'm very fair so it's the heat not the light that does the job, it's called a Blonde Hair Protocol and it stings like f*ck! And that was just on my face, not really a delicate area.
OP very interested to hear that your pill precluded it from working, I wasn't aware of that, and I'm wondering if that's why I'm not satisfied with the reults...
Also, anybody considering it should be aware that it is NOT a guarantee, the hair can grow back depending on hormonal changes i.e pregnancy, menopause so think hard whether you want to part your legs and with your cash for something that isn't certain to work!

DetectivFoxtrot

ok here's the deal. It cost €700 for 6 sessions (was meant to be dearer but they were doing a discount in early Nov). It would have only cost €400 for short back and sides or €550 for Brazlian but because I was going the whole hog and there was more surface area to cover that's why it's so expensive...

During consultation I was told that it's not that painful (i.e. the laser therapy itself) but becasue I was going the whole hog it might be painful in the area with lot of nerve endings - and boy is it! :eek: - particularly the area just over clitoris on the pubic bone. However because I'm the ideal candidate for the process (dark hair light skin) I should lose all hair by the 6th session (here's hoping!!). Befor I did the first session the beautician described the pain as a hot elastic band being flicked against your skin and basically she hit the nail on the head because that's exactly how it feels! Don't get me wrong the pain is TOTALLY manageable but I do have to have a double/triple vodka in a bar across from the clinic before I go in (much to the amusement of the beautician!).

I would recommend it to anyone, and it is worth the money if you consider I'll be saving on 2 waxes a year (at €25 a pop) for the rest of my holidaying life so I'll make the money back in 14 years (will be in my early 40's by then!!) - so it's commerically viable too!

Perhaps I'm getting over worried about the gym locker room thing - it may just be girl on girl curiosity - it's just that sometimes the looks are a bit 'disapproving' if you know what I mean - like there's a sexual thing attatched to not having the hair - however for me my motivation to get it done is was from a functional, aesthetic and cost effective viewpoint - I stand by my decision!

ztoical

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

Befor I did the first session the beautician described the pain as a hot elastic band being flicked against your skin and basically she hit the nail on the head because that's exactly how it feels!

is it like getting a tattoo thou where it hurts going on [like a cat scratching your skin] but the minute they stop theres no pain or is there lingering pain for a while after each session? how big a gap is there between each session?

cuckoo

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

Don't get me wrong the pain is TOTALLY manageable but I do have to have a double/triple vodka in a bar across from the clinic before I go in (much to the amusement of the beautician!).

Regarding the whole changing room thing, i doubt other women are being judgemental - they're probably thinking 'hmmmm, might try that' and the thoughtful faces they're pulling just look like they're dissaproving.

I don't set out to check out the other ladies in the changing room, but sometimes when i'm getting dressed i'm day dreaming away (singing along to the piped music without being aware i'm doing it) and my gaze might land on someone, then my thoughts turn to 'oh, nice thong, wonder where she got it....'/'wow, she's got great muscle definition....'/'hey, i want a bright green bra too!'/etc/etc.

Peared

Yeah women definitely check other women out all the time. And we hardly ever get to see what real women look like naked so its a curiousity.

It can be absently done (as above) or a jealousy thing or just general interest and comparison with your own body thing. And if you see something unusual its human nature to look twice.

Maybe you're just hot

Madame Razz

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

ok here's the deal. It cost €700 for 6 sessions (was meant to be dearer but they were doing a discount in early Nov). It would have only cost €400 for short back and sides or €550 for Brazlian but because I was going the whole hog and there was more surface area to cover that's why it's so expensive.

Jaysus, thats not bad if you consider the cost of a brazilian every 6 weeks or so!! IT'd actually be rather cost effective, and pain wise per session prob much the same!

I wasn't even aware that they did brazilians etc, I thought twas just the regular bikini line they could do!

Did you get that done in a Dublin salon or where? I doubt everywhere thats doing laser does brazilians etc????

I'm here in the sticks in galway!!

DetectivFoxtrot

ztoical wrote: »

is it like getting a tattoo thou where it hurts going on [like a cat scratching your skin] but the minute they stop theres no pain or is there lingering pain for a while after each session? how big a gap is there between each session?

I don't have any tattoos so can't say for certain but yes the pain stops as soon as the laser stops.
It's done is short sharp bursts, I suppose like a gun firing a round - stop start stop start stop start etc. The laser shoots out and then immediately after it a cold burst shoots out to cool the skin - suppose that's what makes the pain go so quickly. Sometimes after a succession of shots though you have to stop for a second just to let the pain subside then you start again a few seconds later.

After the entire session (abut 15 mins for full area) there is a tiny bit of discomfort lingering and the area feels hot but the beautician applies a gel of some sort (aloe vera I presume) and it calms right down. Also there can be some minor swelling but it goes very quickly (in an hour or so)

DetectivFoxtrot

manukahoney wrote: »

Jaysus, thats not bad if you consider the cost of a brazilian every 6 weeks or so!! IT'd actually be rather cost effective, and pain wise per session prob much the same!

I wasn't even aware that they did brazilians etc, I thought twas just the regular bikini line they could do!

Did you get that done in a Dublin salon or where? I doubt everywhere thats doing laser does brazilians etc????

I'm here in the sticks in galway!!

Yeh, the salon is the BodyClinic - think it's on Wicklow Street - all I know is the International Bar is directly across from it (that's where I have the tripple vodka beforehand!! )

ItchyInside

ItchyInside wrote: »

I'm wondering if that's why I'm not satisfied with the reults...

When you say your not satified with the results is it because the hair keeps coming back or because it is patchy. LHE is mad expensive isn't it?

I would like to get my brows permanently shaped, but like you I'm not a good candidate for laser. I would also worry that it would remove my freckles, leaving me with a reverse racoon face. :S

RuailleBuaille

I'm not satisfied because after 1500+ euro and more than a year of having to let it grow (I used to pluck) there was little or no difference. It was patchy and i had to do all this unscreen protection in case I got chloasma. Some parts are totally smooth and others there's no difference.
BTW I thought I had the same procedure done as the OP but my torture device didn't have cooling air blowing out of it? Did I get stung as well as burned?! :mad: It was more than 2 years ago I started it, maybe I should check that BodyCliic out, could be more advanced machines out there now...


*does mental calculations and shakes head sadly*

DetectivFoxtrot

Moonbaby wrote: »

When you say your not satified with the results is it because the hair keeps coming back or because it is patchy. LHE is mad expensive isn't it?

I would like to get my brows permanently shaped, but like you I'm not a good candidate for laser. I would also worry that it would remove my freckles, leaving me with a reverse racoon face. :S

Personally I wouldn't get it on your face if I was you because they do tell you there's a risk of 'pigmentation' damage. This is where it damages your skins tanning ability instead of targetting a hair follicle.... Also they may not even do it for you because it's too close to your eye - it may affect your vision. Even though I'm getting it done down below I still have to wear protective eyewear as does the beautician so there must be some risk to your eyes/vision if your eye is too cose to the laser.

As far as I can remember from the consultation those who are not good candidates for laser are:-

- red heads
- very black people
- poeple whose hair colour is ligther than their skin (e.g. a blonde with a deep tan)


Also, just some more info, the risk of pigmentation is higher if you had a recent tan, or you keep a bit of tan all year round. Down below I'm very pale so that was ok, but some hairs wer on the tan line (couple of inches down from my belly button), she told me of the risk of pigmentation but I asked her to laser it anyway, no point in paying 700 lids and having hair still on the edges... - so far so good in that there is no trace of any pigmentation issues.

I have to say I can't fault the process so far

The technology they use where i'm going is Candella - which is meant to be a bona fide laser and one of the best out there. My beautician told me that some clinics represent that they do laser therapy but it's actually epi-light therapy which is not the same thing at all and is not as good. I reccomend that if any of ye are going for a consultation ask the person what technology they use, write it down and google it when you get home - it will ensure you make an informed decision and get besst value for your money

I think your right there Detective, I couldn't face electroysis so looks like its a no go.

I've been researching here

http://www.cosmeticenhancementsforum.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=3

Check it out Itchy.

BTW one of the sucess stories involves a hetero male with a landing strip brazilian. Imagine talking your way out of that one!

watna

Moonbaby wrote: »

I think your right there Detective, I couldn't face electroysis so looks like its a no go.

I've been researching here

http://www.cosmeticenhancementsforum.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=3

Check it out Itchy.

BTW one of the sucess stories involves a hetero male with a landing strip brazilian. Imagine talking your way out of that one!

Ha Ha.... imagine going home with some guy, taking his pants off and seeing a Brazilian wax. I think I'd peg it out the door!

DetectivFoxtrot

Hi Watna/Moonbaby,

I had electrolysis on my upper lip a few years back, had a fair few sessions but couldn't stick the pain - it was barbaric when i think abut it now - and the results were sh1t, i.e. absoultely no change.... would never touch it again. Laser is a piece of cake compared to it!!!:eek:

DetectivFoxtrot

watna wrote: »

Ha Ha.... imagine going home with some guy, taking his pants off and seeing a Brazilian wax. I think I'd peg it out the door!

+1 !!

men should NOT have manicured pubes - it's wrong on SO many levels... LOL:D

leave it straggly and natural I say!

I know a girl who does electrolysis and she says it is a complete waste of time.

ztoical

i don't get the people who their eyebrows lasered off and then tattoo new ones on - its double the pain and if you don't like the result your stuck

DetectivFoxtrot

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

+1 !!

men should NOT have manicured pubes - it's wrong on SO many levels... LOL:D

leave it straggly and natural I say!

trimmed, pls

Alt-Health-Ire

I had laser removal done in Northern Ireland on the NHS - I had paid for treatments before at private clinics and found many of the clinics would use a good high pulse for your patch test and then lower the intensity for the treatments - making it more expensive. NHS only provide treatment for facial hair, but due to the fact that I had such a good result I am paying to get a lot more done, in the same clinic and under the supervision of a really great dermatologist.

Regarding the pain - I am a total wuss and did try electrolisis when I was 18 - couldn't even finish my 15min session! I was by my doctor to buy Emla Cream over the counter at the chemist and apply every 20 minutes for the 2 hours before the treatment, this makes the area numb (Its the same thing the hospitals use on kids before they put a drip in)

I had a great result and virtually no pain during the treatment - I found the most painful bit was my top lip when I had my first treatment - but the cream made it numb enough to take all the blasts of the laser without any stops for the rest of the time.

Day-Zee

Alt-Health-Ire

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

+1 !!

men should NOT have manicured pubes - it's wrong on SO many levels... LOL:D

leave it straggly and natural I say!

I once had a few dates with a guy who had an aversion to hair on his body below the neck - he shaved every last 1 off - really weird - just didn't look right!

embee

Peared wrote: »

Im not trying to be smart at all here but I would guess somebody with a vagina knows more about getting lasered around the vaginal area than somebody who has a different body type altogether.

+1

On the topic of laser hair removal... I have three dark hairs on my jawline that appeared during pregnancy but haven't buggered off since. I get em waxed but really I'd like them gone forever, they're disgusting.

Is laser treatment for a very small area like that expensive?

Lauragoesmad

watna wrote: »

I've thought about lasering it a lot. My only concern is that in 20 years time it'll go out of fashion and only sluts will get it done or something.

You could get a wig!!:D

Reku

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

Also they may not even do it for you because it's too close to your eye - it may affect your vision. Even though I'm getting it done down below I still have to wear protective eyewear as does the beautician so there must be some risk to your eyes/vision if your eye is too cose to the laser.

Actually it's a HSA requirement that people wear suitable protective goggles in any room where a powerful laser (pretty much anything above a laser pointer or check-out scanner) is active, they wouldn't be allowed to work otherwise. If the laser were fired prematurely and someone's eye happened to get in the way it could do severe damage. If it happened to strike a metallic object and reflect off it it could also strike someone in the eye.
In simple terms the laser is destroying hair follicles in the skin, so what do you think it would do to the retina of the eye? Depending on the wavelength the damage would be obvious instantly or might take days to become obvious.