All You Need To Know About Laser Hair Removal

The Research

Get information on the facility before making an appointment. I did thorough research before deciding to go to Blue Water Spa for my laser hair removal sessions. Blue Water is owned and operated by a board-certified plastic surgeon and all of the technicians are trained and certified. I also recommend going in for a consultation as well. This gives you a chance to ask any questions that you may have so that you can make an informed decision about whether this is truly something you want to invest in.

Before making an appointment, I was actually required to go in for a consultation with a medical professional to see if I would be a good candidate. During that visit, we discussed my health and any medications I was on. It's important to be honest, as some medications like antibiotics can cause your skin to be more sensitive to the laser.

The Prep

Unlike waxing, you will need to shave before you go. I always shave no earlier than the night before my appointment. While most technicians are happy to shave your treatment areas before your session, they will charge you for this service. So, if you want to save some of your coins, I recommend shaving at least a few hours before your appointment since you are getting ready to zap some delicate parts with a laser.

The Pain

Now, I am not even going to lie to you and tell you that it does not hurt at all. It does, however, it's not excruciating. How bad it hurts honestly depends on the person and their pain tolerance. I have 8 tattoos and a pretty high tolerance for pain, so I may not be the best person to ask. Describing the feeling is difficult, but I'd say getting repeatedly popped by a warm rubber band is pretty comparable. My tech Kayla gives me a stress ball to squeeze (definitely not kidding) and she also talks to me about normal everyday stuff and that definitely helps distract me. My underarm treatments were not that bad, but listen, the Brazilian is not for the faint! Thankfully, it is a very quick process and only takes a couple of minutes.

The Process

Personally, I think that it should be called laser hair "reduction" instead of "removal". There is a misconception that if you do one treatment you will forever be hair-free. That is not the case. There are always going to be hair follicles but laser hair treatment does reduce the density and the volume of the hair. How many sessions you will need and how often you need to go vary person to person but your technician can definitely give you an idea on all of that. I go in every 8 to 12 weeks for a session. I have received more sessions on my underarms than on any other area, and when hair grows there, it is very light, fine, and pretty hard to see.

The Cost

This is probably the No. 1 question I am asked when discussing laser hair removal. A lot of places that provide this service sell packages that make you pay upfront in advance for a certain number of sessions. I wasn't really feeling that approach and thankfully Blue Water Spa recognizes that treatments vary from person to person and per area being treated so you pay for each session at the time of service, which I love. It's why I still go there even though I've moved more than 2 hours away. Depending on what areas I get done, I pay between $125-$250 a session. If you are getting at least three areas treated at Blue Water, you get a discount on each area---a plus---so definitely ask about any specials or deals.

The Conclusion

So, while laser hair removal can be a bit pricey and a bit reminiscent of middle-school rubber-band pops, it is well worth it to me. It's honestly the best money I've spent---second to my Lasik eye surgery---and is one of my favorite forms of self-care...well, after she applies the aloe.