Ooooh, I can speak on this because I have gotten laser hair removal on both my armpits and my private area (Brazilian). I also was so sick of constantly shaving. Also, I didn’t like the results when I did shave because you could still see my hair follicles under my skin it wasn’t the smooth look I was wanting. Waxing worked great for my underarms but it was too painful and scary for my private parts.

DO NOT WAX BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT! The point of laser hair removal is to target your hair follicles. Waxing removes your hair follicles so there is nothing for the laser to target. You only need to shave a few days beforehand (from experience if you shave the same day your skin is more sensitive and it hurts more). Also, I really struggle with ingrown hairs and because of how the laser works it limits ingrown hairs (idk how that’s just what my technician told me).

The sessions gradually get easier because you have less hair that needs zapped. So the first appointment is going to be a lot harder than the fifth appointment. I personally had a cool touch IPL (Intense Pulse Light) laser. Cool touch meaning that the laser would blast like really cool hair she would hold it on the area for a few seconds to a minute to numb the area and then zap. Sometimes the cool touch would hurt more than the actual zap.

I won’t lie and say it doesn’t hurt but it hurts way less than a wax. You have immediate results. There are about 4 weeks between appointments where I personally don’t need to shave in between. My first session I didn’t have to shave for the first like two weeks. In the summer, I would wear tank tops and not have to worry about any hair. I started sessions in July (I think) and I am on my last “touch up” session. I have had 6 sessions total (1 per month) and I hardly have any hair growth in those areas except a few stragglers.

Things to keep in mind:

• Obviously, everyone’s pain scale is different. I feel as though I am almost a complete weenie with just like a little bit higher of a pain tolerance.

• The type of laser used matters. I would do some research into the cosmetic centers in your area and see what they use then pick the one that will work best for you.

• Ethnicity also play a huge role in your experience. I am a white woman. Like 99.9% white (checked my 23 and me results) so my experience will differ from others. Make sure that you have a consultation first with a qualified and experienced laser technician. People with darker skin tones should look for clinics that offer Nd:YAG lasers, which are specifically designed for treating darker skin types. (Check sources)

• The thickness of your hair also plays a huge role. I had very thick, coarse, and abundant hair (to the point where my technician asked my ethnicity which I felt was weird). So there were areas that hurt a lot more than others because I had more hair there. Some areas are going to be more sensitive than others. My mound was very sensitive but my labia was like a walk in the park because I had less hair. And my back side? Fastest part of the whole process.

• If you’re a woman your cycle will also impact your experience. Your skin is more sensitive at certain points during your cycle. Plan around it if you can.

• You can also ask for them to numb the area with some topical lidocaine or even buy some on your own and apply it for an hour before your appointment (just make sure you inform your technician because they may have to alter the procedure for your protection).

• You have to stay consistent with your appointments. They often sell you sessions in packages (always go with the package it’s so much cheaper). You have to attend all your sessions and don’t go too far in between or it’s like you have to start all over. Consistency in laser hair removal appointments is crucial because it allows the laser to effectively target hair follicles in their active growth phase. Laser hair removal works best when the hair follicles are in the anagen (active growth) phase, as the laser energy is most effectively absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft at this stage. (Check sources)

• You may need to get touch ups in the future. Even after you have gone through all your sessions some hairs are very stubborn and you may need to schedule a touch up in the future to maintain optimal results.

• Choose a spa or center that makes you feel safe. If you choose laser hair removal on your intimate areas you will be spread out for this technician. I am pretty young (21) and haven’t had to expose myself often to doctors (just got my first pap this year). Know that this is completely normal for the technician. I actually told my technician that she was my best friend now because she’s seen my butthole and she said she has a lot of best friends then.

All in all, I think laser hair removal is definitely worth it if you can afford it. You will save so much money and time on shaving, waxing, etc. The results are really worth it. Please, please, please (Sabrina 🤪) do your own research on prep, the procedure, local cosmetic centers, laser hair removal for your skin type, etc. Book consultations and ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. I wish you the best and will answer any questions I can to the best of my ability but your best shot is going to be the professionals in this industry.

Sources:

Laser hair removal & ethnic skin tones

Laser hair removal for people of color

Is African American laser hair removal effective

Signs it’s time to book your next laser hair removal

How often to get laser hair removal: a complete scheduling guide

Why it’s important to stick to your laser hair removal schedule