6 Questions Answered About Laser Hair Removal

I am not affiliated with any of the companies listed. I am in no way a medical personnel or try to portray to be. This is a personal review and thoughts from my own experiences and research.

I recently posted a poll on Instagram regarding Laser Hair Removal, and to my surprised many of you wanted to know details about it and what to expect. I even received a few DM's asking all types of questions, that I hope I can answer in this post and if you have more questions or concerns please feel free to personally contact me here or comment below!

BEFORE LASER HAIR REMOVAL

I am of Hispanic descent so I have thick, dark (black color) hair... and I am semi-thankful for that thick luscious hair when it's pour out on the top of my head. However, there are areas that I wish I could fix and as I got older I noticed the hair kept growing and getting thicker. Not only that, but I also have PCOS (Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) and one of the known effects is excessive hair growth. The idea of laser hair removal was always in the back of my mind but I was so terrified about what would happen... burns, waste of money, regret... you name it and I was scared of it. I would sign up for consultations then back out the last minute. It wasn't until one of my best friends, Jessica went to a Laser Studio that was ran by a close friend of hers, that eventually convinced me to go.

She got a few things done, her underarms and lip area, she raved about it. When I mean raved, I mean she would not stop mentioning it and how amazing it was to not have to keep those areas groomed on a daily or every other day bases. I still wasn't 100% convinced, well because I was afraid of anything and everything bad happening. Instead I made a wax appointment (I've had the same wax person for about a year and a half now - for Brazilian and bikini area waxes) but of course at the last minute I cancelled that too. I haven't gone back to her either, her services were amazing and I can not thank her enough for her services but after researching and doing Laser Hair Removal, I have learned a few things about waxing that is not good... at least not for me personally. [Please remember to do your own research and do not rely on this or other blog posts alone] With waxing the hair is pulled out - would you yank your hair on the top of your head? No? Then why would you yank it out anywhere else? It causes bad ingrown hairs, and the ingrown pimples can cause infections or scarring. Also, when waxing you are ripping off parts of your skin, which can cause irritation.

Back to my fears about Laser Hair Removal... just the thought of altering parts of my body that has been there for 28 years scares me. Will I look different? Am I doing this for me or am I doing this because I get made fun of? But hearing how happy Jessica was about her results kept ringing in my ear. I finally caved in and made an appointment with the same Laser Studio.

Here are a few things they and I can recommend before Laser Hair Removal

• Exfoliate and keep the area clean - if it is on your face NO MAKEUP prior to your appoinment

• Shave the area the night before

• No sun exposure for the 3 weeks prior - SUNSCREEN is ALWAYS important, no matter your skin tone. Most makeup contains some sunscreen protection... however ask your Laser Hair technician for extra sunscreen protection. Most Laser Studios carry items to help maintain the best aftercare.

• Most importantly, if you decide to remove hair or alter your body in anyway be sure you are doing it for YOU.

THE DAY OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Luckily for me my husband took some time off of work to go with me to my appointment. I was a nervous wreck, but I was determined to get it done. My friend that I mentioned before Jessica, is a little bit more braver than I am, getting a sensitive part like your upper lip done scared me. So I opted out on that and got areas that I personally thought I would feel better getting done, the side of my face (side-burns) and the back of my neck.

Allure Laser Hair Studio, is ran by a mother daughter team, located in Houston, TX / Cypress, TX area. Walking into the office they instantly make you feel relaxed. I expressed how this was my first time and how I was extremely nervous, and they assured me that I had nothing to worry about, they would walk me through the process, step by step and what they planned on doing. When they found out that I had other areas waxed, they assured me that laser hair removal is way less painful and a "walk in the park" compared to waxing. It also helped that the daughter is a close friend of my friend Jessica, and I have known her as well for some time now.

When entering the laser room, they handed me protective eye wear, and then shaved the areas I wanted done (I didn't feel safe shaving myself, in case I shaved too far). They showed me the laser machine and described the level I needed and how many treatments I would be needing - it's all designed and determined by your hair type, hair color and skin color. For me, I have 8 treatments once every 4 - 6 weeks. (I later learned that the blonder the hair the harder, due to the light coloring and peach fuzz)

The best way I can describe the feeling of the laser is like a light pinch followed by cold air. Most people have compared it to an ant bite but it feels WAY easier than that to me. Being able to have the laser technician talk to you helps distract you as well. Following the laser treatment, they apply serum and then your done. In and out in under 10 - 15 minutes.

Quick. Easy. Painless.

Not to mention the pricing is unbeatable! ONE wax area is equivalent to TWO laser areas. I haven't compared pricing at other laser companies but this specific company is priced reasonably well.

AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT

I just finished my 3rd treatment, and after my FIRST treatment I haven't had to groom those areas. No peach fuzz, no stubble, NOTHING and it is SO smooth! I am in LOVE!! I forgot to take a before picture, but I am sure I have a before picture somewhere -

STAY TUNED for BEFORE & AFTER PICTURES

Here are a few things I recommend after Laser Hair Removal

• Pat serum into the skin - be sure to follow it with a cleaning the area

• Itching may occur right after treatment - TRY not to itch it. I've accidentally itched it and nothing happens but it's just a precaution, pat the area instead.

• Exfoliate. Exfoliate. Exfoliate. - After my first treatment I didn't exfoliate and since I have long hair the sweat on my neck area broke out pretty bad. After exfoliating within 2 - 3 days the breakout subsided. Now I exfoliate every other day and I have not had a breakout since the first one.

• SUNSCREEN!! Anytime I go outside even if it's a quick car ride to the grocery store, I apply sunscreen that I purchased through Allure Laser Studios to the treated areas.

Q & A

I have noticed from other blog posts that ladies with PCOS typically do not recommend laser hair removal because of the potential hair regrowth. However, in my personal case there as been no hair regrowth at all! I am only 3 - 4 months in, but as the treatment process continues I will continue an update.

Q: Does it hurt?

A: Feels like a baby pinch followed by cool air - some people will compare it to a ant or bee sting but in my personal experience it is not THAT painful.

Q: Is it expensive?

A: It is reasonably priced. I have not compared it to other companies but Allure Laser Studio offers great pricing. See below for more detailed pricing.

Q: Any after effects?

A: Some break out. However if maintained properly you shouldn't experience any. (Please see above for how I maintain treated areas)

Q: What did you have done? Plan on getting anything else done?

A: Side of my face (side burns) and the back of my neck. Yes, in future treatments I plan to get my legs, bikini area and so much more.

Q: Are you satisfied with the treatments?

A: Absolutely! Beyond satisfied! I had no reason to worry and my only regret is not getting it done sooner.

Q: Where can I contact Allure Laser Studio?

A: Allure Laser Studio is located in Houston, TX | Cypress, TX

9818 Whithorn Dr - Houston TX 77095

832-727-3980

Extra Information provided by Allure Laser Studio

10% discount when paying cash

$33 for small area (bikini line, underarms, lip and chi, neck)

$50 for medium area (full Brazilian, half back, full butt, full face...)

$100 for large and xlarge area (lower legs, thighs, full back...)

They also offer facials!

$105 first time hydrafacial

$99 chemical peel

And SO much more...

such as - Spider Veins NO Varicose veins, Facial Skin Tightening, Trusculpt 3D fat reductions

If you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to comment or contact me