I’ve finished my third laser hair removal session at Infinity Laser Spa here in NYC and wanted to write a quick blog post about my experience thus far!!
I’ve always wanted to try laser hair removal but was scared off by the prices and the stories I’ve heard. I have zero pain tolerance and I thought I wouldn’t be able to handle it! Now that I’ve gone through three sessions for my underarms, I wanted to write a post that might help a few of you decide if it’s worth trying as well.
First of all, what is laser hair removal?
It’s a process where a laser zaps your hair follicles with heat in order to disable them. This prevents hair from growing back and is a permanent solution.
After each session, I’ve noticed that my hair grows back slower, thinner, and more sparse. It’s been SO convenient this summer to not have to shave my armpits every time I want to wear a tank top/dress. I still have another 2-3 sessions to go and I’m excited to see the final results!
Is it permanent?
Laser hair removal has different results for everyone depending on their skin color, hair color/thickness, and a few other variables. For many it is permanent, but for some they will need touch-up appointments over the years. Because your hair grows in different cycles, it’s important to get treatment every 5-6 weeks when you start for best results.
What’s the perk of hair removal vs. shaving/waxing?
It’s long-lasting and low maintenance once done! Another perk is that while traveling, you don’t have to worry about packing a razor. In addition, you’re less likely to get ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and discoloration. Also it can be cheaper in the long run if you were to add up the cost of shaving cream, razors, waxing appointments, etc. throughout your lifetime.
How often do you have to go?
As I’ve learned during the COVID quarantine, it’s important to schedule your appointments ~5 weeks apart! Keep this in mind while scheduling. Also if you want hair removal, keep in mind that it takes TIME. It can take 6+ months for your results to finally show! So start soon to be ready for next summer!
After my second appointment, everything in NYC closed down and I wasn’t able to go back for over 4 months. My hair started growing faster/thicker during that time. Most salons offer year-long packages though so you can go as many sessions as you want during the year (as long as they are each ~5 weeks apart). As I mentioned before, I feel that I’ll need another 2-3 appointments in order to get my final results.
Does it hurt?
It does sting a little bit. I have ZERO pain tolerance though and I’m able to handle it, so you can too! After a few seconds you’ll start feeling the heat. It almost feels like little rubber bands are flicking your skin in certain spots. The underarms are fast though and it usually only takes 5-10 minutes for the entire process.
Before sessions
(taken from the Infinity Laser Spa guidelines):
- Do not wax, tweeze, bleach or epilate for at least 4 weeks prior to your first session and throughout the course of treatments.
- Avoid hot showers or baths, saunas/steam rooms, massages and exercise for 24-72 hours after each appointment.
- Fully shave the treatment areas to skin level for each appointment 2 to 3 hours prior. *Do not shave on a dry skin*
- Avoid sun exposure, direct tanning, and self-tanners two weeks before each treatment. Using SPF 30 daily is highly recommended throughout the course of treatments.
- Please remove all creams, lotions, deodorants, and makeup prior to each appointment.
- For clients who are on antibiotics or any photosensitive medication, including anti-depressants allow two weeks from the last day of your medication to come in for an appointment.
- Do not use any harsh irritants such as retinol products, alpha or beta hydroxy acids or astringents two weeks prior to your appointment if you are receiving hair removal on your face.
- If you are pregnant please let us know. All laser treatments must be stopped immediately. It is also highly recommended not to do laser hair removal while breastfeeding.
- If you have been on Accutane in the last 6 months you cannot undergo laser hair removal, regardless of the body part being treated.
- Avoid chemical peels and microdermabrasion two weeks before and after each facial laser session.
- Wait at least 14 days after botox injection or dermal fillers.
After sessions
- It is recommended to wait at least 12 hours before reapplying make-up and at least 3 hours before reapplying deodorant after each session.
- Avoid sun exposure, direct tanning, and self-tanners two weeks before and after each treatment.
- Wait at least 7-10 days before shaving again after each session. Make sure you schedule your appointment when you don’t have any important events/travels afterwards because you’ll be a little hairy!
Usually after a week of not shaving post-appointment, I notice that my hair grows faster but then the strands fall out (which is a good sign)! The longer you can wait after each appointment to shave the better. Once the hairs fall out, it takes FOREVER for them to grow back. Usually by the time they start growing back faster, it’s time for your next appointment anyways.
Would I do more areas?
Yes, absolutely!!! I love my results with my underarms and am considering doing another package for my lower legs and bikini area. I’m a little nervous about the pain in those areas though, so it might take awhile before I get the courage to do it!! I personally feel that the long term benefits are so worth a few minutes of pain.
What’s the price?
This depends entirely on the salon, geographic location, package, and area you want done. Infinity Laser Spa here in NYC usually runs promotions! Right now they are offering an unlimited year (or up to 8 sessions) of one small area (such as underarms) for $99.28, which I think is a great price!
If you have any questions about my experience, feel free to comment below or DM me on Instagram!! I would LOVE to help you!!
