I discovered laser hair removal during high school, and all the research I did told me that people of color (POC) could not have the procedure done, mainly because the technology wasn’t able to differentiate dark hair and dark skin. I filed it in my mental folder with things that were inaccessible to me and women of color and continued my search for at-home hair removal products. Over the last several years, I've seen influencers and celebrities having laser hair removal done, but I still didn't look into it more because I just knew that it would be outside of my budget.
I've never known anyone personally (white or of color) who has received laser hair removal, which made it hard for me to ask questions to someone who had experienced it. Because of that I want to share my journey for others like me who may be interested in laser hair removal. If after reading this post (or any in the series) you decide to move forward like me, please contact me to book your consultation through my rep so I can receive credit and you can get a discount. (win-win)
I recently discovered Victoria Logan aka @VictoriousLogan’s Instagram highlight about her laser hair removal experience, and it re-sparked my interest in having it done. After watching her highlight, I scheduled a consultation the next day with Laseraway, one of the most known laser hair removal businesses. The following day I had an appointment. When I scheduled the consultation, I did not think that I would start the journey that quickly, but the representative I spoke to was very kind, persuasive, informative and answered all of my questions. I was also encouraged by the fact that she was also a woman of color and shared her personal journey that led to her having laser hair removal on everything on her body except her eyebrows (LOL). She also had other POCs in her circle that had positive results.
My Hair
I know plenty of women who are a lot more “hairy” than I am, but no matter how much hair you grow naturally, as a woman, shaving is an inconvenience, especially during warmer weather. I, like many others, enjoy wearing fun, feminine dresses, skirts, skorts and shorts. The main reasons I wanted to have laser hair removal were
to eliminate the inconvenience of shaving
to prevent ingrown hair in any area and
to reduce and/or prevent hyperpigmentation (dark spots) caused by ingrown hair.
Prior to my first appointment I typically used Nair for my legs and armpits, a trimmer for my lip and shaved my Brazilian area. Before that I shaved everything. The Shick Intuition shaver that includes the shaving cream bar around the blades is my favorite razor, which I am reverting to since I'm going through the laser hair removal process. Once you start wax, creams or anything that will damage your hair follicles can no longer be used. The follicle should be as strong as possible so that it can be killed completely. Ironically with the transition to spring I had just restocked on Nair.
When I called for the consultation, I thought that whenever I did begin my journey with laser hair removal, I would only get my armpits and bikini done to start. During my consultation I shared that ideally if my experience was a success and I was able to afford it I would love to have my lip, a Brazilian, underarms and legs done. Fortunately, Laseraway is celebrating its 15th year anniversary and had a package that would allow me to get all four services for the cost of one. I was sold. Before I share the cost, I want to explain the process, so you also have a better understanding of what’s included.
The Process
The removal or reduction of unwanted hair by laser light works through selective photothermolysis, a microsurgery technique that targets the hair without damaging the skin. When light from the laser hits hair in the treatment area, the melanin (pigment) in the hair absorbs the light energy, converting it to heat and destroying the treated hair follicles.
Our hair grows in three cycles; because of that there is hair that's in an active cycle growing on your chin, leg, face, back, etc. right now, and in another six weeks the hairs that are in the active cycle now will not be active. This is why you have to complete several sessions to permanently remove the hair in whichever area you choose to have treated. It will take 6 to 8 sessions that are spread out over 6 to 8 weeks, which means permanent hair removal takes anywhere from 9-16 months. During your sessions your nurse will kill 10-15% of the hair follicles in the active stage from the root. Those hairs will then fall out permanently as they regrow.
LaserAway uses, one of if not, the most advanced laser on the market. The Cynosure Apogee Elite is safe for all skin types, doesn’t require a spray, gel or cream and causes minimal pain and discomfort.
The Cost
I decided to have my top lip (mustache), underarms, full legs and Brazilian done. Without discounts for all four areas, it would cost me close to $11,000, but because of the anniversary sale and package I got, I saved almost $7,000 and spent a total of $3,772. See the breakdown below.
Lip/ Mustache
$159 per session | $1,590 total
Underarms
$199 per session | $1,592 total
Brazilian
$349 per session | $2,792 total
Legs
$599 per session | $4,792 total
*8 sessions total
Total Cost | $10,764
Discount | $6,992
Total Spent | $3,772
Because of the package and discounts, I would be receiving I had to either pay it all at once or enroll in a payment plan, which I opted for because it would add a line of credit and not take such a hit to my account. Never having to shave again is priceless, and I have spent hundreds a month on hair services that last two weeks, so to me the $4K for all four areas is worth it. One of my aunts also reminded me that I have many more days of showing off my skin, and I'm almost positive that my future husband will appreciate it all. ;)
The Experience
My first appointment went much better than I expected. When I arrived for my appointment, I checked in at the front desk, verbally consented to COVID-19 guidelines and checked my temperature. My nurse guided me to my treatment room where I changed into a robe and glasses to protect my eyes from the laser technology. The nurse then outlined the logistics and answered any questions I had. She then marked my legs to guide her through the laser treatment and started with my lip, followed by my underarms, Brazilian and finished with my legs. I was comforted by the fact that the procedure is done by registered nurses, and mine made me feel extremely comfortable.
My lip was the most painful area followed by the Brazilian (in the area closest to my labia) and my knees. On all the other areas I didn't feel anything but the cold air from the Zimmer Machine that blows at 30 degrees to balance the heat from the laser and has a numbing affect as the laser does its job. For the three areas that hurt it was very quick and felt like a rubber band snapping several hairs at once, except the sting doesn’t last long. Once it’s over you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. In all the other areas I have used epilators before, and I am no stranger to old-fashioned tweezers. If you’ve had a wax before or have used an epilator, thepain/discomfort is similar but again it does not linger. After the moment I felt no additional pain.
The legs took the most amount of time, because you have to have top and bottom on the front, back and sides done. Everything else was pretty quick; my lip was the fastest (less than five minutes). It was basically five or six zaps with the laser. The armpits and Brazilian were less than 15 minutes all together. My session was done in less than one hour. My nurse wore a mask and face shield throughout the duration of my session, and I only removed my mask for my lip treatment.
After your session you can’t swim, sweat or tan for three days and have to moisturize each area three times daily for three days. It’s been one week since my first appointment, and I’m just starting to see a few dry patches on my lip near my nose. Other than that, nothing has changed.
If you've gotten this far thank you for reading, but if you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments or message me on social media @JASMINECTATE. If you want to see or know anything specific, please don’t hesitate to ask. I would be happy to share.
Hugs & Handshakes,
Jasmine C. Tate