Hello Gina,

Everyone here has very good input but there are some major factors that people tend to look over about 90% of the time because either they are too concerned with shopping around for price or they simple don’t do any research on laser hair removal.

I would like to start by answering your question with some simple facts about laser hair removal. First the most important reason people look into laser is to have a permanent removal/reduction in unwanted hair. In order for this to be effective the center you choose must have the correct system to treat your skin type. There are dozens of different manufactures that make a few types of laser that will do the job correctly. To start there is the Alexandrite laser (755nm), this laser is most effective and developed for light skin – dark hair. At our centers we see the best results in areas with thicker/coarser hair. Next you have an Nd:Yag (1064nm), this laser is specifically developed to treat tan to dark skin. It can be used our lighter skin types but not as effective as the "Alex". Then you have the Diode (800 or 810nm), this laser is most effective on light skin – dark hairs and we find it works very well with fine hairs. These are your starting points, matching laser/technology to skin/hair type. I almost forgot the IPL (intense pulse light), don’t really want to comment on this type of system because it’s not a real laser. I would recommend staying away from an IPL.

Next would be to research the center doing the treatments. A lot of centers will do "in house" training which really isn’t the way to go when having a technician certified. I have interviewed lots of laser technicians that have no clue on how to work the "joules" (power) and "mili-seconds" (pulse duration) of the systems they were trained on. Most of the time a laser company will provide a center with an owners manual that has pre-determined settings, which aren’t always the most effective for that individual. Knowing your settings is also very important in order to delivery effective and safe treatments.

Then comes the individual receiving treatments. Each person must follow a personalized protocol for treatments. Again a laser manufacturer will provide a wide guideline but everyone is different and the technician must be able to identify what protocol that specific individual should follow. For example facial hair is much more hormonal that your arm hairs, so treatments might be needed more often in those areas. Also it is important to listen to your technician and her advise on treatment durations. I like to compare it to taking antibiotics. Even if you think you’re done, you’re not until you finish your whole prescription.

I hope this wasn’t too confusing. But if you do your research and questions your technician on these simple facts, you should be able to find a good center for laser. Good luck and if you have any more questions you can contact us at info@gentletouchlaser.com

both electrolysis and laser take more than one treatment. electrolysis takes many more. i completed electrolysis some time ago and have seen others with laser done. laser is quicker, no pain, and just as permanent when complete.

Whether laser works or not is the luck of the draw. I have tried laser and within weeks it was all back. I now have about 140 hours of electrolysis done and maybe 100 hours yet to go. And with electrolysis, every time an area is cleared, about 1/3 of the hair in that area will come back.

On other people laser works great.

Laser is best on finer dark hair on a light skinned person. Coarse hair is barely affected by laser.

I’d say it depends on the type of laser used and how effective it is.
Since you are considered to be in the alternative gender area, a major city would be best. If you are in South Florida, I know of an aesthetic laser center that has some new advanced lasers that should the job.