Today I had my sixth and final full body laser hair removal session. That’s not to say this is the last time I’ll have laser, but it is the final session of the six full body sessions that I paid for up front in exchange for a discount.
For this session I was with a new girl who I had not had before, as the two that I had built a rapport with have both left for pastures new. However, this girl (whose name I did not get) was extremely efficient, professional, confident and quick. It look quite a bit less time than in previous sessions to do the whole body and the professionalism extended to having absolutely no hangups about zapping wherever I wanted to be zapped (*blushes*).
On the whole, it hurt a little less than previous sessions although the chest and tummy were still rather painful. And, of course, the face was really painful but a little better than previously. As with last time, we used the same 15mm spot size on the face as we used on the body, only she stretched the skin on my upper lip (the most painful part) with her fingers before zapping me, and also rubbed / massaged my skin with her fingers between zaps. This seemed to make a huge difference to the pain (or perceived pain anyway). I mean, yes, it still really hurt but it somehow seemed more bearable.
One little thing that did make me giggle was this little snippet of conversation:
*crackle* "Some of your hairs popped right out of their follicles" "Um, that's good, yeah?" "Oh yes!"
We finished up in record time; just over 90 mins I think it was, compared with the 2+ hours it usually takes. Yet I didn’t feel like this girl was rushing; she was just very efficient and confident. I did tell her so, and she thanked me for the compliment, although I’m convinced it all came out wrong and that I sounded like an idiot. Oh well.
Now that this course of six is over, I am going to take some time out to review the results and keep an eye on the regrowth. Then I can decide what areas need further treatment, and how often.
From shaving myself in the bath this morning, I can say that my arms and legs are pretty much hairless now apart from the odd rogue hair here and there. Certainly I would not need to shave them before going out, although for a special occasion I might carefully examine them and take off any stray hairs with a dry disposable razor.
My chest and tummy are likewise, apart from a couple of hairy moles which can’t be lasered. But. again, the razor will take care of that. My chest has been a particular success as before I was pretty much denied low tops as no matter what hair removal I used on my chest (I tried waxing, depilatory cream, shaving and an epilator*) I would end up sore, red, blotchy and, in some cases, bleeding. But no more. Yay!
My back was never particularly hairy, although hairy enough I would think twice about wearing a dress or top that showed it. No such worries now.
Finally, my face. Sadly my facial hair was a bit ‘salt and pepper’ (with maybe a hint of blonde) before and, whilst the laser has eliminated all the pepper, the salt is unfortunately still there. This means that although pretty much all the dark hairs have gone, I don’t have a smooth & hairless face. The inescapable fact is that I will need to have extensive electrolysis in order to finish the job and that is really going to hurt.
Would I recommend this to others? I would, but with certain caveats. The results will depend on your hair colour and skin type. I am very lucky in that I have dark hair and fair skin, so I am absolutely perfect for it. What would have been even more perfect is if I’d done this 10 years ago before I started getting any grey hairs, but there’s not much I can do there. But if you are suitable, and can afford it, then go for it. Certainly I have no regrets.
Footnote
* – I am of the opinion that the epilator should be banned under a special meeting of the Geneva Convention as a “cruel and unusual punishment” and banned from sale or use.