I’m from Ohio and trying to find a good laser clinic that doesn’t kill me financially. I found one that does Care Credit, but the prices they quoted me are through the roof to begin with. I’m looking to get, at the very least, a brazilian done…I’d also love to get the hair from my stomach and lower back removed, though I’m concerned about it growing back darker. To me, it’s already dark, although fine…but I’m not sure what constitutes “dark” or “fine” and am afraid of becoming a horror story. I’m not sure I can trust a laser tech to be honest about the hair being ideal for laser removal. Also, realistically, is it more expensive to do laser or electrolysis here in Ohio? Any advice anyone has is greatly appreciated.
Edited to add: For reference, I was quoted at $145/underarms, $546/full legs, $195/lower back…IDK…maybe this isn’t out of line? I have no idea.
The prices are towards the top end of the market. The primary areas where stimulated hair growth occurs most is on the upper arms, shoulders/upper back for men and the face for women. It’s difficult to tell whether you would be a good candidate for laser without actually seeing the hair. What skin type are you?
The one advantage you have of being in Ohio is that you may be near Dee Fahey, who I think anyone would be able to tell has a great deal of experience and knowledge from her posts on the forums. Maybe see if you can have a chat with her?
In regards to laser you may want to start by having a test patch and see how the hair reacts. It’s veyr difficult to be able to say whether laser or electrolysis is more expensive as theres so many variables.
If you do decide to go down the route of laser, make sure that the laser that they are using a good one such as the GentleLASE (Alexanderlite) for light skin types (diodes as well yield some good results) or GentleYAG’s (Nd:YAG) and other similar models for darker skin types.
If you live near Columbus, I can recommend the laserologist that I refer my clients to for appropriate areas. I get no kickbacks or money rewards, so there is no “you wash my back and I’ll wash your back” situation here! She doesn’t even know what I look like, but she sure is thankful for the paying clients I send her. She’s good and she has been lasing for over a decade now. She uses a GentleLase and a GentleYag, depending on skin color.
Any area can be handled by a MODERN electrologist with good insertion skills and speed, but areas where laser works very well, I always am honest with the client. They can decide which way to go for all areas or a few areas, if one honestly gives the facts as they may be for electrolysis and laser in 2008.
Expense questions can not be answered unless someone actually see’s you. This is especially true for electrolysis and even then, we can only speak in generalities because there are so many variables or hurdles that we have to scale and overcome. You need to get many consults.
My skin type is somewhere between a type II and III, leaning more towards II. I have dark hair and eyes; my skin is very light and I burn often, but also tan easily (but I try to avoid it!). I am actually living very close to Columbus and would love a recommendation.
Please read the FAQs here. If the hair on your stomach and back is not as coarse as your underarms, I would recommend you see Dee for electrolysis on those areas She’s the resident electrolysis expert here. She has also recommended a clinic with the best lasers on the market. Underarms are usually $50-150 per treatment. If I were you, I would start with one area (underarms is a great one to start) and see how it goes before adding on any more areas. Many clinics take credit cards btw.
I have a feeling you went to an infamous chain clinic with less than optimal lasers who try to sell people packages “at great prices” and on Care Credit on top of that (they get kickbacks on that), while those prices are not even competitive. And I bet they made it seem like they were giving you huge discounts from whatever their “original” prices were, especially if you sign up for lots of areas (and sign a non-refundable contract). Stay away from any clinic that is acting like they’re selling you a used car. We’ve heard too many stories like that here.
On coarse dark hair, you should get good results if you’re in good hands. Stick with electrolysis for smaller areas and areas with finer hair.
She’s the resident electrolysis expert here. She has also recommended a clinic with the best lasers on the market. Underarms are usually $50-150 per treatment. If I were you, I would start with one area (underarms is a great one to start) and see how it goes before adding on any more areas. Many clinics take credit cards btw.