Newbie needs help!

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

I’ve been reading up a lot on laser hair removal and browsing through this forum quite a bit and i’ve learned a lot!

I am extremely tired of shaving and hair growing back so quickly. I’m also extremely lazy and dont bother most of the time. I feel like i can’t wear shorts whenever I want then i suddenly remember “OH wait! I have to shave!” And that just leads to my skin being extremely irritated and red and you can still see that shadow. It makes me feel really self conscious. I end up having to put make up on my legs to hide everything.

So i’ve come to the conclusion that I want to have laser hair removal done. I know it’s only reduction so I don’t expect all the hair to be gone, but a great part of it. However, i’m still a little iffy about the idea.

I am an 18 year old girl, hispanic, but very pale. I’m a skin type III and I have very dark coarse hair. I have a skin condition, though. I have dermatographism so my skin is very delicate and sensitive to just about any pressure applied to it. I get marks and erosions on my skin. It’s not permanent, but it lasts about 15-30 minutes with a regular scratch. I’m wondering if having something as powerful as a laser would do any kind of permanent damage?

I am a student and only work a part time job so theres not a lot money to dish out. Theres one place near me. Dermagenesis medspa. I called and asked a few questions and the laser they use is a Syneron. I really don’t want to pay a buttload of money to have it grow back a few years later because it wasn’t good enough or something. I know that isn’t always the case and my body might go through some changes, but I want to know what you guys have to say about the laser. The other places where they do hair removal are just way too far for anyone to take me. (I don’t drive yet)

#2

I’ve never heard of the “Syneron”, and their website talks about using “light, laser and RF” (heavy on the RF) so it sounds like a gimmick.

Combined with your skin condition, my recommendation is to get a test zap somewhere discreet. Then you can see how your skin reacts, and if there’s any effect on the hair.

Otherwise, I suggest looking for someone who uses a diode laser.

#3

Syneron is a well-known company. It partners with American Laser Center chain and produces most of their machines now. They make diodes with RF and IPLs. Their machines are not the best, so I would definitely look elsewhere first if you want to best results fastest.

Even though you look light, you may or may not be light enough for an alexandrite laser, which is best for light skin because you may have underlying pigment. So it’s important for you to get test spots to see if you can handle high enough settings to kill the hair on an alexandrite laser like GentleLASE or Apogee. I would look for clinics with those machines first. There is a section in the FAQs about how to find a clinic near you with the right machine. You can also run a search here for your city or state to see if there are past recommendations.

If you can’t handle an alexandrite at high enough settings (i.e. it would burn you), then you’d need an Nd:Yag laser like GentleYAG, Coolglide, Sciton, Apogee Elite, etc.

A test spot would also help determine whether your skin condition would be a problem.

Half legs cost around $250-400 per treatment, full legs $300-700 per treatment. You’ll need 6-8 treatments for almost complete removal. Coarse hair gets the best results.

#4

I have dermatographism so my skin is very delicate and sensitive to just about any pressure applied to it.

I have this condition too. If I scratch any part of my body then that part turns into red and becomes itcy, and this condition lasts around half an hour. If I apply pressure, it not as bad but still red if not as deep as in scratching. I had around 40 laser sessions and I have not seen any threatening side effect yet. Your skin is really red and a little bumpy after laser but it subsides within a day.

#5

Red and bumpy is normal for up to a day or two without any skin condition too btw.