A few months back, I posted that I was going to bite the bullet on hair removal and get some laser treatments on my legs. This, for, oh, so many reasons: because the hair is dark, because there's a lot of it; because I have been waxing every month since age 17 years and am sick of shelling out the dough. Because, on those occasions when I've had to shave, the hair grows back sharp a needles, each leg hurting the other as I get under the covers.
May I just say right now that the only thing my husband has said to me of late, when he runs his leg over mine in bed, is, "Smooth." To which I now respond, "Forever smooth." Yes, this laser stuff works and then some.
As mentioned in the first post, I did a lot of research as to type of laser and price, and decided on Emerge Medical Spa, which is in Lake Oswego, about a 20-minute drive from where I live in Portland, Oregon. The staff is friendly; the place is clean, and the lasering itself not a very big deal: you buy a package of six (the number of sessions they estimate it takes to get the job done), and go every six weeks or so. The session, for full leg, takes about 90 minutes. Because there is less hair each time, the pain is exponentially less, though for me, it hasn't been bad at all. I've had two treatments and have very little regrowth, which means I'll now start putting more time between the sessions, so that any hair inclined to regrow will get a chance to, whereupon I will kill it.
I am having such good results, I am also getting the bikini done. At Emerge, you pay the same price, whether you just want to clean up the edges or get a full Brazilian. I was surprised to hear, from my aesthetician, that most women do get the full Brazilian; not me. As a friend who's also having her bikini done said last week, "The vagina's not that gorgeous to begin with, and I think I'm going to want to have a little hair covering it when I'm seventy."
I have always considered getting laser hair removal but have never taken the plunge. Seems like you are having a great experience, I may need to look into it more thoroughly.
Posted by: Linda Custard | October 20, 2009 at 10:25 AM
LOL!! The laser Brazilian is a new one on me (not literally, just informationally)- how interesting that women are choosing permanent nakedness down there. I wonder if that's an investment in future pain-freeness.
On the subject of permanent beautifications, saw Craig Ferguson talking about his tattoos lately; "People say they'll look terrible when I'm seventy- well, I'M going to look terrible when I'm seventy!"
I'd say if anyone's going to look good in a bikini at seventy, it's you, Nancy :-)
Posted by: Alice Bachini-Smith | October 21, 2009 at 08:36 AM
I always thought it sounded quite scay and painful to have laser treatment but obviously not. It would be amazing to not have to shave your legs all the time!
A permenant brazilian definately sounds a little too far!
Posted by: Montpellier Beauty Princess | October 21, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Was it excruciating the first time? Do you take any painkillers before the procedure?
Posted by: Katie | October 23, 2009 at 08:32 PM
Permanent Brazilian? There's something about a really old woman looking like pre-pubescent little girl that's just not right . . .
Posted by: dgm | October 23, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Katie - It was not excruciating in the first time; the only area that was mildly problematic were the knees -- because it's close to the bone, I suppose -- and one small area high on the back of the thigh. But they can vary the settings -- I can apparently take it pretty high -- and also, move more slowly, so that there's more time between the "zaps." I know they do offer some sort of numbing cream (for a cost) but I haven't found it at all necessary.
Posted by: Nancy Rommelmann | October 24, 2009 at 09:51 AM
Ah..but when is your husband going to get his done? Apparently laser hair removal for men is becoming a big thing!
Posted by: kerryc | October 24, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Good for you. I think it is great that you are doing something for yourself. Too often we do not take care of ourselves. I think it would be wonderful to not have to shave again.
Posted by: Chris | October 25, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Wow, you learn something new everyday. I had no idea people were getting a full Brazilian done with laser hair removal. Crazy! I agree with your friend that the vagina isn't all that pretty to begin with and some coverage can only help. lol
Posted by: Marissa | November 21, 2009 at 10:51 AM
in Israel it costs about 80$ for
a 10 session treatment.. cheap isn't it ? :)
Posted by: mlc | November 24, 2009 at 06:22 PM
Fascinating! After the treatments, does your skin become dry or anything? Any special natural moisturizers needed?
Posted by: Jon | November 30, 2009 at 04:16 PM