Is laser hair removal a fad or does it actually work?

The only permanent hair removal is electrolysis. And even that can’t protect against hormonal hair growth. But that said, I had laser 18 years ago on the sides of my face (less hormonal place) and it’s stayed pretty clear. It doesn’t work on red or grey hair so if you have any of those mixed in those won’t go.

I bought the Philips lumea thing, I’m not hair free but it massively reduced the amount of hair on my legs. I have very dark hair and very pale skin, I was very hairy and would avoid getting my legs out because it would take at least 45 minutes to shave them. I tried wax but my hair would break so I got immediate regrowth after and so abandoned that.

Now I’m done in about 15-20, there are a few patches for whatever reason it’s not done much, but most of my legs are pretty smooth. I repeatedly used it about 7 years ago and haven’t seen much difference in re growth since.

I got a Braun home IPL last year.

It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty good. Sadly I’m pale skinned with DARK hair (tho this is a plus for IPL). Left to their own devices my legs look very manly and having such pale skin made it look worse than it was. My arm pits would get 5 o’clock shadow after shaving in the morning.

I have not followed it to the letter. I think I did it weekly for maybe 5/6weeks. I got lazy over the winter and did it once every few months. Now the hair growth is so much slower and way sparser. Eg I only grow a dozen or so armpit hairs and they grow so slowly I can go several days without shaving, and don’t have any obvious regrowth. I don’t have to shave every morning if I’m wearing shorts/skirt etc. I’ll do it weekly 3 weeks before we go on holiday and have no regrowth whilst away.

But it is no way as quick as it looks in the ads!! It probably takes me 30min to do full legs and armpits. Bikini line is now completely dead and I haven’t touched it in months but could in theory put on bikini bottoms without scaring anyone!

Your post has reminded me I should really do a session again!

You need minimum 6 sessions on each area of the body to stop it growing back for any significant amount of time. I had 6 sessions on legs, armpits and bikini line, only now several years later do I prob need a few top up sessions for legs (just the odd random hairs) and bikini line. It does work you just have to do it properly and they do say you might need top ups over the years.

It didn’t work for me. It all grew back. Electrolysis much more successful, though you do need to keep topping up.

I had mine done and it was excellent until I got pregnant and it all regrew. I’ll be trying again once I’m done with babies.