Right, I need to get rid of my beard for good..advice please!

[WhatsItAllAboutAlfie]

I am 50 in a few months and am now plucking my chin and under chin every day. I am completely buggered if the sun isn't shining as I keep my tweezers in the car and use that bright light to see them! I zap several nasty tough black hairs and some softer paler ones every day and I have to do something permanent about it. I've decided this is going to be my 50th birthday present to myself as one day I won't be able to see or will have arthritic hands and be unable to pluck and so will quite literally have to retire from the world!

The question is...laser or IPL ( or is it ILP) ? Who has experiences they would share, pros and cons, please help me as although I am trying to be light hearted this is actually really getting me down.

Electrolysis, definitely for good! And prob cheaper.

My friend gets IPL/electrolysis done on her very dark forearms and is happy with the results. She isn't loyal to a particular salon but instead look on Groupon for offers, shes had a few treatments through groupon offers.

I think Lazer is fantastic but you do need to maintain it because new hairs grow all the time on things like chins. I would first get your hormone levels and blood checked and make sure their is nothing in particular causing your hairiness.

Other cons... well, I've got sensitive skin so I used to get huge hives and scabs from the treatment so don't get it done for the first time before you have to see people . That subsided over time.. It does hurt. Get a Dr to do it - they have stronger machines and have more training about skin/bodies/medicine than a cosmetic therapist. Itsa expensive but so is waxing and facials and everything else really. Join Groupon for offers?

I have had most areas done except for underarms and I think its great - its completely cured a disgusting follicular condition I used to have. I think it would work well - you wouldn't have the daily plucking or get such bristly hairs anymore, just don't expect to never grow a hair again or have to have an appointment every now and then :) I haven't had anything done since May and I think I might have a maintenance apointment in the not-to-distant just to make sure I'm on top of things. PM me if you've got any particular questions.

I had the same problem on my chin. I tried IPL and it basically didn't make much of a difference (I'm fair skinned, dark haired).

I've been having electrolysis for the past year and it's made a huge difference. The thick dark hairs are now thin and lighter and some have disappeared altogether. The grey/white thick hairs, which I was struggling to even see, are also much thinner and sparse. I had my top lip done some years ago and it was a great success. I'm paranoid about ending up an old lady with hairs on the chin so intend to keep going until the worst is completely gone, and then will continue with regular top up visits to ensure all is well in that area.

It's quite painful at times but much more convenient than constantly trying to pluck. HTH.

Thanks for the replies so far...I suppose I hadn't thought of electrolysis as it seemed to have been sidelined by the newer treatments but interesting that 2 people recommend it.
Maggie, that's exactly my fear , to be the old lady with the hairy chin. Can I ask how often you go for the electrolysis sessions and roughly how much it costs?
I would be really fed up if the IPL didn't work..my local salon and another more "medical" place in Guildford both quoting around £3-400 for chin and bit of the neck.
Any other experiences ladies, I'd be most grateful if you would share.
TIA

That does sound expensive I was spending 80? a session and that included lots of body parts (not all of which I'm comfortable to admit to )

I had electrolysis for years - but when I stopped it all grew back ....