Laser hair removal

[chicazurafa]

I'm considering this for bikini line. I'm 43 and never had it before but quite hairy and would love to not have to worry about this so that I can swim regularly and feel confident.

Any tips on how thanks to find a safe/reputable treatment?

Any recommendations for east London area?

Does it hurt? Does it take ages? Are the results guaranteed?

Thank you wise mumsnetters

It does hurt but no worse than epilating if you’ve done that before. You need quite a few sessions though and depending on the hair you may well need to have ‘top ups.’ I had 10 (I think) a few years ago now and i now need to go back and I reckon have another six. So it isn’t a fix all. But was worth it for the past few years even for the slow regrowth.

I did it myself! I used a Philips laser hair remover that you can buy from Boots. Used it on my legs, bikini line and under arms every few months for about a year. Now my hair is SO much less noticeable.

Just a caveat though - I am the perfect candidate for it has I have light colour skin and dark hair (apparently the difference in colour makes it work best). I used to have such thick hair that I'd shave my legs but there'd still be a 5o'clock shadow, and by the next day it'd be stubbly. I don't have this problem at all anymore, the hair is much more sparse and I only need to shave every 1-2 weeks.

Honestly it changed my life. I used to avoid lifting my arms up if I was wearing a sleeveless top as I was too embarrassed about the dark patches, even straight after shaving. I don't have this problem at all anymore.

I think it cost around £300 (but this was about 7-8 years ago). I only need to use it probably once a year now to top up. It doesn't hurt at all, but I think it's probably a fair bit weaker than getting it done professionally.

www.boots.com/philips-lumea-prestige-ipl-hair-removal-device-for-body-face-and-precision-areas--10293006?cm_mmc=bmm-buk-google-ppc--PLAs_HeroCompare--Electrical+Beauty-_-UK_Brand_Shopping_Electrical+Beauty+SSC&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlbCduoyV8gIVkeR3Ch0SqQs1EAQYASABEgIGfvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Here it is

• I went for a major chain (sk:n) plenty of reviews online, to be honest I didn't do loads of research, I felt a big chain was probably well regulated (this could be very naive). Not from London so can't help with recommendations in your area.

• I find it really quite painful. I have heard alot of people compare it to being pinged with an elastic band, and say it hurts less than waxing, that isn't my experience. It almost feels like a red hot needle is being pushed where the hair follicle is where the hair is thick, finer hair not too bad.

• Doesn't take too long, I have underarms and bikini line done at the same appointment. Sessions take around 25 minutes in total, but this includes a small amount of form filling out, health questionnaire to make sure you are suitable, and mapping out the area with a white pencil as a guide... At most probably half of the time is actual lasering.

• I have had 6 of 8 sessions have found the results great so far, almost 100% reduction in hair, but obviously cannot comment on longevity. I am particularly happy as due to COVID I haven't been able to stick to the recommended 6 week schedule, this doesn't seem to have impacted results too badly if at all. I do have pale skin and dark hair, which I think makes me a 'good candidate' for hair removal. Even from the first session the reduction was amazing.

• Results cannot be guaranteed, they can't say for sure your body will react the way they want or expect.

I went to sk:n but am in the north. I found them excellent and very professional. Mine was on my face and the top of lip area was eye watering but a strong fan was pointed at the area and I was asked to nip my nose and hold my breath. She did two zaps then stopped, then two more. It was manageable. I have a pretty low pain threshold but found it bearable. And it was so worth it. Mine took a lot of treatments but I have very thick dark hair, a lot of it and very stubborn regrow the so it took over about 18 months but I think that’s pretty unusual. To not have a face like Hagrid was worth the time, effort, discomfort and money.

Groupon - moda Donna in isle of dogs (under £200 for 6 sessions).

Thanks everyone. Sounds like it's worth it. I'm going to give it a go. Just need to find a salon.

My friend had it done. She said the results are brilliant - although she wasn't prepared for the 'roll over and spread your bum cheeks' bit!