OT: Ouch! Laser Hair Removal

I don't know why but I thought that laser hair removal would be painless.  I had imagined that they just shine some light on the area and poof!  The hair was cooked and nothing would hurt.  

Well, that's not the case, apparently.

So here's the backstory:  I've been toying with the idea of doing this for a while now, and now that the prices have gone down significantly, it's actually a possibility.  So I decided to start with the area in which I most despise my hair, which is the underarm.  I shave them practically every day, and they're never ever smooth enough for my taste.

I found a great place around the corner from my house.  They zapped up the underarms well, but the stuff hurt!  Even now (many hours later) I'm still a bit irritated on the left.  I wouldn't say that it hurt much more than waxing or electrolysis.  It's just that the underarms are very sensitive, I guess, which is why I only have had them waxed once (and never considered electrolysis there.)

Meanwhile, I decided to check out the effects of the laser zapping a few minutes ago.  And let me TELL YOU:  they're beautiful and smooth!  I've never felt smoothness there, and it's awesome.  

I'll have to go back for 5 more treatments over the next 6-7 months or so, and by then, I shouldn't have ANY MORE HAIR!!!  (under my arms).  

Anyway, I thought I'd just share that with you, in case you've thought of it yourself.  

I'm jealous.  I keep getting rejected because my hair is too light.  The lasers can't see the follicles.

Nuts!  Could this be the one case in which blondes don't have more fun?  

(I ask, of course, as the "other kind of blonde.")  

If u don't mind answering how much did it cost ?

I don't mind at all!  

For the underarm, it's $65/treatment for 6 treatments (as a package) or $90/treatment a la carte.  I went with the package.  

Some other things cost other amounts.  Like, chin is $200 total for 6, brazilian bikini is $159/treatment x 6.

I'm not sure what it would cost outside of NYC.  Beauty treatments are the *one thing* that is actually cheaper here, mostly because there's so much competition that they really do have to compete on price.  (For example, my mani/pedi is absolutely wonderful and costs only $16.)

Does that help?

 Wow, and I thought my mani/pedi was cheap at $24.

 I had a great pedicure in NYC.  They did such a great leg massage for both Zach and I that we both added on a 2 hour accupressure full body massage.  It was a great pampering for us the day after his MFA graduation.

I'm impressed that you did the underarms.  :)

I have often thought about hair removal and worried that it would irritate. I really wish I could do it, Keep me posted on the end results please !!!! I REALLY want to know.

BTW, YAY for you!! Doing something nice just for you!

I am totally jealous!!  I have an italian background, so enough said!  Anyway, congrats!!  Oh, and my last mani/pedi was $50!!!!  32 pedi / 18 mani!  Can you believe it!? 

Please keep us posted after the rest of the treatments.  I am a bit baby when it comes to pain, but would totally make the trip from CT for a service like this!!  I am curious if you are totally happy with it in the end and I would definitely consider the trip.

LOL!  You're hilarious on the "enough said."  

You're probably a great candidate, since the process is most effective on those of us who have dark hair - the laser finds the hair much more easily.  

OK!  I will keep you all posted for sure.  I guess I'll be done in July or August, and will post pics then (or maybe a little sooner, since the results tend to start showing up after the 3rd or 4th treatment).