Laser Hair Removal, Anyone?

Recently, I've been thinking of trying laser hair removal. My wife has been complaining about my dense unwanted chest hair and how it tickles her. It didn't bother me initially but as it's getting more and more attention from my friends and colleagues, I'm starting to get very conscious. I'm thinking of removing it once and for all. I've asked around and it seems that laser hair removal is pretty popular.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a process where a low energy laser is applied to destroy the hair follicles. Intense pulsating light is sent to the hairs, targeting the melanin in our hair and the hair follicle at the same time. Melanin is the component that gives our hair and skin its color. This type of laser hair removal treatment works best for fairer skinned people with dark hair although with the technology nowadays, even darker skinned people are opting for laser hair removal.

So how much time does 1 treatment take? According to my research, it depends on the size of the area where the hair removal takes place. Large areas need more time and smaller areas needs less. Period. A few treatments are often required - depending on the size of the hair area to be removed and of course the nature, color of your hair- so that the hair doesn't grow back. In majority of the cases, the process is not permanent and the hair grows back. Therefore, maintenance laser hair removal treatments are often required. This is something that a lot of people aren't aware of. It's more of a hair reduction therapy in that it greatly reduces the hair growth quantity. Despite that, it's very popular because of its fast and effectiveness as compared to shorter term treatments like waxing, shaving or using hair removal creams.

A colleague who has tried it told me there's a 50% decrease in her hair growth over a period of 4 months. Hmm... seems to work well on her. She told me there were some regrowth but the best part is, the hair which grows back is much lesser and finer. And it lasted her for almost 8 months before she noticed the regrowth. She didn't go back for maintenance treatments as the hair regrowth was very much milder and she could easily take care of it with some easy waxing.

Does laser hair removal hurts?

Well, it does. According to what my colleague told me. She said it's a stinging feeling - similar to an ant bite.

Laser hair removal costs?

But boy, it sure is expensive. A check with my neighbouring laser hair removal salons in the mid west indicates that I need to pay about $500 for a session. And if I need 6 sessions or more, that could literally cost me $3,000 for the entire procedure! Seriously, I've very tempted to try laser hair removal but for the price I've to pay, I need to work harder to convince my dear wife. She may detest my chest hair, but I'm not sure if she hates it so much as to let me shell $3000 for laser hair removal treatments to remove it.