Is laser hair removal really worth it?
I’ve been getting laser hair removal, every 6 weeks, for a year now! So, I feel well equipped with knowledge and experience at this point to share my thoughts on whether laser is worth the discomfort and cost.
Incase it’s not obvious, I’m talking the complete removal of my lady garden, from front to back! Known in the business as a Hollywood.
But first, let’s rewind a bit —growing up, I was what you might call a puberty denier. The moment I noticed the earliest signs of change, I went into panic mode and did everything in my power to erase them. This meant stealing my mums turquoise, plastic bic razors to remove my earliest traces of body hair— the likes of which seriously grossed me out. Not as result of societal beauty standards, I hadn’t been exposed to those properly yet. But because the transformation at hand felt embarrassing and unwelcome. If I shaved it away faster than it could grow, maybe I could delay the onset of puberty?
I’m sure some girls find puberty exciting? I personally wasn’t having any of it.
And so, maintaining my body hair removal routine was something I did as religiously as prayer, from the beginning.
I believe I first became aware of laser hair removal from an episode of the Kardashian’s — that certainly feels right. Back when it was very new and unattainable, not just for a teenage girl, but anyone who wasn’t a celebrity. It hadn’t hit the mainstream yet, certainly not in England. From that moment on though, laser hair removal was bookmarked in my brain…
Having had a small slew of minor cosmetic work done the years prior, laser felt like the last thing to check off my dream body to do list —this must have been before my obsession with wanting a nose job lol.
So last February ‘24, I booked myself a course of six sessions! Naturally I was shit scared and took two benzos and two chaperones — my besties, along with me to my first appointment for moral support!
Now, as much as I’m sure y’all love my anecdotal storytelling, I’m certain you’re here for the juicy stuff! So without further ado…
Pain.
During treatment —
I can’t say for sure how laser is executed at every clinic, but I beleive most clinics increase the laser intensity as you progress through sessions. Meaning your first appointment is likely to be the easiest. Mine definitely was! Sure, the sensation is new and takes some getting used to, but it’s not unbearable. Think of it like a little elastic band snapping against your skin. — Now, when that “elastic band” pings directly onto a delicate spot—like, oh, I don’t know, a pussy lip—it can feel spicy. Eye-watering, even. But the good news? It’s over in seconds, so by the time you flinch, the pain is already dissipating.
After treatment —
The post-treatment sensation is another matter altogether. Imagine your skin is sunburned—red-hot, tingling, and radiating heat. Aloe based aftercare gel becomes your best friend, and underwear? Forget about it! Even a buttery soft, Skims micro thong will feel uncomfortable against freshly zapped skin.
After the “sunburn” phase, the skin starts peeling and the treated hair sheds! Gnarly! During this stage, your skin can feel rough, uneven, and yes, still irritated. For me, it takes about three weeks for everything to calm down. Though I do have a slow immune system, so your recovery might be faster!
Aftercare Essentials
Your clinician should give you specific aftercare instructions, but here’s what worked for me:
Slather on that aloe gel religiously for at least the first week. It’s a lifesaver.
After three days, start exfoliating with an AHA/BHA gel and keep it up three times a week.
Skip panties when you can and avoid tight clothes like jeans and tights.
And definitely stay out of the sun— though in England that’s hardly a difficulty!
Embarrassing?
Understandably, the thought of exposing yourself to a total stranger may be nightmare fuel. However, despite my slew of random social anxieties, the idea of showing my pussy and spreading my ass cheeks (yes, they ask you to do this) for a clinician never once phased me.
I’ll be honest, as much as I can be incredibly body dysmorphic— when it comes to my overall body image. I have never experienced doubt over the attractiveness of my pussy. I’ve been exposed to enough pornographic imagery to know my pussy is conventionally desirable. So when I’m told to undress from the waist down and lay on the medical bed, I do so without embarrassment.
But if you’re not as comfortable, here’s a reminder: these clinicians do this all the time. They themselves have likely become numb to the sight! They’re being paid to provide a service —and believe me, when the laser is on their focus is providing that service safely and professionally.
Results.
I’ve been one of the lucky ones, and for that, I’m so happy!! After my first session, I noticed a difference—talk about instant gratification! By session six, I saw a 70% reduction in hair, and now, 10 sessions in, I’m sitting pretty at 80%. The hair that’s left is so fine and short, it’s barely noticeable. I’d estimate another 4–6 sessions should get me to 100%, and I cannot wait. No more worrying about shaving, prickly regrowth, or those infuriating 24-hour smoothness windows.
So, Is Laser Hair Removal really Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re a candidate and have the means, I couldn’t recommend it enough! I’ve been impressed by my results every step of the way. Laser truly is life-changing and deffo worth the hype!