Facial Hair removal - to go ahead or not?

[NickSister]

For ages I have been interested in permanently removing my facial hair (over a decade now). I dislike the feel of my facial hair, I can't stand shaving either. I prefer seeing myself clean shaven. Occasionally I have tried growing a moustache or goatee or something similarly revolting but after a week I always give up as I can't stand it. I really like my side burns though and will keep them.

My hair is really dark and thick, I don't have much pale hair, skin is pale, I'm a pretty good candidate for laser or Eros. I was recommended to a place near where I live which does a great job and offers a discount because of the recommendation. I contacted them and they said I could come in for a consultation this Saturday. My wife says go for it if I want but don't come crying to her if it hurts like hell (bless her). I can afford it though it will stretch my funds (using my own money separate from my families money, me and my wife keep accounts for ourselves so that's all good)

Now I am finding I am really reluctant to go and I'm not totally sure why. It is going to be a big change, I think I will look really different, younger probably. Maybe I just want to be sure, it is a permenant change, yet I'm sure that I have been sure for years. I'm worried that I'll regret it yet I really don't think I will. I guess it is a bit like how I feel when going for a new tattoo or when I got my eyes lasered.

Can anyone relate?

[Robyn]

My electrologist had several male clients who just didn't want to shave anymore


Robyn

[Christine Eryn]

Like I've said before, I've had electrolysis and didn't like it because it didn't produce quick results- the same areas were worked on over and over and over, $60 an hour for I don't know how the hell many hours, very slow process.

On the other hand, I'm liking laser. I had my first session a few weeks ago and the results are showing already. In fact I have to shave every day because there are spots that simply won't grow back and my face reminds me of a good lawn with dying grass spots. My hair is dark so I think it's more effective. If it does not totally get rid of everything after my plan, with the HRT I'm now on to weaken any hair, a few sessions with a different electrolysis person will be OK.

Electro was almost totally painless compared to laser. Laser is like putting a big match out on your face, in fact, you can smell the burned hair (a bittersweet feeling). I'm really ready now for next session. 

[Jolene4ever]

The 1st session is the worst On subsequent visits the pain is less, thats because the laser targets the live hairs. Oh and to prevent that burned hair smell, shave very,very close prior to the laser.

[InBetween]

Yes, I can actually relate. I am debating whether I really want my hair cut yet or not. I was pretty sure I wanted it, but now I am debating if it really is the right choice at the moment. What if I change my mind when it is too late?

Now I know mine really isn't as permanent as yours but still...it CAN feel that way if you know what I mean.



-Merrick

[NickSister]

Thanks for your replies!

I've gone ahead and booked a consultation in a couple days time. I probably won't have enough money for the first session for 2 or 3 weeks yet, but will find out what will be involved and cost etc..

[Nigella]

NickSister Hi,

I started my laser treatment four weeks ago and yes it stings like hell and the first time my eyes watered. I had my second shot this week. I was recommended  to go every four weeks after the initial consultation two months ago. It is a slow process and will take about six months going monthly.

I too am dark and yes it targets the dark hairs best and the place where they are thickest stings the most.

It will be worth it in the end and I can already see bald patches in my beard where the hair has already stopped growing. I recommend shaving the night before and not on the day, that is what I have done and seems to work for me. Good luck and and take the tissues for the watery eyes, lol.

hugs

Nigella

[NickSister]

Thank you Nigella, I hope your sessions go well.

Interestingly the recommended time between visits that I keep hearing vary quite a bit. I've heard everything from 4 to 10 weeks to account for the next growth stage. Perhaps there is no hard and fast rule and depends on the individual.

[Jamie2B]

How much area does laser cover?  Six months sound pretty quick...  doesn't electro take 12 to 18 months?

[Terri Gene]

 

How much area does laser cover?  Six months sound pretty quick...  doesn't electro take 12 to 18 months?

[/b]

Depends on the hair of the individual, The competence of the tech, and the type of equipment.  I've never done any electro stuff, My face hair was mostly white, just stuck with the good ol fashioned methode with a good certified tech.  I went in for 1 hour every two weeks and it took about almost 2 years.  I tend to laugh at those who get nibble about the pain.  It all goes away when you leave the shop.

Laser is likely quicker, I've heard a lot of good comments on it, but I've seen a lot of faces I wouldn't want stuck with from the earlier jobs.

Terri

[NickSister]

How much area does laser cover?  Six months sound pretty quick...  doesn't electro take 12 to 18 months?

Well they go over the whole area in one go (20minutes or so). But this does not kill off all the hairs because some don't get a strong enough dose of light (like white hairs). Also your hair goes through growth cycles in that at any one time all the hairs are not growing all at once - which is why you go back every 4-10 weeks. So you need to go back several visits to catch these new emerging hairs (which can take 5-10 visits or so).

Electrolysis on the other hand does each hair individually, one at a time, so it takes ages, but it gets everything, even the white hairs. Often people that get laser need to have a clean up with electrolysis.

This is how I understand it anyway, someone else can probably correct me if I'm wrong.

[Wendy]

NickSister,

Men are starting to look like apes to me.  I have all the hair gone from my face except for a few the grow back or where "sleeping".  I only have hair left under my chin.  Not one person including my wife has said one word about my beard disappearing.  I have very fine hair and a light beard so that it is not that big a deal for me.  It has taken about 6 months to remove about half of my beard.

Here is an idea if you are unsure about permanently removing your beard.  Pull your beard hairs out.  In about one week they will all grow back but you will not have to shave for one week!

Laser sounds like a great idea for the legs.

[NickSister]

Here is an idea if you are unsure about permanently removing your beard.  Pull your beard hairs out.  In about one week they will all grow back but you will not have to shave for one week!

Ouch! I have really thick, dense black facial hair. Pulling one or two strays out is bad enough. Also it would take me like a month to it

I've decided to go ahead and do it. Just got to wait a couple weeks to get the money.

[deviousxen]

The 1st session is the worst On subsequent visits the pain is less, thats because the laser targets the live hairs. Oh and to prevent that burned hair smell, shave very,very close prior to the laser.

Really?

W/e...I'll take a couple of shots of rum before I go in. Assuming I ever did that.

I got a laser scan on bone once before, and let me tell you...THAT feels weird.

I'm playing halo right now...I see the laser...and I know thats 20 times worst...But WOW that felt weird.

[NickSister]

I've heard Halo 3 is really good. Which one are you playing?

They are/were currently filming Halo the movie in my country....should be an interesting movie.