Hey, I had a question about where I should go to get laser done. I'm pre-everything right now, but want to start planning what transition's going to look like. 

If two different centers are using the same equipment (ND:YAG  / Alexandrite lasers), should they both be around equally effective for hair removal? One place is offering full-body treatment at like, 80 bucks a month, whereas other places are charging 250 dollars a month for the same service with the same equipment.

Main complaints with the 80/mo service seem to revolve around difficulty scheduling (sounds like they outsource appointments), and complaints about hair not being removed after 6 treatments, or staff trying to talk clients into more than 6 treatments, or the laser not starting at a high enough setting on initial appointments. But from what I've read, that all seems relatively understandable as most removal takes 8+ treatments, or starting out on low for your first appointment?

But I don't want to throw money away. Can laser hair removal places really ->-bleeped-<- you around and waste your time and money with ineffective treatments, or are services broadly similar as long as it's an alexandrite laser?

But if I can save 170 dollars a month, I'm all about that ->-bleeped-<-. 

PS I know electrolysis is more effective but doing just my beard would cost more than my car so it'll have to wait for post-laser touchups.

Yes, there is a huge difference in centers. Mostly around the experience of the staff which ch makes all the difference in the world. So in the end you may want to continue hunting for reviews.

A Center starting with too low of a setting and not being effective on several reviews might not have the best trained staff. Both Laser and even more electrolysis may permanently damage your skin, so you need to put some trust into the person zapping you.

However cost also plays a role. Initially I thought about looking for a Groupon to get a set of laser treatments. In the end I decided not to and rather pay the 150 per treatment for a very experienced place (with lots of trans experience too. So she knows what to expect / love ok for). For you it will be a bit of a gamble with such big price differences: 8 sessions at $250 buys you 25 sessions at the other place. And 25 is way more than you may need.

I made the same choice you did with laser first to get rid of all the large spots of dark hair. I have about 2 laser sessions to go, then it will be off to killing all the white hair. Given that on  laser treatment covers the entire face where electrolysis will be limited to around 100 - 150 hairs per 30 minute session, this is a very good approach.

Quote from: sarah1972 on March 14, 2018, 05:49:00 AM
Yes, there is a huge difference in centers. Mostly around the experience of the staff which ch makes all the difference in the world. So in the end you may want to continue hunting for reviews.

A Center starting with too low of a setting and not being effective on several reviews might not have the best trained staff. Both Laser and even more electrolysis may permanently damage your skin, so you need to put some trust into the person zapping you.

However cost also plays a role. Initially I thought about looking for a Groupon to get a set of laser treatments. In the end I decided not to and rather pay the 150 per treatment for a very experienced place (with lots of trans experience too. So she knows what to expect / love ok for). For you it will be a bit of a gamble with such big price differences: 8 sessions at $250 buys you 25 sessions at the other place. And 25 is way more than you may need.

I made the same choice you did with laser first to get rid of all the large spots of dark hair. I have about 2 laser sessions to go, then it will be off to killing all the white hair. Given that on  laser treatment covers the entire face where electrolysis will be limited to around 100 - 150 hairs per 30 minute session, this is a very good approach.

Thanks so much for the input, I'm reassured to hear that laser first is a decent option. I'd read that it can make electro more difficult later on, but jeez, I ain't got that kind of money right now.

Any good way to know where's good locally for trans groups? Just ask other trans folks where they got theirs done?

Quote from: moravianbilges on March 14, 2018, 11:18:02 AM

Thanks so much for the input, I'm reassured to hear that laser first is a decent option. I'd read that it can make electro more difficult later on, but jeez, I ain't got that kind of money right now.

Any good way to know where's good locally for trans groups? Just ask other trans folks where they got theirs done?

If you are member of a local trans support group, then yes - asking there is most likely the best option. I have actually used ->-bleeped-<- to find a doctor for HRT....

You can check the links on this page which have been collected by members here and see if anything is in your area.

If you are willing to pst your location here, some folks may be able to chime in too. However keep in mind, that this information is then public and most of the forums here are findable via google..