Laser hair removal

[coyoteguy]

I didn't know where to post this, so I apologize if it's in the wrong forum.

Three days ago, I went to a place that does laser hair removal. I had a free consultation and they were offering 50% all treatments packages. I will go a head and tell you that the total cost would be $925, half of 1850, which isn't that expensive.

Basically, the darker you hair, the better the laser picks up on the follicles. At this place, you get 5 treatments and an additional 2 if needed in the price. The lady told me up front that most men need an additional 2 to 3 treatments, a total of about 10 to 12 treatments (this is optional though, if you just want the 7 treatments, you can stick with that). For each additional treatments, if you want it, you only have to pay $92. So add about $300 to $925 and that is what you will be paying. It all depends on how much you or how much hair you want removed.

As far as the removal, the thing that scared me was the fact that your hair is removed in patches. If you keep your head shaved (sly), then it is not a big problem. Either way, I don't want a leopard print on my head! Oh yea, the treatments are exactly 6 weeks a part and you have to avoid contact with the sun (on your head) 2 weeks before treatment. So 6 weeks times 7  treatments is 42 weeks worth of treatment. I am scared to know that my head would look like a leopard for almost a year!

They said that there are no major ricks involved in the procedure. It is painful during the laser b/c your head will feel like it's burning, but each session only lasts 30 mins. Afterwards, you head will appear "sun-burned" but goes away hours later.

The pros: Lifetime of no more shaving
The cons: Money and the year wait to finish all of the treatment

One way to look at it, for me, is that for the price of laser hair removal, if you take the amount per year that you spend on shaving products verses the price of treatments, the treatments is cheaper over your life span.

So that was my trip to the hair place. I haven't decided whether or not to do this. I love the "sly" look and I enjoy shaving (a ritual as you guys say), but no to shave anymore is a good benefit.

What do you guys think? If you have any questions, I will try to answer them. I am sure that I missed something here.

[Brkeatr]

That was interesting to read. I didn't know it took that long and that the treatments were broken over such a large time span. I think there has been a couple guys here who have had treatments maybe they can shed some more light. I don't know if I would want to go through all that.....

[Dan-O-Mite]

After reading that, I'm not sure I would ever do it. I just couldn't imagine having no shadow on the sides for X period of time and then still have shadow on the top and back. Thats just too odd for me. If it couldn't be done in one foul swoop or maybe two, I don't think I'd go for it.

[marty22]

Been there done that. Prices are reasonable but I went 3 1/2 weeks apart. 6 weeks is too much. How much hair are we removing Coyote?

[Razor X]

Just curious:  how much hair do you have and what was the reaction when you first told them you wanted your scalp lasered?  Do they do a lot of scalps or did think it was an odd request?

[coyoteguy]

Well, I have a full head of hair, but my top is decreasing by the years. When I shave, my sides and back have a dark shadow whereas my top really doesn't. But I would like to get my whole scalp lasered.

They said they have a lot of guys that come in and get the laser removal.  I was shocked b/c I thought it was rare, but it's not. The main thing I don't like is that it takes so long for the treatment. 6 weeks times seven treatments is a lot.

[Razor X]

Well, I have a full head of hair, but my top is decreasing by the years. When I shave, my sides and back have a dark shadow whereas my top really doesn't. But I would like to get my whole scalp lasered.

They said they have a lot of guys that come in and get the laser removal.  I was shocked b/c I thought it was rare, but it's not. The main thing I don't like is that it takes so long for the treatment. 6 weeks times seven treatments is a lot.

Not only that, but there's no guarantee that it will remove 100% of the hair, so you could be left with permanent patches of hair on your scalp that will always show.  And what happens if you can't shave for a day or two for whatever reason?

[Ghost1988]

this sounded like a good idea until i read this lol  . the money thing isnt an issue. i just wouldnt want to wait so long. ide be too anxious.

[ripped53]

After having one of my coworkers comment about my shadow the other week (outside in the sun - this guy is older than me and wears a hat all the time to cover his baldy), I have seriously contemplated getting the laser.  Not just because of the comment, but since I started the sly look, I've always been subconscious about the ring around my head.  With my complexion its very obvious.  I had no clue laser treatments were spread over such a long period of time.  I'd love not having to shave every morning and not having to deal with the shadow.  I say go for it and let use know how it turns out.   

[coyoteguy]

Well, the thing is, if your hair is not 100% laser-ed off, you have the option to keep getting the additional treatments. I'd be happy, I think, with anywhere over 75% of my hair removed. That would make shaving a lot easier.

The biggest problem for me is the time. You are looking at over a year's worth of the treatments. That is a long time.

[tomgallagher]

I have never heard of anyone being 100% satisfied with this tedious and expensive process.

[marty22]

Honestly; it can be done in 6 mos or so. Depending on what u want, it could be worth it. I do not believe that every single hair can be lasred off your scalp. I can see lasering to a point of real bad MPB and living with that. Thats exactly what I did.

[coyoteguy]

If I could find somewhere that does it in a shorter amount of time, I would do it.

I don't believe that every hair can be removed either, but I would be happy with around 75% less shaving.

[marty22]

it can be done; we need a pic.

[marty22]

do it-but be warned. It isnt 100% until u have mini-follow up procedures.