Laser Hair Removal Was the Best Decision I've Made in Years — Here's Why

Welcome to Skimm Tested, a series where we put viral products to the test and give you our honest, unfiltered reviews.

What I tested…

• LaserAway laser hair removal (prices vary based on areas treated)

The Spring It On Sale is live now. Get up to 70% off select areas (includes packages, subject to offer terms). Plus, Friends & Family Bonus: Get an extra 20% off your purchase through 3/31 (subject to offer terms).

Why I tested…

How I tested…

I went to LaserAway to get my bikini area and underarms lasered (the Sunset bundle). I went every six weeks for eight treatments, so the entire experience took about a year.

Test Results…

• Hair growth. I noticed reduced growth within the first three sessions — I was truly amazed. The laser worked faster on my underarms, but there’s way less hair there, so that wasn’t surprising. Within the year, my bikini area was hair-free, in the best way possible. I didn’t have to shave and my skin was bump-free and nonirritated. All in all, laser hair removal works. I’m so glad I got it done; I honestly wish I had done it sooner. 

• Discomfort. Discomfort during treatments was minimal. I would describe the sensation as a pin prick, but felt continuously as your nurse moves the laser around your skin. Pain felt is largely based on your tolerance, but if you wax, trust me, you can get laser done. Each of my appointments was only about 15-20 minutes long and my nurse worked in stages, so if I needed a break, I just had to tell her. She gave me a stress ball to squeeze, which I sometimes utilized, but often I could get through treatments without it.

• Experience. Overall, my experience was great. Going to the dentist or doctor is more stressful than going to get laser hair removal. My biggest takeaway: Get it done. I paid via a payment plan to lighten the burden of the cost, but I know long term I’m saving money versus continuously spending dollars on wax packages. Also, knowing that I don’t have to do the mental math before sitting by a pool or going on vacation is such a relief. 

Sidenotes…

• Long term growth. I’m about seven months out from my final session and I’ve had some minor regrowth under my arms and around my bikini area. This is normal and expected. Of course regrowth rate will depend on your specific hair type, but this very minor regrowth doesn’t bother me at all. I touch up with a razor if I want to, but I can go back to LaserAway at any point because they offer smaller packages for maintenance. 

• Appointment before and aftercare. You’ll have pre-care and post-care instructions, so follow those and you shouldn’t have any issue. One thing to emphasize: You can’t go directly into the sun to tan before or after an appointment, so if you’re doing treatments over the summer months, keep that in mind. 

• Side effects. These are minor and I didn’t experience anything crazy. The areas I got lasered were red and bumpy right after a treatment, but they would heal within 24 hours. I didn’t have any substantial pain during or after an appointment. 

• Hair color. The laser targets hair pigment, so unfortunately it won’t work on blonde, red, gray, or white hair. You can always book a consultation if you’re curious if you qualify.

The Fine Details…

• The Spring It On Sale is live now. Get up to 70% off select areas (includes packages, subject to offer terms). Plus, Friends & Family Bonus: Get an extra 20% off your purchase through 3/31 (subject to offer terms).

• I did my treatment in New York City, but there are locations across the US.

• Areas that can be treated include face, underarms, bikini, legs, back, chin, arms, hands, upper lip, eyebrows, and more. 

• Prices vary. It depends on which areas you choose to laser and if you decide to bundle.