Question
Hi,
Just wanted to say first thanks to everyone who answered other questions I've asked, or shared their experieces, it's much appreciated.
I have other questions and am going to ask them in one go so bear with me!
Regarding Hormone levels, I had a saliva test done, I was told this was more accurate than a blood test. My testosterone showed up at 41 - normal levels are between 20 and 50, so I'm the higher end of the "normal" scale. Could this be affecting my hair growth? I have also started taking a herbal supplement called Saw Palmetto - its supposed to be good for hair overgrowth as it reduces the level of testosterone. Anyone else tried this? How else can you lower the levels, and is this the only hormone that can cause overgrowth in women?
When you talk about pale skin and dark hair being ideal for laser, how pale is pale? I have slightly sallow skin , probably type 2, and some of the hair is very dark and coarse but some is finer and fairer as opposed to black - I have been bleaching and tweezing the hairs for about 20 years and they are hard and bristly now - gross. I did have laser but was told it was ok to pluck hairs out between treatments, which I did - each and every one of them - so that was that money down the drain.....and obviously I cant judge from that experience. Some hair is very coarse but is permanently blonde, I presume laser cant erase these? Should the technician be able to tell you your skin type straight away? From what I've read here, the diode and alex lasers would probably be best for me?
I use fake tan on my face and body - is that ok for laser or is it best to have nothing that darkens the skin?
How do you know how experienced or good the technician is? What questions are important to ask to judge their skill and ability? Should they always have certain qualifications?
I've also been using one of those creams that supposedly weakens hair and gives you a finer regrowth for about a year on face and body. It helps a little on some areas - certainly doesnt solve the problem but makes a subtle difference, but I'm wondering if its best not to use anything that can weaken or lighten the hair for a few weeks before laser treatment? It does lighten some of the finer hairs. Anyone else used these creams - there are quite a few on the market now.
I've given up waxing the hair on my legs. I suffer from terrible ingrown hairs, horrible bumps that feel and look awful. I never experienced the "smooth hair free" look for up to 6 weeks or whatever - the next lot of hair would be growing in a few days, and now matter how much I exfoliated or used those ingrown hair creams, they helped but never solved the problem. Will laser solve this problem? I only wax bikini area etc now - not quite as bad there. Why do some people have this problem? I have friends who wax and have beautiful smooth skin for weeks, and them a fine hair growth, no bumps at all. I got an epilator and that made the ingrown hair problem even worse - total waste of money for me!
ok, enough q's for now - thanks in advance for any info.

Answer
Hi,
Just wanted to say first thanks to everyone who answered other questions I've asked, or shared their experieces, it's much appreciated.
I have other questions and am going to ask them in one go so bear with me!
Regarding Hormone levels, I had a saliva test done, I was told this was more accurate than a blood test. My testosterone showed up at 41 - normal levels are between 20 and 50, so I'm the higher end of the "normal" scale. Could this be affecting my hair growth? I have also started taking a herbal supplement called Saw Palmetto - its supposed to be good for hair overgrowth as it reduces the level of testosterone. Anyone else tried this? How else can you lower the levels, and is this the only hormone that can cause overgrowth in women?
When you talk about pale skin and dark hair being ideal for laser, how pale is pale? I have slightly sallow skin , probably type 2, and some of the hair is very dark and coarse but some is finer and fairer as opposed to black - I have been bleaching and tweezing the hairs for about 20 years and they are hard and bristly now - gross. I did have laser but was told it was ok to pluck hairs out between treatments, which I did - each and every one of them - so that was that money down the drain.....and obviously I cant judge from that experience. Some hair is very coarse but is permanently blonde, I presume laser cant erase these? Should the technician be able to tell you your skin type straight away? From what I've read here, the diode and alex lasers would probably be best for me?
I use fake tan on my face and body - is that ok for laser or is it best to have nothing that darkens the skin?
How do you know how experienced or good the technician is? What questions are important to ask to judge their skill and ability? Should they always have certain qualifications?
I've also been using one of those creams that supposedly weakens hair and gives you a finer regrowth for about a year on face and body. It helps a little on some areas - certainly doesnt solve the problem but makes a subtle difference, but I'm wondering if its best not to use anything that can weaken or lighten the hair for a few weeks before laser treatment? It does lighten some of the finer hairs. Anyone else used these creams - there are quite a few on the market now.
I've given up waxing the hair on my legs. I suffer from terrible ingrown hairs, horrible bumps that feel and look awful. I never experienced the "smooth hair free" look for up to 6 weeks or whatever - the next lot of hair would be growing in a few days, and now matter how much I exfoliated or used those ingrown hair creams, they helped but never solved the problem. Will laser solve this problem? I only wax bikini area etc now - not quite as bad there. Why do some people have this problem? I have friends who wax and have beautiful smooth skin for weeks, and them a fine hair growth, no bumps at all. I got an epilator and that made the ingrown hair problem even worse - total waste of money for me!
ok, enough q's for now - thanks in advance for any info.

Answer
laser works best on dark coarse hair and light skin. yes, an alex or a diode seems to be the best laser type for you. you should stop bleaching, waxing, tweezing etc at least a month and a half before the first treatment, and should only shave in between treatments. anything that you are doing that will make the hair lighter, pull it out with the root, etc will decrease the effectiveness of laser. you also want to get the laser treatment done when most of your hair is in its anagen phase, the first stage of growth. that's when the hair is most vulnerable and easiest to kill. ingrowns etc are a common problem for a lot of women. laser usually makes it much better. i had the same thing with my bikini line and have no ingrowns after 3 laser treatments there.
you need to make sure your skin is the lightest possible also before getting laser done. no natural or fake tan whatsoever. once again, laser works best on the lightest skin possible as the highest settings can be set them withouth burning your skin and the higher the settings, the more chance that the hair will be actually killed.

Answer
hi R, ive read that lower testosterone is good for lhr results. i am taking D 35 to lower mine & am getting good results

Answer
Hi D,
What was your testosterone level do you know when you had tests done?
Was it in the normal range? I'm presuming what you're taking is conventional medication - are there any side effects?
Thanks, R

Answer
Sorry, meant Angel - getting mixed up with the meds!

Answer
Hello I have also already had laser treatment done on my upper lip; chin; and neck areas. It worked great on the black hairs, but I have just as many blonde course hairs maybe more. Have you ever heard of something called Melanona (not spelled right) The doc who did mine said that I needed this stuff because it would make the hair shaft dark so the laser could pick it up (cost $75 bottle) then $186 each session. I've already paid $600. Told on another forum to go with Electrolysis because laser will not pick up blonde hairs. The only thing with going that route is there are so many hairs it will take forever not alone be very painful.
Any ideas or has anyone used this Melanona stuff

Answer
it's called Meladine. Electrolysis is a good option. There is one new laser called the Comet that claims to treat blond hair due to RF technology and diode combined. Check my response to your other post.