Question
I have just began the process of researching my options for Laser Hair Removal. It appears persons w/blonde hair are NOT good candidates for this procedure. But I would like to know if my current skin/hair type is out of the question. All of the info I can find seems vague & I do not trust anyone at the clinics. I mean how dark is "dark hair", what defines blonde? There r varying shades of blonde & brown. Any help from ppl with various hair colors & experiences would be appreciated as I have my 1st consult. tomorrow. Thx in advance.
Area for LHR = Full Bikini, Brazilian, ...
Skin Type = Type 3
Hair on head = Sandy Blonde
Hair on Arms, Legs = Blonde no question
Hair underarms = Dark Brown, some black
Pubic Hair = Brown, Dark Brown, Some Black
I did get this vague info from the "are u a candidate chart":
Type = III White sometimes burns, always tans
Black = Excellent
Brown = Excellent
Red = Difficult
Blonde = Difficult
Grey = Poor

Answer
I have just began the process of researching my options for Laser Hair Removal. It appears persons w/blonde hair are NOT good candidates for this procedure. But I would like to know if my current skin/hair type is out of the question. All of the info I can find seems vague & I do not trust anyone at the clinics. I mean how dark is "dark hair", what defines blonde? There r varying shades of blonde & brown. Any help from ppl with various hair colors & experiences would be appreciated as I have my 1st consult. tomorrow. Thx in advance.
Area for LHR = Full Bikini, Brazilian, ...
Skin Type = Type 3
Hair on head = Sandy Blonde
Hair on Arms, Legs = Blonde no question
Hair underarms = Dark Brown, some black
Pubic Hair = Brown, Dark Brown, Some Black
I did get this vague info from the "are u a candidate chart":
Type = III White sometimes burns, always tans
Black = Excellent
Brown = Excellent
Red = Difficult
Blonde = Difficult
Grey = Poor

Answer
The darker the hair, the better laser works. You have a pretty good idea of what dark is. It doesn't have to be jet black, but blonde hair won't work. It's the color in the hair that absorbs the laser's light, so the more color IN your hair, the most it absorbs the laser, you know?
The laser can't pick up red, which is why red haired ppl aren't candidates. Grey hair has no pigment, so obviously that's out of the question.
That is, blondes/red heads/grey hair = out of the question for normal lasers like YAG, diodes and alexandrites, which are the most effective lasers on the market.
Stay as pale as you possibly can. Stay out of the sun, away from tanning salons, and away from self-tanner.

Answer
your best bet is on your bikini and underarms. you can get patch tests done there to make sure it will work before you commit to a treatment schedule. also, as canuckette said, it's best to do this later in the fall and wait till you have no tan at all before starting. since your hair is a bit lighter, higher settings need to be used and that's only possible on very light skin. so keep it as light and tanless as possible.
you can also look into the new Comet laser that is a diode with RF technology that claims to treat lighter hair. not sure about its effectiveness, but it might be worth to get a test spot with it on your other areas and see what happens if someone in your area carries one.

Answer
THANKS!!
The place I am going to tomorrow uses the Candela GentleLASE Plus They are offering a package deal of four treatments of Brazilian (full Bikini) & Underarms for $1400 including a prepaid medical fee.
I plan on having them do a test area. See if it works. If so continue with the Package for $1400, If not I will try the Comet Laser Diode with RF Technology that was suggested. If the results from either seem satisfactory I will get 4-5 treatments with the laser and then explore electrolysis for the lighter, finer hair that remains.
Upon all of my reading this seems like the best route to follow. Any further suggestions?
U guys r a plethora of knowledge, i luv it.
Hopefully following my experience I can share any knowledge gained in the possibility of helping consumers as well.

Answer
sounds like you have a good plan. i would get consultations at a few other places. you might find something that is cheaper and doesn't have the 4 treatment prepaid commitment. what is a medical fee btw?
fyi, i paid $100 per bikini treatment and $100 for underarms at one place, and $100 for bikini and only $50 for underarms at another..and without upfront payments or commitments....prices really vary widely, so i would try at least 3 before committing.

Answer
Blink, you pay $100 for full bkini (but not brazilian) and $50 for underarms, right?
So 4 treatments for both areas runs you $600.
cristelize was quoted $1400 for brazilian and underarms...so that would be an extra $800 just for labia and perianal region, because blink gets lasered all around a thong.
I'd say that's a bit pricey, no? cristelize, if you are light-skinned and dark-haired (in the areas you want treated), then Gentlelase is the best laser for you. That Comet with RF technology is so sketchy...I'd stick with the lasers that are proven effective time and time again...like the Gentlelase alexandrites and diodes (and YAGs for darker skin tones).

Answer
Actually, the first doctor charged $100 for around a thong, but my last treatment was with another doctor using LightSheer and he charges $99 for everything around a thong AND perenial region etc. I got all those areas done as well this last time since it cost the same. He basically said bikini is $50 for just around a panty, or you can pay $99 and get it however you want, including the perenial region. This is the doctor who also charges only $50 for both underarms. The other one charged $100.
Yes, these prices are much higher than everything I've seen in Los Angeles. The fact that there are clinics on every other block might have something to do with that
I suggested the Comet ONLY for those areas that cannot be affected with an alex or a diode. It's worth looking into and getting a patch test. Otherwise, on all areas where an alex or a diode will work, definitely choose one of these lasers.

Answer
Well, cristelize, sounds like you have talked to Premier Laser Center. I have heard that they are good, but I do consider them expensive even for the North Texas area. There are several choices around here. Have you talked to Smooth Solutions? Their prices are lower ($187 for 5 tx on UA) using an Alexandrite or a YAG. I won't say they are better, but you have other options for ya.
Wow, Blink -- sounds like "free" LHR in LA! Those $100 prices for brazilian are better than any I've seen...

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where did you get the underarm and perinial done blink, where do you live?

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Just an FYI
We are locating in Arlington, TX and have a CandelaGentleLASE.
Our prices are
underarm $100 per treatment (or prepay for 5 treatments and get the 6th free = $500
Simple Bikini $175 ($875 package)
Basic Brazilian (everything but the landing strip area) $225 ($1125 package)
Full Brazilian (everything gone) $275 ($1375 package)
Our consultations are $25, which is credited towards your first treatment and a Physician Assistant does all the treatments.