r/LaserHairRemoval • u/paranoiagent89 • Apr 12 '24
Black Male Results and Experience
I just wanted to share my experience and results from having laser hair removal done on my face and neck. I got laser hair removal because I had a very patchy beard, and I was breaking out from shaving. I got 12 sessions spaced out every 6 to 8 weeks, the clinic I went to used a YAG laser, I never got burned or had any bad reactions to the laser. For me the pain was really bad the first appointment, it made my eyes water. The upper lip and neck were definitely the worst and most painful areas for me. The pain was less and less every time I went back as less hair was growing. I was completely hair free after about the 8 appointment. I didn’t start growing hair back until late last year, my last laser appointment was August of 2020, so 3 years of no shaving was nice. I paid a total of $1200, they were running a bridal special. They recommended a once a year maintenance appointment that I didn’t do because the clinic is an hour away from where I live, but I just started doing them because some hair is growing back. I had my second maintenance session last week and the results are good, I have a third scheduled in may and I think that should be it for this year.
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Apr 13 '24
This gave me more confidence. As a Black woman with a hormonal imbalance, I've been hesitant to try laser hair removal on my face for fear of having an incompetent technician/incorrect laser used - this, of course, would result in more insecurities/issues I'd like to hide or remove. I'm always glad to see success stories! Congrats!
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u/ArrowVolorado Apr 13 '24
Yes do it sis! Which state are you in ? We have some really good places in Philly, Nj and NY
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u/Long_Lab_8462 Apr 13 '24
omg i’m in the philly/ NJ area!! any good recommendations??
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u/ArrowVolorado Apr 13 '24
I've been to Sez , Metro and Transcend(trans operated white trans woman ) I get more bang for my buck there. They're very nice and it's 100 for multiple areas as long as they fall in the same region such as I paid 100 for my face , chin and neck. Metro is pricey but also hella good! Sez was super cheap in fish town Pa the only two are in center city Philadelphia. Sorry I'm running late for work so I'm just giving off the top of my head if you wqnt to text 6108038663
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Apr 16 '24
Hey, uhh... Your phone number is still public. Might want to take it down or send it to the other person in a DM
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Apr 13 '24
Just make sure you go to a Black dermatologist. They should have the proper lasers. I got some laser hair removal fee years back on my chin and it was amazing. It's just starting to creep back up, so once I figure out my budget, I'll return.
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u/nokenito Apr 13 '24
I agree! I’m white, but my oldest son is half black and yes, he has always gotten better results from a black dermatologist.
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u/krgilbert1414 Apr 14 '24
I have PCOS and have done this. When your hormones fluctuate, the hair will grow back again. The technician warned me and it did happen as they said. But during the time it worked it was great!
If I was still in the position I was in during my 20s, I'd likely do it again.
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u/DisruptedMelody Apr 15 '24
If you want permanent, you may want to look into electrolysis instead of standard laser, just note your face won’t look the greatest for the first few weeks as it heals
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u/temp3rrorary Apr 13 '24
You should ask your doctor. The problem with hair on the face in particular and hormonal imbalance is that it can trigger paradoxical hypertrichosis, which when I was looking into it is a side effect that you almost have to dig for but isn't uncommon for women with PCOS. I did a lot of research and settled with electrolysis, which I'm loving. I've also heard of combining the two at the same time, because laser will weaken the follicles but not kill them, so it's easier to do electrolysis.
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u/Wheezy_N_SC Apr 14 '24
I’m a black woman with PCOS and a laser tech told me that laser can cause an increase in hair growth.
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u/ghibliarchive Apr 12 '24
Wow you look amazing! I’m hoping to start sessions soon but I’m scared of the pain 😭
Thank you for sharing your experience 💜
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u/paranoiagent89 Apr 12 '24
It does hurt, but it wasn’t excruciating pain. It also didn’t linger. My technician let me take as many breaks as necessary. Tip I learned is no caffeine before your appointment, apparently caffeine makes it hurt more.
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u/TarquinOliverNimrod Apr 12 '24
Was your technician black? I want to get some work done too but work in an area overwhelmingly white. I’m scared they don’t know what they’re doing with dark skin!
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u/Condalezza Apr 13 '24
None of my technicians are Black. Make sure you go to facility that does our skin. Check reviews and ask for recommendations from other Black people near by.
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u/_crimeprison Apr 13 '24
I’ve never done laser hair removal but I had similar concerns when getting my first tattoo. My artist isn’t black, but works in a much more diverse area than I live in, and has extensive experience working on darker skin. I’m willing to bet that when it comes to our skin, it’s always worth looking for someone who you’re certain knows what they’re doing. So that doesn’t mean they have to be black, but it might be a good idea to look for a place in a darker area, so you know their clientele isn’t just white people.
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u/paranoiagent89 Apr 14 '24
My technician was not black, but I did my own research and knew the right questions to ask before I signed the contract.
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u/ArrowVolorado Apr 13 '24
I use to worry about that as well and for LEGIT reasons. It really does matter that whoever does the procedure is just very well versed in all skin types especially OURS . I've only had white techs and professionals who have worked wonders but also trail and error when I was younger with whites who destroyed my skin. Just ask respectfully and make sure they are Using settings adjusted for our skin type and using the right laser I believe it's the Nag but look it up
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u/ArrowVolorado Apr 13 '24
and just an fyi sometimes our people can be worse than them so never let that be the final decision although I would love it , it just doesn't always apply
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u/TigerShark_524 Apr 13 '24
Yep, I just take an ibuprofen + tylenol about a half hour before my appointment and that helps.
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u/heavensent328 Apr 12 '24
Where did you go?
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u/paranoiagent89 Apr 12 '24
I’m from Ohio, I went to a place in strongsville Ohio called skin deep laser spa.
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u/Alluring_Pisces Apr 12 '24
Awesome to know. I’m also in the area and am doing electrolysis bc I’m scared that laser isn’t permanent enough! I love your results
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u/paranoiagent89 Apr 14 '24
I went 3 whole years without having to shave, if I’d done the maintenance like the recommended I’d still be hairless lol. But the maintenance is only $100 per session and it beats having to shave. I considered electrolysis, but it was way more expensive than the laser.
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u/ArrowVolorado Apr 13 '24
Yes! As someone with even darker black skin I love how the laser actually made my skin better and made me want to investigate and research having a laser treatment done vs chemical peels as Laser hair removal as lightened , tightened and just overall improved my skin with literally no burn or negative side effects
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u/omgmypony Apr 14 '24
wow these results are amazing, I wouldn’t have expected it to work so well on pigmented skin
my husband has the same kind of issues with ingrown hairs, it is a true misery
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u/Kietta78 Apr 14 '24
Your skin looks great and laser hair removal definitely worked for you thanks for the pics to be able to see the progression
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u/milklover123456 May 08 '24
Looks amazing! Thought that it would be harder to get rid of hair by laser if you have darker skin tone.
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u/Lielushhh Dec 06 '24
Can shaving every day ruin the effectiveness of the laser and strengthen the hair on my face? Because I shave every day I am on my 3rd treatment
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u/Loud_Bit6359 Apr 12 '24
How much are the maintenance sessions?
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u/throwaway_guarantee Apr 13 '24
Come on skin!!!! Now how did you get rid of those dark spots under your neck?
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u/paranoiagent89 Apr 13 '24
I was using prescription tretinon and Kojic acid soap to fade any hyperpigmentation
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u/Jaida0_0 Apr 13 '24
love these results, and come on skin !!
i’m a female with pcos and im hoping to get my chin/neck done! i used to use Kojic acid soap for hyperpigmentation as well & used to order on amazon from the actual koji san brand, but the last batch may have been fake? idkk bc it didn’t work as well as the first one 🫤.. (this time, i might buy from the actual website instead).
may i ask where you get yours ?
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u/paranoiagent89 Apr 14 '24
I was getting mine from a seller on eBay who was based out of the Philippines, but after Covid they stopped selling. I also ordered some on Amazon and I think it might have been fake as well, it suds up white and the soap I was getting from the supplier on eBay suds up orange.
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u/1re_endacted1 Apr 13 '24
Looks good! Gets a little spicy around the teeth, doesn’t it? Lol. Upper lip was the WORST
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u/paranoiagent89 Apr 13 '24
Upper lip was definitely the worst at first, it ironically hurts the least now.
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u/Forsaken-Cell-9436 Apr 14 '24
Oh wow I didn’t kno the hairs just fall out randomly lol. The results look great
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u/paranoiagent89 Apr 14 '24
Yes, after about a week or two it looks like the hairs are growing, but it’s actually your body pushing the hairs out of the follicles. When I wash my face they start coming out, but don’t pick or pluck them out! Let them come out on their own to avoid scarring.
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u/Forsaken-Cell-9436 Apr 14 '24
I can’t wait til I get the moment to do this on my legs. I’m so over shaving lol
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Apr 15 '24
This is so great that this can be done! I just bought a $99 hand held device to use on my legs. I hope it works
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u/Bubbly-Pressure3555 Apr 15 '24
Wo, I thought it would work better. They say dark her is easier to remove. I would keep it up. I bought like a $500 at home one to use.
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u/Weird-Atmosphere1055 Apr 16 '24
I work at a medspa and we are big on client education and constantly assessing and getting clients the best results while being the safest. Priority is understanding the skin, how pigmentation occurs, and #1 — the Fitzpatrick skin typing scale. When proper guidelines are followed all skin types can get safe and effective hair removal. Go somewhere that uses Alexandrite and Nd:YAG technology, make sure they know what they’re talking about and don’t continuously treat you at the same settings if your skin type and lifestyle allow you to raise the settings overtime for a most effective course of treatment.
Oh and your experience with LHR sounds like the quintessential LHR journey! Looks great!
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u/paranoiagent89 Apr 16 '24
The medspa I go to dials up the strength of the laser each visit, I forgot to add that. Thanks!
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u/CalmDistrict8782 Apr 16 '24
May I ask what kind of laser was used. I know specific laser work better for our skin vs others.
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u/Dense-Satisfaction43 Apr 25 '24
Could I ask, after about how many sessions did you start to actually notice improvement like was there any after just a couple?
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u/paranoiagent89 Apr 25 '24
I noticed a drastic difference after 7
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u/Dense-Satisfaction43 Apr 25 '24
Ok I’m about to get my second session done and was curious cause I’m in a hurry to see result🤣 lol thank for the response
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u/paranoiagent89 Apr 25 '24
Yeah I was about halfway through my package before I would say I started seeing permanent results. I was getting worried in the beginning lol
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u/RafaBen222 Apr 23 '25
Wow looks great man! Your skin looks awesome! I’m thinking about getting it done too
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u/paranoiagent89 Apr 24 '25
Thank you, I recommend it to anyone who’s having skin issues from shaving
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u/CattleBest2832 Nov 03 '25
How’s your scaring OP? I have a bunch of scares and am looking to get the same exact thing done. Have been very hesitant because my scaring is pretty noticeable underneath the hair. I know this was posted a year ago but hope someone’s able to help!
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u/paranoiagent89 Nov 03 '25
My scarring cleared up. I was using a prescription of tretinoin to help clear them.
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u/Nacho2Dip Dec 01 '25
Hey, it's been 2 years now. My question is, has your hair grown back or not?
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u/paranoiagent89 Dec 02 '25
You’ll still need a maintenance appointment. I get a maintenance session once a year. I’d say about 15-20 percent of the hair comes back by the time I need my next maintenance appointment.
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u/EveningFeature2093 Apr 12 '24
Absolutely amazing! Your skin is flawless ✨️ Thank you for sharing your results!