(Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere) A trans friend recommends laser hair removal for the face. I'm unsure, as it appears to be only a temporary solution which would be very expensive. What is the experience of others? How effective and permanent is it? I'm 58 so a fair proportion of my hairs are not black.
Laser is a hair removal method that's firmly YMMV. Some people have great results and others not so much. There are several variables that affect how well it will work for any given person.
If you have all/mostly dark hair and fair skin, laser is more likely to produce good results. If you have a lot of grey hair or have naturally light hair, laser probably won't work well.
Some of the newest laser units are more effective on lighter hair. They won't work on grey, blond or red hair. But they do work to an extent on lighter brown hair. Laser technology is constantly improving. The newest equipment is quite expensive. Generally speaking, you'll find cutting-edge lasers at clinics affiliated with teaching hospitals. Some high-end salons may have them too. Expect higher than normal prices for access to this equipment.
The skill of the laser technician is also a consideration. Some techs are not well trained and can do more harm than good. Scarring should NEVER happen! A good tech will know which type of laser to use and what settings will be most effective for your skin and hair. Again, you're most likely to find the best trained techs and docs at a clinic run by a teaching hospital.
If a practice doesn't have a board-certified dermatologist or PA/NP on-site for each visit, DON'T GO THERE!
Reputable practices will require that you pay for a consultation before providing service. It is in your best interest to do this. Be fully transparent on the medical questionnaire they will want you to fill out. The info you provide will allow the staff to make the appropriate treatment plan. Glossing over this vital step is asking for trouble. If the practice you plan to use doesn't require a consultation, DON'T GO THERE!
I've done about a dozen electrolysis sessions at an electrology school. Common wisdom among the instructors was if you have plenty of dark hair facial hair, and have fair skin, it's helpful to reduce it as much as possible with laser first. Then start electrolysis. They say this reduces the amount of time needed to permanently clear facial hair and may reduce total cost.
Hope this helps.
/LK
Rebecca, from my experience, being older as well, laser just doesn't cut it with light colored hair. In the US, electrolysis is the only 'approved' permanent hair removal process. But like everything else these days, does not come inexpensive. Hugs
Laser hair removal is certainly problematic if the hairs are not dark or you have dark skin. I had 10 facial sessions (which were on special - which they frequently are) for $300. It certainly reduced the growth for about six months and then everything returned to normal.
As Michelle mentioned electrolysis is the only permanent way to go however it too has its pitfalls the most noticeably the cost. I have GF who has spent over $14,000 and is still not hair free. I have tried it 3 times and each time it has left minor scarring which I was not impressed about. I also have a good quality IPL machine however this too requires dark hair.
For me waxing has been the best option as I have been told the more damage you do to the hair folical the greater the chance it will die and no longer generate hair. After 4 years of doing my legs they are completely hair free. If only my face would respond as effectively.
It has to be on the top of my list for "really annoying effects of testosterone".
@mistressb A rather more insightful description than the advertising I see on laser clinic websites. This is really helpful!
Don't waste your hard earned cash on laser . It is not perm and you will always be going for touch ups . Like the others have mention only works on dark hair , black being the better of the shades . So electro shock it will have to be . Do your research on the best place to get electrolysis done , not all electrolysist are good at what they do . There shouldn't be any scaring if done right . It is painful some facial areas are more sensitive then others , upper lip right under the nose and side burn areas , the other areas aren't so bad . Soon that not take a few pain pills and hour before . There are numbing agents on the market with help , but not totally pain free unless you get your face frozen . If you can wing it , mass volume is the way to go and you can get deals on that but it is not cheap . Going for 30 minute treatments will take a life time . An hour or more is the way to go .
Alexis
@alexispw More useful information that I don't get anywhere else. Thank you.
I was suggested to get laser then electrolysis so that the electrolysis is less painful and less discomforting. So I recommend you take Jade's advice. She will do me from head to toe after I get done with Accutane.
