More and more guys are having laser hair removal. It used to be that the fellas having laser hair removal where the ones with serious tufts of hair, everywhere. And most of these guys were being forced by their wives or girlfriends to have it done or suffer the consequences. You can draw your own conclusions on that one.
It’s true, I have had conversations with countless women declaring- my man is coming in for this treatment whether he likes it or not. Within days or weeks true to her word her guy would step into the spa ready for laser. Understandably, these relationships with my spa started out a little rocky. After all, no one likes to be persuaded to do something they weren’t really looking for to begin with.
But once our newly minted clients saw the results, and how much it pleased their partner, they always warmed up to us. Many voluntarily electing to continue with other areas.
Today it’s much different. Most of our male clients find us on their own, after a little research or getting a referral from friends. Now men make up more than a third of our laser hair removal clientele. And treatment areas that were once limited to back, shoulders and neck, have expanded to every area of the body.
Yes, fellas laser hair removal is no longer taboo. But, as much as it’s catching on it’s still relatively new to the male population in New York City. So, if you have been considering laser hair removal, bit you’re not sure where to start- here is a guide to help you navigate uncharted waters.
Choose your area.
In laser hair removal lingo, an area is a specific body part selected for treatment. That may sound obvious but the tricky part is knowing where a body part ends and another begins. For instance it is commonly mistaken that a full back treatment includes the shoulders. But, most spas consider them two separate areas. Be sure to ask exactly what an area includes when you are considering laser as they can vary from spa to spa.
And don’t be shy guys. Whatever stigma might have been associated in the past with laser hair removal is long gone. At Skin Bar NYC, our clients treat every body part from the neck to the Brazilian (that’s nuts and butts).
Is laser safe?
Today’s technology is safe and effective for all skin types. That means any skin tone from Larry Bird to Manute Bol can safely enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal. Just be sure the facility you choose uses an ALEX laser and YAG laser. Lighter skin types are treated on the ALEX and darker skin types are treated on the YAG. Just as important as the spa you choose for your service are the precautions you take before and after treatment. There are a few rules you will need to follow to ensure a safety.
NO sun exposure to the treated area two weeks before treatment and one week after.
NO antibiotics when having laser.
Shave the area 24 hours before.
Does laser hurt?
It doesn’t tickle. But, today’s technology has vastly improved the level of comfort. I have had laser many times on the back of my neck and I would say on a scale of 1-5. A 1 being your daily shave and 5 being the waxing job Steve Carell got in 40 Year Old Virgin. I grade laser hair removal about a 2. But, everyone’s threshold is different.
Don’t take chances, find the spa with the latest technology for the greatest comfort level. Laser technology has reached the point of diminishing returns when it comes to effectiveness. New laser technology is focused on the comfort level- and that’s what you want.
I recommend looking for a spa equipped with the Zimmer Cooling System. Zimmer is German engineering at its best. This machine produces super cooled air that blows directly on the spot receiving the laser energy. In addition, today’s lasers are much faster than those available even just a year ago. And speed means that whatever level of discomfort you feel is minimized with shorter treatment times. So, make sure the spa you chose has newer technology.
How many treatments do I need to go from hairy to hair free?
Laser hair removal is so popular because it’s permanent. We can achieve 70%-90% hair reduction in 6-8 treatments on average. Treatments are usually scheduled 4-8 weeks apart depending on the area being treated. Some clients with denser hair, darker skin or hormonal imbalance may require additional sessions to achieve optimal results. After optimal results are achieved I recommend touch- ups once a year or as needed.
How much is this gonna set me back?
Laser hair removal is not inexpensive. But since it’s permanent you don’t have to worry about reoccurring costs. An average cost to have laser on your back will run you anywhere from $200-$400 per treatment (Any pricing higher than $400 is straight up robbery). Multiply that by 6, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,200- $2,400 to be hair free. Many spas offer packages that help to bring the cost down. Memberships are even more affordable and instead of paying the whole amount upfront you pay as you go. For example, at Skin Bar NYC, our membership price for full back is $129 per treatment.
What’s the next step?
Schedule a consultation for evaluation before you commit to anything. You want to make sure you are a good candidate for the treatment. And check the place out before you trust anyone to put a laser on your skin. In untrained hands, lasers can be very dangerous. Be sure you know what type of laser is being used and check out their reputation online. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.