Laser Hair Reduction on Brown Skin (My Experience)

Last year, with the pandemic and more time on my hands, I undertook many ventures that would not have been considered until later years if situations were otherwise presented. One such venture was laser hair removal. I had been hesitant to undergo laser hair removal because, one, brown skin requires a special touch, and two, the area in particular was my face. As growth started, I would pluck the one or two hairs that would appear under my chin. I’ve always had sideburns that would grow further and further down my cheeks as I aged. Eventually, I began using face razors daily. It would’ve been okay, but I was shaving in the wrong direction under my chin and used dull blades that resulted in ingrown hairs along with unsightly marks. After doing a Google search on dermatologists that specialized in brown skin and reading a few reviews, I visited one around the holiday season.

The dermatologist first prescribed a cream for my dark spots, which deserves bragging rights all on its own. The cream is amazing. Don’t listen to any tips on how to reduce the appearance of dark spots, just go see a dermatologist, and get that cream. Next, the dermatologist recommended laser hair treatment. With the recommendation, I was assured that the laser being used is manufactured for ethnic skin types and would not have any adverse effects after use. I was also advised that the proper term is laser hair reduction, not removal, because it doesn’t last forever and may require future touch ups. After receiving that information, my first session was scheduled forJanuary 2021.

Laser hair reduction can be pricey but to help with cost, they split the price between sessions, with six to eight being the recommended amount (one each month). At the first session, I was forewarned that some find the laser painful and have compared the feeling to a rubber band popping them consistently. Keeping that in mind, I took a deep breath and the lasering began. I can confirm that a rubber band popping you is exactly what it feels like, but I did not find the sensation painful. When it was over, within a week I noticed a change. Immediately after, my face was red for 24 hours and I noticed hair growth that disappeared by the end of that week. My skin since feels smooth and looks even toned.

In the moment of writing this, I’ve completed three sessions and have no regrets. I’ve even started laser hair reduction in the underarm area and plan to do the same with the bikini area in the near future. Overall, my experience with laser hair reduction has been great. One of my most convincing affirmations ascertained over the past few months is that if there is something negatively affecting my mental health and it’s within my control to fix it, then there should be nothing stopping me from doing so. The affirmation provided all the push needed to move forward with laser hair reduction.

There have been a few ventures that I’ve done or decided on during the pandemic time and I am looking forward to writing about them all.

Uplifting Love,

Alisia Latoi