Excess Hair/Laser Questions-Please Help

jherrman46142 · 07-17-2003, 04:43 PM

I'm so frustrated with the hair growth. It has continued to get worse over the past few years.

I was always told not to shave because it will make the hair grow back thicker, but I have read so many messages with people shaving so I'm confused. Does anyone have any comments on this?

Also, I want to look into laser, but many of the things I read say that people diagnosed with PCOS have a low chance of getting rid of the hair and that it could eventually grow back. I know it's very expensive so is it worth it? Has anyone had experience with getting the laser done and getting rid of the hair growth? Is there anyone who has had thick dark coarse hair that has had a full round of laser treatments ( I read it takes 6-8 times)?

One more thing (sorry), would I have to shave in order to get the laser procedure? I think I read that in a few message postings that you shaved beforehand. I'm scared to shave since I've always plucked and waxed.

I would apreciate any advice. Thanks!

Rachell4ever · 07-17-2003, 08:12 PM

Hi there,

Yes, you can shave your legs. I've had very hairy legs and I've been doing since I was about 10 years old (now 31). It may come back a bit coarser, but 1 shave shouldn't harm you over much.

Are your hormonal levels stable or declining? If that's the case, if laser is permanent (and that's how it's looking), then it should be permanent for PCOS women as well. No reason why it shouldn't. I've now done 3 rounds of laser on my legs and it has not grown back. I have not shaved my legs in a week, and they are smooth as anything. Make sure you are using the right kind, and that you are a good match for laser (e.g. dark hair, light skin). If you have coarse hair already (like mine - very coarse) the laser will hurt more, since the laser works by being attracted to dark colors. I use 2 bottles of emla (skin desensitizer) every time I go. Remember that earlier laser versions were not permanent and did not work. I think the "epilight" actually was one of the first and wasn't permanent at all, causing the company to go bankrupt.

I did electrolysis 5 years ago on my face and other embarrassing areas, and it was entirely permanent. It took a long time - several years - but was so very worth it.

lilac · 07-17-2003, 08:29 PM

doesn't the hair come back dark and course after tweezing? terminal hairs? I wish i never tweezed and just used other methods. I believe i caused ugly dark hair to come in after I started tweezing.

JillyBug · 07-31-2003, 11:53 PM

Hi! I just had a laser consult tonight. This is what I was told: In women with PCOS (which I have) laser treatment is 50-75% successful. You need to have light skin with dark, coarse hair. You can not have the area tanned. You can not pluck the hair out. I was plucking and will now have to wait 3 weeks for the 1st treatment because the hair has to grow back in. You can shave and use Vaniqua, but if you use Vaniqua, you may have to have more laser treatment because Vaniqua slows the hair growth. The price here for non-hormonal hair removal is $125-175 a treatment. Because of PCOS, they lowered my price to $85.00 for the sideburns, chin and neck. It will take 4-6 treatments and the touchups, if I want, are $50.00. I agreed to do it. I have been looking into it for a while and I am just tired of the whole hair thing. I also have dark hair on my arms (it's pretty soft) but I use Nair to remove it.