Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It in Colorado? What to Know Before You Start.
Every November, the same question shows up in our inbox and at the front desk in Boulder: Is laser hair removal actually worth it, and if so, when should I start? Here is the plain version, including the parts most clinics leave out.
How many sessions it really takes
Hair grows in cycles, and a laser can only treat follicles in their active growth phase. At any given moment, only a portion of your hair is in that phase. That is why one session never does it, and why anyone promising otherwise is selling you something. For most people and most areas, it takes eight to ten treatments, sometimes more, spaced several weeks apart, to reach the point where hair is sparse, fine, and slow to return. Some people need a touch-up a year or two later, usually because of hormonal changes. At Vasu, every package is six sessions, priced as six for the cost of five. We do not sell “unlimited” plans. If a clinic promises you unlimited treatments for life, ask yourself why ten wouldn’t be enough.
Why fall and winter are the right time to start
Three reasons, and the first two are specific to living at altitude. Less sun on your skin. Laser hair removal targets pigment in the hair. Tanned skin also has pigment, which means more energy goes into the skin and less into the follicle. In Boulder, where the UV index stays high even in October, winter is when your skin is lightest, making treatment safest and most effective. The math. Six sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart take five to seven months. Start in November, and you finish in late spring, right before the first day of shorts. Start in May, and you’ll be halfway through by the end of summer.
A true laser is not the same as IPL.
Much of the “laser hair removal” in Boulder is actually IPL (intense pulsed light). IPL delivers a broad flash of light and works well for brown spots and redness. We use it for exactly that. But it is less precise for hair, which means more sessions, more discomfort, and worse results for anyone who isn’t fair-skinned with dark hair. To make matters worse, IPL requires ultrasound gel! Gel is everywhere, and the treatment isn’t effective; nobody wants that. We use the Candela GentleMax Pro, a true laser with two wavelengths: Alexandrite for lighter skin and Nd:YAG for darker skin. We choose the wavelength that matches your ethnic background and skin, and pair it with a Zimmer cooler, a stream of chilled air that stays on the skin throughout the treatment, rather than the cryogen spray many clinics use.
Who it works less well on
Laser hair removal targets pigment in the hair, so it works best on dark hair. It doesn’t work on blonde, red, grey, or white hair because there isn’t enough pigment for the laser to target. If that is you, we will tell you at your consultation rather than sell you a package. Hormonal conditions can also cause hair to keep returning in some areas, particularly the face. Treatment still helps, but you may need maintenance visits, and we would rather you know that going in.
What it costs, and why we publish our prices
Most clinics make you come in for a quote. We list our prices by area and package on our website because we think you should be able to compare before you walk in the door. Full legs, half legs, underarms, Brazilian, back, face: it is all listed, and the package price is always six sessions for the price of five. This November, legs are 25% off, the lowest we will price them this year. If legs are on your list, start this month. See November specials.
So, is it worth it?
If you have dark hair and are willing to commit to at least six visits, then yes! Definitely. Most clients say, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”If you are not sure whether you are a good candidate, that is what the consultation is for. We will look at your hair and skin, tell you what to expect, and tell you if it is not for you. Book a complimentary consultation.
