This post is sponsored by LaserAway but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
"Let me set the scene: It’s 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and I—a nearly 30-year-old big-city girl—am rummaging through my mom’s bathroom cabinet in sheer desperation. Among the crusty nail polishes and half-empty hairspray cans, I find a sticky bottle of hair removal cream from 2014. The stench hits me so hard, I’m shocked it didn’t wake the house—or filter through my stepdad’s CPAP machine. By 12 a.m. on Christmas Day, I’d booked my first Laser Hair Removal appointment at LaserAway.
I’d tried it all: scalding wax, chemical burns, razors that left me with ingrowns—those tiny, persistent beauty betrayals. My body hair grew back faster and angrier every time, like it had a personal vendetta. My coworkers swore by laser hair removal, and our wellness editor Josie (who I trust with my life) is obsessed with LaserAway. But the time and price commitment was a little daunting for someone who’d been burned (literally) by every other method. I walked in skeptical, but after my first session, I was sold. Here’s how it went:
In this article
What to expect when getting laser hair removal at LaserAway
As someone who went all in with LaserAway’s Platinum Package—tackling a full Brazilian, underarms, and lower legs in one go—I can confidently say laser hair removal is way less intimidating than it sounds.
How to prepare for laser hair removal
Prepping for your first session is simple:
- No waxing or plucking four to six weeks before your appointment—the laser needs the hair follicle intact to do its job.
- Shave the areas you’re treating the night before. (Say goodbye to grow-out phases!)
- Skip lotions, deodorants, or tanning on the day of your appointment.
LaserAway keeps it as low-maintenance as possible, which I appreciate.
What happens during a laser hair removal session?
The Consultation
When I arrived, my technician Kandice (a literal angel) started with a quick consultation to learn about my skin type, hair type, and the areas I wanted to be treated. She explained that LaserAway’s advanced laser technology works on various skin tones and hair types, so I had nothing to worry about. Also, I kept reminding myself: They see hundreds of nether regions every day—they’re not judging yours.
The Setup
After changing into a chic LaserAway terry cloth micro-dress (basically a towel that snaps at the top) and putting on protective goggles, Kandice returned with a stress ball (which I declined, bravely). She used oil-based chalk to grid out the treatment areas and taped over my tattoos to protect them.
The Treatment
- Underarms: Hand to heart, I didn’t feel a thing at first. There’s a hose attached to the laser that blasts cool air, which distracts from any unpleasant laser sensations. My underarms were done in less than three minutes.
- Legs: This took a bit longer, with only mild discomfort around my ankles where the skin is thinner. Even then, it just felt like a quick rubber band snap.
- Brazilian: The spiciest part, especially around my backside, but the discomfort only lasted a few seconds. Before I knew it, Kandice was handing me a bottle of aloe and telling me I was good to get dressed.
From start to finish, the whole session clocked in at exactly 27 minutes.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
The short answer? Not really. LaserAway uses cooling air, which makes a huge difference, and the sensation varies depending on the area. For me, the ankles and certain parts of the Brazilian were the most uncomfortable, but it was over so fast, I didn’t even need the stress ball.
After the session, my skin felt slightly sensitive but far less tender than after a wax (and I’ve been waxing for nearly a decade). Aloe vera soothed any redness, and I was advised to:
- Avoid hot showers, baths, and direct sun exposure for 24 hours.
- Use sunscreen if the treated areas will be exposed to sunlight.
I used it as an excuse to lounge in sweats for the rest of the day, but honestly, I felt completely fine.
Is LaserAway worth it?
Absolutely. Here’s why:
When I walked out of my first session at LaserAway, I felt like I’d just spent the afternoon at a luxury spa. The front desk team made it so easy to book my next session five weeks later, and I’m seriously considering adding Kandice to my emergency contacts. By summer, I fully intend to be dolphin-smooth, and LaserAway has officially earned its spot as my third space in 2025.
It’s Quicker and Less Painful Than You’d Expect: My full Brazilian, underarms, and lower legs were done in under 30 minutes and were almost pain-free. And even in the areas where my skin was more sensitive, the pain only lasted a few seconds.
You’ll Notice Results Fast: Within two weeks, I saw treated hair falling out, and with every session, regrowth will become thinner and less noticeable. Smooth skin may be closer than I thought.
The Prep and Aftercare Are Low-Maintenance: All you need to do is shave the night before, skip lotions and deodorants on the day of, and apply a little aloe post-treatment. No grow-out phase, no downtime.
Long-term laser hair removal reviews
A few of our editors are way past their first laser hair removal sessions, and they’ve made it very clear: It’s life-changing. Here are their reviews, years later:
“I would try the best shaving creams and oils yet still deal with painful razor burn, ingrown hairs, and that awkward stubble in between shaves that always made me self-conscious about my underarms. Waxing was out of the question—I couldn’t deal with the pain or the grow-out phase. Laser hair removal turned out to be the ultimate life upgrade. Now, my underarms are smooth, and I don’t even have to think about them.” – Josie Santi, Wellness Editor
“I would describe my skin as extremely high-maintenance: rashy, dry, and constantly irritated. Shaving always caused razor burn no matter what I tried, and I felt self-conscious about it for years. Investing in laser hair removal for my bikini line and underarms was a decision I’ll never regret. After my first session, my hair became thinner and more manageable, and my irritation decreased immediately. Even though I needed six treatments and maintenance after two pregnancies, it’s one of the best cosmetic investments I’ve ever made.” – Ally Wolf, Chief of Sales
Laser hair removal FAQ, answered by an expert
How do the lasers actually work?
Fast laser light pulses to selectively destroy hair follicles by targeting their melanin (color). The pigment in the hair follicle absorbs the laser’s light pulse, which damages the follicle enough to slow hair regrowth significantly. The lasers at LaserAway travel deeper into your skin to destroy both the hair bulb and stem cells so that, unlike with waxing or shaving, the hair doesn’t grow back.
How many sessions are typically required for noticeable results?
While the number of LaserAway sessions varies based on a number of individual factors like genetics, natural origin, sun exposure, and hormones, most patients can expect to see an 80 percent permanent reduction in hair with six to eight sessions. But the news gets even better; any remaining hair is thinner, finer, and less dense! While removing every single hair might be unrealistic, with the appropriate number of prescribed sessions spaced appropriately apart, the average patient will get an incredible cosmetic outcome from laser hair removal, and if they used to shave every other day, now they might just shave every other month!
What are the most common risks or side effects of laser hair removal?
Very mild discomfort is, by far, the most common side effect. The good news is that LaserAway’s treatment is very tolerable and relatively fast! Some patients may also experience mild swelling and some transient itching after the treatment, but those typically resolve very quickly. Overall, laser hair removal treatment is very safe with only mild, temporary risks and side effects.
How long does it take to see results, and are there areas where it might be less effective?
If you look closely, you may note that many of the hair follicles fall out approximately two weeks after being treated, and that is obviously when most patients start to notice the results. Additionally, with each treatment, you can expect to see a 10 percent reduction in the amount of hair present, but it might take a few treatments for this reduction to be noticeable to you. Some areas of the body do respond better than others, with the underarm often being very treatable and the face or sideburns being one of the areas where additional treatments might be necessary.
MEET THE EXPERT
Dr. Will Kirby, Chief Medical Officer and Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Will Kirby is a go-to expert in aesthetic dermatology, with decades of experience and a passion for innovation. As the Chief Medical Officer for LaserAway, the nation’s top provider of aesthetic dermatology services, he’s been at the forefront of bringing cutting-edge, science-backed treatments to clients everywhere.
Why choose LaserAway?
If you’re wondering, is LaserAway good?—the answer, even from a skeptic like me, is a resounding yes. LaserAway made something I was nervous about feel completely approachable. Offering the most service options of any national skincare provider, they use cutting-edge laser technology and innovative techniques, which made me feel like I was in the best hands. The staff was not only kind and professional but also highly trained and certified, walking me through every step of the process and tailoring the treatment to my skin and hair type. The entire session was quick, efficient, and way less painful than I expected, and their focus on making the experience comfortable and enjoyable really stood out. By the time I left, I felt confident I’d made the right choice.
Other LaserAway services
LaserAway offers a variety of services like skin rejuvenation, Botox, and more. Their treatments are designed to enhance your skin appearance and boost your overall skin health in a way that’s both approachable and effective. Every treatment is performed by skilled registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, so you can feel confident knowing you’re in expert hands.
Booking an appointment at LaserAway
Booking your laser hair removal appointment with LaserAway is super simple—just hop on their website and use the online booking system. Before you schedule, make sure you’re over 18, haven’t hit the tanning beds in the last two weeks, and aren’t currently pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s also important to avoid antibiotics, iron supplements, or Retin-A for at least 14 days before your appointment. And if you’ve used Accutane in the last six months, you’ll need to wait a bit longer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paige Cushman, Branded Content Editor
From small community newspapers to country music marketing, Paige has found the most fulfillment in finding and sharing the uniquely human stories that compel an audience. As a Branded Content Editor at The Everygirl, she is able to combine her excitement about women’s issues and pop culture with her editorial skills to create quality content for our brand partners.
This post is sponsored by LaserAway but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.