You know… I resisted this particular piece of beauty technology for a long time. I figured it was gimmicky. I figured it wouldn’t work. I figured it would be a waste of money.
I was wrong.
If you read my Dare To Go Bare article, you know that I had a finely honed hair removal process with a multitude of tools. I followed that routine for years.
YEARS!
But in a moment of weakness a few weeks ago, I purchased a Braun Silk Expert Pro 5. I wish I could tell you what tipped me over the edge, but I honestly don’t know myself. I only know…I’m glad I did!
I included an affiliate link below which doesn’t cost you anything extra, but you can always purchase it directly from the manufacturer as well. It’s pricey but WAY cheaper than getting laser hair removal in an office…and you can use it with your whole family!
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 (affiliate link)
I was going to wait a full month of using it to report on whether or not it worked…but after just two weeks (that’s using it TWICE) I couldn’t wait…I had to share.
I’ve gotten ahead of myself. Let’s back up a bit and be methodical about this.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
It is pretty straightforward. The pigment (melanin) in your hair is targeted by the pulse of light that heats up the follicle and damages the root. It inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Who Will It Work For?
In order to be effective, laser hair removal relies on a difference in melanin between your skin color and your hair color. The laser has to be able to determine which melanin to target so it doesn’t burn your skin.
Below is the chart directly off the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5. Clearly the lighter your skin color and the darker your hair in contrast, the better candidate you are. So the downside is, this isn’t for everyone. But, it works for more people than I thought.
Does It Hurt?
It’s uncomfortable, I’m not going to lie. But it’s not unbearable. I’ve often heard others say it’s like having a rubber band snapped against your skin. I don’t find it quite that severe, but it’s fairly accurate. The most shocking thing is the flash. I did my first session without protective glasses. I ordered some right away and waited for them to arrive for my second session.
Laser Protection Safety Goggles (affiliate link)
You have to repeat treatments because hair grows at different times so you have to catch them all as they are ready to be zapped! I’ve seen videos with people doing it daily. I have more patience than I thought. The included instructions said every week so every week it is!
The (Hairless) Bottom Line
After only one use, I thought I noticed a difference, but perhaps it was wishful thinking. However, after the second use, I actually forgot to shave. It’s probably important to know that I usually shave daily. DAILY! I love the feeling of soft smooth legs and I can’t personally stand having any armpit stubble.
I realized at the end of last week that I hadn’t shaved in several days. I did a quick stubble check and lo – after four days of not shaving – I still didn’t have to!
I will need to continue treatments to improve the results and hopefully finally eradicate unwanted hair, but I was IMPRESSED! I had to share.
If like me, you’ve hesitated to drop some serious cash on an at home laser hair removal device – at least with this one – take the plunge! It works!! It’s surprisingly fast and easy to use.
I had razor refills on my shopping list…but I think I’ll hold off for now.
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Some of these links are affiliate links. If you click a link and buy something, I may receive a commission for the sale. It does not cost you anything extra and you are free to use the link or not. Product purchases for review are made with my own money and my opinions are my own. If product is ever provided or the article is sponsored, it will be clearly noted at the top of the page.