https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075W82BYY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Background:
Last year I spent around $4,000 on professional laser hair removal. This was the price for getting ONE area done, taking advantage of their half-off sale! Plus, I took advantage of the "free underarm" sale they had, so I got two places for this price, taking advantage of two different sale offers. At first, I thought "Wow! What a good deal!" and I signed the contract. However, upon further investigation, I realized that this was a rip-off :(! There are groupons and at home products you can get for 100-400$ that do the same thing. Ugh. Regardless, I still have been going to my professional appointments and have noticed a reduction in hair (areas treated: brazilian and underarms). Consequently, this review is taking into consideration my experience getting it done professionally and how much I had to pay.
Product review:
When it arrived, I was a little nervous because everything seemed to be in Chinese... However, the important things (the instructions) were also written in English on the other side. Phew! It came with a face shaver as well as the Laser Hair Remover. I have blonde hair on my face (which cannot be treated with the laser), so I can definitely use this. I was worried because I could not find the directions for the Laser Hair Removal, only the face shaver. However, upon lifting up the plastic holding base, I saw the instructions. I again worried because it seemed like it was only in Chinese, but after I flipped it inside out, I saw the English instructions. To be honest, the instructions were VERY overwhelming and not super clear. I think the instructions could use some re-vamping in so its easier to read. I had to figure out most of it on my own through trial and error. I also like that these came with glasses, because you should NEVER use this without protective eye-ware. I ended up buying a second pair of glasses in case I wanted to use this on one of my friends (which I did do).
You need to keep the device plugged in when you use it, which restricted where I was somewhat, but nothing super challenging. It's important to shave before you use this (they recommend 24 hours, which is what the professional place I go to recommends as well). You can use different voltage levels depending on your sensitivity in the area you are treating. I did it on my legs and started at level 2/5 to make sure it was not painful. I ended up going up to 5 (which still did not hurt very much, just felt warm). The smell (of burnt hair) and how it worked seemed just like the professional place I go to. I tried it on the underarms of my friend as well (cleaning it between uses), who said it just felt warm but not uncomfortable. Everything seems the same as when I go to a professional, except for the price! Grr, I wish I knew about this sooner! However, with that said, I do feel like when I went over the areas I do have treated with this, the professional lasers seem to go to higher levels. It actually hurts pretty bad when I go there, but even on the highest level, it was merely uncomfortable but not so painful. Consequently, professional places probably have higher intensity lasers.
As far as duration, this says you can do it every 2-3 days. The professional appointments are 2-3 MONTHS in between, so it takes you a long time (over a year) before you are completely done. I like that I can use these for "touch ups" in case some hair pops up after I'm finished with my 9 professional sessions (otherwise, I get a "deal" at the professional place for 150-250$ a "touch up" session...which is the same price/ slightly more than this whole device!).
It does take a while to notice results. At the professional salon, they said you should see 10-20% hair loss each time. It may be harder to notice if you do it every 2-3 days, which is why I don't mind waiting longer for my professional appointments. I would recommend waiting maybe a month or so if you can. Like, when you feel like you need to shave again, then do it the next day.
Summary:
Overall, I wish I knew about this before I paid $4,000 for it to be done professionally. With that said, I'm sure they do a better job than I do on myself. Also, I think I'd be WAY too scared to do a brazilian on myself and I'd miss areas (though I feel like underarms would be okay). This is not for all skin/hair types. I'm only able to do this on my lower legs because the hair on my thigh is blonde and does not register with the laser, so check with the skin/hair color requirements to make sure it will work on you.
I'd give this 4/5 stars overall so far! Rather pleased though I wish the instructions would get re-vamped so it is easier to read. I will do more reviews for this as I continue to use it. :)
*Disclaimer: received product at heavily reduced price in exchange for honest review*