Laser Hair Removal Changed My Confidence, But Finding The Right Place Took Years.

After being burned during a laser hair removal appointment years ago, I thought I’d never go back. Not only did the experience leave me physically scarred, but it also made me question whether laser clinics truly understood how to safely treat melanated skin. So, for years my relationship with laser hair removal was inconsistent at best — until I recently went to Milan Laser and finally experienced what laser hair removal should actually feel like. 

Why I Did It 

For years, I thought ingrown hairs were just something I had to deal with. Shaving constantly irritated my skin, waxing was painful, and no matter what I tried, I kept dealing with bumps and hyperpigmentation. By 2015, laser hair removal started feeling less like a luxury and more like a necessity. 

At the time, everyone was talking about the benefits of laser hair removal. Smoother skin, less irritation, and freedom from razor bumps. I was tired of feeling uncomfortable in my own skin, so I finally decided to try it. 

What Scared Me 

My first laser experience almost scared me away from the treatment completely. 

During an underarm session years ago, a technician accidentally burned part of my tattoo because she never asked if I had one or covered it before starting. I still have the scar today. After that, I became extremely hesitant about laser hair removal, especially because I wasn’t sure if many places truly understood how to safely treat melanated skin. 

Even though I saw some results over the years, the hair always seemed to grow back eventually. So, for nearly a decade, my relationship with laser hair removal became very on-and-off. I never found a place that made me feel fully comfortable or confident. 

The Laser Type 

Everything shifted when I went to Milan Laser Hair Removal. The moment my Black technician walked into the room, I instantly felt more at ease. I literally told her, “You don’t know how happy I am to see you,” and she smiled and said, “I’m happy to see you too.” 

It may sound small, but as a Black woman, there’s comfort in knowing someone understands your skin and your concerns. Before we even started, she asked detailed questions about my skin history, past laser experiences, and sensitivities. Nothing felt rushed. 

What also made me feel safer was learning that Milan’s technicians are licensed medical professionals and that they use the Candela GentleMax Pro laser, which is designed to safely treat a variety of skin tones, including melanated skin. 

What It Felt Like 

If you’ve never had laser hair removal before, the sensation feels like quick snaps against your skin with bursts of heat. It’s not exactly painless, but it’s far more tolerable than waxing in my opinion. 

Details

What made the experience better at Milan was how thorough and attentive the technician was throughout the appointment. She constantly checked in to make sure I was comfortable and carefully treated every section instead of rushing through the process. The level of care honestly changed my perspective on laser hair removal. 

The Aftermath 

The results have been some of the best I’ve ever experienced. I’ve now gone back a few times, and the difference has honestly shocked me. My hair growth has slowed down significantly, my skin feels smoother, and I’m seeing far fewer ingrown hairs and dark marks. I haven’t had a session in over two months and barely see any regrowth. 

What I’d Tell A Friend 

I’d tell any friend considering laser hair removal to really do their research and find a place that understands melanated skin. That matters more than people realize. 

I’d also tell them not to settle for a rushed experience just because laser has become more common. You should feel comfortable asking questions, discussing concerns, and making sure the provider is educated on your skin specifically. And honestly? Seeing representation in these spaces matters too. 

The Cost 

One thing I appreciated about Milan Laser is their unlimited treatment model. Instead of paying for individual sessions over and over again, you pay once and can continue treatments as needed. Depending on the areas you treat, the price can range anywhere from $3,000-7,000.  

Considering how inconsistent my past experiences were, I think the investment is worth it. They also have more than 400 locations across 38 states, which makes it easy to continue treatments while traveling. 

The Verdict 

For years, laser hair removal felt intimidating to me because of my past experiences and concerns about whether providers truly understood Black skin. But this experience completely changed my perspective. The confidence boost goes beyond just being hair-free. It’s the relief of not constantly worrying about ingrown hairs, irritation, or hyperpigmentation. It’s feeling comfortable in sleeveless tops again. It’s not having to think about shaving before every trip or event. For the first time in a long time, laser hair removal finally feels worth it. 

Worth it. If you’ve ever dealt with ingrown hair, hyperpigmentation, or constantly having to think about shaving before every trip, event, or beach day, you get it. For me, laser hair was about feeling comfortable in my skin. The results have been some of the best I’ve seen in years, with significantly less hair growth, fewer ingrown hairs, and smoother skin overall. Add in the fact that I can continue treatments without worrying about paying for individual sessions, and it’s easily the best laser experience I’ve had to date. 

Skip it if you’re looking for instant gratification. Laser hair removal is a process, not a quick fix. You’ll need multiple sessions, and the results happen over time. But if you’re tired of dealing with razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and dark marks, and you’re willing to stick with it, it’s one of the best beauty investments I’ve made for myself. 

Sandy Pierre is the Branded Execution Manager at Refinery29 Unbothered and a contributing writer covering travel, lifestyle, and culture. When she’s not working on brand partnerships, she’s probably planning her next trip or curating a dinner for creatives in New York. 

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Originally published at www.refinery29.com.

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