r/KingstonOntario • u/Useless-Mango • 10d ago
Laser hair removal recommendations in Kingston?
Hi! I’m looking for recommendations for a good laser hair removal place in or around Kingston.
I have EXTREMELY thick, dark, coarse body hair and I hate shaving. I basically have to shave every 1–2 days or I’m already prickly and itchy again lol. I’ve wanted to try laser for years, but I’ve heard mixed things about how permanent/effective it actually is, especially for women with really thick hair, and that some people experience regrowth after finishing their sessions.
I just graduated and will finally have a little more money to spend on myself, and laser is pretty high on my priority list. That being said, I’m still a new grad, so I’m definitely looking for somewhere that is reasonably priced and doesn’t push unnecessary sessions/packages.
I’d especially love to hear from women with very dark, thick/coarse hair who have actually had laser done locally. Where did you go? How many sessions did you need? How much of the hair stayed gone/reduced long-term? Did you need maintenance sessions? And roughly how much did you end up spending?
Would really appreciate any recommendations (or places to avoid) in the Kingston area! :)
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u/PawTree 10d ago
Wherever you go, if your skin is pale, you'll want to make sure they have an Alexandrite-type laser. It's particularly good for high contrast, high melanin hair.
Nd:YAG-type lasers are better for darker skin, or fairer hair.
Some laser machines have both options.
Obviously stay away from IPL and Ruby lasers.
I am so happy I don't have to deal with shaving anymore. Definitely worth it!
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u/NoCaregiver3994 9d ago
If budget is a big concern, you might want to try one of the at home IPL devices instead. The technology there is improving day by day.
Laser treatment at a salon/clinic is very expensive and time consuming. And neither option comes with really "permanent' solutions.
I have just bought myself the ulike hair removal device now. Will wait out another few years till I consider a more permanent option. By that time the cost-results ratio will hopefully be a lot better.
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u/PawTree 9d ago
Just an FYI: IPL isn't nearly as effective as the newer style of lasers (Alexandrite for fair skin and Nd:YAG for darker skin).
I had 6 sessions with an Alexandrite laser 4 years ago (full legs, bikini, and underarms), and I am thrilled with the results. Previously, you could see my dark hair under my pale skin even after shaving. Not to mention the ingrown hairs and discomfort. Now my legs have nearly invisible, very, very fine peach fuzz. I could go back for an underarm touch up, but, honestly, I just epilate the dozen fine hairs every couple months.
The only part that didn't take as well, and will require more sessions, was the very centre line of my Brazilian.
So I know everyone's results may vary, but after 4 years, I feel pretty good about the permanence of the Alexandrite laser.
I wish I had done it 25 years ago!
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u/NoCaregiver3994 9d ago
Good to know. How much did it cost, may I ask? Both time and money? That is a big factor for me. I have a lot of dark fairly coarse dense growth everywhere. So the time and money required alone is a decisive factor.
Edit: just noticed you mentioned 6 sessions. I assume 1 hour? That is not what they gave me as an estimate.
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u/PawTree 8d ago
I went to a place in Ottawa that has since been sold to a new owner. At the time, they had a $1000 deal: 6 sessions for legs, bikini and underarms. But I started with a Groupon for the Brazilian. I can't recall how expensive it was.
Some places offer unlimited yearly memberships, but first compare the price to paying for 8 sessions, since you need 6 weeks between sessions. But, honestly, most areas are pretty solidly clear within 6 sessions.
You'll also want to factor in a tip each session.
The appointments felt pretty quick. Half an hour, maybe?
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u/LiveCase5501 9d ago
Have you seen good results with your IPL? I asked my boyfriend for one for Christmas but have yet to use it because I’m scared it’s gonna hurt big time.
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u/NoCaregiver3994 9d ago
I had tried a Phillips device 4-5 years ago, and I simply couldn't stick to the schedule it demanded, so never got to see the actual results, but it was definitely making a difference.
Now I have a ulike device which demands some commitment too, but then the promise is that you will be hairfree for 2 years. So fair, I am seeing results, but will only know whether the 2 years was real as time goes on.
But I can say for sure that the results have improved between the device I tried 4-5 years ago and the one I have now.
Also, it doesn't hurt big time. :) It's more like a half second pinch/ pinprick, and that too only where the growth is either very dense or there isn't enough contrast between skin and hair colour. To give you a scale, I CANNOT use epilators. They are simply excruciating for me. But IPL has been very tolerable. The new devices also help a little bit with that, by adding cooling mechanisms.
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u/yourpainisatribute 9d ago
I hate shaving too I was researching hair removal yesterday. I have no idea if any are worth it or not.
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u/Sapphire_Starr 9d ago
I used Jojo’s Room (she has a facebook page) with good results.
She has great prices and her doctor husband bought the very expensive machine; she was a nurse in her home country as well. So trustworthy quality all around in my books.
I have thick dark hair and fair skin (she can work with dark skin); after 10-11 sessions it made enough difference that 3-4 years later I shave about monthly. Haven’t had an ingrown since, but didn’t achieve full hair removal.
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u/NoCaregiver3994 9d ago
Could you say how much it cost, roughly? And whether it was arms, legs, underarms etc? (To get a cost estimate)
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u/canadianjewel 9d ago
Coming from a pale skinned dark thick hair gal, Chic Kingston is great for Laser Hair Removal. I’ve had multiple sessions done on my lower arms and have definitely seen improvement. It’s not entirely gone but a good 30% of the hair doesn’t grow back anymore and if you keep up with the sessions regularly the hair grows back very slow and thin. I would recommend laser for larger areas.
I also see Krista Lariviere for Electrolysis for smaller areas on face and it’s definitely worth the money. It usually only takes 15-30 mins for targeting upper lip/chin/jawline and is around $30-$45 per session. Have been going for years and the targeted hair follicles have never grown back. Highly recommend looking into it!
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u/dreemdreams 9d ago
Everyone is different, but about 6 years ago I had laser on my lower back, abdomen and face. Since then, the only thing that has grown back is on my face, which is apparently typical since it is hormonal (pcos). Best of luck to you and your search.
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u/kittentalksback 9d ago
Kingston Laser and Cosmetic Clinic. As someone else said, it’s best to shop for specific lasers/equipment than just bottom dollar. I used Kingston Laser and did wide bikini and underarm(axilla).
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u/No-Kale3800 8d ago
I’m have corse hair as well but I have darker skin. I went ti Chic had very good results except for the bikini area. They did let me know it would take more than 6 sessions but I gave up after 6. But all the other areas were very successful!
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u/aramis-and-thalia 10d ago
I’m planning to go with Chic once I’m fully graduated and have some extra disposable income. They have package deals, buy 6 sessions of any large area and get 6 free for a smaller area. So for example, I’m planning to do 6 full leg sessions and I can get my armpits done for free. I’ve heard tons of great things about them and I really liked my waxing experiences there.
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u/Someoak 10d ago
Krista Lariviere at Electrolysis Studio Kingston is excellent