How have I reached my late forties and never known that laser hair removal was an effortless and painless procedure that would save me time and hassle?
That’s all I could think about as I lay on the table at Blue Water Spa in North Raleigh removing my underarm hair and bikini line in less time than I could shave it.
While this first session is not removing ALL the hair permanently, it’s thinning it out enough to get me through six weeks before my next appointment to repeat the procedure.
Soon enough, on average 4-6 sessions, this kind of body maintenance will be reduced to just once or twice a year, and if I’m lucky, it’s a done deal.
I’ve tested out this experience on the very easy underarm and bikini line. But now I’m adding “hair removal for legs’ ‘ into my December calendar, at the same time poking myself with a rueful “you should have done this years ago.” But it’s better late than never, right?
Because who has time to shave their legs every few days. Thankfully, mine are quite pale so I stretch that out for longer, mostly because I’m lazy and in the winter my legs don’t get seen. Which is why I’m holding off until December until doing it now.
Safe practices for laser hair removal say to keep off the extreme sun exposure for 2 weeks either side of the treatment. When it comes to me and summer, I’m exposing as much of my body as possible in cute summer dresses and days on the beach (safely of course!)
Safety First at Blue Water Spa
Safe practices is what Blue Water Spa in North Raleigh and Brier Creek is all about. This is what has been emphasized for us since we started working with this local Raleigh business last year. From our frequent meetings with co-owners Kile Law and her plastic surgeon husband Michael Law, to our consultation with every service provider working for the spa.
It’s one of the reasons we’re happy to partner long term with them. We’re going to be sharing more of the services we’re experiencing through this partnership and will also have some giveaways for you!
But for now, it’s all about removing that unwanted hair!
What is laser hair removal and how does it work?
Laser hair removal offers a permanent solution to unwanted hair, without the pain and inconvenience of traditional hair removal methods like waxing and shaving.
It has become an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment in recent years, as it’s a safe and effective procedure.
The laser targets the darkness of the melanin pigment in the hair follicle. Since melanin is only produced in the growth phase of the hair, the laser must target the hair follicle during this cycle.
At any given time, 20–40% of the hair in a particular area may be in a growth phase. Therefore, more than one treatment needs to be scheduled, to ensure that all hair follicles are being disabled.
You can use laser hair removal for nearly any part of the body, including the face, arms, legs, underarms, and bikini area. It’s also a great option for people with sensitive skin who may experience irritation or razor burn from other hair removal methods. And it’s not just for women, men love hair laser removal treatments too!
I mean, if you’re going to be removing the hair anyway, you might as well choose an option that will save you time and hassle, and possibly money over the long term!
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular services offered at Blue Water Spa at both their North Raleigh and Brier Creek locations.
How to prepare for a laser hair removal treatment?
You’ll want to ensure you follow the guidelines given to you by Blue Water Spa so you receive the most benefits and in a safe way.
Have a consultation
Firstly, you’ll want to have a consultation with a Blue Water Spa technician to go over your particular medical history to ensure laser hair removal is a safe fit for you. They will determine your skin type, review any medications you have been taking, and get a general health history.
The consultation is fully clothed and your technician can use diagrams to discuss what stays and what goes in those sensitive areas.
It’s here you can ask all your questions, learn the correct way to prepare, and other things to look out for. You can also discuss any other spa services you may be interested in. I spoke to the team about Emsella (coming soon) and other facial treatments like Botox, and PRF.
At Blue Water Spa Raleigh there is no cost for a consultation, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if you decide it’s not for you!
Avoid Sun Exposure
It’s important to follow all the pre-treatment instructions provided by your technician to ensure the best possible results from hair laser removal.
Shave
The good news is you don’t need to grow your hair out like waxing as the laser targets the root of the hair beneath your skin.
It’s advised you shave the treated area 1-2 days before your appointment. You will feel more comfortable if you shave it off rather than the technician (as they’ll have to do it!)
Freshly showered + Fragrance Free
Make sure you are freshly showered or bathed with completely clean skin, without lotions, creams, or fragrances of any kind before coming in.
Arrive at your appointment on time
On all my visits so far, every technician has been punctual which adds to the professionalism that is appreciated.
What is the laser hair removal experience like?
At Blue Water Spa, the laser hair removal process is quick and relatively painless. The treatment typically takes between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the area being treated. I felt very comfortable and well taken care of.
Getting ready for the treatment
You lie on a comfortable table for the procedure and all areas of the body not being lasered will be covered with clothing. Modesty is a priority and your technician will make sure you’re covered and feeling comfortable at all times.
Blue Water Spa typically has relaxing music playing as well which is always a nice, calming touch.
My technician was thorough in explaining every step of the procedure, how it feels, what equipment they use, and any possible side effects that may occur, like swelling, or bumps.
Your technician will consult with where you want the treatment, drawing in the boundaries with a white eyeliner pencil.
I was given a stress ball in case of nerves or to help squeeze away any discomfort, of which for me, there was none. You’ll also be given a pair of special glasses to protect your eyes from the laser. Your technician will also wear them.
The laser machine
The laser machine is a handheld device that targets hair follicles with bursts of light. Because the lasers they use have a very large (18mm) spot size, treatments are very quick.
The lasers Blue Water Spa uses have been evaluated as the most effective in peer-reviewed medical journals. They have a large spot size, proven to be most effective for hair removal. And their lasers have the highest watts of power available to provide the maximum amount of power to the root of the hair without damaging surrounding tissue.
Every room has two lasers, one for light to medium skin tones, the other for darker skin tones, or tanned skin.
Sometimes one person might need different lasers on different parts of the body. The face may be lighter than the arms for example. Your highly trained technician will know which one to use.
The laser is equipped with a Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) which eliminates the need for any topical numbing preparations.
Before every laser pulse, a cryogen (cooling agent) is automatically sprayed onto the skin within the laser field that protects and partially numbs that area. This makes the treatment safer and more comfortable.
How does laser hair removal feel?
You may feel a slight sensation of heat or discomfort during the treatment, but most people find it to be very tolerable.
For me, it just felt like a cool mist spraying on me. I had little discomfort in my under arms, although one side felt it a little more than the other. I experienced a little more discomfort on my bikini line as it’s more of a sensitive area, but it wasn’t anything too uncomfortable. Remember, you have the ball to squeeze. And it was over so quickly!
There will be a slight smell of singed hair in the air. The technician gave me aloe vera to wipe on treated areas after to ease any discomfort.
I was then able to book my follow up appointment while there, timing it with my upcoming appointment for emsella. Both easy treatments can be done on the same day!
That’s a benefit for using Blue Water Spa as a one-stop-shop for all your medical spa procedures and treatments.
After the laser hair removal treatment
After your laser hair removal treatment, you may experience some redness, swelling, or sensitivity in the treated area. I didn’t experience any of these. So, for me, it truly was just a 20-minute procedure with no down time or issues.
You should avoid sun exposure. Be sure to apply sunscreen to the treated area if you do go outside and don’t cover it up. You should also avoid excess heat for at least 24 – 48 hours, avoiding hot showers or baths. Your technician will advise you on this.
Be careful of saunas and spas. I delayed my infrared sauna therapy appointment for a few days after my treatment just to be sure. Everyone responds to the treatment in different ways. Typically, skin will stay smooth and hair free for weeks at a time.
With each treatment there will be less and less hair, and after several treatments, no hair with a dark root will remain.
Usually people need 5-8 treatments, but it’s all dependent on the individual. To assist with this Blue Water Spa offers a pay-as-you-go so you don’t pay for treatment you don’t need.
It’s been two weeks since my treatment as I write this and my skin is still smooth and hair free. And it’s important to be patient and consistent with your treatments to achieve the best possible results.
The BlueWater Spa difference
As mentioned, Blue Water Spa is a long-term partner of ours as we love their commitment to customer care and safety, and how they give back so positively to the Raleigh community.
They have been voted Best Medical Spa in North Carolina, and they offer a wide range of services from facials to fillers and check out their Emsella pelvic floor chair. Their spa has more of a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere than a clinical one. They even have their own range of skin care products.
Blue Water Spa is owned and operated by Dr. Michael Law who is a board-certified plastic surgeon, and directly oversees all treatments, and his wife, Kile Law, who has over 11 years’ experience in training doctors and other aesthetic professionals on laser hair removal.
They stay up-to-date with the latest technology in the industry to provide their clients with the most effective treatments.
The BlueWater Spa team is made up of highly skilled and experienced professionals who have received extensive training in their respective fields. From massage therapists to skincare specialists, each staff member is dedicated to providing the best possible service to their clients.
It’s also evident that diversity and inclusion is an important value of the company.
BlueWater Spa is renowned for its warm and friendly customer service. They go the extra mile to ensure that each client feels comfortable and cared for, making their spa experience truly exceptional.
And one of my favorite reasons for partnering with them: BlueWater Spa is committed to reducing their environmental impact by using eco-friendly products and implementing sustainable practices. Blue Water Spa is a 1% for the Planet partner where they donate 1% of our annual sales to environmental causes and they are a proud partner with Trees for the Future.
A tree is planted for each patient that receives a service such as Botox, Filler, CoolSculpting, Emsculpt or Emsella. Overall, Blue Water Spa has planted over 439,000 trees.
In summary
Laser hair removal is less expensive, more comfortable, more sanitary, and a much more effective method of hair removal than waxing.
And it is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a qualified technician and reputable provider. It’s also important to keep in mind that laser hair removal typically requires several treatments to achieve permanent results, so you’ll need to be patient and committed to the process.
I’m very happy with my experience and results and are looking forward to the day when I throw those razors out for good!
