Dolls, the (paraphrased) title comes courtesy of Barney Stinson of How I Met Your Mother fame. He has a more than casual relationship with laser tag, which he references often throughout the show. Observe:

Similarly, I’m beginning to have conversations like this with my more hirsute friends who haven’t yet been initiated to the world of laser hair removal. Me: “Hey, loser. How’s not having laser hair removal? Because not having to shave and/or wax is AWESOME.”

After my first sesh with Jennifer Belser at Pulse Laser And Skincare Center, I’m already experiencing WAY reduced growth. In fact, I’ve shaved (you’re supposed to shave, not wax) only once this week and it’s kind of not even a remote problem. It’s a permanent reduction, alas, not a permanent removal of hair–so do manage your expectations before throwing out all you razors. Plus, my experience with Jennifer is totally easy to talk to and does all she can to ensure her customers’ comfort, in addition to being straight-up hilar with a lot to discuss regarding beauty items, which always makes passing the time while being shot with a laser just THAT much more pleasant. As for the pain factor? It’s not a walk in the park, but I found it tolerable. Here, the 411 on all you need to know because laser hair removal is legend… wait for it… DARY for any gal who’s sick of spending inordinate amounts of time and money on waxing. Read on…

How does it work? Laser hair removal is about focusing laser light energy at the surface of the skin and targeting the pigment in hair follicles. Note: Grey, white/silver, blonde, and some shades of red hair can not be treated. This laser light energy rapidly heats the hair follicle while the skin is cooled and essentially destroys the hair in a process known as photothermolysis. At Pulse, the gals use Candela GentleLASE and GentleYAG, two lasers that allow them to be able to treat all skin tones and ethnicities. Additionally, these lasers treat other issues such as vessels, wrinkles, and pigmented lesions.

Some things to know before you begin laser hair removal:

• Stop waxing, tweezing and epilating at least 4 weeks prior to your first laser hair removal session. You may continue to shave both before and after laser hair removal.
• No direct sun exposure, tanning beds or sunless tanning in the area to be treated 2 weeks prior to or following all laser treatments.
• Shave the entire area to be treated the day before your laser hair removal session.
• Clean the area completely. You should not apply any lotions or sprays to the area on the day of your laser hair removal.
• Wait 2 weeks after your last pill if taking antibiotics. Many antibiotics can make you light sensitive.
• Take ibuprofen to prepare for your appointment. Ibuprofen will often reduce the redness and swelling caused by the laser.

It takes about 6-10 sessions of laser hair removal spaced about six weeks apart to achieve a permanent reduction, but so far, I’m loving the results. I’ll keep you posted as I progress through the treatment.

To learn more about the services at Pulse Laser and Skincare Center, visit their site or call 212-802-1439 for a consultation.

Disclosure: Laser hair removal service provided by Pulse Laser And Skincare Center for editorial consideration.