My Review on Laser Hair Removal Clinics in Manila

In my quest to end my hairy monkey days, I scouted the best clinics in Metro Manila to have my laser hair removal sessions. I ended up trying out 3 different clinics. Here is my honest (personal) take on these clinics. Don't hesitate to comment! 

-Lots of love, SunnyB ;)

LASER HAIR REMOVAL CLINIC REVIEWS

• Shinagawa clinic, Makati: This is, hands down, the best clinic I've tried. Their staffs are very professional! The clinic is quite intimidating but the prices are really  affordable! laser hair removal for underarms cost 1,500/session and Lower legs cost 4,000/session. Always ask for discounts,DON'T BE SHY! They have all sorts of promos like buy 3 take 1 laser sessions or free laser genesis facials. They also have 0% installment for 6 months(which I availed)! What I LOVE about this clinic is their pre-screening. Their inhouse dermatologist will really take the time to assess your skin, explain the procedure and basically reduce your anxiety. YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS. 
• I had 6 Underarm session and 5 lower leg sessions.
•  This is their FB page. **http://www.facebook.com/Shinagawa.Lasik.Aesthetics
• La Estetica Clinic, Ortigas: Sorry to say this but La Estetica is a below average clinic. It may look nice on the outside but service is bad. :/ I only went here because I bought promo laser hair removal vouchers online. It contrasts greatly with the service I got from Shinagawa. The staffs are indifferent (dedma) and they don't have pre-screening procedures. You basically walk in and have yourself lasered in less than 20 mins. I wasn't informed of how laser works or what to expect. The only thing the nurse who worked on me said was "mam, medyo masakit po ka, parang pitik ng rubberband)" and "wag basain ang area for 6 hours". Their machine is PAINFUL. It felt more like a light electrocution rather than a rubber band snap. TAKE NOTE: THIS WAS DONE ON MY BIKINI LINE.  Would I recommend this clinic to you? No. This is my honest opinion.  :/
• I had 2 bikini line sessions here
• this is their FB page **http://www.facebook.com/LaEsteticaDerma 
• Body Accents Clinic, Ortigas: I LOVE THEIR MACHINE! Their clinic isn't as pretty as the other two clinics mentioned above but it more than made up for it in customer service and the actual session. Their staffs are nice and friendly. What I love about their machine is it's ALMOST PAINLESS. Also, the tip  of their laser probe is wide( almost the size of a female's full thumb). This means it can cover a larger area with less shots and it takes only a few minutes. You can visit them at 1143 Citiland tower, ADB avenue. It's the blue bldng behind Robinsons galleria (ADB wing, The one with Fridays Resto. Do ask for their promo. You might get lucky! Ask for a package deal, they sell their laser hair removal session for 3,000 ,10 sessions! They used to post this promo online but now offer them in their clinic directly. If they hesitate, you might want to tell them your friend availed it and told you about it. They may change their minds ;)
• I had 1 underarm session and 8 brazilian sessions here ( or 16 laser hair removal session. 1 for my bikini line and 1 for my labia or female lips).
• PS. a full brazilian means you also get rid of hair on your female folds. It's a FULL job! a bikini line laser will only get rid of hair on the top and sides of your front V. Most clinics charge double or more for a full brazilian laser hair removal session. Ask your clinic about this first.

How laser hair removal works

Are you thinking about getting your unwanted hairs off permanently? the fastest and easiest way to acheive that is with laser. 

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Laser works to target dark pigments. This is why laser hair removal is ideal for people with light skin and dark hair roots. The laser will pass through your light skin and target only your dark hair root. Never pluck, thread or wax your area at least 4 weeks prior to your laser hair removal session. The laser needs the dark roots to targets. 

Laser emits a small amount of radiation to destroy hair cells from dividing (growing) so it's not advisable that a pregnant or lactating mother try it. Laser will ONLY work to permanently kill your hair roots when your hair is at it's active growth stage (anagen Phase). There is no way for anybody to know which stage of growth your hair is in. That's probably why laser hair removal requires multiple sessions. After repeated laser exposures, you're bound to hit those tough hairs.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

Most people ask me how many sessions of laser hair removal is needed. Basing on my personal experience, my lower legs took me 7 sessions to achieve near hairless state, My underarms need 7-8 session and my full bikini (brazillian) took me 18(and counting) sessions. By the way, I have fair Asian skin with black hair (not so coarse).

**These are the things you'll need to know before, during and after laser hair removal:

BEFORE: Never pluck your hairs. Your nurse or doctor will need to asses your skin and hair first. You'll also need to ask your clinic how much it costs and if they have installments plans and discounts. Do know that laser sessions should be spaced at least 30 days. This will give your hair roots time to grow so your laser light has something to target.

DURING: Do expect some pain. I've tried 3 different clinics and I can tell you this--THE MACHINE THEY USE MATTERS..A LOT. Some machine works better than others like the Gentle Candela Yag laser used in Shinagawa Clinic, Makati.

Some machines hurt more than others. The only way to know which machines or clinics to go for would be to scout for reviews. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of blogs and reviews about them here in the Philippines. Do click my link on LASER HAIR REMOVAL CLINIC REVIEWS to know more about my experience with them.

Before all else starts, you will have to wear protective eye wear. Your nurse will also have to prep you up by shaving your hairs. Some clinics apply a clear gel on your skin to prevent burns and accidents from the laser but that depends on the machine used. When the laser is turned on, expect a degree of pain. If you have low pain tolerance, take a painkiller pill around 20 minutes before you session. Don't wear deodorant and lotions on the skin you want lasered.

*I noticed that the more the laser stings, the more effective it is. Low frequency settings don't hurt much because there isn't much heat produced but not all the hairs fall off.

AFTER: Ask your nurse or dermatologist for anti-itch prescriptions.Your skin will turn red. It's also normal for your hair follicles to swell or form red dots. This is actually a good sign that the laser is hitting your hair roots. Try to avoid the sun for a while. You should also keep the area dry 4 to 8 hours post laser. Don't scratch if it's itchy! Apply the recommended  lotion, cream or take the anti- itch tablet as prescribed.

The cool part happens after 7-10 days. This is when your hair starts to fall. You can actually pluck them off without feeling anything. To remove the dead hair, use a cloth or loofa while in the shower.

MY BEFORE AND AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL PHOTOS:

(will update soon)