Are you searching for the perfect gift for your wife, partner, or lady friend? What about laser hair removal?

Women do not enjoy shaving. They do not enjoy shaving their legs, arm pits, or wherever, but our U.S. society says we must be hairless, so we spend our money on razors, razor blades, shaving cream, waxing, and countless hours in the shower trying to get rid of unwanted body hair only to have it start growing back the minute the shower is over! What is up with that?

I’m writing this post to tell you about laser hair removal, since I’m currently going through the process, I can tell you about my experience and you can use this information to help inform your decision.

Having coarse dark leg hair is the prerequisite for the treatment. I went to Ideal Image to get a quote for laser hair removal on my legs from the knee down. For 8 treatments with a nurse, I was going to be charged $3,000, but Ideal Image has different financing options, but I wasn’t feeling good about it and felt like I was being forced to make a decision on the spot.

My second quote came from a plastic surgeon I had seen for an unrelated skin condition. For five sessions of laser treatment from the knee down, the cost was $1,500, and these appointments would be with a board certified doctor and someone who already knows me! After a quick discussion with my husband, I booked my first appointment.

Here are some quick details about the appointment:

• Shorts can be worn to the appointment rather than a hospital gown.
• The appointment lasts approximately 20 minutes.
• A cooling gel is applied to your legs which helps direct the light. It’s kinda like aloe, maybe it is aloe, but I’m not sure.
• You’re given cool sunglasses or laser blocking shades to wear to protect your eyes during the appointment.
• The laser tool looks like a hand held shopping scanner which is placed against your skin. It feels like a rubber band has been snapped on your leg and some areas are more sensitive than others.
• This process is repeated up and down both legs. The doctor holds the laser in one hand and tube that blows cool air in the other.
• After the procedure, your legs feel sensitive. There is no lingering pain.
• The gel is wiped off and sometimes a moisturizing cream is applied.
• The next appointment is scheduled for 5-6 weeks later.

I completed my 3rd of 5 sessions a couple weeks ago and I already see a difference. The majority of hair on my legs has stopped growing and I can get away with shaving once every 9 days or so. There are a few spots that have grown which is why more than one laser session is required.

My recommendation if you are considering is to get quotes from different places before making a decision and ask your dermatologist if they offer laser hair removal. If you find something that feels right, it will make the perfect gift for the favorite female (or male) in your life!

If you have questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.

Do you need other gift ideas? Check out this gift guide post.