Laser Hair Removal at Milan Laser: Is It Worth It?
Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only share products and experiences I genuinely use or find helpful.
This post is a little different from my usual posts, but it’s still very much aligned with what I do here — sharing the things I’m exploring, learning, and investing in that help me live my best life.
Today, we’re discussing laser hair removal.
Why Laser Hair Removal?
I originally pursued laser hair removal because of what is commonly referred to as “strawberry legs” —visible dark hair follicles on the legs. I noticed the dark hair follicles on my legs early on, when I began experimenting with hair removal in elementary school. Yes, elementary school. I was quite a hairy child, and my peers pointed it out, as many things often are when you start school. I wasn’t too concerned about the hair on my arms, but the hair on my legs was a sore spot I couldn’t ignore. I even remember crying to my mother, threatening never to show my legs again until she allowed me to shave.
Nonetheless, I had tried everything to improve their appearance, including exfoliating, different razors, oils, and moisturizers, but nothing truly helped. At the time, I thought it might be related to Keratosis Pilaris, since I had also noticed a KP-like texture on other parts of my body. However, I later learned that “strawberry legs” can have multiple causes and are not always directly caused by KP.
On top of that, the decision went far beyond aesthetics. I have extremely sensitive skin, eczema, and a long history of struggling with shaving, waxing, and other hair removal methods that my skin simply did not tolerate well. So I knew I needed to make the decision sooner rather than later because I had also started to notice some of my hair turning white, which can make laser hair removal less effective in the future.
Why I Chose Milan Laser
Although I had tried laser hair removal in the past, I fully committed to the process in March 2024. My sister shared her positive experience with Milan Laser Hair Removal, so I decided to give it a try, especially since there was a location close to me (more on that later).
The “Unlimited Package”
One of the features that appealed to me most was Milan Laser’s “Unlimited Package,” which included lifetime touch-up treatments after the initial treatment plan.
I was drawn to this because I had concerns about:
- hormonal hair regrowth
- stubborn hair
- long-term maintenance
Additionally, since I also considered relocating in the future, I appreciated that Milan had multiple locations nationwide, which made the package feel more flexible long-term.
The Agreement
According to my agreement, the package included 10 treatment sessions per area, with additional touch-up sessions included afterward as part of ongoing maintenance.
My package included:
- Full legs
- Underarms
- Brazilian
- Chin
Altogether, I paid around $10,000, which I completed through monthly payments.
My Overall Experience So Far
Overall, my experience has been mostly positive.
The clinicians have been very nice, thorough, and accommodating. The facilities are clean, and the receptionists are always willing to help. I tolerate each session well and haven’t experienced any major adverse reactions afterward.
After a few sessions, I immediately noticed that my hair started growing back:
- less frequently
- finer
- and softer
Other than the minor irritation I initially get from shaving before appointments (which is manageable now), I no longer experience the same level of discomfort I originally dealt with from shaving.
Most importantly, I’ve noticed improvement in the appearance of my “strawberry legs” and KP-like texture, which has helped me feel more confident.
And honestly, I enjoy the convenience and lower maintenance of it all. I’m always looking for ways to make life easier.
My Biggest Frustration: Scheduling
My biggest frustration has not actually been the laser itself — it has been scheduling inconsistency.
I intentionally started keeping records because of the number of cancellations I was experiencing. After going through my emails and text messages for this post, I was able to confirm that since purchasing my package in March 2024, I’ve had:
- approximately 19 appointments (not always full sessions)
- and at least 6 documented cancellations (likely more)
Most of the cancellations came from the clinic closest to me, which eventually pushed me to start considering other locations to stay on schedule.
The reasons given for cancellations included:
- provider unavailable
- facility closure
- no AC
- general rescheduling
Some Improvements
On top of the cancellations, it can simply be difficult to get appointments — especially if you’re trying to complete multiple treatment areas during the same visit.
However, I’ve seen some improvements since becoming more flexible with traveling and scheduling appointments further in advance.
Client Portal
Milan now has an online scheduling portal for existing clients. It’s useful for tracking appointments, but I don’t find it as useful for scheduling sessions.
Each treatment area requires a specific time allocation, and you also have to factor in the timing of your previous treatment, which can make scheduling complicated. For me, a full session is approximately 80 minutes.
Scheduling Recommendations
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve had to:
- Travel to different locations
- Split up sessions
- Stay flexible with my availability
Even with all of that, scheduling can still be difficult.
Personally, I recommend scheduling directly with a receptionist either:
- in clinic
- or over the phone
I also highly recommend asking to be placed on a cancellation or waiting list if necessary.
Why Consistency Matters With Laser Hair Removal
One of the biggest things I’ve learned throughout this process is that laser hair removal relies heavily on timing and consistency.
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle. The laser is most effective when the hair is in the anagen phase, which is the active growth stage of the hair cycle.
The challenge is that not all hairs are in the same growth phase at the same time, which is why multiple sessions are required to see a long-term reduction.
Because hair grows in cycles, treatments are generally spaced intentionally:
- Facial areas: every 4–6 weeks
- Larger body areas: every 6–8 weeks
Timing is Everything
The spacing matters because the goal is to catch new hairs as they enter the active growth phase.
Going too early may mean the hair is not yet ready to be treated, while going too long between sessions can slow progress and extend the overall treatment timeline.
This is why consistency becomes so important.
Delayed appointments, repeated cancellations, or long gaps between treatments can interrupt the rhythm of the process and potentially prolong results — especially in areas that are already more resistant.
Hormones and Pigment Changes
Hormonal areas, such as the chin and bikini area, can be especially stubborn because hormones can continue stimulating hair growth over time.
Another reason consistency became important to me personally is that, as I mentioned earlier, some of my hair had already begun to turn white.
Laser hair removal relies on pigment in the follicle to work effectively, meaning white, gray, blonde, or very light hairs can become difficult — or even impossible — for many lasers to treat.
The longer I wait between sessions, the more concerned I become about additional hairs losing pigment and becoming untreatable altogether.
Things I Learned During the Process
I also learned very quickly that preparation before appointments matters.
Before treatments, you should avoid:
- waxing
- tweezing
- plucking
The laser needs the follicle and the pigment beneath the skin to remain intact to target the hair effectively.
You also want to arrive with the treatment area completely clean, meaning no lotion, oil, deodorant, or any other skin care products.
I also learned to be careful with exfoliants, acids, or other strong active ingredients when they’re used too close to appointments, as they can increase skin sensitivity.
Sun exposure is another important factor. Since lasers target pigment, too much sun exposure before or after treatment can increase sensitivity and raise the risk of irritation or pigmentation issues.
Personal Preferences & Comfort Tips
There were also smaller things I learned throughout the process that made sessions more comfortable.
Personally, my underarms are my most sensitive treatment area.
Before treatments, the clinicians will wipe the underarm area with alcohol to disinfect the skin. I quickly noticed that if the alcohol hadn’t fully dried before the laser started, the treatment felt significantly more uncomfortable.
I started lightly dabbing the area with a paper towel beforehand if it still felt damp, and that helped a lot.
After shaving — especially under my arms — I sometimes still experience irritation.
I’ve personally found that Tend Skin helps calm my irritation. I usually apply it a few days after my session.
Another important thing to know is that tattoos matter.
Laser hair removal cannot safely be performed directly over or too close to tattooed areas, so if you’re considering treatment near tattoos or permanent ink, that’s definitely something to discuss beforehand.
If I Were Starting Over, Here’s What I’d Look For
After going through this process myself, there are definitely things I would pay closer attention to if I were starting over as a new consumer looking into laser hair removal.
1. I’d Probably Avoid At-Home Laser Devices
I know many people have had success with them, but personally, I didn’t.
That may be due to the type of laser, the type of hair I have, or other factors, but even after using one consistently for over a year, I didn’t see meaningful results.
I also had a family member experience burns while using an at-home laser device. One thing that makes at-home devices potentially risky is that you are responsible for monitoring and understanding the condition and sensitivity of your own skin throughout the process.
Many devices encourage users to gradually increase the intensity level over time. While you may personally feel comfortable tolerating a higher setting, that doesn’t necessarily mean your skin can tolerate it safely. In some cases, that can lead to irritation or burns, especially for people with more melanin-rich skin tones or sensitive skin.
That doesn’t automatically mean at-home lasers are unsafe for everyone, but it did make me more cautious.
2. I’d Look Closely at Package Pricing & Policies
Laser hair removal is a major investment, especially if you’re treating multiple areas.
I would make sure I fully understood:
- What areas are included
- How many sessions are included
- Whether touch-ups are included
- What happens after the initial treatment plan
3. I’d Research Scheduling Reviews
This is probably the biggest thing I would research now.
Before signing up, I would spend more time reading reviews specifically related to:
- Cancellations
- Appointment availability
- Long wait times
- Scheduling consistency
- Difficulty booking multiple areas together
- How the company works to support customers when scheduling disruptions interfere with maintaining consistent treatment timelines
4. I’d Ask About Laser Type & Skin and Hair Compatibility
Not every laser is ideal for every skin tone, hair type, or skin condition, so I think it’s important to ask:
- What type of laser is being used
- Whether it’s appropriate for your skin tone and sensitivity level
- Whether it’s effective for your hair color, density, and texture
5. I’d Discuss Tattoos Beforehand
If you have tattoos near treatment areas, discuss them before committing to a package since lasers cannot safely treat over tattooed skin.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I do think laser hair removal has been worth it for me.
I’ve experienced:
- Less irritation
- Reduced and finer regrowth
- Improvement in my “strawberry legs”
- Overall easier maintenance
At the same time, it’s also a significant investment of both time and money, which is why consistent access to appointments matters to me.
Even so, I can still acknowledge the positive aspects of my experience.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, I think it’s worth taking the time to:
- Research carefully
- Ask questions
- Read reviews
- Go into the process with realistic expectations
At the end of the day, I don’t regret doing it.
I just wish access and scheduling consistency weren’t such a challenge.
Hopefully, sharing my experience helps someone else make a more informed decision about their own hair removal journey.
Continue Reading
If you enjoyed this post and want to read more reflective content about self-care, transitions, and navigating personal growth, check out my previous post: