Tria Laser Hair-Removal Review: Part One

The following is my own personal review of the Tria Laser Hair Removal System. I'm doing this just for fun and to share my experience with others. I bought the Tria a few months ago and have been tracking my progress with each treatment. This is part one of the review.

For months now, I have browsed the internet seeking information on the Tria Laser for at-home hair removal. I went back and forth over whether I believed it was actually worth investing nearly $400. Considering it can cost thousands of dollars for professional laser-hair removal, I decided I was willing to try this out! After reading a detailed review, I decided to look for a good deal online.

My husband and I started hunting Ebay for cheaper options than the original $395 listed on the Tria website. I was looking to buy one new or lightly used. I got lucky and bought the five-level laser. I understand buying a used laser was risky, and is not for everyone, but it was the right choice for me.

I received the laser in the mail a few months ago and ripped the box open! After plugging the laser in to charge the battery, I set to reading the instructions. They seemed fairly easy. I'm a prime skin type for the laser: pale with dark hair. I chose to work on my bikini line first (brave, right?).

Now in order to use the laser you are supposed to shave the intended area beforehand. In hindsight, I would change two things about what I did. First: I had shaved a couple of days before, and wish I had waited a few more days before re-shaving for the laser treatment. This would have allowed for a much smoother shave. Second: I should have used a brand new razor. Not doing so resulted in a less than perfectly smooth shave. One key to less pain during treatment is having as close a shave as possible. Any red bumps from shaving result in more pain.

I tested the laser out on my lower leg first. I actually had to crank it all the way up to level five before I even felt anything. I'd started worrying that the laser was shooting blanks! I finally felt a tiny, burning sting under my skin. I used level five on my bikini line for about five to eight shots, and at that point the pain became too much! I turned it down one, then two notches. Level three was slightly painful (considering the sensitive area), but it was much more tolerable.
Covering both sides didn't take long at all! 10-15 minutes at the most.

Next I worked on my underarms. Surprisingly, this area wasn't as pain sensitive, so I was able to use level four. It took me about five minutes on each side to make sure I covered the whole area. That area makes it a little hard to see what you are doing! =)

In two weeks, I will do a new post to give an update on the hair growth, and to update on my second experience using the laser. Crossing my fingers!