My First Laser Hair Removal Experience for Facial Hair: What to Expect, Side Effects, and Results
My First Laser Hair Removal Experience for Facial Hair: What to Expect, Side Effects, and Results
Thinking about laser hair removal for facial hair? Here’s my honest first-session experience, including pain levels, folliculitis, acne, shedding, and real results—plus professional skincare tips from an esthetician.
I finally took the plunge and got laser hair removal.
If you are a fem-presenting individual—cis, trans, or anywhere in between—I hope you can relate to the dysphoria that comes with having facial hair. I was constantly self-conscious of my 5 o’clock shadow. I was shaving daily and felt like a total man when I washed my makeup off at the end of the night.
This facial laser hair removal experience has been emotional, uncomfortable at times, and incredibly eye-opening. I wanted to document the real journey—the good, the bad, and the very human reactions that can happen along the way.
Why I Decided to Start Laser Hair Removal
After searching online for clinics, I stumbled upon a plastic surgery clinic that specializes in gender-affirming care and procedures, and I noticed they also offered laser hair removal for facial hair.
As an esthetician, I’ve always understood the science behind laser treatments, but experiencing it myself felt very different. The daily shaving, the shadow, and the constant maintenance started to take a toll emotionally. I wanted a long-term solution that could reduce the burden of facial hair and give me more confidence in my day-to-day life.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent or Just Reduction?
I would like to take a moment, as your esti bestie, to say that laser hair removal is actually more like laser hair reduction.
A laser targets your hair follicles and, over time, traumatizes them enough so that hair will grow back finer, slower, or sometimes not at all. I call it reduction rather than removal because it’s not permanent.
If your hormones change, you get pregnant, or you start a new medication, hair can grow back. That’s why conversations around laser hair reduction vs removal are so important to have before starting treatment.
A lot of my clients ask me when the right time is to start laser, and my answer is usually: after you’re done having kids and before the hairs turn grey. Once the hair turns grey, laser becomes less effective and electrolysis is often required instead.
How I Prepared My Skin Before My First Session
A week before my treatment, I went on my skin barrier protocol.
I stopped all actives, retinols, and harsh exfoliation. I focused on washing my face with a gentle cleanser and using a moisturizer loaded with barrier-supporting ingredients so I knew my skin would be able to handle the laser well.
AM and PM Routine:
CASMARA 3-1 GREEN TEA CLEANSER
Proper laser hair removal aftercare actually starts before the treatment. Preparing your skin barrier can significantly reduce irritation, inflammation, and post-treatment complications.
Luckily, I knew what I was looking for because of my knowledge of my Fitzpatrick type and my background as an esthetician.
What Laser Hair Removal Actually Feels Like
Treatment day came, and I was freshly shaven from the night before, screaming internally—and externally—on the ride there.
The session took a full hour from cleansing, finding my correct settings, and completing the actual treatment itself. Even though I’ve worked with laser before, this was the first time I was the one on the treatment table.
In beauty school, we were taught to say it feels like a bee sting or an elastic band snapping against the skin. To be honest, the sensation felt more like someone pushing a dull pin in and out of your skin rapidly.
Out of all the treatments I’ve had done, this one has been the most uncomfortable—but not unbearable.
I had my cheeks, chin, upper lip, jawline, and under-chin lasered.
The cheeks, jaw, chin, and under-chin were fine—about a 2/10, sometimes a 3/10.
The UPPER LIP? That was a solid 4–5/10 on my pain scale. I had to grip that stress ball and ask for breaks.
My Post-Treatment Reaction: Folliculitis, Acne, and Stubble
Immediately after the session, I was covered in hair that had been blasted out of my face. They sprayed me down with hypochlorous acid and sent me on my way.
Two days later, the folliculitis showed up.
Small white, pus-filled bumps from clogged hair follicles accumulating dead skin and oil. This is one of the most common laser hair removal side effects, especially during early sessions when the follicles are being actively disrupted.
And if that wasn’t bad enough, the facial hair that remained looked visibly darker—like hard stubble.
As the days went on, acne formed—cystic and active—and I was back to feeling like a teenager with textured bumps and dysphoric all over again.
No amount of foundation or powder could cover it, and internally, I was spiraling.
I know as an esthetician I tell my clients that people are never really looking at you as much as you think they are—but for some reason, I wasn’t able to give myself that same grace.
Looking back, was it the worst thing ever? No.
But when it’s on your body—especially your face—everything feels 10,000% worse.
ACNE PROTOCOL:
AM:
CASMARA 3-1 GREEN TEA CLEANSER
PM:
MAD MANDELIC CLEANSER
DESEMBRE PDRN CREAM
DRY SKIN PROTOCOL
AM:
DESEMBRE MILK CLEANSER
DESEMBRE AGE SCIENCE ESSENCE
CASMARA OXYGENATING SERUM
CASMARA OXYGENATING CREAM
PM:
CASMARA 3-1 GREEN TEA CLEANSER
DESEMBRE AGE SCIENCE ESSENCE
CASMARA OXYGENATING SERUM
DERMAGARDEN NMN SERUM
CASMARA OXYGENATING CREAM
The Shedding Phase: When You Finally See Results
This was also around the time the shedding finally happened.
I had been waiting for this and honestly started to assume it wouldn’t happen. But then I would wipe my face with a towel and pieces of hair would start falling out.
That moment is what people refer to as the laser hair removal shedding phase.
It’s a sign that the follicles have been successfully treated and the hair is being released from the skin. It can feel strange, but it’s actually one of the most satisfying parts of the process.
I’m writing this now with only one side of my upper lip still a little stubbly—and that alone feels like progress.
My Honest Thoughts After My First Laser Session
By week three, my skin was back to being smooth and clear.
My skincare routine had shifted multiple times—from acne control to hydration to barrier repair—but everything eventually stabilized.
Do I recommend laser hair removal for women and fem-presenting individuals dealing with facial hair?
Yes.
Especially when the emotional burden of daily shaving and visible shadow starts to impact confidence and quality of life.
But I also believe in honest expectations.
Laser hair removal is not a quick fix. It’s a process. It requires patience, proper preparation, and consistent care between sessions.
Would I Recommend Laser Hair Removal?
Yes—but with education, preparation, and support.
Laser hair removal can be life-changing, but reactions like folliculitis, acne, dryness, and temporary dark stubble are common and often part of the process. These responses do not mean the treatment failed.
They mean your skin is responding.
If you are considering laser hair removal for facial hair, the most important things you can do are:
Choose an experienced provider
Support your skin barrier
Follow proper aftercare
Stay consistent with your treatment plan
Professional Takeaway
Laser hair removal is a powerful treatment, but it is still a controlled injury to the skin. Preparation and aftercare are what determine how smoothly your skin moves through each phase of treatment.
If you are currently undergoing laser hair removal or considering starting, professional guidance can make a significant difference in your results and long-term skin health.
I provide personalized support for clients who need help navigating reactions, managing breakouts, or preparing their skin before and after treatments.
Virtual services are available for clients anywhere who want structured skincare guidance and treatment planning.
In-person services are available for clients who prefer hands-on care and support throughout their laser hair removal journey.
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