Pamper Me Laser & Esthetics

Ugh, am I going to regret Unilocaling this? DO NOT EDGE ME OUT, UnilocalERS!
It seems like every storefront in Toronto is offering laser hair removal. It’s the «P.S.: We also do dry cleaning!» of the spa world, and you’ll notice everyone wants a part of it. I’m half surprised that my video rental shop (which also sells ice cream) hasn’t posted up a sign declaring its commitment to laser hair removal yet. Seriously. Some dicey as hell places claim to offer it — I’m talking a place where I wouldn’t dare touch anything, let alone allow an employee to apply a laser to my skin.
Anyway, I have yet to read a legitimate, positive review of a reputable laser hair removal experience on Unilocal.Every review I’ve come across has been a horror story of the «This Salon Ruined My Life» variety, so here’s my testimonial: Go see Sharon at Pamper Me.
Sharon works at the salon on Tuesdays and is affable, speedy and punctual. You’ll love her Scottish accent! A typical appointment doesn’t last long at all and her availability is great — I usually book my next session while I’m paying (cash/​debit/​credit). You go in, lie down on the salon bed, she preps the area and then ices it before applying the laser to the skin. I’m not the best person to poll about pain since I have an unusually high tolerance, but I’ve never felt any here. Side effects after having a treatment include sensitive or «sunburnt» skin but I’ve never had much of either.
Consultations are free, and after that each each session costs between $ 75 (ie upper lip) and $ 300 (ie full leg). You can pay as you go or buy a package, but there is no pressure to do so (certainly NOT the case when I researched other salons, who all rush to force you to buy a package deal — I don’t know about you, but I don’t have $ 1000 to fork over up front — besides, who’s to say I’m going to need a set number of sessions? Everyone is different!).
TIPS:
* Go regularly every 4 – 6 weeks. You’ll start to see results after only a few visits, and you may only need six treatments. Or you may need more — depends on your hair type.
* Dark, coarse hair is the best candidate for laser hair removal. If your hair is blond or fine, you might do better with electrolysis. You can read more about lasering here:
* You can’t wax the area in between sessions, or use any method of hair removal that pulls out the root (tweezing). You can only leave it alone or shave. Keep this in mind when thinking about the area you want to laser (underarms are a great candidate — highly recommended)
* When you’ve gone as far as the treatments will allow, if you still have lighter hairs that the laser has left behind, you can finish with electrolysis (also offered here).
* Exit at Yonge/​Bloor station (use the «Yonge Street East Side» exit) and walk north two blocks. The salon is on the second floor at 901 Yonge.