My Journey With Laser Hair Removal (The Truth)

Thanks for watching, y'all! If you want to use Laseraway like I did: www.nofuzz.la/M...
Laser hair removal is something I've wanted to do for a long time but I always had so many questions about how it worked, what it was, and whether it actually was worth it. Hopefully this video sheds some light on it for you and you find it interesting!

[@wojciechostrowicz]

Being body positive isn't about the way you look, it's about your attitude to others who may fall outside your "ideal" look; so I think what you have shown here is the true essence of body positivity. You embrace the way you wanna look, the way that makes you comfortable, without telling others that they should feel the same.

[@MerleONeal]

🥹 thank you

[@mtbunny-yt]

I'm a trans woman and I've have had years of laser and electrolysis on my face and lower region. It helped a lot with my dysphoria and generally feeling better about myself!

[@MerleONeal]

It has definitely boosted my confidence as well, glad you had a similar experience

[@aefole]

You did something for yourself that makes you more comfortable and happy, never feel bad about that! I don't see why laser hair removal should be looked at any differently than getting a haircut.

[@MerleONeal]

True!! I like this perspective 💚

[@mikki_s1100]

You can be body positive and also have personal body aesthetic preferences! More power to you, do what makes you feel comfortable and confident ❤

[@mirandababydoll88]

Girl!! I am so happy that you feel better in your own skin. This is your journey and thank you for sharing.

[@MerleONeal]

Thank you so much!!

[@saraa.7836]

This video is so real. I’m going through the exact same thing Merle. Once I get a job, laser removal is something I want to invest in. I’ve also been so hairy my whole life (PCOS girlie!) and it’s one of those things that brings down my confidence. You do you and thank you for being so transparent and open about this ♥️🫶🏻

[@MerleONeal]

Thanks for the love Sara 💚

[@maryanne9378]

​@@MerleONealI'm curious about your thoughts on at home laser hair removal? Would you try any of those devices you can now buy and use at home.

[@TheMughes]

I got my legs lasered about 15 years ago, and it was an absolute game-changer. I learned to swim soon after, my self-confidence soared after a lifetime of feeling self-conscious. Now I get some thin hairs, but nothing like before, shaving takes 5 mins. If you can afford it, I highly recommend!

[@muneezaali838]

Please do an update video few months after your last laser session. Mine started growing back thicker after 3 months of last session so I'm curious to see how the long term results look like

[@MissBluu472]

The first few minutes of this video resonate with me so much. It’s my feelings put into words, much better than I have been able to express myself. Thanks for that ❤

[@MerleONeal]

So happy it resonated. Thanks for the love

[@LittleMissStamper]

You're allowed to be body positive and still have things for your own comfort that you want to work on. It's ok ❤ Plus I always wanted to do this but it's so expensive 😫

[@brittanydowie5016]

I’m in the process of Brazilian laser removal and after 5 sessions, I am loving the results! It has actually made me so much more confident and comfortable with my body.

[@Mizukithia]

For 4-5 years i was stuck with a *beard* that i had to SHAVE every 2 days. If You feel better doing it.. then do it. Doesn't have anything to do with Patriarchy or what ever. You do it.. for yourself. To be happier and be Mentally better. I've started my Journey to remove the Hair on my Chin and face... and My Mental health as passed from Hating myself to.. Loving myself more and more.

[@MerleONeal]

This!!!!! Prouda you!

[@oAgL214]

Shaving is the worst any woman can do especially your beard/mustache. Wax please if you want no hair, don't shave.

[@patrycjaklimek794]

Girl, you do you, sending love ❤

[@bumbley.umbley]

the whole point of feminism and body positivity is that we all get a choice in what to do with our own bodies. while we can and should critique our society and the norms it has around bodies, we also need to respect each other’s autonomous decisions the same way we want to be respected with ours. thank you for sharing!

[@andrealeon3906]

I love this for you! If it makes you happy and you're not hurting anyone else, do it! I had surgery to pin my ears back because I was so self-conscious about them all my life and I wish I had done it sooner. Thank you for sharing!

[@ErinChamberlain]

Merle Girl!! I'm so excited and happy for you!! I have a skin condition that goes hand in hand with my lupus. It's called Hidradenitis suppurativa or HS for short. It has something to do with lots of different causes, but one can be ingrown hairs and I've heard laser hair removal can REALLY help. Oh, HS causes horribly painful boils in sensitive areas like your bikini, armpit, under boob, butt. They're incredibly painful and cause dark scarring and tunneling under the skin. I may have to try this!!!! Thanks for making this video. After I started researching, I found out it might really help me. I want to cry lol. Love you so much!! And Merle, I'm here for whatever you do!!

[@shrutirao8212]

PCOS girlie here and honestly getting laser on my chin was the best decision ever. it used to get sooo tiring plucking and the amount of hair that i had, it was just a tiring task. shaving just meant it growing out super thick (everyday) and risking ingrowns. but now they’ve become visibly thinner, and yes i do need to shave but its cause i like it super smooth otherwise it isn’t that bad. plus no ingrowns is always a plus. laser is a bit expensive so i can’t afford full body rn but some day i will 🤞🏻 thanks for talking about body hair tho, and keeping it real as always!

[@josheehan6026]

You are so me! I gave up smoking a hundred times (drinking wine smoker) but then I had to drink nearly every day just so I could have 2 roll ups! Makes me feel so sick! So I relapsed 1 year ago after 3 years off smoking and prior to that 6 years off smoking!!! So I gave up drinking as well and it does help so much also read Alan Carr books many times. I’m 52 now so should never be drinking and smoking as it’s so bad for us! I’m 2 weeks in and so glad I stumbled across you as love your videos so much and absolutely loved the smoking video. I’ve never been into vapes but all my friends who gave up cigs are addicted to vapes and smoke them constantly! Keep it going as you can do this!! ❤❤❤

[@CorineT]

Merle, you are so brave and beautiful for sharing something so deeply personal with us! The beginning of this video was so vulnerable and open, my heart just went out to you ❤ Thank you for always making an effort to normalise these experiences!

[@helenlawson8426]

So happy for you. We do what we need to do to find our own happiness. x My experience of laser treatment was over a decade ago. The practitioners then were also super good at making me feel calm. The first 3 treatments was when I noticed the biggest change after that it was more chasing down what was left. For me the upper lip was almost the most painful... although yeah I had down below done as well. Normal rule of thumb for pain is it's going to be highest where there is thin skin over bone plus where there is a high number of hairs per area like the upper lip. The machines that blast cold air over the area I found the best for avoiding skin damage. They came out halfway through my year long treatment and really helped. Like you I was perfect for laser hair removal being pale shinned and black (now grey) hair. The contrast means the power can go higher and the chance of killing the hair follicle is greater. I've needed some electrolysis on some stray grey hairs since but will never regret having it done.

[@user-ue3gs8ji3h]

I am so glad you put this content out. Now I feel comfortable doing the same thing. Oh, by the way, you’re awesome 🎉😅😊

[@nightshaderach]

I appreciate your transparency and openness to others and perspectives. ❤ I really appreciate you showing your experience and what would make you more comfortable in your own body. I don’t see it as not being body positive, there are just somethings you’ll see on yourself and dislike, and that’s okay 💞

[@tinyhouseknits]

Thanks for sharing Merle! I've always been really curious about the process

[@KathySanthouse]

Thanks for sharing this journey!! I would love an update in the future on if your hair started coming back and if you went and got any touch ups later. ❤

[@dailyjoyventures]

I dont remove my body hair and I don't want to, but I don't feel triggered about it, and I'm happy for you, everyone should do what they want about it. I just like watching your videos 🫶

[@lovedev9308]

Thank you for the heads up about the flashing lights i have a seizure disorder

[@angelaschaffner664]

Ive been very hairy my whole life too. Unfortunately as a stay at home mom i can't affored lazer hair removal. However as an almost 40 year old woman my hair does grow in patchier than it used to..the only good thing i can say about turning 40 😢

[@OlyaRybaUSA]

How much did it cost for 7 sessions?

[@lrhurst3033]

Yes! Please talk about this! At least give us a ballpark of how much one session would be or however they break it down. Also what was the timeframe in between each session? Does it vary? Thank you Merle! Love you sweetie, you did so good! You did what was best for you and no one else's opinion should matter.

[@Sjudit84]

This is awesome! Don't feel bad for making this video and for the decision itself, I mean WTF you can't please everyone but it is your life and your body. I am just glad this made a difference for you.

[@ekaterinadokuchaeva]

Enjoyed watching this vid! Thank you for such honesty and what a nice break from the food content 🙌🙃

[@justin_g_smith]

Proud of you for doing what’s right for you swettah! 🖤

[@strangersontheinternet]

Very interesting process. Definitely does not clash with your stance on body positivity (or more neutrality?) since you’re doing it for yourself and to ease the body dysmorphia a bit.

[@mistyautumnryvlin5791]

What about a series building up from 10 ingredient recipes to 100 ingredient recipes (like in a soup and seasoning can count). Could be a fun challenge to go up by 10 ingredients each time till you hit 100 ingredients OR to keep the original soup base (stock?) of 10 and slowly build the same soup up to 100 and compare the original to the 100

[@miranaestephan247]

Thank you for making this video. It was informative and interesting and I appreciate you being vulnerable and giving an actual honest experience for us to see. I actually benefited from this video so much so thank you

[@judithrussell9162]

I've always been hairy but am also very fair haired so laser won't work on me. I did have electrolysis in the past which was OK but for the past few years I've used an epilator which works pretty well on my face. Unbearably painful on the shins though, I think it's because it's not fleshy enough, too close to the bone. Mostly I don't bother but also not young with mole rat expectations.

[@manaforero]

it's sustainable to laser your hair off, right? no more razors!

[@manaforero]

I got laser hair removal and the amount of TIME I've saved is INSANE. So it's been very sustainable for my time, that's for sure

[@ehoneunsilencedvoice4235]

First of all, I love your Cherry Socks! :) Good for you, girl, on doing something for yourself that makes you more comfortable plus saves you time and money regarding shaving products! You didn't say how it felt to sleep with such smoothness; my favorite part of shaving my legs is sleeping on clean, soft sheets, I imagine with laser hair removal this would be even more enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@MerleONeal]

OMG SO TRUE the sleeping thing is real. I have RLS sometimes and when my legs are scratchy it's worse so this has helped with that a LOTTT

[@ehoneunsilencedvoice4235]

@@MerleONeal Oh, that's just another terrific way this helped you and that is awesome! Enjoy!! :)

[@asherbeal8357]

Thank you for sharing this with us. Your candor and wit is refreshing. 🤘🤘

[@EleniDeFrance]

Hairy girl here: I was like very fast clicking on your video. I think i developed a social anxiety about my dark moustache in school. I think that was one of the first things i googled, when we got internet at home. And i learned through the internet to remove it. And it was like a second birthday. Because i was bullied, i was ashamed by people about it. And i could not handle it as a kid or teenager. To this day i learned to accept it, but i still remove my facial hair. I would be ready, but society is not. And i am not a professional women facial hair activist, so i cant „protest“ every day. Thank you for this real video. I really like all of your content. :) 💜

[@EleniDeFrance]

Sorry for english mistakes, i am german. 😅

[@brittanywinn3955]

Merle. The way you are exposing the details of something that makes you feel self-conscious is actually inspiring. Also. When I notice your mustache on camera I honestly think it's so cute! (Disclaimer, this is coming from a hairy girlie who likes being hairy. 😂)

[@ambibambi6479]

I’ve been considering getting my upper lip done and it’s reassuring that you said you barely felt it!

[@juliagroman1418]

I too have light skin and course dark hair and want to be a hairless cat. Thanks for this video. I used to get extractions when I had bad acne and yes around my period (week before for me) was so painful.

[@MarkJ801]

I had my unibrow done, and I'm a man. I didn't do as many sessions as I was supposed to so I still get some hairs there but it's so nice not to have to worry about

[@Alina-ws6ob]

I’ve read that after a while of waxing most of the hair follicles are permanently destroyed. Also a diet high in soy products also slows down hair growth.

[@pinkbabyangel411]

I had my underarms lasered and it was the best choice ever! I remember having really dark armpit hair in middle school and was self conscious about it for years and getting rid of it finally as an adult has been the best choice I made :)

[@Nikki-rx8ri]

This is a really good video, thank you so much for taking us with you on this journey. I was wondering if you have any kp on your legs and if it changed with the removal?

[@MerleONeal]

Thanks Nikki!!

[@lizpimentel2566]

I'm going through the same thing currently except just my chin and mustache. It's something I've been self conscious of for years and I hate that I waited until my late 20s to do it! I want to do my whole body now 😅 my legs are the same as yours pre laser and my underarms are much darker and thicker. I'll definitely have to save money for the rest of my body.

[@mylou1231]

Oh my gosh! I hate the fact that we feel we need to justify anything we do :( do you to feel good about yourself!! ❤️

[@valentinaagudelogarcia2301]

There's nothing better than Monsia's new IPL epilator! 😊

[@megan4475]

I get laser because I get awful ingrown hairs that become really painful, I even used to get them when I was really young before I ever even removed my pubic hair. My skin hates my pubes apparently, so laser helps so so much.

[@sahiraana973]

Omg Merle I am Mexican and I have to shave my armpit everyday and my mustache because they grow back that fast ! I want to invest in my own laser machine but also don’t know if professional is the way to go. I want to know how much it is. You are so awesome and beautiful in every way ❤

[@christineg6123]

For the bikini, does that hurt? Thinking of getting it all lasered down there but kinda nervous, especially since I'm guessing you might need to hold areas taut.

[@cilenee]

I do Alexandrite laser and always recommend shave 24h b4 treatment, after use aloe vera for hydration, sunscreen specially on the face and something to help scrubing the hairs in bath when they are in the fase of growing/falling. Do agree that in period fase it hurts more. thanks for sharing your experience

[@LightsHikesAndWanderlove]

I have thick dark hair too! I got laser on my mustache when I was 13. It was a new technology back then and it didn't last forever. When I first had it done I think I needed to shave about once a week maybe for 10 years after. Now I have to shave at minimum every other day. I wonder if you'll have a different experience since I'm sure the technology has improved.

[@CurlyAndCurvy]

Thank you for the flash warning! 💖 I'm glad that you had a good experience. I'll admit, I was like "How dare they tell Merle that she wouldn't need numbing cream or ibuprofen?!" at the beginning of the video. Like, they don't know your body or your pain tolerance? I was *offended* LOL! But I'm glad you made it, and the results are amazing. (P.S. I learned about periods and pain the hard way as well--when I got my 2nd tattoo 😭)

[@AlliandoX]

I got my stache and pits lasered and it was worth it 🎉

[@driverjayne]

I spent almost ten years not shaving. I worked in an industry where it didn't matter and I was around people who didn't care. Then I switched industries and stopped being around carefree hippies and started being around truck drivers. And truck stop bathrooms. And people who already give me side eyes going until the bathroom of the gender I was assigned at birth. And so I started shaving. Because I don't like being hate crimed. And it's really unsafe for women in the United States right now to not look feminine enough. And I don't look feminine enough to not shave. And I hate it. I get ingrown hairs and it's really uncomfortable because I have really sensitive skin. But it's that or only wear long pants all year. Literally ten years ago I just got looked at as a butch, and didn't get harassed. Now there's such a fury over trans women that I get harassed for being trans. Transphobia hurts all women. Transphobia hurts everyone.

[@radhikam6878]

You do you!

[@melisab4017]

Is it permanent though? Will it never come back?

[@CatLover-g7j]

Dont forget the Bungalow.....😊

[@theworldofknowledge2529]

Can we use hair Removal creams like Veet since I have gone through the complete sessions, treatment of my laser but didn't get any result

[@loislane1290]

I want this too!

[@anapaolai8821]

Laser hair removal is great, it really works. It hurts but makes life easier

[@mwitkowski10]

Your small jokes in your videos 💯 😂♥️

[@samanthalaine8064]

I think the problem at the heart of your bit at the beginning is the idea of "This is a choice that I'm making for myself. Period." (1:50). Choices don't exist in a vacuum. As you articulated really well, those choices are influenced by patriarchal standards. But the choices we make also influence standards. (Especially as a public figure) No one expects you to make the feminist choice or take the feminist action every time. And I don't say this as a hate comment, I'm not hate watching this video or anything. I just think your self-analysis at the beginning was missing this element. Also I'd really encourage you to reframe your thinking away from body positivity towards body neutrality! That's really helped my own dysmorphia, especially around my body hair.

[@monicamasso-rivetti2150]

Will you go back for maintenance?

[@christineg6123]

How long does each area take? Or the whole appointment?

[@biancajingles2690]

I really wish I invested in laser BEFORE I got heavily tattooed! I got tattooed mostly to cover self harm scars and then eventually to help camouflage how hairy I am, but now I have spots that I won’t get tattooed and i can no longer get laser hair removal because of my tattoos 😅 maybe I’ll at least do my mustache but I get that waxed and can’t imagine shaving it 🤣

[@user-jp1eh2zt5s]

Does it hurt on your face?? Because I have lots of hair on my chin area and considering doing this but scared because it’s painful

[@MerleONeal]

It really wasn't that bad at all- I'd say it's less painful than waxing

[@user-jp1eh2zt5s]

Oh ok.how does it feel?. Most people say like a rubberband snap

[@saraa.7836]

Also, do you know what type of laser they used on you?

[@MerleONeal]

I don’t! They would know though!

[@rohithchandra8817]

Merleee you are so beautiful ❤😍🥰🥹🥹

[@ninjaadaniel1674]

looks comparable to a tattoo

[@torugamay518]

💗💗💗

[@kerridanner8981]

[@JubeiKibagamiFez]

I'm curious how much all the sessions costed..... Create the insecurity, reinforce the insecurity, sell the service/product.... Not necessarily in that order. And I know the root is the patriarchy, but women heavily shame other women for having body hair, and that's just as bad as men shaming.

[@pauline4046]

Is this an ad ? If so, not cool. It needs to be explicit, from the beginning.

[@JustACitrus]

It does make me sad how self-conscious you feel about your hair when it is a pretty average/middle of the road amount of hair.

[@msrdo20]

i guess you need better help than BetterHelp

[@minime7375]

Girl…you don’t work at Buzzfeed anymore…you don’t live in a “patriarchy” unless you moved to Saudi Arabia or something. Also, American girls shoud learn how to use an epilator or wax at home, it’s not complicated or some political statement to do hair removal. And you do it for yourselves, not because of some “patriarchal” bs, men don’t care that much.

[@bellenesatan]

You know that KZbin lets you see other comments a person made on this channel? You are on sick twisted guy, buddy. Find a different place to stink up.

[@kateliness2]

I'd strongly disagree. Look at the social media comments of basically any woman who obviously doesn't shave. Whether the OP calls attention to it or not, men (and women) in the comments section will go on and on about how disgusting or unsanitary or unattractive it is.

[@minime7375]

@@kateliness2 I haven’t seen ANY negative comments about her body hair. And as I said it’s a matter of personal preference and hygiene, not a political statement. Of course chicks who want to spread pics of their hairy armpits all over their social media will get some negative attention, frankly I find it gross (as a dark haired woman myself) and not just on women, but let’s be honest here, Merle doesn’t do this because of the “patriarchy”, she shaves for herself, because she has a body insecurity. Let’s stop blaming men for our own issues, the patriarchy ain’t the reason we shave. I personally just don’t want to look like a dude if I don’t shave my legs (I don’t think I would get to that stage but I do it cause I want my legs to look nice, for me, cause I’m shallow like that😁) or stink to high heavens if I could braid my armpit hair. A bit crass probably but this is the truth. PS learn not to care about social media approval. And yeah, I’m looking at Saf Nygaard, fairly hairy girl, pretty as anything, nobody gives a damn, she is fun, she is successful and I haven’t seen any negative comments on her hair except her own self-deprecating jokes.

[@kateliness2]

@minime7375 And why would women who choose not to shave their armpits "of course" be subjected to negative commentary online? There is nothing more gross or unsanitary about a woman not shaving her armpits than a man.

[@minime7375]

@@kateliness2 If you actually read my comment you’ll find that I said “not just on women”. And it’s gross because of the sweat sticking on that hair, it’s unhygienic. Most men trim or shave their facial hair, some of them daily, who is forcing them to do that, the matriarchy? No, they do it because it looks groomed, they don’t itch and they don’t have food bits sticking on their beards. And probably because they want to look decent at their workplace…and for the ladies.

[@murranz]

Wow The patriarchy Again

[@anar6952]

Thanks a lot for this vid, friend! I personally don't care about my body hair at almost 27, buuuuut unfortunately the business world does 🙄 So, even though I don't mind my mustache nor my armpit hair, I am considering it so I can feel more comfortable wearing no sleeves shirts at work without having to shave once a week. Also, shaving really irritates my armpit, even though I don't do it frequently. Xoxo🩷