![[:en]Laser Hair Removal at Curos Skin Clinic[:sv]Hårborttagning med laser hos Curos Skin Clinic i Malmö[:]](https://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_0959-770x512.jpg)
[:en]This is the first of a series of posts regarding hair removal and when I was about to undertake this minor correction of my body I didn’t think much of it, but as I was writing this post it occurred to me that this was a lot harder to put in words than I had expected. I was seriously contemplating not publishing the picture of me below at all. Why? It all comes down to one thing. It isn’t just women who are insecure about their bodies. We men are flooded by images of perfect models with perfect bodies whether we open a magazine, watch TV or what not. These men are hairless, have perfect abs and bodies and are the ones considered having ideal body types adored by both women and men. I’m not starting a movement to empower men to be proud of their bodies just as they are, but I do want to raise awareness of us men being equally aware of our imperfections and how bad it makes us feel, time and time again.
The issue of body hair is something that has followed me since I began growing some in my teen years and something I have wanted to get rid of ever since. “Big deal”, some of you might say. Well, for me it has been. As you can see in the pictures I’m not in perfect shape. I’m skinny, but I lack muscles. That is something I can change by working out, something I now actively am doing and the next time you are going to see me shirtless I promise you (but most importantly myself), that it’s a completely different body you are going to see. Ever since my teen years, especially in the US where body hair seems to be a big no no, I have got comments such as “eww, what’s that jungle on your back?” or “you look so boyish, yet you’re so hairy”. Comments like these have stuck to my head and I am so glad when Curos Skin Clinic reached out to me to let me try their Nordlys by Ellipse which also treats light and thin hair. To be honest, for the sake of the pictures I let my hair on my lower back and my stomach as well as chest grow out. I am not comfortable in publishing these pictures at all as I have shaved, waxed and even bleached the areas mentioned since I was a teen, but this is me being real. Also, it allows you to see the results. I’ve chosen to leave my scar visible as well, so no Photoshop is being used here. The reason for that? Well, the clinic can also make the scar, if not go away, appear a lot less visible. More on that in a completely different blog post.
The treatment really isn’t a big deal at all, however it does take time. As your body hair grows in cycles it means your hair follicles are resting between the cycles and in order to get to each follicle you have to repeat the procedure every 2 months or so up to 4 or 5 times in order to get rid of it all. In order for the laser to work, you should not tan for 3 weeks prior and after your treatment as it might cause damage to your skin.
The laser itself is as you can see very powerful, but only kills the hair follicles (and tightens your skin, great bonus right?). The laser stings a bit, but for someone who has been through a lot worse, that’s not a biggie. I’d say manicure can hurt more to be honest.
The staff at Curos Skin Clinic is extremely kind and make you feel comfortable, both with your body and the treatment itself. I’ve been a patient at the clinic for about two years for other medical reasons and although they are based in the south of Sweden and there for sure are clinics in Stockholm who perform similar laser treatments, I would not feel comfortable recommending something that I don’t trust a 100%. Some of you might think I’m a hypocrite changing myself to fit into a norm of what “men should be like”, i.e. not hairy. Well, this is the complete opposite. I’m taking control over my body and dealing with an issue I’ve had for more than 10 years. It is all part of becoming more confident. I know there are super hairy men out there. If you’re comfortable with that, fine, if not, here’s an option you can take into consideration. I cannot in words express the feeling of not needing to shave my body like 4 times a week anymore. I’m finally getting rid of my unwanted body hair and owe it all to the wonderful team at Curos Skin Clinic. As promised, results will come later, but as this is a long term procedure it will take a few more months until that.
Photography: Joanna Bladh, Photostory
This post is sponsored by Curos Skin Clinic, but all views and opinions are my own. [:sv]Det här inlägget är det första i serien där ni får följa min hårborttagningsresa hos Curos Skin Clinic i Malmö. Jag tänkte ärligt talat inte så mycket på det när jag påbörjade behandlingen cirka en månad sedan, men när jag nu sitter här och ska skriva om själva upplevelsen förstår jag att det är så mycket mer som bubblat under ytan i flera år. Jag tänkte helt ärligt inte publicera bilden nedan alls. Ni kanske undrar varför. Det bottnar i en enda sak. Precis som kvinnor, är vi män ytterst medvetna om vad kroppsidealet idag består av. Det vill säga det vi matas av i tidningar, TV, utomhusreklam och så vidare. Dessa män är lena, muskulösa och har allmänt perfekta kroppar. Det är mansidealet enligt både kvinnor och män och vi män mår dåligt över när vi inte uppnår dessa ideal. Jag tänker inte starta en medborgarrörelse i form av “var stolt över din kropp, hur den än ser ut”, men jag vill lyfta frågan om att vi män är precis lika mottagliga av medias (och samhällets) bild av den ideala kroppen och den får oss att må dåligt.
Kroppsbehåring är ett känsligt ämne som följt mig sedan tonåren när jag började få behåring på min kropp. So what, tänker vissa av er. För mig har det dock präglat hela mitt vuxna liv i allt från kommentarer från “men fy, vad är det för djungel du har på ryggen?” till “du är så pojkaktig och söt, men sen ser man hur hårig du är…” och uttalanden som dessa har etsat sig fast i hjärnan. Därför är det med stor lättnad och glädje jag mottog Curos Skin Clinics erbjudande om att prova på deras Nordlys by Ellipse som även fungerar på ljust och tunt kroppshår. Jag har i åratal vaxat, rakat och till och med blekt dessa hår och det är så skönt att snart slippa göra detta cirka fyra gånger i veckan. För bildernas skull var jag tvungen att låta håret på ländryggen, mage och bröst växa ut och jag måste erkänna att jag är smått äcklad då jag inte sett detta på flera år. Även om det är obekvämt så är dessa bilder oredigerade. Dels för att ni ska kunna följa resultatet av behandlingen, dels för att det är den jag är. Jag gömmer mig inte bakom Photoshop. Det inkluderar även mitt ärr på axeln som jag inte är bekväm med att visa upp. Skälet till det är att Curos Skin Clinic även har en metod till att få ärret att, om inte försvinna helt, bli markant mindre synligt. Det är dock ett ämne för ett helt annat blogginlägg.
Själva behandlingen är faktiskt inte mycket att orda om, mer än att det är en långsiktig sådan. I och med att kroppshår växer i så kallade tillväxtcykler är en del av hårsäckarna i vad man kan kalla viloläge under perioder. Därför krävs det upp till 4-5 behandlingar med 1-2 månaders mellanrum om man vill bli kvitt allt hår. Man bör heller inte sola 3 veckor innan eller efter behandlingen, då lasern riskerar att orsaka brännskador om man redan har bränt sig.
Som ni ser är själva lasern mycket stark, men den gör ingen annan skada på kroppen än att den dödar hårsäckarna (och gör huden fastare som en rätt så schysst bonus). Lasern sticker till lite, men för någon som gått igenom tusenfalt värre saker är det inte så värst smärtsamt alls. Ärligt talat kan en galen manikyrist orsaka dig mer smärta.
Personalen på Curos Skin Clinic i Malmö är oerhört kärvänlig och får dig att känna dig bekväm, både med din kropp och behandlingen i sig. Jag har varit patient hos dem i cirka två år för andra medicinska åkommor och även om själva kliniken ligger i Malmö och det säkerligen finns ett tiotal kliniker i Stockholm som erbjuder liknande behandlingar, så kan jag inte rekommendera ett ställe jag inte litar på till 100%. Därför kommer jag fortsatt att åka till Malmö för att fortsätta med behandlingen. Vissa av er kanske tycker att jag är en hycklare som formar mig efter rådande skönhetsnormer, men tvärtom, jag tar kontroll över min kropp och mitt liv och löser äntligen ett problem som jag mått dåligt över alla dessa år. Jag vet att det finns mångt mycket hårigare män än jag därute. Om du är bekväm som det är, inte mig emot, men om inte så finns det ett väldigt bra alternativ. Jag blir äntligen kvitt oönskad kroppsbehåring på mage, bröst och rygg och detta tack vare den underbara personalen hos Curos Skin Clinic. Som utlovat så kommer resultaten att visas upp senare då detta är en långtidsbehandling, men redan nu efter första behandlingen märker jag hur mycket enklare det är utan en massa krångel med rakhyvlar och annat.
Photography: Joanna Bladh, Photostory
Detta inlägg är i samarbete med Curos Skin Clinic, men alla åsikter är mina egna. [:]
![[:en]Back on track[:sv]På banan igen[:]](https://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Fil-005-370x340.jpeg)
Sweet as Fiction
April 18, 2017 at 12:18 amThis is actually awesome that you’ve taken it into your own hands to do a treatment most guys won’t talk openly about! Laser is so much better than shaving and you’ll be so happy with the end results, especially with not having to shave 4 times a week 🙂 I did laser almost 4 years ago and only now have to get touch ups. Totally worth it!
Mariann yip
April 18, 2017 at 12:19 amThanks for sharing this! I actually have been considering laser hair removal too and now that summer is here, I’m really looking into it. I share the same interest in not having to shave anymore since it’s just an annoying process. I feel like you had a good experience so I’m looking forward to seeing your thoughts in a few months about the process!
Meg
April 18, 2017 at 1:01 amIt’s great to hear about a genuinely effective hair removal treatment. Like you, I have been self-conscious of my body hair. I can think back to comments from when I was so young, yet they somehow stuck in my head. I totally understand where you are coming from. I hope this treatment works out perfectly for you!
meg
http://www.meghanlaurie.com
Samjah
April 18, 2017 at 3:54 amI can’t wait to see the results!! I would love to get laser hair removal on my legs and under my arms but I’ve always been scared. Now thanks to you I know it probably won’t that bad. And you’re right, men and women have body issues. We have to change what we can accept what we can’t change. Great post!
Iliana
April 18, 2017 at 4:39 amAgain thanks for sharing and being so open! Keep us posted on how the results turn out.
I don’t have that much hair in my legs or underarms so I blessed I would say hahaha I always thought this procedure would be super painful but after reading this post I changed my mind!
Xx
Lady Goldapple
April 18, 2017 at 9:00 amThis is a brave thing to do. Getting rid of your body-hair is a good thing now a days, I guess. I myself am planning to get rid of some, not on my belly but under my arms. I wish you good luck on the fitness part. Can’t wait to see the result. And do let us know how this treatment is working out for you. XO charissa
Josie
April 18, 2017 at 12:22 pmI really love how open you are to share with us these kind of things Thomas. And hair removal should definitely not be something to hide even if you’re a man. I personally don’t like when men have hair on their chests for example haha. I’m so lucky my husband doesn’t 😉 I’ve been wanting to do it myself but somehow never made the move. I can’t wait to read more about the whole experience but they seem to treat you so well at Curos Skin Clinic!
Josie | http://www.petiteandbold.com
Jennifer SavvyGreyStyles
April 18, 2017 at 4:26 pmThank you for sharing this journey with us. This clinic sounds so great. I look forward to hearing more about your results.
Kirsten Wendlandt
April 18, 2017 at 5:02 pmThomas, I agree with you it isn’t just women who are insecure about their bodies and you are so brave to post this even though you may not be 100% comfortable with it. I think you look great! Love reading about your experience with lazer hair removal, this is something I’ve been wanting to do for some time but have been too scared to try till now.
Claudia Di Capua
April 18, 2017 at 6:48 pmThis is so cool that you got to experience it!
~Claudia Di Capua
http://www.claudiadicapua.com
Anthony @oh_anthonio
April 18, 2017 at 7:59 pmKudos to you for being brave enough to share your story! I barely have any body hair haha so this isn’t really an issue for me but still really interesting to read about!
EVA
April 18, 2017 at 9:42 pmGood choice Thomas , I like all changes what makes me feel better. Really agree your choices and you’ll feel more better and doesn’t need to care in the future how to remove always the hair. ;P
The clinic work looking very professional and i can’t ait to see the changes.
xx
Eva
http://www.themermaidfashion.com
Jo
April 18, 2017 at 9:48 pmOh gosh you are so brave as I would be so scared to go through the procedures like this. I was thinking to have microblading eyebrows but I am scared to even try that. After reading your story, I may consider to give that microblading thing a try. I can’t wait to see the result though. It looks like Curos Skin Clinic is providing very professional services.
With love
Jo
Jo
April 18, 2017 at 10:47 pmThanks for sharing your experience, Thomas! I’ve been wanting to get laser hair removal for quite some time but wasn’t at all sure if it really works. It’s good to know as well that it’s not painful. I wish I was in Sweden though so I could go to that clinic haha! I’ll have to do more research for hair removal clinics here in NYC. I’m sure they’re a dime a dozen, but as you said, I want to make sure it’s with a company that’s trustworthy.
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
LAFOTKA
April 18, 2017 at 11:03 pmOh my goodness I’ve just started laser hair removal with a clinic in Glasgow and after just one treatment on my chosen parts I’m in LOVE with the results. I’ll be blogging my journey too but it’s amazing to see it works for you! LOVE it x
Kate Tik
April 18, 2017 at 11:44 pmOmg thank you for sharing this!! I’ve actually been going through laser hair removal treatments myself and I am so glad I did!! It works wonders and totally worth the process.
katetik.com
Lauren
April 19, 2017 at 1:28 amWhat a great and honest post! I’ve been considering it for a while. I had no idea you can’t tan though!
Lauren // mylifeaslaurr.com
Candace
April 19, 2017 at 1:56 amI’ve wanted to try laser hair removal for a while now, but haven’t had the guts to yet! I could certainly use “something” to stop shaving so much in areas where I’m sure you don’t care to hear about, haha. You look and sound like you had a great experience. If I wasn’t convinced about laser hair removal, I sure am now. Going to look up some locations in my area!
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Leila D.
April 19, 2017 at 3:57 amHi Thomas! Thanks for sharing your experience at Curos Skin Clinic. I have been considering laser hair removal for a while now and with my move to Europe maybe I will make a stop there too, you never know. xx
Yasmin
April 19, 2017 at 4:50 amLaser hair removal is something I’ve done for years – on the same area. Unfortunately for me, it just keeps growing back and I’ve tried several different types of lasers. I’m thinking about trying electrolysis. I hope your treatment is successful and you only have to go through one set of treatments. Looking forward to hearing about how the results go!
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
Stephanie
April 19, 2017 at 6:14 amThank you for being open and honest about this with us! I hope the rest of the treatments go well.
Stephanie | http://www.dotsandhoney.com
Luke Ross
April 19, 2017 at 9:45 amIt’s great to hear your story Thomas, I genuinely hope the treatments work and you get the results you are after!
Samantha Mariko
April 19, 2017 at 9:50 amI didn’t realize guys have just as much pressure with hair removal as us girls! This article really opened my eyes, and you mention that it was very difficult for you to write this but you did a fantastic job. When I started modeling, I realized shaving is not enough, so I have to do laser removal once in a while. It costs $$ but so worth it!
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Aimara
April 19, 2017 at 4:57 pmThanks for sharing these pics and your thoughts on this Tom! I honestly had no idea guys were affected too by the same things we do! I love laser treatment, and I think is the best thing ever!!!! Can’t wait to see your final results! I need to find a great place like this one to finish what I started in Venezuela 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
XO
Aimara
http://Www.waysofstyle.com
Stephanie
April 20, 2017 at 12:34 amI think you’re super awesome for sharing these untouched photos and opening up about how you feel about your body. I do want you to know that you look great already though. However, I’m sure you’re super excited to feel proud of the way you look even more in the coming months. I’m excited to hear about the procedures as they happen. Thanks for updating us!!
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Sharon Wu
April 20, 2017 at 3:33 amomg so embarassing story but ever since moving to the desert my hair grows SO much faster! UGHHHH! i’ve been thinking about getting laser but i tan a lot here naturally since well, it’s super sunny and hot here all the time now. looks like i may have to put this project off for in the future. did it hurt at all?
xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/interior/wake-up-better-tuft-and-needle/
@stylelullaby
Gracie
April 20, 2017 at 3:43 amWay to go Thomas on sharing your laser hair removal. I am not sure I could do this and it will probably take me a long time to get up the courage to try it. Thank goodness I don’t feel it is a priority for me. But thank you for sharing. Keep us updated.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
Sheree
April 20, 2017 at 8:43 amWell isn’t that a coincidence, I just had my laser hair removal done as well earlier this week!! It’s so odd that society judge men who decides to have laser hair removal treatments but cheers and encourages when a woman decides to rid herself of hair that is frowned upon. We’ve been told to shave our legs and underarms in the early teens to “fit the norm”. Well I say screw that, do what makes you feel happy and comfortable. Bravo for you to decide to show us the real, unfiltered before and after and I can’t wait to see your results. As for me, I don’t think the areas I’m getting it done is publishable without being labeled NSFW, HA!
~ xo Sheree
Posh Classy Mom
Instagram
Open Kloset By Karina
April 20, 2017 at 9:56 amHey Thomas,
How are you?
I never Tried Laser Hair Removal, and I think it’s soo Good Solution for Guys Girls as well:)
I want to do asap because It is much easer than anything else:)
I am very curious about the Final Results:)
The place Looks very Professional and I am sure it is:)
Love Kisses
Open Kloset By Karina
Happy Week
Aleksandra Ladygin
April 20, 2017 at 4:35 pmOhhh…… hair was always my problem and problem of any woman. But i never tried laser hair removal. It seems so easy! Inspiration for me!
Deddeh Howard
April 20, 2017 at 5:28 pmOh yes, thanks for sharing Thomas, I have to give it a try. I’m currently doing the one that removes dark spots from the face and I can’t wait to try this.
Bryanna
April 20, 2017 at 5:45 pmA manicure can hurt more ? I find this so funny, because I find them actually weirdly painful! Props to you though for having the courage to post this! People shouldn’t be ridiculed about doing something if they aren’t happy with their body. You are free to do whatever you would like and I’m glad you got this done for yourself! P.S. thanks for informing us on the pain level. I have always been curious haha.
xoxo Bryanna | Coming in Clutch
Jennifer Quattrucci
April 20, 2017 at 10:37 pmAnd once again you totally and absolutely amaze me! I love the fact that you were so open about your body and imperfections. I never for one moment thought you had even one. And I’ve seen it all. I mean, I do watch your instastories! I’ve never tried laser hair removal but it is something I would definitely consider after hearing this experience. You are fortunate to have found professional experts who made you feel at ease. Always a pleasure!!!!
Love,
Your Jenny
Claudia
April 21, 2017 at 7:36 amI’m of the opinion that in life you should do whatever makes you a happier person and more comfortable with yourself and I applaud you for doing so. I got laser hair removal myself and I just love it! I think you’ll be so happy with the final results… Btw, I expect to see nothing less than an eight pack when you show us the results, lol… xx C.
Coco
April 21, 2017 at 11:20 amDear Thomas, although I honestly think that you look in good shape and that you should go on Italian beaches to see what a hairy man looks like, I’m glad that you are working on something that will help you grow your self esteem. If there’s something in our body that we don’t like – no matter if other people barely notice – why shouldn’t we do what we can to change it? I’m also glad that you chose a reliable clinic to get laser treatment. At the end of the whole cycle I want to know every detail, as I’m considering laser myself. Big hugs beautiful boy! Baci, Valeria – Coco et La vie en rose FASHION & BEAUTY
marcy
April 21, 2017 at 8:42 pmI been thinking to get laser for a long time ago but Im so scared because I have heard so many great and bad stories about laser. Honestly I’m such a baby when it comes to any kind of pain hahaha thats why I have never done anything not even taking my eyebrows with a clips or even surgery when I was thinking to get a nose job. Cant wait to hear more about the progress.
xoxo
Marcy
Gina Diaz
April 22, 2017 at 1:57 amHi, Thomas!!! first I would like to say that you are very brave, it takes a lot of courage to this or at least for me. and second, I’m so happy to read that something you have been wanting for so long came true!!! I can imagine how exciting you must feel :))) yay!!!!
Happy weekend, babe!! can’t wait to hear more about it!!! xx. Gina
Jenelle
April 23, 2017 at 4:32 amMan, my partner is so friggen hairy! Except for on his head. It really is a sore subject with him, so I know all about seeing the affects of it with men for low self esteem. The treatments do sound like they will make you feel more comfortable. One of my friends has gone through a lot of treatments to remove leg hair, she had quite dark hair so really hated it, but it’s gone now. All the best with it!
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com
Jen
April 23, 2017 at 6:19 amI’ve been wanting to try laser hair removal for a while now since it’s always so sunny here in California. I was scared that it would be painful, but the pain seems manageable. Now I have to try it. I get how the pressure could affect men as well as women. It’s a cruel world we live in. There’s just so much pressure to be “perfect”. Just embrace yourself and all will be well!
Gabriela Vera
April 23, 2017 at 10:19 pmWow, what a cool post Thomas. I have been thinking of doing hair removal for myself. Being a lady in all, I hate shaving every two days. Plus it would save me so much time. I love that you only have to do it every two months up to 4-5 times. Thank you for sharing.
Xo,
Gabriela Vera
http://www.gverastyle.blogspot.com
Bernice
April 24, 2017 at 11:51 pmI never really thought about guys being insecure about body hair too so this post is so insightful about the male psyche. Thank you for opening up about this and good luck on your fitness journey!
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/04/25/Dress-For-Work-Without-Being-Dressy-For-Work
Morgan Ryan
April 25, 2017 at 12:31 amOmg the transformation! Your back was probably sooooo soft!
Laurelle
April 26, 2017 at 7:00 amThank you for sharing your experience!! I do agree there is a double standard, and it is not ok… no one should ever be made to feel ashamed of their body! I would love to get something like this done and never have to shave again, it sounds amazing!!
-Laurelle
http://www.bellebylaurelle.com
Ria
April 27, 2017 at 6:12 pmI do laser hair removal as well, I’m obsessed with it.
Jordan Chapman
April 28, 2017 at 1:08 amI’m about halfway through my own laser treatment and I love it! Yes, it hurts as you get further in the treatments, but it’s so worth it in the long run. Most people don’t openly talk about it, so it’s great to see someone else use it!
Jordan xx
http://thehatlogic.com
Thai Lam
April 28, 2017 at 8:58 pmthis treatment sounds brilliant! Im really curious about all those new and modern treatments.
Dom
April 29, 2017 at 3:32 amHey Tommy, I’m so happy to see a guy talk about these kinda issues. I wish I could receive laser hair removal, but nope doctors said no due to my disease and being in active treatment. So I physically have to shave or get waxed. I hate having hair on my body and I’m glad your being open about it, cause I literally talk to everyone about this, I have no shame, haha. Can’t wait to hear about the final results.
All the best,
Dom
Eric K
May 1, 2017 at 3:53 amI can’t wait to see the results buddy. I always want to learn more about laser hair removal but always think that it’s a bad experience . Now I know that it’s not . Now thanks to you I know it probably won’t be that bad. Great post buddy