It happened because the Beauty Therapist hadn't checked the correct laser settings for my skin type. Quite honestly, as my skin started to sizzle I felt like leaping knickerless off the couch, running out of the place and jumping straight into the nearest cold pond. Instead I used a lot of aloe vera and burn cream from the doctor, and sued the salon for compensation.

So you might think that would be the end of my dealings with laser hair removal, but after some time had passed I forgot about the incident (kind of like you do with childbirth: forgetting how much it hurts enables you to go through it again), and I purchased a Tria home laser hair removal device.

Up until recently, I didn't think the paltry thing was working, and it wasn't cheap either- about 300 nuggets (reduced). But now, after 4 months' use, it seems to be doing the job. The hairs are a lot sparser, and the ones that are still there are finer.
The pro's of Tria are that:
a) You can use it at home (obviously), when you feel like it, without the hassle of appointments etc.
b) Over time, it works out A LOT cheaper than going to a salon.
c) If you're a bit shy, it spares you the indignity of baring whatever part you're having done in front of a total stranger.
d) Likewise, if you're using it on the highest setting and it hurts (as it can do), you can shout whatever expletive you fancy without worrying that the woman in the room next door trying to enjoy her facial/ the people in reception can hear you.
e) Once you get the hang of it, it's very easy.

Now for the con's:
a) The laser surface is small, less than the size of a 5p piece even, so progress is slow. I wouldn't even bother aiming to do a whole leg- you'd be there all night. I tried, once, and was nearly asleep after half an hour.
b) Tria comes with a scarily long instruction manual, which you do have to read properly to make sure you're doing it right.
c) It's not at all suitable for people with fair hair, or darker skin tones, as the laser light is absorbed into dark pigment meaning it can burn dark skin, or on light hair,not work at all.
d) It can take a long time 'til you start seeing results.

So there you have it: I'm pretty pleased with Tria so far. Although, weirdly, I do miss having the odd ingrown hair to squeeze. After years of waxing, the Tria doesn't hurt any less, but it is a more permanent solution. In the case of hair removal, maybe it really is a case of no pain no gain.