What a gem! Of all the things I've ever done for myself, this creates as one of the best. After a lifetime of timing holidays and clothing around my hair growth, I am free of hairs on my legs, and before my 5th treatment. The owner of this business does all the work here, she's committed, more than fair on price, reasonable, a pleasure. Why didn't I go here years ago?! read more

I bought the Groupon for six treatments and am delighted with the results! The online booking system is easy to use (and the reminder is a great idea!) and the salon is conveniently located off Broadway on the UBC bus route. Before my first treatment, the technician explained the process and confirmed that I wanted to go ahead with it. I was uncomfortable after the first treatment, but no more so than waxing and I didn't have ingrowns to contend when the hair came back. The treatment room is clean and comfortable, and treatments are quick and less painful (and messy!) than waxing, with much better results. Also, the new laser machine makes treatments SO MUCH QUICKER for large areas. In addition to this, once I finished my Groupon treatments, she gave me the same rate for more treatments on other areas. I have been really happy with Gentle Touch and have recommended the salon to all of my friends. read more

This was my first time trying out laser hair removal, so I had no idea what to expect. This place is located in a building that houses doctors' offices mostly, so that gave it a reassuring quality. The actual office seems like a cubby hole consisting of a tiny waiting room and a shoe box of a treatment room. No matter though. I'm all about results. One lady seems to run the entire operation, from answering the phone to administering the laser. That's probably how the business keeps its costs low. She explained the process before zapping away. It wasn't as unpleasant as I imagined. After waxing most of my life, I have to say that laser is a far superior method for hair removal. It was so quick (2 minutes max!) and after only two treatments, the hair has barely grown back. If you're looking for a posh spa-like atmosphere where they charge accordingly, this isn't for you. If you're looking for the no frills package that offers speedy service and great results, by all means go. read more

My face has been irreversibly damaged for life thanks to The Gentle Touch. Please don't go here. I have sustained scars on my face from the technician burning my face with the laser. When I had it done, I would constantly tell her she was hurting me, but she would not listen. In the end, when she realized how much damage her laser had done, she was rude and defensive. I am now almost 30 with blue purple deep tissue burns from her using the laser incorrectly. read more

Cons: *I found the woman who runs the salon to be one of the least personable and least accommodating service people I have ever encountered. *The place was shabby and unclean looking *It's nearly impossible to get anyone on the phone. *Their internet booking doesn't work. *Whatever you do, don't be late *Forget about trying to cancel an appointment. If you fail to give a full 24 hours notice she will actually charge you for the missed appointment. I called 7 hours ahead to cancel mine and she charged me full price for the service that I didn't even get! This might have been acceptable if she had actually answered my 5 phone calls and 1 email and explained their policy. Pro: I got a phenomenal price because I used a Groupon-type deal. In the end, I do have less hair than I did before, but if I'd known everything I know now, I would not have chosen this establishment - even at a great price. read more

I was surprised when I read the poor reviews because I saw results very quickly. The place is clean, clinic like (sterile), and definitely not a spa. The lady who did the laser was very knowledgeable and actually gave me a discount after my social shopper coupon was used. My sister went to another laser place that had the same machine but only used half the strength and did not see results. I had treatments done for just over a year every 8 weeks and now I haven' been back for over a year and the results are still there. I definitely recommend it if you want results. I Agree with the last post of "No Frills" because that is what it is. Now I did get burn marks once but that was my fault. It was my last treatment and I wanted her to up the strength of the laser. The lady said no and said I could get burned but I insisted. I got a few marks but they are all healed now so I cant complain. read more

Location = convenient and accessible, just off W. Broadway in Kits. The office is small, but it is fully functional, and clean. My services have included under arms and lower legs, and yes, their prices include both the left and the right side of the body, (unlike a few salons out there), which make their pricing super competitive, especially since the equipment used is the Lightsheer Diode Laser System, not an IPL. Pain factor = zero. The unusual sensation is more like quick little elastic snaps, which I found more prevalent during my under arm treatments, than my lower legs, likely due to the under arms being more sensitive. Either way, it is way less uncomfortable than waxing. Appointment booking = fantastic. They have an online booking system, so you never have to make an actual call to the salon. Even if you need to cancel, or reschedule, you just click a button or two, and voila, appt booked - it also sends you a confirmation/reminder email. I agree with reviewer M K. regarding the statement on atmosphere - this is not an extravagant environment, however, the service and treatment does not lack in the quality department whatsoever. I am not sure where the other reviewer, saRa s., had her laser hair removal done, but, it definitely wasn't at The Gentle Touch, in Kitsilano. The only person that performs the services, is certified, and ensures you are fully informed of the procedure before, during, and after your session. (I actually think it is the owner?) And secondly, there isn't any application of gels/lotion after your treatments, as you are not supposed to apply anything, including deodorant, before or after, to the treated areas. All in all, during my multiple visits to The Gentle Touch, I have been treated in a comfortable, respectful, and timely manner, by a personable, and certified professional. Recommended? Absolutely. read more

I am a long-time customer of the Gentle Touch. The lady who runs the place is very professional always explaining the process before she starts the laser hair removal treatments. I have tried a couple of other laser places through Groupon and both times I asked for my money back. I love that I never have to shave again and you can't beat the prices they charge too! I would recommend this place if you want great results. read more

This is my first time trying laser hair removal, I have no idea what to expect, The place located in a building 2nd floor, tiny waiting room, but I don't care about it, more with the results. When I went in to the treatment room, I was disupointment that room was not really clean, The treatment was painful for sure maybe is normal, I have no idea what suppose to feel with laser. Anyway I went back 4 time because I boght the package there, I got a good result so far. read more

I am taking the opportunity to share my story with everyone who is thinking about doing laser hair removal. I have had several treatments done in the past, but the most recent time I found an online deal and thought I'd try out a new place. My first mistake was not researching the place before going. My second mistake is falling for a great deal as it was $150 for three treatments to the lower legs. Typically it cost $199 for one treatment. My third mistake was trusting the technician and not asking enough questions before I went forward to getting the treatment. So, here is what happened: Last June, I went for my second treatment. I mentioned to the technician, who was also the owner, that I had some sun exposure and asked if this was okay. She responds that it will be fine, as my previous treatment, I also had some sun exposure and that I did not have any issues then. She mentioned that the only problem with tanned skin, is that the treatment will not be as effective. This prompted her to increase the intensity of the laser. I also asked her if it was okay to do intense activity two days after treatment as I had a triathlon coming up then. She responds that it is completely fine as long as it is 24 hours post treatment. After addressing those two concerns, I felt comfortable to undergo the treatment. Well, as I noted earlier, I have had several laser treatments in the past so I am familiar with the pain that this involves. However, this time the pain was much more excruciating and almost unbearable. I even used Emla cream, a lidacaine-based cream, which normally takes a little edge off the pain. This did not work at all, commented to the technician on how painful it was. She responds that this is normal, but she did apply an ice pack to my legs to sooth the pain. This was the start of my concerns. After the treatment, I noticed red spotty and blotchy marks throughout the area that she treated me. She warned that this will go away in 24 hours and to not exercise during that period. I also noticed my legs were tingling and throbbing that lasted the rest of the day, which is not the usual sensation I have from previous treatment. In the end, I realized that I was severely burned by the laser treatment. It took about 2 months before the scabs healed, but did leave hyperpigmention also known as scars throughout my lower legs. Even to this day, the scars remain. Please do your research when choosing a business for laser therapy. I do not recommend The Gentle Touch! read more

I tried this place out for laser treatments for my arms and legs.....I loved the quick results and the prices were good....Staff is quite friendly as well. Solara read more

I have been a client of Gentle Touch for the past six months. The service is exceptional and the laser used is the latest model of diodes. My technician is very friendly, available and always there to answer any queries that I may have. The online booking service is easy to use and convenient for any working individual. read more

horrible. do not waste your time, money or skin! the inexperience is paramount considering i went in for laser and came out with severe burn marks that are still here to this day. she is cheap with gel products and after care lotion with caused a more painful experience. i highly recommend against the no so gentle touch. read more

I first went to Gentle Touch 3 years ago with a coupon from the Georgia Straight - I had 3 lower leg and 3 brazillian treatments done, and the service was excellent and I got good results. I went back 1.5 years later with a groupon-type voucher (can't remember which company I bought it through exactly) for 3 lower leg treatments, and the service I got was markedly inferior to what I had gotten when I paid "full price" - the treatments that had previously taken 45 minutes now took 15, for BOTH LEGS. The service was really rushed and I did not get as good results, lots of the hair did not fall out despite that the laser was on a higher setting as she had kept track of what the last setting had been in my file. So I would not recommend the groupon-type deals as it's not the same level of service. The good thing about the technician is she doesn't bullshit you, she is very clear that to get good results (i.e. to kill the hair) the laser will HURT, and she is willing to crank it up as high as your pain tolerance will allow. I have been to other places where I have to keep asking the technician to turn up the laser and they won't do it for "fear of burning me", but that's BS, I have never been burnt and it's just a way of them making you buy more treatments! Gentle Touch will also work out a special rate if you just need "spot treatments" or touch ups to kill the last few straggler hairs. read more