Laser hair removal

A laser's light is absorbed by the pigment in your hair. The heat gradually damages the follicle, so hair grows back less, or not at all. We use a diode laser that combines four wavelengths of light, and its handpiece cools your skin as it works. It's a laser, not IPL (intense pulsed light).

Hair grows in cycles, so you'll need a course. Most people have 2 to 6 treatments, every 4 to 6 weeks. Regrowth tends to be finer, lighter and less noticeable, and most people stay hair-free for months or years, though maintenance sessions may be needed.

It works best on dark hair, because light-coloured hair has too little pigment for the laser to target. On a woman's face, results aren't permanent. For light or grey hairs, or the face, electrolysis may suit you better.

Laser hair removal is now an option for many skin tones, but deeper skin tones need particular care and the right settings. We'll assess your skin and hair at your consultation.

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   Step 1: Consultation and skin check

   We look at your skin and hair, go through your medical history and check you haven't tanned recently.

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   Step 2: Preparing your skin

   The area is cleansed. Numbing cream is optional, and takes 30 to 60 minutes to work. We'll tell you how to prepare the area before your first session.

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   Step 3: The treatment

   Everyone in the room wears protective eyewear. Most people say the pulses feel like warm pinpricks, or a rubber band snapping against the skin.

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   Step 4: Straight afterwards

   The area may look red and swollen, like mild sunburn. A cool compress can help. You'll get aftercare advice for your treatment.

Common and expected

Discomfort, swelling and redness for 1 to 3 days.

Less common

Blistering, a cold sore flare-up or infection. These are rare in experienced hands.

Rare but serious

Burns, scarring, and lightening or darkening of the skin. Colour changes often fade, but some are permanent.

Your skin tone

In deeper skin tones, the extra pigment in the skin absorbs some of the laser's energy, which raises the risk of dark or light patches, blisters and scarring. The right laser, settings and sun protection reduce this.