Laser hair removal

You will need a course of treatments as laser only works on hair that is in the growth phase of the hair cycle, known as Anagen. The other two phases of the hair cycle, called Catagen and Telogen, mean the hair is either dormant or falling out; so the laser doesn’t impact it. As all of your hair is in different phases at different times, you need several treatments spread out over a number of weeks to ensure the laser ‘catches’ the each of the hairs in their growth phase at some point.

The number of treatments you will need is dependent on the area being treated; how thick and dense the hair is and your skin type – it varies from person to person. You will need at least six-eight treatments and it will also depend on how often you come back for your sessions. Coarse, thick hair such as that on a man’s chest will take longer to treat than fine hair, but your initial consultation with an experienced therapist will give you an idea of what to expect. It only affects the specific structures of the hair and follicle, leaving the surrounding tissue undamaged.

As with all treatments, it depends on the person and how sensitive they are, as well as the area being treated. We use Soprano Ice Platinum lasers, both of which have additional cooling devices to decrease sensitivity during treatment. The sensation is similar to an elastic band being snapped against your skin, and because the laser is moving all the time, the sensation is well-tolerated by most people. It’s advisable to avoid caffeine before your treatment as it can make your skin more sensitive. You can take a mild pain reliever (Paracetamol; NOT Ibuprofen as this also makes the skin sensitive).

Laser is a clinically tested treatment; FDA approved and has undergone rigorous trials to ensure patient safety and efficiency. All of the Beauty & Melody laser therapists are highly trained in performing the treatments; we take client comfort and safety very seriously and only use the highest grade medical lasers. Before starting a course of treatment, we give each client a consultation and patch test with a 3 day waiting period to ensure skin is safe and the patch test is clear. If you are having treatments with us and happen to go on holiday throughout your treatment course we will ask that you will have another patch test when you return to ensure your skin is ready to resume treatment without the risk of pigmentation occurring.

Before you can shave the day before treatment; not the day of, as shaving exfoliates the skin and makes it sensitive, which can make laser treatment uncomfortable. Don’t wax, as if you remove hair, the laser has nothing to target!

During the course of treatment You may shave between sessions – do not wax as it will affect hair growth patterns and affect results. Waxing or plucking completely removes the hair form the follicle, and for the laser to work there needs to be a hair present in the follicle. If you have waxed or plucked the treatment area you would have to wait 6-8 weeks for follicles to produce a new hair.

After the laser course is finished We’d recommend you continue using laser until you achieve the level of hair reduction you’re happy with. Any remaining or reoccurring hair will be minimal; very fine in texture and light in colour so it’s ok to wax these.