Laser Hair Removal, Step by Step — What to Actually Expect

Laser hair removal is the treatment I get asked about most — and the one surrounded by the most myths. Here is a calm, honest walkthrough of how it works in my studio, from your first message to the last session of your course.

How the laser works

The laser light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and converts into heat, which damages the root. The hair either stops growing back or returns much finer and lighter.

The important part: the laser only affects hairs in their active growth phase — and at any given moment that's only about a fifth of your hair. So a single session can never clear everything. That's biology, not the machine or the technique.

Why a course, not a one-off

The standard is 6–8 sessions, spaced a few weeks apart depending on the area. Each one catches a different group of follicles as they enter the growth phase.

Most people see a real difference by the second or third session: hair grows back slower, thinner, and the skin stays smooth for longer. Once the course is finished, occasional top-up sessions are all you need.

Consultation and patch test

A consultation and patch test are mandatory before your first session. This isn't paperwork — it's how I set the laser to your skin type and hair thickness, and check how your skin responds.

• It takes only a few minutes, and we read the result after 24–48 hours
• Without a valid patch test I can't proceed — it's a safety standard
• We also go through any medications or conditions that could rule the treatment out

I work with a range of skin tones, including darker skin, where careful settings matter even more.

How to prepare

• Shave the area 12–24 hours before your appointment. Don't pluck, wax or epilate — the laser needs the follicle intact
• No sun or sunbeds for 2–4 weeks beforehand
• Stop fake tan at least 2 weeks before
• Come with clean skin: no makeup, moisturiser or deodorant on the treatment area

Does it hurt

Most people describe it as a quick flick of heat, or a light elastic band snap. The handpiece cools the skin as it works, so it's far more comfortable than waxing.

The bikini area and upper lip are the most sensitive — I work more slowly there and we take breaks if you need them. A small area takes around 30 minutes; full legs are closer to an hour and a half.

Aftercare

Your skin may look flushed with slight swelling around the follicles for a few hours — that's a normal reaction. For the first two days:

• Skip saunas, swimming pools, hot baths and intense workouts
• No exfoliants or retinol on the area
• Moisturise, and use SPF 50 on anything exposed
• Don't be surprised if hairs keep appearing for 1–2 weeks — that's dead hair shedding, not regrowth

Between sessions you can shave as often as you like. Just no plucking or waxing.

Who it's for

This works just as well for men as for women — I shape as many beards and necklines as I do underarms and bikinis. It's also a genuine fix if you struggle with ingrown hairs from shaving or waxing.

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking photosensitising medication, message me first — sometimes it's simply a case of rescheduling.

Getting started

The easiest way is to message me on Instagram or Facebook — I usually reply the same day. We'll book your consultation and patch test, then plan the full course around your schedule at your first visit.

Prices start from £25 per area, and on a course of six the sixth session is free. The full price list is on the treatments page.