Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a gentle, effective way to manage and permanently reduce unwanted hair on any part of the body.
Laser hair removal works by delivering laser light directly into the root of the hair, within the hair follicle.
The laser light targets the melanin pigment in the hair follicle; the heat generated then disrupts the cells in the hair root to inhibit hair growth.
Through repeated treatments, hair growth is inhibited so much that it is either fine enough to be barely visible, or regrowth is prevented altogether.
Overview of laser hair removal treatment
Benefits of laser hair removal
Laser hair removal has the following benefits:
- A rapid approach to hair removal
- Can be used anywhere on the body
- Painless treatment
- Gentle on the skin
- Saves the time and money spent on plucking and waxing
- Highly effective results
Laser hair removal treatment
Laser hair removal prices
All appointments include a free, no-obligation consultation. Call our team on 0330 024 1300 for more information.
Laser hair removal patch test
Before you can book laser hair removal at one of our Melior Clinics you must have a free patch test. A laser hair removal patch test is a mandatory safety check. We conduct a patch test for all new customers at Melior Clinics. During a patch test consultation the laser is applied to a small (usually hidden) area of skin. We do this to assess how your skin reacts to the treatment. This ensures there no adverse effects (like burning or scarring) to the laser ahead of treatment. It determines the optimal, safe settings for your hair and skin type.
For new customers this is done ahead of the first laser hair removal session, and as long as there are no adverse reactions the laser hair removal session can then go ahead.
Book Online, request a call back in the form below or call us to arrange a consultation for laser hair removal.
Find out more or book your consultation
By sending this form you agree to our privacy policy. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reviews for our Laser hair removal treatment
What is laser hair removal like?
Before your treatment
If you are having body laser hair removal, your practitioner will give you privacy while you remove your clothing. As appropriate, you may be given a blanket for warmth and, if you’re having bikini laser hair removal, we will give you some disposable underwear to wear.
You will then be asked to recline on our treatment chair and put on safety glasses (to shield your eyes from the laser light).
Your practitioner will smooth a cooling gel or lotion over the area to be treated.
During your treatment
The laser will be focused on your hair follicles, delivering a brief pulse of light into each one.
This may feel slightly warm or tingle a little with each pulse and you’ll probably hear a clicking sound from the machine.
Some people are more sensitive to the treatment than others, so if you feel any discomfort please let your practitioner know.
After your treatment
Your treatment will take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the area to be treated. If the treatment is lengthy, you are welcome to take a comfort break during it.
When finished, your practitioner will wipe any excess cooling gel or lotion from your skin and leave you to re-dress. They will then explain the aftercare recommendations and next steps for your treatment.
Laser hair removal – your questions answered
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal emits laser light directly into the root of the hair, within the hair follicle.
The laser light targets the melanin pigment in the hair follicle; the heat generated then disrupts the cells in the hair root to inhibit hair growth.
What is the science behind laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal uses selective photothermolysis to target specific tissue in your skin, applying heat to the target, with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
In laser hair removal the dark, melanin pigment in the follicle is targeted (dark material absorbs more light energy than light material). This heats up and damages the basal stem cells in the hair follicle, rendering them ineffective, without heating or damaging the rest of your skin.
Because dark hair will absorb more of the laser energy, laser hair removal treatment may be more effective than when applied to lighter colour hair. However, laser hair removal for blonde hair is possible.
Take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Laser Hair Removal for more information about this hugely popular treatment.
Further reading:
What type of laser is used?
Some beauticians or clinics may offer a lower cost option of hair removal using IPL technology, but there is evidence to suggest that these treatments are less effective.
At Melior Clinics we use Cynosure’s light-based laser aesthetic technology. The benefits of using this method of laser hair removal rather than IPL include:
- Improved results with 90% of patients receiving permanent hair loss after 3 to 6 sessions.
- More precise treatment, which can selectively target dark, coarse hairs or smaller areas whilst leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
- Settings can be adjusted to specific skin tones and hair colour.
- Laser heat is absorbed by the follicle and not the skin, therefore decreasing the risk of burning.
Find out more about the differences between IPL and laser hair removal.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Laser treatment heats the cells in the root of the hair within the follicle, without heating the surrounding skin.
This works because the light is naturally absorbed by dark surfaces (the melanin pigment) but reflected by lighter surfaces (the surrounding skin).
All our laser systems have a built-in cooling device to ensure that your treatment is comfortable.
When is the best time to have laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is most effective when the hair is actively growing.
Hair growth takes place in cycles, so at any given time, some hair follicles are actively growing and some of them are resting.
This is why a series of treatments are needed to ensure that as many hairs as possible are treated during the growing phase.
What parts of the body can be treated with laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal can be performed on any area of the body to remove unwanted hair, as long as the hair contains some degree of pigmentation.
What else can laser hair removal treat?
Laser hair removal can also treat ingrown hairs, and help to reduce the skin irritation caused by nuisance hairs.
Who can have laser hair removal?
Skin tone and hair colour are factors which determine whether a patient will be a viable candidate for laser hair removal.
We are always happy to arrange a free consultation to confirm viability, but patients unsuitable for treatment may include:
- Those with ginger, blonde or white hairs, which may respond poorly or not at all to treatment.
- Dark skin types such as Asian and Afro Caribbean skin. These skin types may not be suitable for the stronger lasers because the skin pigment absorbs too much energy, which causes skin damage.
- Patients with a recent sun tan.
- Patients with a history of sensitivity to light based treatments.
- People with an active infection in the area to be treated.
- Pregnant women.
How long will the treatment take?
This very much depends on the area being treated. This is something that your practitioner can advise during your initial consultation.
As a guide, treating a small area, such as the upper lip, might take only a few minutes. Whereas treating a larger area, such as the back, might take an hour or more.
How often are treatments required?
On average 6 to 8 treatments are needed at 6 to 10 week intervals.
You may also require maintenance treatments once or twice a year to maintain results depending on your skin type.
The exact number of treatments depends on hair colour, skin tone, hair density and the site of hair growth, all of which we will advise you of during your free initial consultation.
Read more about when laser hair removal treatments start to work.
How quickly will I see results from laser hair removal?
Hairs do not fall out immediately, but will fall out over a period of days to weeks.
Because laser treatment works best when hair follicles are in their growing stage, repeated treatments are usually necessary, so that all hairs are caught at the correct point during the growth cycle.
Read about how long the results of your laser hair removal will last.
Can I have laser hair removal in combination with other treatments?
It is not recommended to have another treatment on the same day, in the same area of skin as the laser hair removal treatment.
Tanning treatments and tanning injections are not suitable treatments to have in conjunction with laser hair removal.
Advice and insights
Not everything we do is cosmetic. At Melior Clinics, a large part of our work focuses on treating medical conditions that affect skin health, comfort and overall wellbeing.
Thread veins and hyperpigmentation can affect your confidence and how you feel about your skin. At Melior Clinics, we treat both conditions safely and effectively with tailored medical solutions.
Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical treatments for smoothing wrinkles and refreshing your appearance, but the length of time results last can vary widely. This article explores seven practical strategies to help you make your botox injections last longer.
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating, often triggered by anxiety, stress, medical conditions, or certain substances. This article explores the various causes and potential treatment options to help manage excessive sweating effectively.
Stretch marks are a common concern, affecting both men and women at different stages of life. At Melior Clinics, we offer a range of solutions designed to reduce redness, improve texture, and promote collagen production.
Jalupro and Profhilo are two leading skin boosters that rejuvenate and hydrate the skin. This guide explores the benefits, treatment approach and which option might be right for your skin.
Polynucleotides are fast becoming the go-to treatment for natural skin regeneration. In this guide, we answer the most common questions about how they work, how long results last, and what to expect from treatment. Now available at all Melior Clinics locations.
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating, often triggered by anxiety, stress, medical conditions, or certain substances. This article explores the various causes and potential treatment options to help manage excessive sweating effectively.
Blushing can feel unpredictable and overwhelming – especially in social situations. In this blog, we explore how to stop blushing through wellbeing techniques, medication options, and professional treatments like botox.
Exclusive offers
