What is laser hair reduction?
Laser hair reduction works on a principle called selective photothermolysis. A pulse of light is absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft, converted into heat, and that heat is directed down the hair to the structures responsible for regrowth.
Because the treatment relies on pigment, it is most effective on hair that still contains melanin. Hair that is very fine, grey, white or red typically responds less predictably, and this is discussed honestly at consultation.
Hair grows in cycles — active growth, transition and resting. Only hair in the active growth phase responds well, which is why treatment is delivered as a course spaced over several weeks rather than as a single session.
What can it help with?
- Unwanted hair on the face or body
- Regrowth between shaving or waxing
- Irritation associated with frequent shaving
- Ingrowing hairs in some cases
Browse related concerns: unwanted hair in Durham.
Treatment areas
- Upper lip, chin and jawline
- Full face
- Underarms
- Bikini and Brazilian
- Lower and full legs
- Forearms and full arms
- Back, chest and shoulders
- Abdomen
What happens during treatment?
- 01Consultation, skin assessment and medical history review.
- 02Patch test, followed by a waiting period before the first full treatment.
- 03Shave the area at home, as instructed, before each appointment.
- 04Eye protection is worn by everyone in the treatment room.
- 05Cooling and a thin conductive layer may be applied depending on the device used.
- 06The handpiece is passed over the area in overlapping sections.
- 07Post-treatment cooling and aftercare advice.
Consultation
A consultation and patch test are required before your first laser hair removal treatment. We review your skin, hair type, medical history, medication, sun exposure and any previous hair removal methods, then agree a realistic course and interval.
What does it feel like?
Most people describe a fast snapping or hot pinprick sensation with each pulse, alongside cooling. Some areas — the upper lip, bikini line and shins — are typically more sensitive than others. It is uncomfortable rather than pain-free, and treatment is paced to what you can tolerate.
Treatment time
From around 10 minutes for a small facial area up to approximately an hour for larger body areas. Timings are confirmed at consultation.
Recommended course
Courses are usually planned over multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart, with the exact number and interval depending on the area, your hair growth and how you respond. Some people choose occasional maintenance sessions afterwards.
Downtime
Redness and small raised bumps around the follicles are common for a few hours to a day or so. Most people return to normal activities the same day, avoiding heat, exercise and sun exposure for the period advised.
Results
Hair is not removed instantly. Treated hairs typically shed over the following one to three weeks, and reduction in density and coarseness builds gradually across the course. Results vary between individuals and hair that is not currently in an active growth phase will not respond to that session.
Individual results vary. No outcome can be guaranteed, and expectations are discussed honestly at consultation.
Who may not be suitable?
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active infection, broken skin or inflammation in the treatment area
- Certain medications, including some that increase light sensitivity
- A history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
- Some medical conditions or recent procedures affecting the treatment area
- Recent sun exposure, sunbed use or fake tan in the treatment area
- Recent waxing, plucking, threading or epilation of the area
- Photosensitising medication or products
This list is general guidance only. Individual suitability is always determined at consultation, where we review your medical history, medication and skin in person.
Before your appointment
- Shave the treatment area within 24 hours of your appointment — do not wax, pluck or thread.
- Avoid sun exposure, sunbeds and fake tan for the period advised before treatment.
- Arrive with clean skin, free of make-up, deodorant, oils or lotions in the area.
- Tell us about any new medication, illness or skin treatment since your last visit.
Aftercare
- Cool the area if it feels warm, using a clean cool compress.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, swimming and strenuous exercise for the period advised.
- Use a high-factor broad-spectrum SPF daily on exposed treated areas.
- Do not pick or scratch the area; treated hairs will shed on their own.
- Shaving between sessions is fine — waxing, plucking and threading are not.
Price
From £15 per session
| Upper lip (10 mins) | £15 |
| Chin (10 mins) | £15 |
| Upper lip & chin (15 mins) | £20 |
| Sideburns (10 mins) | £15 |
| Ears (10 mins) | £15 |
| Neck (15 mins) | £25 |
| Beard shaping (20 mins) | £35 |
| Full face (30 mins) | £50 |
| Fingers / toes (10 mins) | £15 |
| Underarms (15 mins) | £25 |
| Bikini line (15 mins) | £25 |
| Nipple area (10 mins) | £25 |
| Half arms (25 mins) | £40 |
| Full arms (35 mins) | £50 |
| Shoulders (25 mins) | £40 |
| Chest (30 mins) | £50 |
| Abdomen (30 mins) | £50 |
| Chest & abdomen (45 mins) | £80 |
| Half back (30 mins) | £45 |
| Full back (45 mins) | £60 |
| Half legs (30 mins) | £30 |
| Full legs (45 mins) | £55 |
| Brazilian (30 mins) | £50 |
| Hollywood (30 mins) | £50 |
| Consultation & patch test (30 mins) | £20 |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a patch test before laser hair reduction?
Yes. A patch test is carried out at or after consultation, followed by a waiting period, so we can check how your skin responds before treating a full area.
Should I shave before laser hair reduction?
Yes — the area should be shaved close within about 24 hours of your appointment. Hair above the skin absorbs energy at the surface, which is uncomfortable and less effective.
Can I shave between sessions?
Yes. Shaving leaves the hair root intact, so it does not interfere with treatment. Waxing, plucking, threading and epilating remove the root and should be avoided throughout the course.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the area, your hair and how you respond. A realistic range for your treatment plan is discussed at consultation rather than promised in advance.
Is laser hair reduction permanent?
It is generally described as long-term hair reduction rather than permanent removal. Many people find regrowth becomes finer and sparser, and some choose occasional maintenance sessions.
Can laser hair reduction be done on all skin tones?
Suitability depends on your individual skin and the technology available. We assess this at consultation and patch test rather than assuming every skin tone can be treated in the same way.
Can I have treatment if I have a tan?
No. Recent sun exposure, sunbed use or fake tan changes how your skin responds and increases risk, so treatment is postponed until the skin has settled.