In-clinic treatment
Laser hair removal
Laser light aimed at the pigment in the hair follicle to reduce regrowth over a course of sessions.
Indicative cost
£40.00–£300.00 per session per area
Downtime
Redness and bumps around the follicles for a few hours.
Typical course
Usually 6-10 sessions, 4-8 weeks apart.
Keeping it up
Occasional top-ups, as this reduces rather than permanently removes all hair.
How it works
Light is absorbed by pigment in the hair, and heat travels down to the follicle. Because it works on growing hairs, sessions are spaced to catch different growth cycles.
What a session actually involves
Eye protection, then rapid pulses with a hot elastic-band sensation. A small area takes minutes; legs take up to an hour.
What people usually consider it for
- Ingrown hairs
- Body breakouts
- Bumpy texture
This reflects what the treatment is commonly used for — not a claim that it will work for you.
When it may not be suitable
- Your hair is grey, red or very fair
- You are pregnant
- You are tanned or recently sun-exposed
- You take photosensitising medication
This list is not exhaustive. A qualified practitioner should assess you before any treatment.
Things to weigh up
- — Device choice matters greatly for deeper skin tones
- — Do not wax or pluck between sessions
- — Sun protection on treated areas
What the evidence looks like
Well established for hair reduction; modern devices cover more skin tones, but grey and very fair hair responds poorly.
Questions worth asking first
Ask which laser type they use for your skin tone and hair colour, and insist on a patch test.
What tends to sit alongside it
- Fragrance-free body moisturiser
- Gentle exfoliation between sessions
Others people compare it with
Treatments and devices are listed for information only. Nothing here is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a promise of a result. Suitability depends on your health, skin and the specific device or practitioner — always check with a qualified professional first.