There is no guarantee that laser hair removal will get rid of all the hair and give you 100% permanent reduction, as hair growth is hormonal and various factors (such as stress, diet and medications) can also stimulate hair regrowth. However, after several sessions, a permanent reduction in hair will be achieved. The percentage of reduction will vary for everyone, and the need to shave will become less frequent or possibly not at all.

To permanently remove hair, the hair germinal cells must be killed. This is done by using a laser wavelength that matches the pigment of the hair. The heat absorbed by the pigment travels to the germinal cells and permanently injures them.

Hair growth consists of three distinct phases: Anagen, Catagen and Telogen. Every hair will undergo these phases before falling out completely; with each strand growing at a different rate and being in a different phase compared to others.

Laser works best on hairs that are at the Anagen phase (the “growth phase” - the hair follicles are intact to the hair bulb), where the light from the laser can travel down the hair shaft to the hair follicle causing damage to it.

Sessions are spaced out every 4-8 weeks depending on the area being treated, which allows time for body hairs that were not in the Anagen phase to enter it. On most parts of the body, only 20% of hairs are in the right phase at any given time, with some hairs leaving the phase while others enter it as you progress to the next session.

The quantity of sessions required will differ for each person, contingent on the thickness and colour of the hair. A minimum of 6-8 sessions is recommended. Each laser hair removal session can provide anywhere between 10-30% hair reduction, thus multiple sessions are required in order to obtain optimal results.

Treatments will be performed by using the most innovative and cutting-edge laser machine (Cynosure Elite iQ - a global leader and world-renowned expert in developing medical-grade, energy-based laser technologies) resulting in remarkable results, as hair removal and skin treatments are customised across an infinite spectrum of skin tones like never before. Treatments will be carried out to the highest standards with advanced safety protocols adhered.

A handheld device will be placed over the skin and the laser will fire the beam of energy onto the skin. The laser converts the energy into heat, resulting in a sensation of heat or an elastic rubber band snapping against the skin.

Immediately after, the skin may become red, swollen or itchy; some clients tend to experience a sunburn sensation, which is a completely normal response and subsides within a few hours. Some people experience pfe (perifollicular edema), which is a good indicator that the energy has been sufficiently absorbed by the hair follicles and that they are now in the process of slowly being destroyed. The heat from the laser either weakens or destroys the hair follicle.

Each session may take between 15 minutes to just over an hour.

After a session of laser hair removal, the hairs do not fall out immediately, but they will begin to shed and fall out after a period of 2-4 weeks. It may look like continued hair growth, but it will eventually fall out.

As the follicles shed the remaining hairs, some stubble may be noticed in the treated area. The best way to remove stubble and help the skin heal is to exfoliate.

In most cases, laser hair removal causes minimal pain, especially compared to other treatments like waxing. Many clients state that it feels like being snapped by a rubber band or sharp pinches. The area being lasered and clients pain threshold will dictate the pain level associated with laser hair removal.

Unfortunately, numbing creams are not safe nor effective when doing laser hair removal. The sensation a client feels is not felt on the skin, but in the follicle of the hair, and numbing creams cannot penetrate deep enough to minimise discomfort that may be felt at the follicle.

There is no downtime associated with laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is safe, but it can occasionally cause side effects, such as pain and discomfort, and red skin that may last and subside after a couple of hours.

The ideal combination is anyone with light skin and dark hair, this combination being the most effective and producing the best results, but lasers like the Elite iQ is able to target black hair in clients with dark skin with great success.

Laser hair removal can also be used to treat pseudofolliculitis, this is common in men who have naturally coarse, tight, curly, thick facial hair.

Laser hair removal offers an effective method for eliminating unwanted/excess hair for individuals with PCOS.

Laser hair removal will work with limited efficacy on individuals that have blonde, red or ginger coloured hair and will not work at all on grey/white hairs, including hairs that have been bleached by the sun.

It is also ineffective and safe to use on freshly, tanned skin or anyone who uses sun beds on a regularly basis. If a tan is present, the client must wait at least 4 weeks for the tan to fade before undergoing the treatment.

Tattooed areas cannot be treated because the laser’s light detects dark colours and emits excessive heat, potentially distorting the tattoo.

Clients must be at least 18 years of age to undergo a laser hair removal treatment. For anyone aged between 16-17 years of age, the parent/guardian must be present for the consultation, for the first treatment and understand the procedure and aftercare advice.

It is advised that due to hormonal changes/puberty, laser hair removal is not recommended to anyone under the age of 16.

A valid form of ID to identify the age of the prospective client may be requested if there is a need.

Certain medications can cause photosensitivity to the skin, and this may affect the skin’s reaction to the treatment. These medications are but not limited to oral and topical vitamin A’s, antibiotics and certain anti-depressants.

It is best to speak with a medical professional and obtain a medical clearance. After obtaining a medical clearance, a patch test will need to be carried out to determine if it is safe to commence treatment.

Hair supplements can affect the treatment progress, as they can stimulate hair growth. It is recommended to stop the consumption of the hair supplements during the treatment course.