
Questions about laser hair removal
The treatment process
Why do I need a consultation and patch test before starting laser hair removal?
During the consultation, we discuss your wishes, skin and hair, medication, skin conditions and recent sun exposure. This includes possible risks, alternatives, the likely treatment commitment and costs. Medical questions may need to be assessed by a doctor.
A test patch can provide information about skin response and help select settings. It does not rule out later side effects or replace careful assessment before every session.
I have never had laser hair removal and feel nervous.
Feeling nervous is understandable. Ask us to explain each step, cooling and possible skin reactions. A test patch can give you an idea of the sensation. Pain sensitivity varies; you can request a break or stop treatment at any time.
Is there anything I need to consider or prepare before my first laser treatment?
Please discuss skin conditions, medication and any recent tan with us in advance. Avoid sunbathing, sunbeds and self-tanner; treatment will be postponed if your skin is tanned. Pause waxing, plucking and epilating before your treatment course. We will discuss suitable timing and shaving during your consultation.
To prepare for your appointment, carefully shave the area the evening before and arrive without make-up, deodorant, oils or creams. Please tell us about irritated or injured skin; additional exfoliation is not required.
How many laser hair removal sessions will I need?
Several sessions are needed. The number depends on factors including body area, skin and hair colour, hair thickness and progress so far. During the consultation, we discuss a provisional plan and review it throughout treatment. A fixed number of sessions or complete freedom from hair cannot be promised. Maintenance appointments may be useful later.
What is the difference between IPL and laser hair removal?
Laser devices use specific wavelengths; the Candela GentleMax Pro offers 755 nm and 1064 nm. IPL stands for intense pulsed light and uses a broader, filtered light spectrum.
Both methods must suit the skin and hair. Blanket claims about penetration depth or overall superiority are not a reliable basis for choosing. The specific device, appropriate settings, application and realistic expectations matter.
How long should I wait between laser hair removal sessions?
Intervals are adapted to the body area, hair regrowth and skin response. Another session is only appropriate once the skin has recovered and the treatment plan allows it. We review progress at every appointment; a fixed schedule does not suit everyone.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
The aim is a long-term reduction in hair growth. Hair can regrow and maintenance appointments may be needed. How long results last varies individually. We cannot guarantee complete freedom from hair forever.
Tanning, sun exposure and self-tanner
Can I tan during laser hair removal?
Please avoid deliberate tanning in the sun, sunbeds and self-tanner throughout your treatment course. A recent tan can increase the risk of skin damage. After a sunny holiday, the tan must have fully faded; waiting a fixed period alone is not enough to confirm suitability. Tell us about skin changes before your next appointment.
Can I use sunbeds while having laser hair removal?
Please avoid sunbeds throughout the treatment course. Discuss recent UV exposure with us, even if you have not noticed sunburn. If your skin is tanned, the appointment will be postponed until it can be reassessed.
Can I use self-tanner while having laser hair removal?
Please avoid self-tanner throughout the treatment course. If you have already used it, let us know before your appointment. All traces must have disappeared; do not try to remove them with harsh exfoliation shortly before a session. We will agree your next appointment with you.
Medication & medical conditions
Can I take ibuprofen before laser hair removal?
Please tell us about all medication, including non-prescription products such as ibuprofen, before treatment. Whether a product is relevant depends on your health, how you take it and other medication.
Do not stop medication or change a dose on your own for a laser appointment. Discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist if needed; we will postpone the appointment if suitability remains unclear.
Shaving, waxing & exfoliation during treatment
Can I wax during my laser hair removal course?
Waxing, plucking and epilating remove hair from the follicle. The pigmented hair should be present there for laser treatment. Gentle shaving is therefore generally an option between sessions once the skin has recovered. If you have recently waxed or epilated, we will discuss rescheduling based on regrowth.
Can I shave between laser hair removal sessions?
Yes, gentle shaving is generally possible between sessions once the skin has fully settled. If there is redness, injury or pain, please wait and ask us. We discuss shaving for the treatment appointment separately.
Why can’t I wax or pluck between laser hair removal sessions?
Waxing, plucking and epilating remove hair from the follicle. The pigmented hair should be present there for laser treatment. Gentle shaving is therefore generally an option between sessions once the skin has recovered. If you have recently waxed or epilated, we will discuss rescheduling based on regrowth.
Should I shave after laser hair removal?
Resume shaving only when the skin has fully settled and in line with your aftercare instructions. Regrowth or shedding after a session is possible and does not by itself indicate success. Please do not pluck or further irritate sensitive skin.
How soon after laser hair removal can I exfoliate?
There is no fixed waiting period suitable for every skin. Do not exfoliate red, sensitive or injured skin. Let it heal first and discuss irritating active ingredients with us; regular exfoliation is not a requirement for successful laser treatment.
Ingrown hairs
What should I do if I develop ingrown hairs during laser hair removal treatment?
Please do not squeeze or pierce the affected areas. Pause irritating skin care and avoid friction. Small bumps can have different causes and are not automatically harmless. See a dermatologist for pain, pus, increasing redness or recurring problems.
How do I get rid of ingrown hairs, and will the red marks disappear?
This depends on the cause and skin response. Exfoliation is not a universal solution for inflamed skin. Persistent red or dark marks and recurring ingrown hairs should be assessed by a dermatologist; laser treatment does not guarantee that these changes will disappear.
Best results
Does laser work on light hair?
Laser hair removal requires enough pigment in the hair. Very light blonde, red, grey or white hair therefore responds poorly or not at all. A consultation can clarify whether treatment makes sense or whether another method, such as electrolysis, may be an option.
Which factors affect my laser hair removal results?
Skin and hair colour, hair thickness, area, device and settings affect results. Timing and medical factors may also play a role. If hair growth suddenly increases, medical assessment is more important than immediately booking more sessions.
Is there anything I should avoid after laser hair removal?
Follow your individually agreed aftercare instructions. Protect treated skin from direct sun and avoid sunbeds. A clean, cool cloth may feel soothing if the skin is red or warm.
Initially avoid heat, strong friction, intense exercise and irritating skin care products. Resume shaving and exfoliation only once the skin has healed and in line with your aftercare instructions. Seek medical advice for blisters, severe pain or increasing redness.
How should I exfoliate, and how often during laser hair removal?
Exfoliation is not essential during laser treatment. Avoid rubbing, exfoliating gloves and irritating acids on sensitive or freshly treated skin. Once your skin has fully healed, we can discuss suitable care; a fixed frequency does not suit everyone.
Will I need maintenance sessions?
Possibly, but not everyone needs them on a fixed annual schedule. We base this on regrowth and your skin. Very light or fine remaining hair cannot automatically be removed with further laser sessions.
Comfort during treatment
Will treatment hurt?
Laser pulses can feel like brief warm pinpricks or a pinch. Sensation depends on the area, hair, settings and personal sensitivity. The Candela GentleMax Pro cooling system can reduce the impact on the skin surface. Tell us immediately if it becomes too painful; you can pause or stop at any time.
Do I need to skip treatment when I have my period?
Discuss your appointment with us if you feel uncomfortable or the bikini area is due to be treated. Your personal needs, symptoms and the planned area determine whether you wish to attend or postpone. You do not have to undergo treatment despite discomfort.
Can I exercise after treatment?
Wait until the treated skin has settled before intense exercise or swimming, and follow your individual aftercare instructions. Heat, sweat and friction can further irritate sensitive skin. If symptoms persist, ask before resuming exercise.