The short answer
- Laser hair removal is designed to reduce unwanted hair over a course of sessions. Results vary from person to person.
- Most people describe the feeling as a quick snap or warm flick, and comfort varies by area.
- Shave before your session, but don’t wax or pluck. The laser needs hair in the follicle.
- We use Candela laser technology and assess your skin and hair, usually with a patch test, before your first treatment.
How to use this page
This page answers the most common questions about laser hair removal at our Liverpool clinic in plain language. Each answer is general information. Your specialist will give you advice specific to your skin, hair and health at your consultation.
If you are getting ready for a session, the before and aftercare checklist walks through each step in order. If your question is about cost, our laser hair removal prices guide explains how pricing works.
Still have a question?
Ask us before you book. We are open 7 days, 9am to 9pm, and happy to talk through whether laser is a good fit for you. If you have a medical condition, take regular medication or are pregnant, please speak with us and, where appropriate, your GP or healthcare professional first.
Questions
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most people describe it as a quick snap or a warm flick against the skin. Comfort varies by person and by area: places with thin skin or dense, coarse hair, such as the bikini line and underarms, tend to feel more intense. Sessions usually feel more comfortable as the course goes on and hair thins out.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people need a course of sessions, because hair grows in cycles and the laser only affects hairs in the active growth phase at the time. As a general industry range, many people need somewhere around 6 to 10 sessions, but this varies with the area, your hair and your hormones. Your specialist will recommend a plan after assessing you.
How do I prepare for my session?
Shave the area the day before or the morning of, stop waxing and plucking about four weeks before, and avoid sun, solariums and fake tan on the area. Pause strong skincare actives such as retinoids and acids, and tell us about any medications.
Should I shave or wax before laser?
Shave, don’t wax. Shaving leaves the root in the follicle, which is what the laser targets, while waxing, plucking and epilating remove it. Shaving also stops hair on the surface from absorbing energy and heating the skin.
How long does a session take?
It depends on the size of the area. Small areas such as the upper lip or underarms can take just a few minutes of treatment time, while larger areas such as full legs or a full back take longer. Your first visit may run longer because it includes a consultation and patch test.
Do you treat men?
Yes. We offer laser hair removal for men as well as women, including common areas like the back, chest, shoulders and neck. Male hair is often denser and can be more hormonally driven, so some areas may need more sessions.
Can darker skin tones have laser hair removal?
Often, yes, with appropriate settings. Suitability depends on your skin tone, hair colour and the device settings, so we assess your skin and hair and usually do a patch test before starting. Our guide to laser and skin types explains why.
What laser technology do you use?
We use Candela laser technology. Your specialist chooses settings for your skin tone, hair colour and treatment area, and adjusts them over your course as your hair changes.
How often should I book sessions?
Sessions are typically spaced around 4 to 8 weeks apart, depending on the area. Faster-growing areas like the face are often closer together, while the body is usually further apart. Your specialist will recommend the right interval for you.
What should I avoid after a session?
As general guidance, avoid heat, saunas, spas, hot showers, strenuous exercise and swimming pools for 24 to 48 hours. Protect the area with SPF 50+, avoid tanning for at least two weeks, and don’t wax or pluck between sessions.
Is laser suitable during pregnancy?
Laser hair removal is generally not recommended during pregnancy, as a precaution. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, please talk to us and your GP or healthcare professional before booking or continuing a course.
Can you treat over tattoos?
No. Tattoo ink absorbs laser energy, so tattooed skin is avoided during treatment, and the area around it is treated with care. Let us know about any tattoos in the area at your consultation.
Will laser work for me?
Laser hair removal is designed to reduce unwanted hair and gives long-term hair reduction for many people, but results vary. It tends to work best on darker hair. Very light, grey, white or red hair usually responds poorly because it has little pigment for the laser to target, and hormones can cause new growth over time.
Are you open on weekends?
Yes. We are open 7 days, 9am to 9pm, including Saturdays and Sundays, so you can fit sessions around work and family.
Where are you located, and how late are you open?
We are in Liverpool, a short drive from Westfield Liverpool and Liverpool station. We close at 9pm every day. Find directions on our contact page.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Everyone’s skin and hair is different. If you have a medical condition, take medication or are pregnant, speak with our team and your healthcare professional before treatment.
