Last year, over one million people – all tired of waxing, plucking and shaving – booked in for laser hair removal to zap their unwanted hair for good. When it comes to getting silky-smooth, fuzz-free skin, there’s no longer-lasting, more effective treatment available. No wonder, then, that next-gen hair removal lasers are proving so popular.
And now, in autumn, is the perfect time to book in for laser hair removal. It’s recommended you don’t sunbathe between sessions – and the season’s soon-to-plummet temperatures will be taking care of that. But, before you get booked in, we reveal everything you need to know about laser hair removal, from how it works to the number of sessions you’ll need to blitz every last hair…
How does laser hair removal work?
At Mallucci London, we use a medical-grade device called Cynosure Elite to carry out your laser hair removal treatment. And the way the machine works is ingenious; the laser sends light through the hair shaft, which converts to heat and damages the follicle. This inhibits hair growth over time.
It’s not a one-off treatment, though. Although you can expect to see hair shed around two weeks after the first session, it takes a few appointments to treat every unwanted hair. This is because each follicle has a different growth pattern, meaning some might not be visible during a particular session, while others may be slightly more stubborn in the face of the laser.
Who can have laser hair removal?
The best way to know if you’re a suitable candidate for laser hair removal is with a consultation. Your Mallucci London expert will be able to advise on your best course of action. However, as a general rule, lasers work best on dark, coarse hair that contrasts against the skin tone, because the device is better able to differentiate between the pigment in the strand and the pigment in your skin.
That said, Cynosure Elite is one of the most advanced devices available, meaning even lighter hair can be treated, depending on how fine it is. So, don’t write off the treatment if your hair is fair. To find out whether laser hair removal is right for you, reach out to one of our practitioners using the contact form.
Where can I have laser hair removal?
Most body and facial areas can be treated with laser hair removal, including upper lip and chin, legs, bikini, arms, underarms, hands, feet, back, and so much more.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies, depending on the area you’re treating, how coarse the hair is, and how responsive it may be. Expect between six to ten sessions for a 90% reduction in unwanted hair. It sounds counterintuitive, but darker, coarser hair often requires fewer sessions. This is because the laser is able to pick up on the pigment easily, and blitz more effectively.
Will I see results after one treatment?
Sometimes you can see results after your first treatment, but expect these to be minimal. There might be areas where the hair isn’t growing back as quickly, or sparse patches where it hasn’t returned at all. Keep consistent with your laser hair removal routine and, over time, you’ll notice less and less hair is visible. Results typically appear one to three weeks after each session.
How long does laser hair removal really last?
The results are designed to be permanent. No, really. It’s said that 90% of laser hair removal patients who are good candidates for the procedure report permanent hair loss after an average of three to six sessions. That statistic becomes even more impressive when you think of the time saved on waxing appointments and shaving. Once your course is over, you may never have to step foot in a waxing salon again.
Why do I have to wait four weeks between each session?
We recommend you wait four to six weeks between sessions to allow the hair’s full growth phase to play out. Each strand grows and sheds at different rates, which means different hairs may be targeted from one appointment to the next. Allowing these hairs to grow through increases the chance of zapping them at your next booking, so over time you’ll achieve full coverage removal.
Should I shave before laser hair removal?
Yes. Don’t wax or pluck, but make sure you shave the area you want your practitioner to treat around 24 hours before your appointment. The closer the shave, the less ‘pinging’ you’ll feel during the laser treatment.
What happens if you don’t shave before your appointment?
If you don’t shave beforehand, the laser will singe the hair and may result in a burn on your skin. The treatment will also be less effective, as the hair will absorb most of the laser’s energy. Because of this, it’s important you pay close attention to the area you want to treat before your appointment, making sure you’ve achieved a clean, close shave with no strays left behind.
How else do I prepare for the laser?
Make sure you come in makeup-free if you’re having laser hair removal on your face. We also recommend avoiding sunbathing or sunbeds in the weeks leading up to your appointment.
What happens during the treatment?
Your appointment will last between 20 minutes to one hour, depending on the area that’s treated. In this time, your Mallucci London practitioner will expertly target follicles to get the best results. Meanwhile, you’ll sit back and relax as every hair is zapped, putting you on the path to softer, smoother, stubble-free skin.
Is the laser painful?
The first thing you should know is that it’s not painful. When the laser passes over your skin, it feels like tiny elastic bands pinging, and you might experience a warming sensation. Certain areas where the skin is thinner – like the temples or the upper lip – may be more sensitive. However, any discomfort is minor and will be forgotten by the time you walk out of your appointment.
How do I care for skin after hair has been removed?
While there’s no downtime post-laser, you might experience some mild redness or swelling a few hours after treatment. This is actually a good thing, as it shows the follicles are reacting. Skip sunbathing, harsh exfoliants and powerful acids in the days following each appointment, opting instead to wear sunscreen daily. Tip: wear SPF year-round, and your skin will thank you in future.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
Prices for laser hair removal at Mallucci London start at £110. For more information, fill out our booking form, and our team will be in touch.
Looking for more ways to enhance your beauty routine this autumn? Discover our guide to glowing skin, featuring the new 24 Carat Glow treatment package.
