Your Smooth Start - A Beginner's Guide to Laser Hair Removal

The First Steps To Laser Hair Removal

Your clinic, (hopefully that will be us!) would need to understand your individual needs, assess your suitability for the treatment, and design a personalised plan just for you. Our therapists are dedicated to ensuring you have all the information you need to feel confident and prepared. During the first consultation, you can expect:

• Discussion On Your Goals and Medical History - We want to hear about your expectations for laser hair removal and the areas you're considering treating. It's also very important to discuss your medical history, including any medications you're currently taking (even supplements) or skin conditions you have. This will help make 100% sure the treatment is safe and effective for you.
• Assess Your Skin and Hair - We'll evaluate your skin type (using a scale like the Fitzpatrick scale, which we can explain), and the hair’s texture in the areas you are looking to treat. This assessment is key to tailoring the treatment settings on our Splendor X laser for optimal results and safety.
• Explain the Splendor X Technology - We’ll introduce you to our Splendor X laser system. We'll explain how it works by targeting the melanin pigment in the hair follicle with a concentrated beam of light, and how its unique features, - BLEND X technology and a dual cooling system, contribute to effective hair reduction, and suitability for all skin types (even tanned skin).
• Develop Your Personalised Treatment Plan - Based on what you are hoping to achieve, your skin and hair type, and the areas to be treated, we’ll outline a customised treatment plan. This will include an estimate of how many sessions you might need – on average, clients may need around six sessions, but this can vary.
• Cover Pre- and Post-Treatment Care: We'll provide you with clear instructions on how to prepare for your laser hair removal sessions and how to care for your skin afterwards to ensure the best possible outcome and minimise any potential irritation.
• Answer All Your Questions: Your consultation is your opportunity to ask anything! No question is too small. We want you to leave feeling fully informed and at ease.

The Patch Test

If, after the consultation, you decide to proceed, and we determine you're a suitable candidate, we will perform a patch test. This involves a small test application of the laser on the intended treatment area. The patch test is vital for a couple of reasons: it helps us determine the most effective and safe settings for your specific skin and hair, and it allows us to check for any adverse reactions before a full treatment session. Please bear in mind that the patch test is typically carried out at least 24-48 hours before your first full treatment.

Setting You Up For Hair Removal Success

Getting the best from your laser hair removal treatment requires a little dedication and planning. Your therapist will give you detailed pre-treatment instructions during your consultation, but here’s what you generally need to do in the weeks and days before your appointment to ensure everything goes smoothly, literally.

Your Pre-Treatment Checklist

• Medication and Supplement Check

 It’s vital to have told us about everything you’re taking - that includes topical creams, herbal remedies, and vitamin supplements. Some things can make your skin extra sensitive to light (photo-sensitising) or cause unexpected reactions. Your therapist will tell you if you need to stop taking anything. Ideally, you turn up armed with a list.

• Sun Smart, Not Sun-Soaked (2-4 Weeks Before) - Our Splendor X laser is clever and safe for tanned skin, but we still advise avoiding direct sun exposure, sunbeds, and any fake tan products on the area you’re having treated for at least two to four weeks beforehand. Skin that’s had a lot of sun can be more sensitive. If you do catch the sun, please let your therapist know.
• Pause Plucking (4 Weeks Before) - For the laser to work its magic, the hair root needs to be there. So, stop all waxing, plucking, tweezing, or using hair removal creams on the treatment area for at least four weeks before your session. Shaving is the only green-lighted hair removal method.
• Skincare Product Review (Chat with your Therapist) - If you’re using products with strong active ingredients like topical retinoids on the area, please mention it to your therapist. They’ll let you know if and when you should stop using them before your session (it’s often about four weeks for retinoids, but always follow our specific advice).
• Shave the Day Before (12-24 Hours Prior) - Shave the treatment area 12-24 hours before you come in. This helps the laser focus its energy on the hair follicle under the skin, not on the hair above it. This makes the treatment more effective and comfortable. Try to avoid shaving within 8 hours of your appointment to prevent any skin irritation.
• Clean Skin On the Day - Please make sure the area is squeaky clean and free from any lotions, creams, makeup, deodorant, or fragrances. 
• Comfortable Clothes are a Must - Opt for loose-fitting clothing to wear to your appointment, especially if you're treating larger or more sensitive spots. This will help avoid any rubbing on your skin afterwards.
• Caffeine? Save for later - Some people find that caffeine can make them a bit more sensitive. You might want to skip your usual coffee or tea on the day of your treatment.

Important - If your skin gets irritated, you spot an infection, or you start any new medication (even creams) before your appointment, please give the clinic a call straight away. We might need to reschedule your session to be on the safe side.

What Happens During Your Laser Hair Treatment?

So, you’ve done your prep, and treatment day is here! We know that first-timers can be a little nervous, but our experienced therapists at Aesthetica Medical are here to make your session as comfortable and effective as possible. Here’s a rundown of what you can typically expect when you come in for your Splendor X laser hair removal treatment:

Settling In and Final Checks

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The Treatment Itself

• Area Preparation - The therapist will clean the area to be treated thoroughly.
• Safety First - You’ll be given protective eyewear to wear during the entire session – this is essential to protect your eyes from the laser light. Your therapist will wear it too.
• Cooling Gel (Sometimes) - For some treatments, particularly with certain laser types or for enhanced comfort, a thin layer of cooling gel might be applied to your skin. This helps the laser handpiece glide smoothly and can also help keep the skin cool. (The Splendor X has an excellent built-in cooling system, so gel isn't always necessary but may be used).
• The Laser in Action - The therapist will then use the laser machine handpiece, passing it over the treatment area. Our Splendor X uses a unique square-shaped spot size for better coverage and to avoid missed areas or excessive overlap. You'll hear the laser and feel the handpiece on your skin.
• What Does it Feel Like? - As the laser targets the hair follicles, most people describe the sensation as a very quick, warm snap. The Splendor X’s advanced dual cooling system works simultaneously to cool the skin's surface, making the treatment much more comfortable than outdated laser technologies. You might feel a warming sensation as the laser heats the hair follicles. For sensitive areas, it might be described as 'mild discomfort,' but it’s generally very tolerable.
• Treatment Duration - The length of your session depends on the size of the area being treated. Small areas like the upper lip might take just a few minutes (e.g., 10 minutes), while larger areas like the back or legs could take up to an hour or more.

Immediately After The Laser Treatment

• Skin Reaction - It's perfectly normal for the treated skin to look a little red or feel slightly warm, similar to mild sunburn. You might also see some slight swelling around the hair follicles (called perifollicular oedema), this is actually a good sign that the treatment has been effective! These effects usually subside within a few hours to a day or two.



Our therapists are always on hand to answer any questions during the treatment and will ensure you're as comfortable as possible.

Post-Treatment Care

Your laser hair removal session is complete. Now, looking after your skin to make sure it heals beautifully and you get the best long-term results is key. Your skin might feel a little tender, red, or slightly swollen. This is all quite normal. Here’s how to give it some TLC:

Immediate Aftercare (First 48 Hours)

• Cool the skin Down - You can apply a cold pack or a cool compress to the treated area if it feels warm or uncomfortable. This can help reduce any tenderness.
• Keep it Clean and Dry - Gently cleanse the area if needed, but avoid harsh scrubbing. Pat it dry softly. Try to keep the area clean and dry for the first 48 hours.
• Soothe with Aloe Vera - Applying aloe vera gel is a great way to soothe the skin for the first few days post-treatment. A gentle, unfragranced moisturising cream can also be used. Check the ingredients of anything you might use and ensure no alcohol is present.
• Loose Clothing - Continue to wear loose, soft clothing over the treated area to avoid any friction or irritation for at least 48 hours.
• Hands Off - Avoid rubbing, picking, or scratching the treated skin. Let it heal naturally.
• Avoid Makeup - If you’ve had facial treatment, it's best to avoid applying makeup to the treated area for at least 48 hours to reduce the risk of irritation or infection.
• Alcohol and Caffeine - It’s wise to avoid excess alcohol or caffeine for 48 hours after treatment, as these can sometimes increase sensitivity or flushing.

In the Following Days and Weeks (72 Hours +)

• Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable - This is important! Avoid direct sun exposure and sunbeds on the treated area for at least 2-4 weeks (ideally 4 weeks) after your treatment. When you are out in the sun, wear a high SPF sunscreen (SPF 50 or greater) on the area. Why? This helps prevent pigmentation changes.
• Avoid Heat - Steer clear of hot baths, showers, saunas, steam rooms, and strenuous exercise that causes excessive sweating for at least 48-72 hours (or as advised by your therapist). Warm water is fine, just keep the temperature down. Why? Your skin retains heat after the laser; adding more can increase irritation or prolong redness.
• Chlorine - Avoid swimming in chlorinated water (like pools or hot tubs) for 2-3 days after your treatment. Why? Chlorine is a chemical irritant and can dry out or aggravate freshly treated skin.
• Gentle Skincare Only - For the first 72 hours (and ideally up to a week), avoid using any harsh chemicals, perfumes, fake tan, or exfoliating products (like scrubs, alpha-hydroxy acids, retinol, glycolic acid) on the treated area. Reintroduce things like these (if you use them), gradually as your skin settles.  Why? Harsh products can over-sensitise or damage skin that is healing.
• Hair Removal Between Sessions - If you notice hair appearing between sessions, shaving is the preferred method. Do not pluck, wax, tweeze, or use depilatory creams on the area throughout your entire course of treatments. Avoid shaving the treated area for the first 72 hours post-treatment to let the skin settle. Why? The laser needs the hair root intact to work effectively in future sessions; shaving preserves this.

When to Contact Us

While adverse reactions are very uncommon, if you do experience any signs of infection (like increasing pain, pus, or persistent heat), or if you have any other concerns or notice any unwanted side effects, please contact the clinic as soon as possible for advice.

Following these aftercare steps will help your skin recover quickly and maximise the benefits of your Splendor X laser hair removal. 

Understanding Results and Session Numbers

One of the most common questions we get is about results: "How many sessions will I need, and what can I expect?" It's important to understand that laser hair removal is a process, not a one-off fix. Achieving that long-lasting smoothness involves a course of treatments, and here’s why:

Why Multiple Sessions are needed for Laser hair removal

• The Anagen Phase - Your hair grows in three main phases: Anagen (the active growing phase), Catagen (a transitional phase), and Telogen (the resting phase). Laser hair removal is most effective when the hair is in the Anagen (growing) phase. Why? During Anagen, the hair is actively attached to the follicle and contains the most melanin (pigment), which the laser targets to damage the follicle and prevent future growth.
• Not All Hairs Are in Sync - At any given time, only a certain percentage of your hairs in a particular area are in this active Anagen phase (often around 20-30%, but it varies by body area and individual). The other hairs will be in the Catagen or Telogen phase, where the laser is less effective.
• Catching Each Cycle - This is why you need multiple sessions, spaced several weeks apart. Each session aims to target the hairs that have newly entered the Anagen phase since your last treatment. Over a course of treatments, we can progressively catch more and more hairs in their prime growth stage.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

• On Average, 6-8 Sessions - While it varies from person to person and depends on the treatment area, hair density, hair colour, skin type, and even hormonal factors, most patients achieve significant, long-lasting hair reduction after an average of 6-8 sessions. Our Splendor X combines two laser wavelengths, designed for efficiency and may mean fewer sessions compared to some older single-wavelength lasers. This is the reason we chose this machine.
• Your Personalised Plan - During your initial consultation, your therapist will assess these factors and give you a more personalised estimate for your specific needs.

Factors Influencing Session Numbers - Areas with denser, coarser hair (like underarms or bikini line) might respond more quickly than areas with finer hair. Hormonal fluctuations can also sometimes stimulate new hair growth over time, potentially requiring occasional maintenance sessions.

What Kind of Results Can You Expect Over Time?

• Gradual Reduction - You won't see all hair disappear after one session. Instead, you'll notice a gradual thinning of the hair and a reduction in the amount of hair growing back after each treatment.
• Shedding Phase - In the 1-3 weeks following a treatment, you'll typically experience shedding of the treated hairs. It might look like the hair is still growing, but it's actually the damaged hairs being pushed out of the follicle.
• Smoother Skin - As you progress through your course, the treated areas will become progressively smoother, and hair growth will be noticeably sparser and finer. Patients also report a reduction in ingrown hairs.
• Long-Term Hair Reduction - The goal of laser hair removal is significant and long-lasting hair reduction. While it's often marketed as "permanent," it's more accurate to say it offers permanent hair reduction. Most people experience a very significant decrease in hair growth that can last for years.
• Possible Maintenance - Patients may find they benefit from a top-up or maintenance session once or twice a year after completing their initial course to target any new hair growth that may appear due to hormonal changes or new hair cycles.



Patience is the thing that you need when it comes to laser hair removal. Following your recommended treatment schedule will give you the best chance of achieving the smooth, carefree skin you're aiming for with Aesthetica Medical.

Further questions?

If you have any questions and we have not covered them here, we would really like to hear from you. Feel free to call us up or contact us through our form here.