Laser hair removal is a popular option for reducing unwanted hair on the face and body. It can help reduce the need for regular shaving, waxing, plucking or threading, while also helping some clients with irritation, shaving rash and ingrown hairs.
At Dermé Aesthetic Clinic in Camberwell, laser hair removal is performed using Candela GentleMax Pro technology. Treatments are tailored to your skin tone, hair colour, hair thickness, treatment area and goals.
Because hair grows in cycles, laser hair removal usually requires a course of treatments. A professional consultation allows your practitioner to assess your suitability, explain what to expect and recommend a treatment plan for your chosen areas.
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy to target pigment within the hair follicle. The light energy is absorbed by the hair and converted into heat, which helps reduce the follicle’s ability to produce future hair growth.
The treatment is designed for long-term hair reduction rather than instant complete hair removal. With each session, regrowth may become finer, softer, slower and less dense.
Laser hair removal works best on hairs that are in the active growth phase. Because not all hairs are active at the same time, multiple sessions are needed to treat the area effectively over time.
Clients may choose laser hair removal for convenience, comfort, confidence or to reduce ongoing irritation from other hair removal methods.
Laser hair removal may assist with:
Dermé uses the Candela GentleMax Pro, a medical-grade laser platform commonly used for professional laser hair removal.
The Candela GentleMax Pro combines two wavelengths:
Your practitioner will select the most appropriate settings based on your skin type, hair type and treatment area. The device also has a built-in cooling system to help protect the skin and improve comfort during treatment.
Laser hair removal can be used on many areas of the face and body. Common treatment areas include:
Your practitioner will confirm whether the area you would like treated is suitable during consultation.
Laser hair removal is generally most effective when there is a clear contrast between the hair and the skin, as the laser targets pigment in the hair. Darker, coarser hair often responds better than very fine, blonde, red, grey or white hair.
Suitability depends on several factors, including:
If you have a history of skin conditions, photosensitivity, active infection, recent tanning, pregnancy, certain medications or uncertainty about a skin lesion in the treatment area, this should be discussed before treatment.
Your treatment begins with a consultation so we can understand your concerns and create a safe and realistic plan.
Your consultation may include:
Dermé is a doctor-led clinic, and a cosmetic doctor is on site who can assess or refer if needed.
Most clients need a course of treatments because hair grows in different cycles. The exact number of sessions varies depending on the area, hair type, skin type and individual response.
As a general guide, many clients require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart. Facial areas are often treated at shorter intervals than body areas, while larger body areas may need longer spacing between sessions.
Maintenance treatments may be recommended over time, especially for areas influenced by hormones, such as the face, neck, chest or bikini area.
Before treatment, the area is usually cleaned and assessed. The hair should be shaved before your appointment so the laser can focus on the follicle below the skin rather than hair above the surface.
During treatment, the laser delivers controlled pulses of light to the treatment area. You may feel a quick warm snap on the skin followed by cooling from the device. Comfort varies depending on the area, hair density and individual sensitivity.
Treatment time depends on the size of the area. Small areas such as the upper lip or underarms may be quick, while larger areas such as legs, back or full body treatments take longer.
To help make your treatment safer and more effective, your practitioner will provide preparation instructions. General guidance may include:
If the area is sunburnt, irritated, recently tanned or affected by an active skin condition, your treatment may need to be delayed.
After laser hair removal, the skin may feel warm, red or slightly sensitive. This is usually temporary and settles within a short period for most clients.
Aftercare may include:
Hair may appear to shed gradually after treatment. This is part of the process and should not be picked or aggressively exfoliated.
Yes. Shaving is usually the preferred method of hair removal between laser sessions because it leaves the hair follicle intact for the next treatment.
Waxing, plucking, threading and bleaching should generally be avoided between sessions because they can reduce the effectiveness of the laser treatment.
Different skin tones require different laser settings and careful assessment. The Candela GentleMax Pro allows settings to be selected according to the client’s skin type and hair type.
Olive, Asian and darker skin tones require particular care because they may be more prone to heat-related irritation or post-inflammatory pigmentation if treatment is too aggressive. At Dermé, settings are selected conservatively where appropriate, with safety and gradual improvement prioritised.
Some clients choose laser hair removal because they experience ingrown hairs, shaving bumps or irritation after waxing or shaving. By reducing hair density and regrowth over time, laser hair removal may help reduce the triggers that contribute to ingrown hairs in suitable clients.
If you have active inflammation, infection, folliculitis, severe irritation or painful cyst-like lesions, your practitioner may recommend delaying treatment or seeking medical review before proceeding.
Laser hair removal is generally well tolerated when performed on suitable clients using appropriate settings, but side effects can occur.
Possible side effects may include:
Your practitioner will discuss the risks relevant to your skin type, treatment area and medical history before proceeding.
Laser hair removal results build gradually over a course of treatments. Many clients notice slower, finer and softer regrowth after several sessions, with progressive reduction as the course continues.
Results vary between individuals. Hormonal factors, genetics, hair colour, hair thickness and treatment consistency can all affect outcomes. Maintenance sessions may be required to help preserve results.
At Dermé Aesthetic Clinic, laser hair removal is planned with a focus on safety, comfort and long-term hair reduction.
Our approach includes:
Laser hair removal is best described as long-term hair reduction. Treated follicles may produce less hair over time, and regrowth may become finer and slower. Some clients need occasional maintenance sessions, especially in hormonally influenced areas.
The number of sessions varies depending on the treatment area, hair type, skin tone and individual response. Most clients require a course of treatments because hair grows in cycles.
Most clients report significant and long lasting reduction in hair after 8-10 sessions and will start less frequent maintenance treatment.
Treatment spacing depends on the area. Facial areas are often treated at shorter intervals, while body areas are usually spaced further apart. Your practitioner will recommend a schedule during consultation.
Generally an depending to area, skin type, personal response and hair colour, repeat treatments each 4-8 is needed.
Most clients describe the sensation as a quick snap or warm flick on the skin. The Candela GentleMax Pro has a cooling system to help improve comfort during treatment.
Waxing, plucking and threading should generally be avoided because the laser needs the hair follicle present to target it effectively. Shaving is usually recommended between sessions.
Yes, in most cases the area should be shaved 12 to 24 hours before treatment. Your practitioner will provide instructions for your treatment area.
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in the hair. Blonde, red, grey and white hairs may respond poorly because they contain less pigment. Suitability can be assessed during consultation.
Laser hair removal may be suitable for many skin tones when the correct settings are used. Darker skin tones require careful assessment and conservative settings to reduce the risk of irritation or pigmentation changes.
Fake tan should be avoided before laser treatment because it can increase the risk of heat-related irritation or pigmentation changes. Your practitioner may delay treatment if fake tan is present.
You may be advised to avoid direct sun, excessive heat, saunas, steam rooms, strenuous exercise and active skincare for a short period after treatment.
By reducing hair growth and density over time, laser hair removal may help reduce ingrown hairs in suitable clients. Active inflammation or infection should be assessed before treatment.
Yes. Hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can influence hair growth and may affect how your hair responds to laser hair removal. Many people with PCOS still choose laser hair removal as part of their long-term hair management plan. A course of treatments and ongoing maintenance sessions may be recommended depending on your individual response. During your consultation, your practitioner will assess your hair growth pattern and discuss an appropriate treatment plan.
This depends on your individual circumstances and timeline. If you are not currently pregnant, you may wish to begin treatment before pregnancy, as laser hair removal usually requires a series of sessions over time. If you become pregnant during your treatment course, further sessions would generally be postponed until after pregnancy. Your practitioner will discuss your plans and help you decide on an appropriate treatment schedule.
Laser hair removal may be suitable for some teenagers following an individual assessment. Suitability depends on factors such as age, hair growth pattern, skin type, hormonal influences and the treatment area. As hormonal changes during adolescence can affect hair growth, treatment response may vary and maintenance treatments may be required. A parent or legal guardian should attend the consultation for minors and provide consent where required.
Hormonal changes during puberty can influence hair growth, which means new hairs may continue to develop over time. Laser hair removal may still be considered for suitable teenagers, but treatment plans and maintenance requirements vary between individuals. Your practitioner will discuss what may reasonably be expected based on your age, hair growth pattern and treatment goals.
