Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, with most people experiencing long-term results. While some maintenance sessions may be needed, the Cynosure Elite+ system provides some of the most effective and lasting results available, with many clients seeing up to 90% hair reduction after a full course of treatments.

Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy to target hair follicles. The laser’s heat damages the follicle, reducing its ability to regrow hair. This process is called 'selective photothermolysis' ('photo' means 'light' and 'thermolysis' means 'breakdown of molecules by the action of heat').

The Cynosure® Elite+ system, which we use in our clinic, combines Alexandrite (755nm) and Nd:YAG (1064nm) wavelengths, making it effective on both lighter and darker skin tones while delivering precise, long-lasting results.

Lighter skin types (I – III): Alexandrite laser (755 nm)

The Alexandrite is one of the most widely used hair removal lasers. Operating at a shorter wavelength of 755 nm (near infrared), it is best suited for treating lighter skin types.

Light skin is firstly treated with a short pulse width of 10 msec. Once the hair becomes finer, a more aggressive pulse width (5 msec) is used.

Thicker hair requires a lower fluence than finer hair. As a general starting point, thicker hair is treated at 20 joules / cm², reducing to as low as 15 joules / cm² for denser areas (e.g. men's facial hair).

The largest possible spot size (18 mm) is used to increase efficacy. Repetition rates over 1 Hz may be chosen depending on your level of comfort.

Darker skin types (IV-VI): Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm)

A longer wavelength, combined with a longer pulse width, is more suitable for darker skin types. As such, the Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) is used for skin types IV-VI.

In general, we begin with a pulse width of 30 msec and a repetition rate of 1-1.5 Hz. 30 joules / cm² is the default fluence, but this can be reduced to 20 joules / cm² for thicker hair.

The spot size is determined by the size of the treatment area. For example, a smaller spot size of 10 mm may be used on areas like the face, bikini, and underarms, while a larger spot size of 15 mm might be used on your legs.

Cynosure Elite+ stands out due to:

• Dual-wavelength technology – Effectively treats a wide range of skin and hair types.
• Faster treatment times – Covers large areas quickly with high-powered laser pulses.
• Enhanced safety – Built-in cooling reduces discomfort and protects the skin.
• Proven long-term results – Reduces hair growth more effectively compared to IPL or diode lasers.

The Cynosure® laser treatment can remove hair from any part of your face or body, including your upper lip, chin, legs, underarms, bikini, arms, chest, and back.

Women usually choose to treat their bikini area, legs, underarms, and face, while men commonly choose their chest, back, and beard / neck area.

Treatments can take from 15 minutes to 75 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area.

Most clients need 6 to 8 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, depending on the treatment area and hair type. The Cynosure Elite+ system’s advanced laser technology ensures fewer sessions compared to older systems.

Cynosure® Laser Hair Removal is clinically proven and cleared by the FDA - a status attributed to only the most effective products. The treatment works on all skin types, including light and dark skin. You must be over the age of 18 to have the procedure.

Yes. Many lasers struggle with darker skin tones, but Cynosure Elite+ uses Nd:YAG technology, which safely and effectively treats all skin types without causing pigmentation issues. This makes it a superior choice for diverse skin tones compared to IPL or diode lasers.

Laser hair removal works best on dark, coarse hair because the laser targets melanin (pigment in the hair). Lighter hair, such as blonde, grey, or red, is less responsive to treatment. However, Cynosure Elite+’s advanced settings allow for optimised results on a wider range of hair types compared to other systems.

Most clients describe laser hair removal as mild discomfort, similar to a warm snapping sensation. The Cynosure Elite+ features a built-in cooling system, minimising discomfort and making treatment more comfortable than older laser technologies.

Perifollicular Oedema, or hair follicle swelling, is a perfectly natural side effect of every laser hair removal treatment. In 90% of patients, the swelling will disappear after about 15 minutes. In very rare cases, it might last for several days and cause itching. If this does occur, we recommend alleviating the symptoms with Aloe Vera or 1% hydrocortisone cream.

The most common long-term hair removal methods are laser hair removal, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), and electrolysis:

• Laser Hair Removal – Uses concentrated laser energy to target and damage hair follicles, reducing regrowth over time. It is fast, effective on larger areas, and provides long-term results.
• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) – Works similarly to laser but uses broad-spectrum light instead of a focused beam. It is less precise and often requires more sessions for similar results.
• Electrolysis – Uses an electric current to destroy hair follicles one by one. While it can permanently remove hair, the process is slow, uncomfortable, and impractical for larger areas compared to laser hair removal.

Overall, laser hair removal offers the best balance of speed, comfort, and long-term hair reduction, making it the most efficient choice for most people.

Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments work in similar ways—both use selective photothermolysis to destroy basal stem cells in the follicles, inhibiting hair regrowth.

However, IPL does not use a single, precise wavelength. Instead, it emits a broad spectrum of light, including high-intensity wavelengths. As a result, IPL cannot deliver the fluence and pulse durations needed for optimal selective photothermolysis, making it significantly less effective than laser treatment. While IPL can eventually achieve similar results, it requires more sessions, takes longer, and the results do not last as long.

Laser hair removal is faster, less painful, and more effective for treating larger areas compared to electrolysis. While electrolysis targets individual hairs, making it highly precise, it is significantly slower and can be more uncomfortable. Laser treatment covers multiple hairs at once, reducing overall treatment time and discomfort. It is the preferred option for most people seeking long-term hair reduction.

Some of the leading laser hair removal systems include:

• Candela GentleMax Pro – A versatile system combining Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers for treating various skin types.
• Lumenis Lightsheer – Uses diode laser technology, offering fast treatment times and effective results.
• Soprano ICE – Known for its pain-reducing cooling system and suitability for different skin tones.
• Cynosure Elite+ – A dual-wavelength system (Alexandrite and Nd:YAG) designed for precision, speed, and effectiveness on all skin types.

Among these, Cynosure Elite+ stands out due to its ability to treat both light and dark skin tones safely while delivering fast, consistent results. Its dual-laser technology allows for customised treatments, making it one of the most effective and adaptable systems available.

We do not recommend Cynosure® Laser Hair Removal if you use fake tan, your skin is unnaturally tanned, or if you are planning a sunny holiday during your treatment programme. For the treatment to be safe and effective, your skin tone should remain consistent from your first session to your last.

At the start of your laser treatments, your skin tone is assessed, and the laser settings are calibrated specifically for it. After each session, these settings are adjusted based on your response to treatment. However, if you tan naturally, use sunbeds, or apply self-tanner between sessions, this alters your skin tone and affects how your skin absorbs the laser energy. This can impact the effectiveness of the treatment and increase the risk of side effects.

• Shave the area 24 hours before your appointment.
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including fake tan) for at least two weeks.
• Stop waxing, plucking, or threading four weeks before treatment.
• Do not apply creams, deodorants, or makeup to the area on the day of treatment.

• Mild redness or sensitivity, similar to a light sunburn, which usually subsides within a few hours.
• Hair shedding over the following weeks, as treated follicles are expelled.
• Avoid direct sun exposure and always apply SPF 30+ on treated areas.
• No waxing or plucking between sessions—shaving is allowed.

Yes. At your Consultation we can organise a payment plan that suits you.