Laser hair removal at CoLaz clinics

Laser hair removal is designed to deliver long-term hair reduction rather than absolute permanent removal. Most patients enjoy smoother skin and significantly less regrowth after a full course, but some finer or lighter hairs may return over time, especially on hormonal areas like the face. Maintenance sessions once or twice a year are usually enough to keep the results, and we recommend these at your consultation rather than selling them up front.

Six to eight sessions is the typical course for visible, lasting reduction on most areas. Coarser hair, hormone-driven growth such as PCOS, or larger areas like the back and chest may need eight or more sessions to reach the same result. Sessions are spaced four to six weeks apart so each treatment catches a new wave of follicles in their active growth phase. Your clinician confirms the course at your consultation, after the patch test.

Our laser systems are calibrated for the full range of skin tones. For lighter skin we use the Alexandrite laser, and for darker and Asian skin tones we use the Nd:YAG laser, which uses a longer wavelength that can distinguish hair pigment from skin pigment safely. The laser only works on darker hair, however; blonde, red, grey or white hairs do not contain enough melanin for the light to target. Suitability is confirmed in person with a patch test forty-eight hours before your first session.

Shaving twelve to twenty-four hours before your session is essential. Shaving removes the hair above the skin so it cannot burn during the pulse, while leaving the root under the skin intact for the laser to target. Do not use hair removal cream, wax, tweezers or threading, those remove the root the laser needs. If you arrive unshaven the clinician may need to shave the area for you or, on larger areas, reschedule the appointment to keep the session safe and effective.

Avoid tanning during your course, whether from the sun, sunbeds or self-tanners. A fresh tan increases the risk of burns, hyperpigmentation and irritation because the skin has more melanin for the laser to react to. If you know you will be in the sun, use SPF 30 or higher daily and cover the treated areas. We recommend waiting at least two weeks after any tanning before your next laser session, and we will reschedule rather than treat tanned skin.

Single-session pricing starts from £24 for the smallest areas such as the nose, ears or underarms, and £30 for the upper lip. Larger areas are priced individually (see the price-by-area list below), and course pricing for three, six or ten sessions is discussed at your free consultation with a discount applied to longer courses. We confirm every price in writing before you book a single session, with no upsells at the till and no hidden charges. The single source of truth for any price we quote is the agreed plan from your consultation.

Most people describe laser hair removal as a quick warm snap against the skin, often compared to a light flick of an elastic band, rather than pain. Our systems use a cooling mechanism that protects and soothes the surface as each pulse is delivered, which keeps the treatment comfortable even on sensitive areas. Smaller, bonier areas such as the upper lip or bikini line can feel a little sharper than larger areas like the legs. The sensation eases as the hair thins over your course, and the therapist adjusts the settings to what your skin comfortably tolerates.

Yes, when it is carried out by a trained professional on suitable equipment, laser hair removal is a well-established and safe treatment. At CoLaz every course begins with a consultation and a patch test to confirm the right settings for your skin tone and hair type. Temporary redness or mild warmth around the follicles for a few hours afterwards is normal. We review your medical history, medications and any recent sun exposure first, because these can affect suitability, and we tailor the settings to keep the treatment both safe and effective.

Yes, the face is one of the most popular areas, including the upper lip, chin, jawline and sides of the face. The settings are adjusted for the thinner, more sensitive facial skin, and we avoid the immediate eye area for safety. Facial hair is often hormonal, so it can need a few extra sessions and occasional maintenance compared with body areas. As with any area, laser targets the pigment in the hair, so it works best on hair that is darker than the surrounding skin. We confirm suitability at your free consultation.

Both use light to reduce hair, but laser uses a single focused wavelength while IPL uses a broader spread of light. The focused beam of laser is generally more precise and more effective across a wider range of skin tones, which is why clinics use medical-grade laser for hair removal. IPL devices, including home gadgets, are usually less powerful and better suited to lighter skin with dark hair. At CoLaz we use professional laser systems and confirm the right approach for your skin and hair at consultation.