How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses pulses of concentrated light that are absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light turns to heat, which travels down the hair shaft and damages the follicle so that it grows back finer and more slowly — and, over a course, often not at all.
Hair grows in cycles, and the laser only affects hairs that are actively growing at the time of treatment. That is why a course of sessions, spaced several weeks apart, is needed to catch each hair in the right phase. At LUMÉ we use a medical-grade laser with built-in skin cooling, and settings are adjusted for every client.
Who is it suitable for?
Laser hair removal may suit adults aged 18 and over who are tired of shaving, waxing or ingrown hairs. Popular areas include the underarms, bikini line, legs, upper lip, chin, chest and back.
It works best on darker hair. Very fair, grey, white or red hair has little pigment for the laser to target, so results are usually poor — and we will tell you that honestly. Laser is not suitable during pregnancy, on tanned or sunburnt skin, over tattoos, or if you take certain light-sensitising medicines. Some hormonal conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, can mean more sessions are needed.
What happens at your appointments?
- Consultation. We ask about your medical history, medicines and skin, and look at your hair type in the area you’d like treated.
- Patch test. A small test area is treated at least 48 hours before your first full session so we can check how your skin responds.
- Preparation. Shave the area the day before. Do not wax, pluck or use hair-removal creams for four weeks beforehand, and avoid sun exposure.
- Treatment. You and your practitioner wear protective eyewear. Each pulse feels like a quick, warm snap; built-in cooling keeps you comfortable. Small areas take about 15 minutes.
- Course and review. Sessions are repeated every four to eight weeks, and we review your progress along the way.
Downtime and aftercare
Most people go straight back to normal activities. Skin may look pink with small raised bumps around the follicles for a few hours, sometimes up to a day. Treated hairs can take one to three weeks to shed — this is normal.
- Avoid hot baths, saunas, swimming and intense exercise for 24–48 hours.
- Avoid sun exposure and sunbeds, and wear SPF 50 on exposed areas throughout your course.
- Do not wax or pluck between sessions — shaving is fine.
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser if the skin feels warm.
Risks, in plain language
Laser hair removal is well established and generally safe when carried out by a trained practitioner with the right settings. Common, short-lived effects are redness, swelling and mild discomfort. Less commonly, the skin can blister, crust, or become temporarily darker or lighter — risks that are higher on tanned skin, which is why we patch test and ask you to avoid the sun. Rarely, laser can cause scarring or, paradoxically, increased hair growth in some areas. We will explain how these risks apply to you before you start.
Results. Laser offers long-term hair reduction. Most people see a significant reduction over a course, but individual results vary and occasional top-ups may be needed.