If you are tired of constantly shaving, waxing or dealing with unwanted regrowth, laser hair removal may be something you have considered.
One of the most common questions I am asked in clinic is:
“Will laser actually get rid of my hair?”
Laser hair removal can achieve a significant long-term reduction in unwanted hair, but results vary between individuals.
The best results come from combining the right technology with appropriate tr
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal works by delivering concentrated light energy into pigment within the hair.
This energy is converted into heat and targets structures within the hair follicle responsible for future hair growth.
However, not every hair can be effectively targeted during one appointment.
Hair grows through different stages, and laser works most effectively when the hair is in its active growth phase.
Because only a proportion of hairs are in this stage at any one time, you need a course of treatments rather than a single session.
This is also why keeping to the recommended spacing between your appointments is so important.



What Laser Technology Do We Use?
At Skin & Aesthetics by Haleema, we use professional Derma Diode and Derma Quad laser systems for our laser hair removal treatments.
Our systems incorporate ice-tip cooling technology, helping to cool and soothe the skin while the laser energy is being delivered and making treatment more comfortable.
However, I always explain to patients that effective laser hair removal is not simply about having a good machine.
The treatment itself needs to be tailored to you.
Before and throughout your course, we consider:
- Your skin type
- Hair colour and thickness
- The area being treated
- Your previous response to laser
- Recent sun exposure
- Medical history and medication
- How your hair is responding between sessions
Your settings are then selected and adjusted appropriately rather than treating every patient with exactly the same parameters.
For me, it is the combination of the right technology, the right settings and ongoing assessment that makes the difference.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
I prefer to describe laser hair removal as long-term hair reduction rather than promising that every single hair will permanently disappear.
Over a course of treatment, you may notice:
- Significantly less hair growth
- Finer and softer regrowth
- Hair taking longer to grow back
- Less frequent shaving
- Smoother-feeling skin
Your final result depends on your individual hair growth, skin type, treatment area and hormonal factors.
Some patients may also need occasional maintenance sessions in the future.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Will I Need?
There is no single number that is right for everyone.
The number of treatments you may need depends on factors including:
- The area being treated
- Hair colour and thickness
- Skin type
- Hormones
- Previous hair-removal methods
- Appointment consistency
- Your individual response to treatment
Some areas are more hormonally influenced than others, particularly facial hair.
This is why I prefer to assess your progress throughout your course rather than assuming everyone will respond in exactly the same way.
Does Laser Work on All Hair Colours?
Laser relies on pigment within the hair to absorb the light energy.
This means that darker, coarser hair generally responds more effectively than hair containing very little pigment.
Very blonde, grey or white hair may not respond effectively to laser treatment.
Your skin and hair are assessed before starting treatment so we can discuss what sort of result is realistically achievable.
Can Darker Skin Tones Have Laser Hair Removal?
Yes, but the correct assessment and treatment settings are particularly important.
Both the hair and skin contain pigment, so the laser parameters need to be selected carefully to effectively target the hair while protecting the surrounding skin.
This is one reason why I do not believe laser hair removal should ever be approached as a one-setting-fits-everyone treatment.
Your skin tone, hair type, medical history, medications and patch-test response all need to be considered.
Why Do I Need a Consultation and Patch Test?
Before beginning treatment, we complete a consultation and patch test.
This gives us an opportunity to assess your skin and hair and discuss:
- Your treatment goals
- Medical history
- Current medications
- Previous laser treatments
- Recent sun exposure
- Tanning and fake tan
- Your expected treatment course
The patch test also allows us to assess how your skin responds before progressing to a full treatment area.
For me, this is an important part of delivering laser treatment safely and responsibly.



Should I Shave Before Laser Hair Removal?
Usually, yes.
Shaving removes the hair above the surface while leaving the hair within the follicle available for the laser to target.
Methods that remove hair from the root — such as waxing, threading, epilating or plucking — can interfere with treatment.
You will receive specific preparation instructions before your appointment so you know exactly what to do.
What About Holidays, Tanning and Sun Exposure?
This is really important.
Recent tanning or significant sun exposure can affect how safely we are able to treat your skin.
You should always tell us about:
- Recent holidays
- Upcoming holidays
- Sunburn
- Significant sun exposure
- Sunbed use
- Fake tanning
If your skin has recently been exposed to significant sun or is tanned, we may need to postpone your appointment.
It is always better to tell us in advance rather than risk an unwanted skin reaction.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as warmth, a short sting or a hot pinprick.
The integrated cooling on our laser systems helps make the treatment considerably more comfortable.
Immediately afterwards, you may experience temporary redness or small areas of swelling around the follicles.
These reactions are usually short-lived.
As with any laser treatment, side effects such as burns, blistering or pigment changes are possible, which is why appropriate assessment, settings and aftercare are so important.
When Will I Start Seeing Results?
Laser hair removal is a process rather than an overnight treatment.
After your appointments, some treated hairs may appear to continue growing before gradually shedding.
As you move through your treatment course, you may begin to notice that:
- Regrowth becomes slower
- Hair becomes finer
- Some areas grow back much less densely
- You need to shave less frequently
Your progress is assessed throughout your course so that treatment can be adjusted where appropriate.
Why Choosing the Right Laser Clinic Matters
Laser hair removal is not just about buying a package of sessions.
A good treatment plan should take into account:
Your skin.
Your hair.
Your medical history.
Your response.
And your progress.
At Skin & Aesthetics by Haleema, we assess your response throughout your course rather than simply treating every appointment in exactly the same way.
I also believe in setting realistic expectations from the beginning.
Laser can achieve a fantastic long-term reduction in unwanted hair for the right patient, but it is important that you understand what treatment can realistically achieve before committing to a course.
Laser Hair Removal in Edgbaston & Sutton Coldfield
We offer laser hair removal consultations and treatments from our clinics in Edgbaston and Sutton Coldfield.
Whether you are looking to treat a small area or several areas of the body, we will assess your skin and hair first and recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Ready to Start Your Laser Hair Removal Journey?
If you are considering laser hair removal in Edgbaston or Sutton Coldfield, your first step is a consultation and patch test.
We can assess your skin and hair, discuss the areas you would like treated and create an appropriate treatment plan around you.

