Medical-grade laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in each hair follicle with light energy, disabling it so hair stops regrowing. At our Barking clinic, every course starts with a consultation so your practitioner can choose settings suited to your skin tone and hair colour, not a single setting used on everyone.
How laser hair removal works
The laser's light energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle, which converts it to heat and damages the follicle so it stops producing hair. Skin tone, hair colour and hair thickness all affect how much energy is needed, so your practitioner sets the machine specifically for you at each visit and checks again if your skin has changed since your last session.
Built-in cooling for comfort
Modern medical-grade lasers cool the skin's surface throughout the treatment, so the sensation is closer to a warm tap than a sharp sting. This also protects the skin while the follicle underneath is being treated.
Suitable for every skin tone
We use settings suited to deeper skin tones as standard, adjusting for how much melanin is in your skin so treatment stays effective and comfortable without a higher risk of pigment changes. This is discussed and checked at your consultation and patch test before your first full session.
What a course of treatment looks like
Every course starts with a consultation and patch test. Hair grows in cycles, and the laser only affects follicles in their active growth phase, so a course of 6 to 8 sessions, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, is standard to catch hair at different stages of growth. Shedding typically starts 1 to 3 weeks after each session, and a single annual top-up maintains results once the course is complete.
Preparing for your appointment
- Shave the treatment area 12 to 24 hours before your appointment.
- Avoid waxing, plucking or threading for at least four weeks beforehand.
- Pause retinols or strong acids on the area for a week before your session.
- Avoid direct sun and fake tan in the days before treatment.
Aftercare
Keep the treated area out of direct sun and away from heat, saunas and hot baths for 48 hours. Apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturiser if the skin feels warm, and use a high SPF on any exposed treated area for at least a week afterward.
Laser hair removal in Barking and East London
Our clinic is in Barking, a short walk from the station, and we see clients from across East London for laser hair removal alongside our other treatments. Booking a consultation first means your first full session is set up correctly for your skin and hair from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Is it painful?
Most clients find it comfortable. Built-in cooling keeps the treated area calm through the session, so the sensation is closer to warmth than a sting.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients need 6 to 8 sessions, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, to catch hair across its different growth cycles.
Can it be done on dark skin safely?
Yes. We use settings suited to deeper skin tones and confirm this with a patch test before your first full session, so treatment stays safe and effective across all Fitzpatrick skin types.
Should I shave before my appointment?
Yes, around 12 to 24 hours before, so the laser's energy is concentrated on the hair root, not absorbed by hair on the surface.
Can I go in the sun after treatment?
Protect the treated area with a high SPF for at least a week afterward, since skin is more sensitive to UV immediately after a session.