Laser Hair Removal
- Upper lip or chin£50
- Full face£90
- Underarms£60
- Bikini line£70
- Brazilian / Hollywood£90
- Half legs£130
- Full legs£220
- Back or chest£150
Removal Treatments
Laser Hair Removal
Spend less time shaving, waxing and dealing with ingrown hairs. Our diode laser offers long-term reduction of unwanted hair on the face and body for women and men, planned around your hair colour, skin type and lifestyle after a free patch test.
About Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a treatment that uses focused laser light to heat and disable hair follicles, reducing regrowth over a course of sessions. At Skin Anatomy in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, we use diode laser technology for long-term hair reduction on the face and body, starting with a free consultation and patch test.
Shaving, waxing, threading and epilating all deal with hair at or just below the surface, so it keeps coming back — often with stubble, rashes and painful ingrown hairs along the way. Laser hair removal targets the follicle itself. Over a course of treatments, most clients see a significant, long-term reduction in the amount of hair that grows back, and the hair that does return is often finer and lighter. Women and men come to our Southwell clinic for smoother skin and far less time spent on hair removal.
The science is called selective photothermolysis. Our diode laser emits a single, focused wavelength of light that is absorbed by melanin, the pigment in the hair. The light turns into heat inside the follicle, and when the base of the follicle and the stem cells that drive regrowth are heated sufficiently, the follicle's ability to grow new hair is disabled, while the surrounding skin is spared. This is why the contrast between hair and skin colour matters, and why a careful assessment comes first.
Hair grows in cycles, and the laser is only effective on hairs in the active growth phase. At any one time only a proportion of follicles are in that phase, so a course of treatments spaced several weeks apart is needed to catch each follicle at the right moment. Most clients need around six to eight sessions for a body area. Facial hair, and hair influenced by hormones such as with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can need more sessions and occasional maintenance.
Laser hair removal works best on dark hair. White, grey, red and very fair hair contains little or no melanin, so it does not respond well, and we will tell you honestly at consultation if laser is unlikely to work for you. Every client has a free patch test before their first full treatment so we can check how the skin responds and choose the right settings.
Laser Hair Removal at a glance
- 15–60 mins by area
- None to minimal
- Reduction after 2–3 sessions
- Usually 6–8
- Warm snapping sensation
- From £50
How it Works
Procedure details
The area is shaved beforehand so the laser energy travels into the follicle rather than burning hair on the surface. We check the skin, fit protective eyewear and select settings for your skin type and hair. The handpiece is then glided over the skin in careful, overlapping passes, delivering rapid pulses of light. Small areas such as the upper lip take a few minutes; larger areas such as full legs take longer. Afterwards a soothing gel is applied, and any redness usually settles within hours.
Benefits
Laser hair removal offers long-term reduction of unwanted hair rather than temporary removal. Most clients find they need to shave or wax far less often after a course. It can significantly reduce ingrown hairs, razor bumps and shaving rash, and leaves skin smoother. Sessions are quick, there is no need to grow hair out between appointments as there is with waxing, and it can be used on most areas of the face and body for women and men.
Risks & side effects
Redness and small raised bumps around the follicles are common and usually settle within a few hours to a day or two, and the skin may feel warm, like mild sunburn. Less commonly, the skin can temporarily darken or lighten, particularly if it has been exposed to the sun. Blistering, crusting or burns are rare and more likely on tanned skin. Very rarely, laser can trigger increased hair growth in nearby areas, known as paradoxical hair growth. A patch test and careful settings help reduce these risks.
Recovery
There is no real downtime and you can return to work straight away. Avoid hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools and intense exercise for 24–48 hours, as heat and sweat can irritate treated follicles. Treated hairs may appear to keep growing for one to three weeks before they shed; this is normal, so let them fall out naturally and shave rather than pluck or wax. Protect treated skin from the sun and avoid fake tan until any redness has gone.
When to contact us
Get in touch with the clinic if you develop blisters, crusting, significant swelling or redness that lasts longer than a couple of days, or any area that feels like a burn. Let us know too if you notice patches of lighter or darker skin, or unexpected new hair growth, so we can review your treatment. If you have a burn outside clinic hours, cool it under cool running water for 20 minutes and seek advice from NHS 111.
Who is Laser Hair Removal for?
- Dark hair on lighter to medium skin tones, which responds best
- Women and men tired of shaving, waxing or epilating
- People prone to ingrown hairs, razor bumps or shaving rash
- Unwanted facial hair on the upper lip, chin or jawline
- Body areas such as underarms, bikini line, legs, back and chest
- Adults aged 18 or over who can avoid sun exposure around treatment
It may not be suitable if you
- White, grey, red or very fair hair, which contains too little pigment
- Pregnancy
- A recent tan, sunbed use or fake tan on the area
- Medication that makes the skin sensitive to light
- Isotretinoin taken within the past six months
- An active skin infection, cold sore or broken skin in the area
- Epilepsy triggered by light
- Directly over tattoos, permanent make-up or moles
Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over. We check your medical history at your consultation and will always tell you honestly if a treatment isn’t right for you.
Benefits
Why clients choose Laser Hair Removal
- Long-term reduction of unwanted hair
- Fewer ingrown hairs, razor bumps and shaving rash
- Smoother skin with less stubble
- Regrowth is often finer and lighter
- Quick sessions with no real downtime
- Suitable for women and men
- Treats most areas of the face and body
- Free patch test before your first session
Areas we treat
- Upper lip
- Chin
- Full face
- Underarms
- Bikini line
- Brazilian and Hollywood
- Arms
- Half or full legs
- Back
- Chest
We confirm which areas are suitable for you at your free consultation.
Your visit
Your Laser Hair Removal journey, step by step
Step 1: Free consultation & patch test
We discuss the areas you want treated, check your medical history and medication, and look at your hair colour and skin type to confirm laser is likely to work. A free patch test on a small area lets us check how your skin responds before your first full session.
Step 2: Preparing for treatment
Shave the area 24 hours before your appointment. Avoid waxing, plucking, threading and epilating for about four weeks beforehand, as the laser needs the hair root in place. Stay out of the sun and sunbeds, and avoid fake tan, in the weeks before each session.
Step 3: Treatment day
Arrive with clean skin, free of creams, deodorant or make-up on the area. We fit protective eyewear and glide the laser handpiece over the skin in careful passes. Most clients describe a warm snapping sensation. Afterwards we apply a soothing gel and remind you of your aftercare.
Step 4: Course & maintenance
Sessions are spaced several weeks apart, timed around your hair growth cycle and the area being treated, and most clients have around six to eight. We track your progress at each visit, adjust settings as needed and discuss occasional maintenance sessions, which some areas and hormone-related hair growth may need.
Our technology
Diode laser technology
Diode lasers emit a single, focused wavelength of light that is readily absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft and follicle. That energy becomes heat, which travels down the hair to damage the structures responsible for regrowth while the surrounding skin is spared. Diode technology is widely used for laser hair removal because it reaches the depth of the hair root effectively and its settings can be adjusted for different skin types and hair thicknesses, from finer facial hair to coarse body hair.
Price guide
Laser Hair Removal prices
Every treatment starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. Prices include VAT; where a price is shown as “from”, your exact cost depends on your assessment and is confirmed before you book.
Client reviews
What our clients say
Rated 5.0 from 29 reviews on Google
“I recently went to Skin Anatomy for CO2 fractional laser and the E50 exosomes, and honestly, the whole experience was brilliant. Both Harper and Magdalena were so professional but genuinely friendly with it. What I really…”
“Exceptional practitioner with an incredible eye for facial balance and natural aesthetics. I’ve had [anti-wrinkle treatment] treatments with Magdalena for many years, and recently I had lip filler as well. What stood out most was…”
“I had the laser treatment on my face, neck and chest last Tuesday. I am still healing as I braved going for an high level treatment. I am already seeing a big difference and I am very happy with the results. I was made to feel at…”
“I had my co2 laser treatment a few weeks ago with Magdalena and I'm so happy I went with her. She's very knowledgeable and she and Harper answered all my questions, no problem. The treatment was quicker than I expected and after…”
“I had a polynucleotide treatment around my eyes and my face. Magda was extremely thorough and very gentle and the results are amazing, my skin looks glowing. I am so pleased and will definitely be returning!”
“Magdalena is very professional, knowledgeable and very good at what she does! Highly recommend! I had a C02 laser treatment done with her and I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done!! Thank you so much Magdalena xx”
Read more client reviews
Some reviews have been lightly edited, shown in square brackets, to meet UK advertising rules on prescription-only medicines.
Before you book
Aftercare & possible side effects
Looking after your skin
- Avoid hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and swimming for 24–48 hours
- Skip intense exercise for 24 hours to reduce irritation
- Apply a soothing, fragrance-free gel or moisturiser if the skin feels warm
- Avoid perfumed products, deodorant or make-up on the area for 24 hours
- Let treated hairs shed naturally; shave between sessions but do not wax or pluck
- Wear SPF50 on treated areas and avoid sun and sunbeds between sessions
- Avoid fake tan until redness has settled
- Keep appointments on schedule for the best long-term reduction
Possible side effects
- Redness, warmth and raised bumps around follicles (common, short-lived)
- Temporary darkening or lightening of the skin
- Blistering, crusting or burns (rare, more likely on tanned skin)
- A flare of spots or folliculitis in some clients
- Paradoxical hair growth in nearby areas (very rare)
- Limited results on fair, red, grey or white hair
Most side effects are mild and settle on their own. We explain every risk at your consultation and give you written aftercare. If you are worried after treatment, call us on 07777 711 277; for anything urgent, contact NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
Have a question?
Laser Hair Removal: your questions answered
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal gives long-term hair reduction rather than permanent removal. Most clients see a significant, lasting reduction after a full course, and the hair that returns is usually finer and lighter. Hormonal changes can activate new follicles over time, so some people choose occasional maintenance sessions.
How many laser hair removal sessions will I need?
Most clients need around six to eight sessions, spaced several weeks apart. Hair grows in cycles and the laser only affects follicles in the active growth phase, so a course is needed to treat them all. Facial hair and hormone-related hair growth, such as with PCOS, may need more sessions.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most clients describe laser hair removal as a warm snapping sensation, like a rubber band flicked against the skin. Sensitivity varies between people and body areas, with the upper lip and bikini line often feeling more intense. Sessions are quick, and any warmth usually settles soon afterwards.
Does laser hair removal work on blonde, red or grey hair?
Unfortunately laser hair removal does not work well on white, grey, red or very fair blonde hair. The laser targets melanin, the dark pigment in hair, and light hair contains too little to absorb the energy. We will tell you honestly at your consultation whether laser is likely to work for you.
Do I need a patch test before laser hair removal?
Yes, a patch test is required before your first laser hair removal session, and it is free. We treat a small area to check how your skin responds and to choose the right settings. It also gives you a chance to feel the sensation before committing to a course.
How should I prepare for laser hair removal?
Shave the area 24 hours before your appointment and avoid waxing, plucking, threading or epilating for about four weeks beforehand. Avoid sun exposure, sunbeds and fake tan in the weeks before treatment, and let us know about any new medication, as some make the skin more sensitive to light.
Can men have laser hair removal?
Yes, laser hair removal is suitable for men as well as women. Common areas include the back, shoulders, chest and beard line to reduce ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Male hair is often coarser and denser, so some areas may need a few more sessions to reach the reduction you want.
Why is my hair still growing after a session?
It is normal for treated hairs to appear to keep growing for one to three weeks after a session. These hairs have been damaged and are being pushed out of the follicle before they shed. Let them fall out naturally, and shave rather than wax or pluck between treatments.
Where can I get laser hair removal near Nottingham?
Skin Anatomy offers diode laser hair removal at 17 Queen Street in Southwell, around 30 minutes' drive from Nottingham and close to Newark-on-Trent and Mansfield. Your consultation and patch test are free, so you can find out whether laser suits your hair and skin before booking a course.
What are the prices for Laser Hair Removal in Southwell and Nottingham?
Laser Hair Removal at Skin Anatomy starts from £50. Upper lip or chin: £50; Full face: £90; Underarms: £60; Bikini line: £70; Brazilian / Hollywood: £90. All prices include VAT; where a price is shown as "from", your exact cost depends on your assessment and is confirmed at a free consultation before you book. See the price guide for every treatment.
Skin concerns
Concerns Laser Hair Removal can help with
Visiting Skin Anatomy
Easy to reach from across Nottinghamshire
Skin Anatomy is at 17 Queen Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0AA, around 30 minutes from Nottingham, 15 minutes from Newark-on-Trent and 25 minutes from Mansfield by car (approximate). Clients visit us for Laser Hair Removal from Southwell and the surrounding villages, as well as Nottingham, Newark-on-Trent, Mansfield, Bingham and Ollerton. Find travel and parking tips for your town:
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