You will need a course of treatments as laser only works on hair that is in the growth phase of the hair cycle, known as Anagen. The other two phases of the hair cycle, called Catagen and Telogen, mean the hair is either dormant or falling out; so the laser doesn’t impact it. As all of your hair is in different phases at different times, you need several treatments spread out over a number of weeks to ensure the laser ‘catches’ the each of the hairs in their growth phase at some point.

The number of treatments you will need is dependent on the area being treated; how thick and dense the hair is and your skin type – it varies from person to person. You will need at least six-eight treatments and it will also depend on how often you come back for your sessions. Coarse, thick hair such as that on a man’s chest will take longer to treat than fine hair, but your initial consultation with an experienced therapist will give you an idea of what to expect.It only affects the specific structures of the hair and follicle, leaving the surrounding tissue undamaged.

As with all treatments, it depends on the person and how sensitive they are, as well as the area being treated. We use Soprano Ice Platinum lasers, both of which have additional cooling devices to decrease sensitivity during treatment.The sensation is similar to an elastic band being snapped against your skin, and because the laser is moving all the time, the sensation is well-tolerated by most people. It’s advisable to avoid caffeine before your treatment as it can make your skin more sensitive. You can take a mild pain reliever (Paracetamol; NOT Ibuprofen as this also makes the skin sensitive).

Laser is a clinically tested treatment; FDA approved and has undergone rigorous trials to ensure patient safety and efficiency. All of the Beauty & Melody laser therapists are highly trained in performing the treatments; we take client comfort and safety very seriously and only use the highest grade medical lasers. Before starting a course of treatment, we give each client a consultation and patch test with a 3 day waiting period to ensure skin is safe and the patch test is clear. If you are having treatments with us and happen to go on holiday throughout your treatment course we will ask that you will have another patch test when you return to ensure your skin is ready to resume treatment without the risk of pigmentation occurring.

Before you can shave the day before treatment; not the day of, as shaving exfoliates the skin and makes it sensitive, which can make laser treatment uncomfortable. Don’t wax, as if you remove hair, the laser has nothing to target!

During the course of treatment
You may shave between sessions – do not wax as it will affect hair growth patterns and affect results. Waxing or plucking completely removes the hair form the follicle, and for the laser to work there needs to be a hair present in the follicle. If you have waxed or plucked the treatment area you would have to wait 6-8 weeks for follicles to produce a new hair.

After the laser course is finished
We’d recommend you continue using laser until you achieve the level of hair reduction you’re happy with. Any remaining or reoccurring hair will be minimal; very fine in texture and light in colour so it’s ok to wax these.

• Do not bleach or use depilatory cream for at least 2-4 weeks prior to your 1st treatment and stop using for the duration of the laser treatment
• No waxing, plucking, or threading at least 1 month prior to your treatment and stop these methods of hair removal for the duration of your laser treatment
• Shaving or cutting the hair is the only method of hair removal
• You MUST shave the area to be treated 24 hours before your laser treatment
• AHA/BHA facial/body scrub is recommended 1 week prior to and after your laser treatment
• Do not exfoliate the area being treated 2 days before and after your laser treatment
• Laser treatments cannot be done if the client has false or residue of false/natural tan on the area on the day of treatment
• You must use a recommended broad spectrum SPF on all areas being treated when exposed to daylight
• No lotions or oils should be used on the area prior to your laser treatment
• Beauty & Melody cannot be responsible for shaving, this is up to the client. We cannot do the treatment on the day if the area is not prepared
• Always inform your laser specialist of any change in medication or medical history before your laser treatment begins
• Please make sure fake tan is not present on day of appointment and has been fully removed
• Please inform your laser specialist of any tattoos you may have or get through the duration of your treatment including semi-permanent make-up such as lips and eyebrows
• No antihistimines or anti-inflammatories should be taken 24 hours prior to the treatment

Immediately after your Soprano Ice Platinum treatment you may notice the following normal expected responses reactions in the treatment area:

• Redness: this can last up to 7 days after your treatment.
• Swelling particularly in the hair follicle area: this can last up to 7 days after your treatment.
• You may feel heat and itchiness in the treatment area: this can last up to 7 days.
• Darkening of pigment: Areas of skin with pigment may appear darker initially. Although these responses on the skin may feel very strong, these are normal expected responses to the treatment. Please make sure you are clear on the steps you should be taking to make sure you protect the treated area:
• Avoid touching, scratching or picking the treated area.
• Keep the area cool and wear loose clothing e.g. do not wear tights or jeans.
• Only Mineral Based Make Up can be used directly after the treatment. All other make up should be avoided for 24 hours.
• Avoid sun exposure for minimum 1 week after the treatment.
• Use a Broad Spectrum SPF at all times.
• Do not apply deodorant for 24hrs after the treatment.
• Avoid very hot baths or showers for 24hrs.
• Avoid steam rooms & saunas for 48hrs.
• Avoid swimming in strong chlorinated water for 48hrs.
• Avoid treatments in the same area such as: chemical peels, injectables or derma pen treatments for 4 weeks.
• We highly recommend using The epidermal range by Beauty and Melody to be used before and after to ensure you can achieve the best results possible whilst having laser treatment done.