Disclaimer: I received laser hair removal treatment from the New York Laser Clinic in Baker Street, London to review free of charge, but words and pictures are mine. See more information here.
As I get older, I’m definitely more open to beauty treatments, probably because I need them more! I enjoyed my gory vampire facial and the results – which were noticeable however unfortunately short lived. A few weeks ago I went for a Brazilian Blow Dry to help my frizzy hair.
One of the treatments I’ve always fancied trying is laser hair removal. When added up I reckon I’ve spent months of my life shaving, and quite frankly I’m bored of it. I’m not shaming those who like to go au naturel – if you like underarm hair you can plait, or a full 70s bush then fair play to you, it’s your body and you the only person who has to love it is you – but I’ve always been a fan of getting rid of as much as possible. Having thick hair this can mean shaving my underarms and bikini line every day. EVERY DAY! Snore huh.
I’ve tried one of those at-home laser IPL machines but it really didn’t do a lot and it made me wonder whether a clinic treatment would be similarly disappointing, and if the cost of the laser treatment was worth it.
So, when the opportunity arose to go for some laser hair removal treatment courtesy of the New York Laser Clinic in London, I thought it would be a great chance to see if it worked.
Although you can get pretty much any hair on your body lasered, I opted for the underarms and bikini line as these are the places that my hair seems to grow super fast, and the areas that are most prone to ingrown hairs which is a total pain in the butt (or arm, or vulva).
New York Laser Clinic: Laser hair removal in London*
*For those further north looking for Laser Hair Removal, The Laser Club in Manchester must be your first port of call! With Full body laser, this package starts from £895 for 6 sessions and they have people travel from all over the UK to experience the strongest machine in the world for laser hair removal, the Primelase diode
Established in 2004, the New York Laser Clinic has been awarded ‘Top Clinic In London’ ten years in a row. Trained professionals provide safe, highly effective, medical-grade aesthetic treatments including laser hair removal, injectables, body contouring, anti- ageing treatments, skin peels etc from its three locations in London.
Where is the New York Laser Clinic in London?
The New York Laser Clinic in London has three locations. The Baker Street clinic is just a few minutes away from Baker Street tube station, which is great if you happen to live or work in London, or pop in to Paddington or Charing Cross. Head across the busy Marylebone Road and then up Baker Street, turning left at Paddington Street, and you’re there.
What do I need to do before laser hair removal?
You will need to attend for a patch test before having a large area treated. This will take a few seconds, and it also gives you an opportunity to talk to the therapist about any concerns you might have.
Do I need to let my hair grow out before laser hair removal?
No. Unlike waxing, which means you have to grow your hair in beforehand, you need to shave as normal before laser hair removal, otherwise you’ll get the smell of burning hair!
How does laser hair removal actually work?
I’m no scientist, but my understanding is that a powerful laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) destroys hair follicles in the skin, which can stop hair growth.
Which hair can I get removed?
Pretty much any. The most common are face, bikini area, back, arms, legs, chest, and underarms but if you have problem hair anywhere it is worth having the discussion with the therapist.
What should I wear to get laser hair removal?
If you’re getting laser hair removal on your bikini line then dress like you would for a smear, for convenience, as you’re going to have to get it all out. I was going out afterwards (hence the sparkly dress!) which was easy to pull down for the underarm bit, but also meant I could keep it on and hoik it up while she did the downstairs.
Obviously as a mother I’ve given up on any kind of embarrassment where that’s concerned but be aware that you will be getting your flaps out if you go for the bikini line hair removal.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Nope. The laser is fired along with a cooling spray so you feel the spray more than anything. It tickled a bit under my arms, and the more sensitive bikini line wasn’t exactly what I’d call a pleasant experience but it was very easily tolerable and it didn’t hurt, during or afterwards. I was glad to see that there was no scarring redness or bumps left after the hair removal. Unlike shaving, there isn’t a risk of ingrown hairs which can hurt and become infected.
How long does laser hair removal take?
Minutes! I’m not kidding. It took a few minutes for underarms, and then maybe five for the bikini line. Larger areas like whole legs will take longer but I was surprised with just how quickly it was all over with. A quick zap, move on to the next area and then done!
Is laser hair removal effective?
After one session, I have definitely found that my underarms are less hairy and I’ve not had to shave them yet (the photo below shows the armpit, unshaved, five days later) although I can see small whispy hairs. The bikini line is less noticeably different, however it is unsurprising as the hair is thicker and I was told to expect that it would take more sessions to see a result.
After the second treatment I’ve noticed more of a difference, however it still isn’t hair-free.
Having more sessions (between six and eight are recommended) should result in complete hair loss in the treated areas.
How does it compare to at-home laser hair removal using an IPL machine?
The two aren’t remotely similar. The smell of burning hair was enough to convince me that the laser machine in the therapy room was a LOT more effective than the one I have at home. I’m not saying that the IPL machines don’t work, but they never did for me.
How many laser hair treatments will I need?
Around six to eight sessions every six weeks or so will result in complete hair removal although obviously differs from person to person. Top up sessions once purchased can be used whenever it is necessary.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
The cost of laser hair removal treatment in London can differ greatly. Prices for laser hair removal at the New York Laser Clinic London start at £39 for single treatments on small areas and increase for packages of 6 or 8 sessions. They offer excellent discounts on multiple areas and sessions; for example currently you can get 8 sessions of hair removal for Bikini + Underarms, Naval and Peri-Anal for £501 which is a huge saving on the regular price. The current prices can be found here.