Laser Hair Reduction (LHR) is an advanced, non-invasive treatment designed to permanently reduce unwanted facial and body hair. This procedure uses laser energy to target hair follicles, effectively inhibiting future hair growth while keeping the surrounding skin safe. Unlike traditional methods like waxing, shaving, or threading, laser hair reduction provides long-lasting, smooth, and hair-free skin with minimal discomfort. It is a highly sought-after solution for both men and women looking for a permanent, hassle-free alternative to remove unwanted hair from areas such as the face, arms, underarms, legs, chest, back, and bikini line.

Laser hair reduction uses concentrated light energy at specific wavelengths to selectively destroy hair follicles while leaving surrounding skin unharmed. At Claire Derma, our dermatologists use 810nm diode and 755nm alexandrite lasers — the two most clinically validated wavelengths for permanent hair reduction. The laser energy is absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft, converting to thermal energy that heats the follicle to 70 degrees Celsius or above.

The laser emits a concentrated beam of light, which is absorbed by the melanin in hair follicles. This energy heats and damages the follicle, preventing future hair growth. The treatment is performed in multiple sessions to target hairs in different growth cycles for optimal results.

Precise Hair Targeting – Targets hair follicles directly without damaging surrounding skin.

Gradual Hair Reduction – Reduces hair growth progressively, making hair finer and sparser.

Customizable for Hair Types – Works best on dark, coarse hair, but can be adjusted for different hair types.

Safe for Multiple Skin Tones – Safe for various skin tones, with advanced lasers like Nd:YAG for darker skin.

810nm Diode Laser – The most versatile laser for hair reduction, the diode operates at a wavelength that balances deep follicular penetration with moderate melanin absorption.

755nm Alexandrite Laser – The alexandrite wavelength has the highest melanin absorption coefficient among hair reduction lasers, making it exceptionally efficient for fine to medium hair on lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I to III).

Nd:YAG 1064nm for Darker Skin – For Fitzpatrick types V and VI, the longer 1064nm wavelength penetrates deeply while minimising epidermal melanin absorption — reducing burn and pigmentation risk on dark skin.

The effectiveness of laser hair reduction depends on the hair growth cycle. Only follicles in the active anagen phase — when the hair shaft contains melanin and is connected to the dermal papilla — can be effectively targeted.

Face – Upper lip, chin, sideburns, and jawline for a clean facial appearance.

Underarms – Removes underarm hair permanently, reducing sweat and odor buildup.

Arms & Legs – Smooth, hair-free arms and legs without the hassle of regular waxing or shaving.

Back & Chest – Ideal for men looking for a clean, hair-free chest and back.

Bikini Area – Prevents ingrown hairs and irritation caused by shaving in sensitive areas.

Fluence and Pulse Calibration – Energy settings are customised for each patient and body area. Coarse, dark hair requires lower fluence because melanin absorbs energy efficiently, while fine hair needs higher fluence to generate sufficient.

Contact Cooling System – The laser handpiece has a sapphire cooling tip or cryogen spray that maintains the skin surface at 5 to 10 degrees Celsius during each pulse.

Overlap-Free Grid Delivery – Pulses are delivered in a non-overlapping grid pattern guided by visible markings on the skin. This systematic approach means every follicle in the treatment area receives at least one pulse.

A laser hair reduction session at Claire Derma follows a precise protocol. The treatment area is shaved — ideally 24 hours before the appointment — so the laser energy travels directly down the hair shaft into the follicle rather than being absorbed by surface hair.

Long-Term Hair Reduction – Permanent reduction in hair growth after multiple sessions.

Precise & Effective – Targets only the hair follicle, leaving skin undamaged.

Smoother Skin Texture – Reduces ingrown hairs, bumps, and razor burns.

Cost-Effective – Eliminates the need for frequent waxing, shaving, or threading.

Benefit – Permanent reduction of 70 to 90 percent after a complete treatment series. Unlike waxing or shaving that require lifelong repetition, laser treatment progressively destroys follicles so they can no longer.

Benefit – Elimination of ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Patients prone to pseudofolliculitis barbae — the painful, inflamed bumps caused by shaved or waxed hair growing back into the skin — see.

Benefit – Any body area where unwanted hair grows can be treated. Face, underarms, bikini, arms, legs, back, chest, abdomen, and even hands and feet all respond effectively.

Laser hair reduction provides lasting results that shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams cannot match. These temporary methods remove hair at or above the skin surface without affecting the follicle — regrowth is inevitable within days to weeks. Laser treatment permanently reduces follicle function over a series of sessions, producing 70 to 90 percent hair reduction that persists for years.

Laser hair reduction is suitable for individuals who:

Want to reduce or permanently remove unwanted hair.

Experience ingrown hairs or skin irritation from shaving or waxing.

After each laser session, mild redness and perifollicular oedema — small bumps around each treated follicle — appear immediately and resolve within one to four hours. This reaction actually confirms effective energy delivery to the follicles. At Claire Derma, we apply aloe vera gel and a soothing cream post-treatment and advise avoiding hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours.