Laser hair removal FAQ: answers to the most common questions

Before a first visit, laser hair removal always raises the same questions: does it hurt, how many times does it have to be repeated, what is allowed and not allowed after the procedure and how much does it all cost. Below are answers to the fifteen questions we hear most often at Laser Clinic.

What is the difference between depilation and epilation?

Depilation removes only the visible part of the hair above the surface of the skin, so the growth returns usually within two days. Epilation removes the hair with its root, so the result lasts substantially longer.

Depilation methods include the razor, the trimmer and depilatory creams. Classic epilation with wax, sugar paste or an epilator pulls the hair out with the root — the result is long term but not permanent, and after 4 to 6 weeks it has to be repeated. A detailed comparison of all methods is in the article epilation vs depilation.

How can hair be removed for good?

The only demonstrably lasting solution is laser hair removal. The laser purposefully destroys the hair follicles, so the hair in the treated spot does not grow back (in up to 80 % of clients), or grows back to a much smaller degree.

The beam is set to react to the pigment in the hair. The light penetrates the skin, travels along the pigmentation down to the root and destroys it with heat. The surrounding tissue remains untouched — which is why a laser is far gentler on the skin than mechanical methods.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

Laser hair removal is a relatively painless procedure, but the degree of perception is highly individual. More sensitive clients may feel a mild sting and tightness during the application.

These sensations are softened by the cooling system built into the laser: it briefly chills the skin at that point and thereby numbs it. If you wish, we can also apply a local anaesthetic to the treated spot — thanks to the cooling, however, that is not necessary in most cases.

How many laser hair removal sessions will I need?

A complete course usually requires 5–8 sessions. Smaller zones such as the underarms need fewer, intimate areas usually more.

The reason lies in the cyclical growth of hair: only about a quarter of the growth is in its active phase at any one moment and the laser sees exactly those follicles. When the active follicles “fall asleep”, the next part starts to grow and the session is repeated. We therefore set the exact plan individually at the free consultation according to your phototype, hair colour and density.

How long does one session take?

One session usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Small zones such as the upper lip or chin are done in a few minutes; large areas like the whole legs or back take 30 to 45 minutes. The length depends on the size of the area and the density of the hair.

Zone size	Length of one session
Small areas (upper lip, chin, underarms, groin)	5–20 minutes
Large areas (legs, back, whole body)	30–90 minutes
Break between sessions	4–8 weeks

When does the hair fall out after the laser?

The hair does not fall out immediately — it is released gradually over the following days and weeks. You will notice a reduction of up to 20 % of the hair after the very first application.

So there is no reason to worry if you can still see hair a few days after the session. Gradual shedding is the normal course and does not need any help — just do not pluck the zone and leave it alone.

When is the best time for laser hair removal?

We treat all year round according to clients’ schedules. A tan should not be fresh, though — after sun exposure wait at least one week.

During the summer months the treated skin also has to be protected from direct sun for at least a month. If you want to enjoy summer without restrictions, it is most comfortable to start the course in autumn or winter. You can read about which laser suits your phototype better on the page about our lasers.

How do I prepare for laser hair removal?

For four weeks before the treatment do not use any other epilation method — no wax, sugar paste or epilator. Only shave the hair in that area with a razor or a trimmer.

Specific instructions before a session:

• Shave the zone smooth the day before your visit
• Do not put creams or make-up on the skin on the day of the application
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the procedure
• If you have been taking antibiotics, postpone the treatment by 4 to 6 weeks

What must you not do after laser hair removal?

Immediately after the application do not put aggressive cosmetics or make-up on the treated areas. Do not scratch the skin and protect it from mechanical damage and from the sun.

If the treated skin itches, a doctor will prescribe an ointment that eases it. For the first few days also avoid heavy sweating — the sauna, demanding sport and hot baths can wait.

What should I put on the skin after the laser?

On the first day after the application do not use any cosmetic products. Afterwards choose ideally natural cosmetics with moisturising effects and a protective cream with a high SPF.

If itching appears, the specialist will recommend a suitable ointment. Precisely because the laser removes the daily mechanical irritation of the skin, caring for it is simpler than with regular shaving — the comparison is in the article about rash after shaving.

How long must I stay out of the sun after the laser?

Protect the treated skin from direct sunlight for one month. Do not sunbathe deliberately and apply a sunscreen with a high SPF.

Ignoring this rule does not cause only irritation: pigment spots may appear on the treated skin, and dealing with them then delays the whole session plan.

How long does the result of laser hair removal last?

After finishing all the recommended applications, hair growth usually does not return. If some follicle regenerates, hair may start to grow again — but there is substantially less of it and it is lighter and weaker.

To keep the skin smooth, one maintenance treatment a year is enough. The topic is covered in more detail in the article how long laser hair removal lasts.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

The price of one session differs according to the treated area and hair density. Zones can be combined freely, or you can choose to treat larger parts of the body at once.

Zone	Price per session
Underarms	1 000 CZK
Upper lip	1 000 CZK
Chin	1 000 CZK
Classic bikini	1 500 CZK
Buttocks	1 500 CZK
Forearms	1 500 CZK
Deep bikini	2 500 CZK
Lower legs + knees	2 500 CZK
Abdomen	2 500 CZK
Full face + neck	2 500 CZK

How many sessions you will need is assessed by the specialist at a personal consultation — only then do you know the total amount. Prices for the intimate area and other zones are also in the calculator on the homepage.

Who is laser hair removal not suitable for?

We do not perform laser hair removal during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It also has to be postponed after a course of antibiotics (by 4 to 6 weeks) and with a fresh tan.

We always discuss suitability and any other limitations individually at the free consultation before the first session. If you are dealing with excessive hair growth whose cause may be hormonal, we recommend consulting a doctor about the situation first.

How do I recognise a quality laser provider?

What decides is the quality of the device and the training of the operator. An outdated or cheap laser simply misses part of the hair and, in the worse case, risks burns; inexperienced staff cannot set the parameters correctly or evaluate contraindications.

So always ask about the specific type of equipment and why they will use it on you. At Laser Clinic we work with two lasers — the alexandrite Deka Motus AX Moveo and the diode LightSheer DUET — and choose the right type according to your phototype and the character of your hair. We have three branches in Prague (Vinohrady, Karlovo náměstí, Vysočany), open seven days a week from 9:00 to 21:00, with a Google rating of 4.7 from more than 275 reviews.