Hair Removal in Melbourne

In Melbourne’s weather, you can go from coats in the morning to singlets by lunch. A low-maintenance hair reduction option makes life easier. Short-term methods like shaving give you prickly regrowth in days. Waxing lasts longer but can cause ingrown hair, irritation and sometimes even pilonidal cysts.

With laser hair removal treatments, you’re targeting the hair follicle directly, reducing regrowth and keeping skin smoother for months — sometimes years. Whether it’s laser arm hair removal, face laser hair removal or full-leg treatments, the appeal is obvious.

Laser hair removal is a medically backed treatment that uses concentrated light to selectively target hair follicles, disrupting their growth cycle. The most effective treatments use medical-grade lasers operated by certified technicians with laser safety certification.

Our dermal clinicians and laser therapists in Melbourne use medically-backed treatments with cooling devices — like the dynamic cooling device — to make sessions more comfortable and keep skin safety the top priority.

Unlike temporary methods, the goal is long-term hair reduction — often up to 80–90% less regrowth after completing your treatment program.

Alexandrite laser: For lighter skin tones with dark hair.

Nd: YAG laser: Safer for darker skin types, penetrates deeper.

Q-switched laser: Used for pigmentation removal, but certain Q-Switch laser treatment settings can target finer facial hair.

Clinics offering medically-backed treatments will often combine different hair removal modalities in one treatment plan for the best results.

It’s simple: the laser emits a beam that’s absorbed by the pigment in the hair, which then converts to heat and damages the hair follicle. Over time, this damage prevents or slows new growth.

Because hair grows in cycles, multiple treatment intervals are needed to catch hairs in the active growth stage. Your treatment program is customised — whether it’s for laser hair removal arms, laser facial hair removal, or a full-body plan — so results are consistent and safe for your skin.

Switching to laser over traditional hair removal treatments means:

• Permanent hair reduction — Up to 80–90% less hair after your full course.
• Skin safety first — Every treatment area is assessed before starting.
• Smoother skin texture — Less irritation, fewer ingrowns, no stubble.
• Precision — From fine facial hair to coarse body hair, each treatment plan is tailored.
• Cost-effective long-term — No more endless waxing appointments.

Almost any part of the body with unwanted hair can be treated:

• Face: upper lip, chin, sideburns
• Arms & underarms
• Legs (full or half)
• Bikini line & Brazilian
• Back & shoulders
• Chest & abdomen

Not everyone can have a laser straight away. We avoid treatment if you:

• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have active skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis) in the area
• Take light-sensitive medication
• Have very light blonde, white, or grey hair
• Have a recent sunburn or fake tan in the area

You might be ideal if you:

• Have unwanted hair that’s darker than your skin tone
• Can follow skin preparation and post-care products guidance
• Are you ready to commit to your treatment program and recommended treatment intervals

Even darker skin types can now be treated safely with the right medical-grade laser settings and clinically proven treatments.

Your skin tone and hair colour directly affect how well laser technologies work.

• Darker hair on lighter skin: This is the most effective combination. The high contrast allows the laser to find and destroy the follicle quickly, often meaning fewer sessions for visible results. Think of it as giving the laser a bright, obvious target.
• Light hair (blonde, grey, red): These shades have less melanin, so fewer wavelengths can detect the follicle. In Melbourne, where natural blondes are common, your dermal clinician may recommend specific medical-grade lasers or adjusting the treatment plan for best results.
• Darker skin types: These require longer wavelengths, like those from Nd YAG laser treatment, to safely bypass skin pigment and target the hair beneath. Without this adjustment, there’s a risk of overheating the skin and causing pigmentation issues.

Melbourne tip: If you’ve ever had skin pigmentation changes from sun or post-inflammatory marks, your clinic should do a test patch before starting.

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Preparation isn’t just about showing up with a clean, shaved surface — it directly impacts how much hair reduction you’ll see and how safely your skin recovers.

Essential steps:

• Shave the area 24 hours before: This ensures the laser energy is focused inside the follicle, not wasted on surface hair.
• Don’t wax or pluck for 4+ weeks before: The follicle needs to be intact for the laser to destroy it. Removing the root (as waxing does) will make the session ineffective.
• Avoid fake tan and sun exposure: Both can interfere with the laser’s ability to distinguish pigment and increase burn risk.
• Don’t use exfoliating products 48 hours prior: Acids, retinoids, or scrubs can leave the skin sensitive.
• Get a test patch: Especially if it’s your first time or if you’ve recently changed your skincare routine. This checks for skin sensitivity and calibrates the laser settings for your skin type.
• Melbourne tip: In summer, book your sessions early in the day so you don’t arrive with heat-flushed skin. In winter, be aware that central heating can dry out your skin, so pre-treatment moisturising is even more important.

Here’s the play-by-play so there are no surprises in the chair:

• Cleansing: Your laser therapist or dermal clinician will remove any product residue, sweat or environmental build-up.
• Cooling device application: This could be a dynamic cooling device or a cold air stream to keep the skin comfortable and reduce heat sensation.
• Laser selection: Medical-grade laser technology — such as Nd YAG, Alexandrite or Q-Switched — will be chosen based on your skin tone, hair colour and treatment area.
• Pulses delivered: You’ll feel a warm, quick snap with each pulse — often compared to the snap of a rubber band.
• Session duration: Small areas like the upper lip or chin can take only a few minutes, while full-leg sessions can last 45–60 minutes.
• Pro tip: If you’re prone to skin redness or flushing (common in Melbourne’s dry, windy winter air), let your clinician know so they can adjust cooling settings and pulse speed for comfort.

First 24–48 hours:

• No heat: No hot showers, saunas, steam rooms or intense exercise. Heat can cause swelling and prolonged redness.
• No makeup or skincare on the treated area: This prevents irritation and infection.
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser: Look for ingredients like aloe vera or ceramides to calm and hydrate.

Long-term care:

• Use SPF daily: Melbourne’s UV can be deceptive, with high levels even on cloudy days. Protecting treated skin from sun exposure will maintain your results and prevent pigmentation issues.
• Stick to your session schedule: Hair grows in cycles, and missing a session can allow dormant follicles to re-enter the growth phase before they’re targeted.
• Pro tip: The combination of cold outdoor air and heated indoor spaces can dry your skin, making it more reactive. Keep up a simple, nourishing skincare routine between sessions — avoid actives unless advised by your dermal clinician.

When performed by a qualified, certified technician using medical-grade equipment, laser hair removal is considered low-risk. But like any skin treatment, there can be temporary side effects.

Common and short-lived effects:

• Mild redness (erythema)
• Oedema around the follicles
• Warmth in the area

If aftercare is not followed:

• Temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
• Blistering or scabbing
• Folliculitis (follicle inflammation) if you sweat too soon after treatment

If you’re expecting silky smoothness after one session, here’s the truth: laser hair removal is a process.

Typical results timeline:

• By session 3–4, most clients see finer regrowth and less density.
• Complete your full treatment plan — usually 6–10 sessions — for maximum hair reduction.
• Results also depend on your skin tone, hair colour and hormonal factors.
• Bonus: Many clients notice their skin feels smoother and more even-toned over time as the laser refines texture.

• Shave only: No waxing, plucking, threading or depilatory creams as these remove the follicle the laser needs to target.
• Stay hydrated: Healthy skin responds better to laser energy.
• Protect your skin from the sun: Sun damage between sessions can cause pigmentation issues and may mean you need to postpone your next appointment.

In my Melbourne studio, I recommend clients start their treatment in autumn or winter. Here’s why:

• Cooler months mean less incidental sun exposure, so less pigmentation risk.
• By summer, you’ll already be several sessions in — with smoother, more manageable regrowth.
• It’s easier to cover treated areas with clothing in colder weather, so your skin gets extra protection.
• Pro tip: If you start in April, you could be finished with your initial plan by early spring — just in time for warm-weather dresses, shorts and swimsuits without the hassle of constant shaving.