Hair removal in Brisbane

Body hair removal has come a long way from razors and waxing strips. These days, Brisbane clients are choosing laser hair removal treatments for a more permanent hair removal solution. Whether it’s upper lip, arms, full legs or full body laser hair removal, the goal is the same: smoother skin, less maintenance, fewer ingrown hairs.

In fact, recent surveys show over 60% of Australians have considered professional laser treatments to reduce hair growth across body areas like underarms and bikini. That’s not just about beauty needs — it’s about comfort and saving time.

Hair removal is simply getting rid of unwanted hair follicles on the skin surface, either temporarily or permanently. Common options include:

• Shaving or depilatory creams: quick but temporary.
• Waxing: longer results, but can inflame skin concerns like ingrown hairs.
• Face hair removal laser: a popular choice for women dealing with hormonal conditions or facial fuzz.
• Laser hair removal treatment: uses laser light and laser energy to disrupt hair stem cells in the follicle, reducing regrowth over time.

The big difference between temporary and laser methods? Shaving or waxing only affects the visible hair, while laser facial hair removal and full body laser treatments work beneath the skin surface, shutting down the follicle’s blood supply and reducing regrowth long term. That’s why laser is considered one of the most effective ways to achieve a smooth finish.

Laser hair removal isn’t magic, but it can feel like it after a few sessions. It’s science.

Here’s how it works:

• Melanin – Laser light targets the pigment (melanin) inside the hair follicle.
• Heat – That light energy converts to heat, damaging the blood supply to the follicle.
• Growth disabled – The follicle weakens over time, producing finer hair or no hair at all.

But timing matters. Hair grows in cycles:

• Anagen (active growth phase): This is when the laser works best. The follicle is attached to the blood supply, so the laser can reach and disable it.
• Catagen (transition phase): The follicle begins to detach – less effective for treatment.
• Telogen (resting phase): Hair sheds, but the follicle isn’t active, so the laser won’t help.

This is why multiple sessions are necessary. Only a portion of hair is in the anagen phase at any given time, and we need several treatments to catch them all.

Different Fitzpatrick skin types (from very fair to deep brown) respond differently to laser. Fairer skin with darker hair usually gets faster results because of the contrast in pigment. Darker skin types can be treated too, but require adjusted settings and medical-grade lasers to avoid skin blemishes or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

• 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.

So why choose laser instead of waxing or shaving?

• Permanent hair removal results (up to 90% reduction after a full course).
• Fewer ingrown hairs compared to shaving.
• Cost-effective over time versus repeat waxing.
• Safe across most skin types with medical-grade lasers.

Brisbane clients often mention the relief of not having to worry about skin blemishes, stubble or irritation before a beach day or gym session.

We see clients booking in for small and large areas in our Cosmetic Tattoo Studio, Brisbane Face Figurati. Here are the most common:

• Upper lip (facial hair removal)
• Arms (arm hair removal or full arm hair removal)
• Underarms
• Legs (half legs or full legs)
• Full face for hormonal or genetic hair growth
• Full body hair removal (done in blocks for safety)

Table: Common Treatment Areas & Average Session Times

Laser hair removal isn’t for everyone. Contraindications include:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active skin blemishes, eczema, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in the treatment area
• Tanning skin or recent sun exposure (especially in Brisbane)
• Certain medical conditions and medications that increase photosensitivity
• Grey, blonde or red hair — which don’t absorb laser energy well

You’re a good candidate if you:

• Have coarse, pigmented hair follicles and lighter skin surface (best results).
• Are willing to do multiple laser treatments for permanent results.
• Don’t mind avoiding sun exposure during the process.

Even clients with hormonal conditions (like PCOS) can get great results with laser face hair removal, but may need more maintenance.

Preparation is key to safe and effective sessions. Here’s your checklist:

• Shave the body area 24 hours before treatment (don’t wax, tweeze or thread — the follicle must remain intact for the laser to target).
• Avoid tanning skin, solariums and sun exposure for 2 weeks before treatment. Tanned skin increases the risk of burns or pigmentation issues.
• Don’t use harsh exfoliants, retinols or tyrosinase inhibitors for 3 days prior. They make skin extra sensitive to laser light.
• Come with clean, product-free skin. No moisturisers, deodorants, fake tan or makeup.
• Hydrate well. Well-hydrated skin responds better and heals faster.

Some Brisbane clinics also recommend applying Active Recovery Gel after the session to calm the skin. Bring a loose cotton shirt or breathable clothing to your appointment to reduce friction on freshly treated areas.

Here’s what happens in a professional laser clinic:

• Skin cleansing and prep: The area is cleansed and, if needed, shaved again.
• Eye protection: You’ll wear goggles to protect against the intense laser light.
• Laser delivery: The handpiece delivers pulses of laser energy directly into your hair follicles, targeting melanin and damaging the blood supply to the follicle.
• Cooling system: Built-in cooling technology minimises discomfort; you may feel a warm snap (like a rubber band flick).

It’s fast — face laser hair removal is under 20 minutes, full body laser hair removal is 2 hours. Most people are okay with it, but sensitivity varies by area and individual pain threshold.

Aftercare is key to safety and results. Skipping it can cause unwanted side effects. Follow these rules:

• Soften skin: Apply aloe vera or Active Recovery Gel as needed.
• Avoid sun, saunas and pools for at least 48 hours. Sun can cause pigmentation changes; heat and chlorine can irritate.
• Always wear SPF 50+. Sun exposure is the number one cause of pigmentation issues post-laser, especially in Brisbane.
• Stay hydrated and moisturised. Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers.
• Don’t scratch or exfoliate. Mild redness or swelling is normal and settles within 24-48 hours.

Not following aftercare increases the risk of skin blemishes, ingrown hairs or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Following it properly makes a huge difference in how evenly your results come in.

While safe, laser treatments have risks:

• Redness and swelling
• Skin surface irritation
• Pigment changes (darkening or lightening)
• Rare burns if lasers are misused
• Minimal results on fine or light hair

That’s why choosing a qualified laser clinic is non-negotiable. Flash sales from non-medical providers often cut corners — and your skin deserves more than a discount gamble.

Laser hair removal doesn’t work overnight. Most clients start to see slower, patchier regrowth after 2-3 sessions, best results after 6-10 treatments.

• Hair becomes finer and softer instead of coarse.
• Regrowth slows down, sometimes taking weeks longer than usual.
• Up to 90% permanent reduction in treated follicles is achievable with consistency.
• For many, this means no more shaving, waxing and constant irritation.

Long Term Maintenance

Even after the initial course, touch-ups are needed every 12-18 months. This is because:

• New follicles may activate with age or hormonal changes.
• Sun exposure can affect pigment and hair growth.
• Different body areas respond at different speeds (legs vs face vs underarms).

Results are only as good as your commitment between sessions. Here’s your checklist:

• Shave only — no waxing, tweezing or epilation (these remove the follicle the laser needs to target).
• Avoid sun — apply SPF 50+ and no solariums.
• Moisturise daily — keep skin barrier strong for better healing.
• Monitor regrowth — track hair density to adjust settings.

Missing appointments or spot treating breaks the cycle of targeting hairs in their active growth phase (anagen) and delays permanent results.