Permanent Facial Hair Removal in Melbourne

Permanent facial hair removal (sometimes called face hair removal or ladies’ facial hair removal) means targeting the hair follicle itself to prevent regrowth. Unlike shaving or creams that only treat the skin surface, this process uses either medical-grade lasers or galvanic electrolysis with electric current to stop hair at its root.

Remember, “permanent” really means long-term hair reduction — up to 90% — not absolutely zero hair forever. Some clients book in yearly treatment sessions as part of a maintenance treatment plan.

When people ask me the best facial hair removal method, I always say: it depends on your skin type, hair colour and long-term goals. Here are the most common modalities used in Melbourne:

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The initial consultation is where we set expectations and do a test patch. Preparing well means better results:

Here’s my step-by-step preparation checklist:

• Shave (not wax) 24 hours before — follicles need to remain intact so the laser or electrolysis probe can target them effectively.
• Avoid tanning or fake tan for 2 weeks — pigment in your skin competes with pigment in your hair, which reduces results and can increase risks of pigmentation issues.
• Skip active skincare near treatment areas — no retinol, glycolic acids, or harsh scrubs in the days leading up to your appointment.
• Tell your therapist about medications and hormonal changes — things like antibiotics, Roaccutane, or PCOS can all influence results.
• Arrive with clean skin — no heavy makeup, moisturisers, or perfumes on the treatment area.

Pro tip from the studio: Think of it like preheating an oven. The prep phase ensures your skin responds evenly, safely, and effectively during treatment. Clients who prepare well typically see smoother results and need fewer corrective sessions.

I also suggest keeping hydrated and scheduling your appointment at a time when you’re not rushing straight to a sweaty gym class. The calmer your skin environment, the better your outcome.

A typical woman’s facial hair removal session is quick, methodical and tailored to your skin type and treatment plan. Here’s what happens step by step:

• Skin prep — a gentle cleanse removes oils, sweat and residual makeup.
• Protective eyewear — non-negotiable in any professional laser clinic.
• Cooling device applied — advanced devices like Dynamic Cooling Systems or ICE tech keep your skin comfortable.
• Laser pulses delivered — feels like a tiny rubber band snap. Most clients describe it as mildly irritating rather than painful.
• Electrolysis for stray hairs — if stubborn light or white hairs remain a fine probe delivers a brief current to the follicle.
• Post care products applied — soothing gels, aloe vera or calming balms reduce sensitivity.

Session times vary:

• Upper lip: 10–15 minutes
• Chin: 15–20 minutes
• Full face: 30–45 minutes

For combination treatments (laser plus electrolysis) you’ll be in the chair a little longer but the payoff is a smoother more uniform result.

Healing after facial hair removal is easy and rarely dramatic. Here’s what to expect:

• Redness or mild swelling: Common for a few hours post-treatment. Feels like a light sunburn.
• Tiny scabs (with electrolysis): Normal and temporary. Never pick them — they fall away naturally as the skin heals.
• Cool compress: If you feel heat after the session, use a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for a few minutes at a time. It helps calm the skin tone.
• Sensitivity: Your skin may feel warmer or slightly tight for 24–48 hours.

Think of it as your skin working behind the scenes. The follicle has been damaged and is shutting down, which means smoother skin is on the way.

Aftercare is non-negotiable if you want results to last. I always give my Melbourne clients a checklist, and I’ll share it here:

• SPF 50+ daily: Essential all year round, even in winter. Our Aussie sun is brutal, and laser-treated skin is far more sensitive to UV. Skipping sunscreen risks pigmentation issues and can undo all your progress.
• Avoid heat and sweat: For at least 24 hours, skip hot showers, saunas, steam rooms and high-intensity workouts. Sweat can irritate open follicles, and heat can increase redness.
• Stick to gentle products: Choose fragrance-free cleansers, aloe vera gels and bland moisturisers. Ditch actives like retinol, AHA or vitamin C for a few days — they’ll only irritate your skin surface.
• No tweezing or waxing: These rip out the follicle and interfere with your treatment program. Stick to shaving only.
• Hands off: Picking or scratching treated areas can lead to scarring or infection. Even if you see tiny scabs from electrolysis, let them fall away naturally.
• Clothing choice: Wear loose, breathable cotton. Tight synthetics can rub against sensitive skin and cause unnecessary irritation.
• Moisturise regularly: Keep the skin hydrated with lightweight, non-comedogenic creams. Hydrated skin heals faster and responds better to treatment intervals.
• Stay consistent: Follow your laser therapist’s plan. Visible hair reduction often shows after 2-3 sessions, but full courses (6-10 treatments) are what deliver smooth, long-term results.

A Melbourne-specific tip? Because our climate is unpredictable — with UV exposure spiking even in cooler months — I advise clients to carry a travel-sized SPF in their bag. It makes reapplication easier and keeps pigmentation risks at bay.

Let’s talk about the “ouch” factor because it’s the number one concern before booking.

Laser treatments: Most clients describe the sensation as quick flicks of an elastic band on the skin, with cooling bursts between pulses. With modern devices like Dynamic Cooling Systems or cryo technology, discomfort is minimal and often compared to mild irritation.

Electrolysis: This targets single follicles with an electric current. It feels like a brief sting or zap per follicle. It’s more noticeable on sensitive areas like the upper lip, but completely tolerable.

Pain management options: Most Melbourne clinics (mine included) offer cooling devices, numbing creams and pacing techniques to keep you comfortable. A numbing cream applied 30 minutes before treatment can make electrolysis virtually pain-free.

Skin type and sensitivity: Fairer, thinner skin may feel pulses more sharply, while clients with denser follicles (often on the chin area) sometimes describe a stronger snap.

Here’s my honest advice: If you’ve had a Brazilian wax, you’ll breeze through facial laser. If you’re still nervous, ask your clinic for a patch test first — it gives you a real feel for the sensation without committing to a full session.

Facial hair grows in cycles, and only hairs in the anagen phase respond to treatment. That’s why multiple sessions are essential.

According to industry data 70–90% reduction is achievable with medical grade laser if treatment programs are followed correctly.

Most side effects are mild and temporary, but it’s good to know what’s normal and what’s not:

• Redness and swelling: Very common and usually resolve within a few hours. Think of it as your follicles saying, “Ouch, we felt that!”
• Rare pigment changes: More likely if you have sun exposure too soon after treatment. That’s why I always stress daily SPF 50+.
• Tiny crusting or scabbing: Sometimes happens with electrolysis or on very coarse hair. It heals quickly if left alone.
• Burn risk: This only really happens with inexperienced operators or non-medical grade devices. Choosing a certified technician using a class 4 medical-grade laser dramatically lowers that risk.

To minimise side effects, I always do a test patch before the full session. It gives us a chance to see how your skin reacts and tweak the settings to keep things safe and effective.

Yes. In fact, permanent facial hair removal for men is one of the fastest-growing services in my Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Melbourne Face Figurati. Men often book treatments for different reasons than women:

• Beard shaping: Neater jawlines and defined necks without the daily razor burn.
• Reducing shaving irritation: Great for men prone to ingrowns or sensitive skin.
• Cheek and ear hair removal: No one wants those stray hairs creeping higher every year.

Here’s the catch: men’s hair follicles are typically denser and coarser, which means they may need more treatment sessions compared to women. I usually recommend 8–12 sessions for optimal results, followed by occasional maintenance.