Laser Hair Removal – 5 Frequently Asked Questions

September 5, 2022

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to remove unwanted hair, with longer lasting effects than shaving. 

Legs that have had laser hair removal treatment

In the past couple of years, there has been a surge in demand for laser hair removal services, as more and more people make the move away from razors, tweezers and waxing, to a more permanent and skin-friendly solution.


If you are thinking about offering laser hair removal services in your salon/clinic, or are already offering it but have lots of patients who are new to the treatment, it is likely there will be some questions about what the treatment involves and what to expect. In this blog, we answer five of the frequently asked questions from first-time clients.



How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal works by destroying the root of the hair follicle. During treatment, flashes of light are distributed over the skin and absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. The energy from the laser heats up and damages the hair follicle, successfully stunting the cells that stimulate regrowth. 


Our medical-grade and MHRA registered SMARTDiode and SMARTDiode Pro devices combine adaptive triple wavelength technology with optimum power output. The benefit of this compared to normal laser hair removal technologies is that SMARTDiode is effective for all skin types, and can deliver super-fast treatment times with its unique ‘slide and glide’ delivery. This simultaneously increases clinic revenue and customer satisfaction.


How Long Do Treatments Take and How Many Are Required?

With the SMARTDiode’s unique slide and glide delivery, treatment time is faster than many other devices on the market, with an average time of only 13 minutes! However, this also depends on the individual’s skin type, hair colour and the area being treated. A small area like the upper lip may only take a few minutes to treat, while larger areas such as the back or legs take a little longer.


We recommend a minimum of six sessions for effective results. The UK average is 8 sessions, however, some patients can need as many as 12. This is beneficial as it increases client loyalty to your salon, and often treatments are sold upfront before treatment in packs or cycles. Treatments are spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to target follicles during the growth stage.


Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

The age-old question that everyone wants to know - does laser hair removal hurt? You’ll be pleased to know that, in short, the SMARTDiode is virtually pain-free! Most patients receiving the treatment describe the sensation as nothing more than a light pinching, but this obviously will depend on individual sensitivity and the area being treated. This is due to the high-frequency SHR technology used in our SMARTDiode devices.


Are There Any Side Effects?

Laser hair removal is completely safe and does not leave any permanent marks on the skin. It’s been proven to have no links to permanent health problems and does not cause cancer. After treatment, it is completely normal for the skin to be a little red. This should quickly go away on its own. 


What Aftercare Is Required After the Treatment?

There are a few things we recommend salons to pass on to patients to ensure the best outcome and to lower the chances of skin irritation:

  1. Don’t try to remove any stray hair left behind after treatment.
  2. Avoid direct sunlight for a week as this can cause irritation and slow down the recovery process.
  3. Use aftercare creams or aloe vera gel to speed up recovery and calm skin.

Our advanced, medical-grade SMARTDiode and SMARTDiode Pro laser hair removal devices represent the pinnacle in fast and effective laser hair removal. Combining triple-adaptive wavelength technology with high energy output and the latest intelligent software, SMARTDiode offers outstanding results for all skin types. 

July 16, 2026
For years, aesthetic treatments have focused on improving the skin's current condition, addressing concerns such as fine lines, pigmentation and loss of firmness.
By Dee Malan June 25, 2026
The aesthetics industry has spent years talking about laser hair removal in terms of technology. More power. Faster treatment times. Better cooling. Larger spot sizes. While these innovations have undoubtedly improved clinical outcomes, they've also distracted attention from a far more important question: What actually drives growth for a clinic? The answer isn't simply owning a better laser. In today's market, where many clinics have access to excellent technology, competitive advantage is shifting away from the device itself and towards how that technology is used to improve profitability, efficiency and client retention. That's a significant change in thinking, and it's one that many businesses are still overlooking. Laser Hair Removal Has Become a Business Strategy For many clinics, laser hair removal is the treatment that introduces a client to the business. A course typically involves six to eight appointments, creating months of regular contact rather than a single transactional visit. That's a commercial opportunity that shouldn't be underestimated. Every appointment allows practitioners to strengthen relationships, educate clients and identify other concerns they may not have originally booked to address. The clinics generating the greatest long-term value are no longer viewing laser as a standalone treatment; they're using it as the beginning of a wider patient journey. As client acquisition costs continue to rise and competition becomes increasingly local, maximising the lifetime value of existing clients is often more profitable than continually chasing new enquiries. Faster Treatments Don't Just Benefit Patients When manufacturers talk about speed, the conversation usually centres around patient convenience. While shorter appointments are undoubtedly attractive, the commercial impact for clinics is arguably far more significant. Reducing treatment times creates additional capacity without increasing staffing levels or extending clinic hours. Over the course of a year, those seemingly small efficiencies can translate into hundreds of additional appointment slots, improved utilisation of expensive equipment and greater revenue potential from the same physical space. Technology should therefore be assessed not only by how quickly it treats a patient, but by how effectively it improves the productivity of the business behind it. Stop Buying Technology. Start Solving Problems. One of the biggest misconceptions in aesthetics is that growth comes from continually investing in the latest device. In reality, successful clinics rarely buy equipment simply because it's new. They invest because it solves a commercial challenge, whether that's increasing capacity, improving patient satisfaction, reducing treatment times or opening opportunities for complementary treatments. The question isn't "Is this better technology?" It's "Will this make our business stronger?" That shift in thinking often separates clinics that consistently grow from those that continually compete on price. Looking Ahead Laser hair removal will continue to evolve, and advancements in speed, comfort and technology will remain important. However, the clinics that lead the next phase of the industry are unlikely to be those with the longest list of devices. They'll be the businesses that understand technology is only valuable when it delivers measurable commercial outcomes.  The future of laser hair removal isn't simply faster treatments, better experiences and smarter technology. It's using those advancements to build a more profitable, efficient and resilient clinic.
By Dee Malan June 22, 2026
You’ve Built a Successful Laser Business… What Comes Next? For many salon owners, laser hair removal has been a game-changing addition to their business. It attracts committed clients, creates opportunities for treatment programmes, and generates reliable recurring revenue. But once your laser offering is established and performing well, an important question often follows: What comes next? As the aesthetics industry continues to evolve, many successful laser businesses are looking for ways to expand their treatment menu, increase client spend, and strengthen client retention. For some, the answer lies in a natural next step: skin. Is Skin Your Thing? If you've already built a loyal client base through laser hair removal, chances are many of those clients are interested in more than just hair reduction. They're also concerned about skin health, ageing, pigmentation, acne scarring, texture, redness, and overall skin quality. By introducing advanced skin treatments, salons can begin serving a wider range of client concerns while building on the trust they've already established. The beauty of adding skin treatments is that you're often speaking to the same client. Instead of constantly searching for new customers, you're expanding the services available to the people who already know and trust your business. Increase Client Spend Without Increasing Footfall Growing a business doesn't always mean attracting more clients. Sometimes the biggest opportunity comes from increasing the value of each client journey. Advanced skin treatments can help create treatment plans that span multiple appointments, support ongoing maintenance programmes, and introduce complementary retail opportunities. This allows salons to increase revenue per client while delivering a more comprehensive treatment experience. Rather than being known for one service, you become a destination for results-driven aesthetic treatments. Strengthen Client Retention The most successful aesthetic businesses understand that retention is often more valuable than acquisition. While laser hair removal naturally creates repeat visits, advanced skin treatments can provide even more opportunities for long-term client relationships. Many skin concerns require ongoing treatment plans, seasonal maintenance, or progressive treatment journeys. This creates regular touchpoints with clients and helps keep your business front of mind long after their laser course has finished. When clients can achieve multiple goals under one roof, they're less likely to look elsewhere. Become a Destination Salon Today's clients are increasingly looking for clinics and salons that offer expertise rather than individual treatments. They want personalised recommendations, treatment plans tailored to their concerns, and a trusted professional who can guide them through their aesthetic journey. Expanding into skin allows your salon to position itself as a destination for advanced aesthetic treatments rather than simply a laser provider. This not only enhances your reputation but can also help differentiate your business in an increasingly competitive market. Why Advanced Skin Treatments? For salons considering their next move, advanced skin technologies can offer several advantages: High-value treatment programmes Strong profit margins Growing consumer demand Opportunities to treat multiple skin concerns Increased client retention Enhanced business positioning  Treatments such as RF microneedling, skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, collagen stimulation, and advanced facial treatments are becoming increasingly popular as clients seek visible, long-term results. Building on Your Success The skills, consultation process, and client relationships you've developed through laser hair removal have already laid the foundation for growth. Adding advanced skin treatments isn't about starting again—it's about building on what's already working. For many salon owners, expanding into skin has become the natural next chapter in their business journey. It's an opportunity to increase revenue, strengthen client loyalty, and position your salon as a leader in advanced aesthetic treatments. So if your laser business is thriving and you're thinking about the future, perhaps it's time to ask yourself: Is skin your thing?
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