Fashion & Beauty Beauty

Discover the benefits of laser hair removal with Thérapie Clinic

Discover the benefits of laser hair removal with Thérapie Clinic

For some, unwanted hair can be one of beauty’s biggest frustrations, with endless shaving, waxing and plucking taking up valuable time and money. But laser hair removal can offer a longer-lasting solution, promising smoother skin with minimal upkeep.

Thérapie Clinic, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading aesthetic chains, has built a reputation for its advanced laser technology and accessible prices. But how effective is the treatment, and what can clients really expect? We visited the Belgravia branch to find out if it lives up to the hype.

Just a short walk from Victoria station, the newly renovated clinic is light, airy and spotless. Staff greet you warmly on arrival, immediately setting a reassuring tone. Thérapie uses the medical-grade Cynosure Elite+ laser to treat specific areas or even the full body, typically recommending a course of six to ten sessions for best results.

Around 48 hours before our appointment, we received an email containing pre-treatment forms and preparation advice, including shaving the area 24 hours beforehand and avoiding sunbeds or fake tan.

On the day, we had a consultation with a therapist who clearly explained the process before, during and after treatment. She answered all our questions confidently and put us completely at ease. In fact, every staff member we encountered was knowledgeable, approachable and professional.

During the treatment, a laser is used to target unwanted hair. The light is absorbed by the pigment in each strand beneath the skin and converted to heat, damaging the follicles and reducing future growth. Cold air is emitted throughout to soothe the skin and ease any discomfort.

For the most part, the treatment was painless, though we did feel a hot, pinching sensation in more sensitive areas. Sessions are quick, and we experienced no irritation afterwards.

One of the biggest advantages to using laser is the speed at which it can be carried out. While this varies depending on the area being treated, appointments can take as little as five minutes for the upper lip and 20 minutes for the full legs, making it an ideal option for those short on time.

A break of around four to six weeks is required between each session to allow hair to move from its dormant phase into active growth.

One thing to keep in mind: clinics can often be booked up well in advance. Across our six sessions, a few appointments were delayed due to therapist availability, which may have affected our overall results. If possible, book the full course upfront to stay consistent.

Nevertheless, hair growth was noticeably reduced, regrowth was finer and sparser, and ingrown hairs were completely eradicated. It’s worth noting that this laser is most effective on medium to dark hair and is not suitable for blonde, light brown, or red hair.

The number of sessions needed varies depending on the treatment area, hair type and other factors, such as medications, hormones (including PCOS) and stress. Most clients require six to ten treatments to achieve optimal results, with maintenance sessions (around three per year) recommended thereafter.

While laser hair removal can significantly delay or reduce hair growth, it’s not always a completely permanent solution – unless the follicle is destroyed. Still, it offers long-term smoothness that far outlasts waxing or shaving.

Rebekah Absalom

For more information on Thérapie Clinic, visit their website here.

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