Table of Contents
This article provides a comprehensive guide to laser hair removal in Reading for 2025, featuring the top-rated clinics including LASER SKIN™ Clinic, Dr BK Clinics, Reading Cosmetic Clinic, sk:n Clinic Reading, and CoLaz Advanced Beauty Clinic. It covers what to expect during treatment sessions, including pre-treatment consultations, the treatment process, and post-treatment care. The guide also offers advice on choosing the best clinic based on technology, practitioner expertise, reputation, and pricing transparency. Readers will find detailed information on pricing factors, package deals, and additional costs to consider. Finally, the article answers common questions about laser hair removal effectiveness, pain levels, suitability for different skin types, and safety concerns.
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
Is laser hair removal permanent? | While laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth by 70-90%, it's not always permanent and may require annual maintenance sessions. |
Does laser hair removal work on all skin types? | Modern lasers like Cynosure Elite and Titanium are effective on all skin tones, though lighter skin with dark hair typically shows the best results. |
How many sessions are usually needed for laser hair removal? | Most treatment areas require 6-12 sessions spaced 4-12 weeks apart depending on the specific area being treated. |
Is laser hair removal painful? | Most patients describe discomfort as mild, similar to a rubber band snap, and clinics use cooling systems to minimize pain during treatment. |
Can laser hair removal treat light-colored hair? | Traditional lasers work best on dark hair, though newer technologies like Cynosure Elite can treat lighter blonde, red, and gray hair with less predictable results. |
Top Laser Hair Removal Clinics in Reading for 2025
LASER SKIN™ Clinic
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Price Range: From £50 per session
- Location: Central Reading
Key Features:
- Medical-grade lasers for safe and effective hair removal
- Customized treatment plans for individual needs
- Additional services like HydraFacial and microneedling
Dr BK Clinics
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Price Range: Consultation fee £27 (redeemable against treatment)
- Location: Reading, Berkshire
Key Features:
- Titanium laser with cooling technology for pain-free experience
- Larger applicator for faster treatments (minutes per area)
- Redeemable consultation fee
Reading Cosmetic Clinic
- Rating: 4.9/5
- Price Range: From £50 per session
- Location: Central Reading
Key Features:
- Cynosure Elite laser suitable for all skin types (Fitzpatrick 1-6)
- Free consultations to assess suitability
- Highly experienced practitioners
sk:n Clinic Reading
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Price Range: Custom pricing (consultation required)
- Location: Reading
Key Features:
- UK's leading skin clinic chain with medically trained professionals
- FDA-approved lasers for safety
- Flexible payment plans available
CoLaz Advanced Beauty Clinic
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Price Range: From £60 per session
- Location: Reading
Key Features:
- Specializes in laser hair removal, electrolysis and dermaplaning
- Additional skin blemish removal services (warts, moles, skin tags)
- Highly rated for customer care and professionalism
What to Expect During a Laser Hair Removal Session
Pre-Treatment Consultation
- Initial assessment of your skin type and hair color
- Medical history review to determine suitability
- Customized treatment plan discussion
- Patch test to check skin reaction to the laser
- Pre-treatment instructions provided (avoid sun exposure, no waxing/plucking)
During the Treatment
- Treatment area cleansed and prepped
- Cooling gel applied (if used with specific lasers)
- Laser device calibrated based on your skin/hair type
- Short pulses of light directed at hair follicles
- Protected eyewear worn throughout the session
Treatment Area | Typical Duration | Discomfort Level |
|---|---|---|
Upper Lip | 5-10 minutes | Mild (like rubber band snap) |
Underarms | 10-15 minutes | Moderate |
Full Legs | 30-60 minutes | Mild to Moderate |
Post-Treatment Care
- Immediate redness and mild swelling (normal reaction)
- Apply provided soothing gel or moisturizer
- Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours
- No hot baths or saunas for 24 hours
- Hair shedding occurs in 1-3 weeks (normal)
- Next session scheduled 4-8 weeks later
How to Choose the Best Clinic for Your Needs
Key Factors to Consider
- Technology Used: Look for clinics with FDA-approved lasers like Cynosure Elite or Titanium that work on all skin tones
- Practitioner Expertise: Ensure treatments are performed by certified medical professionals with laser certification
- Clinic Reputation: Check reviews on Google, WhatClinic, and RealSelf for authentic patient experiences
- Pricing Transparency: Compare costs and package deals - avoid clinics with hidden fees
- Consultation Quality: A thorough pre-treatment assessment should be included in your first visit
Technology Checklist
Technology Type | Skin Tones | Cooling Feature |
|---|---|---|
Cynosure Elite | Fitzpatrick 1-6 | Integrated cooling |
Titanium Laser | Light to Dark | Advanced cooling gel |
IPL Devices | Fitzpatrick 1-4 | Variable cooling |
Red Flags to Avoid
- Clinics offering "permanent" hair removal (FDA recognizes only "permanent reduction")
- Unusually low prices that seem too good to be true
- Lack of patch testing or consultation
- Non-medical staff performing treatments
- No clear aftercare instructions provided
Questions to Ask During Consultation
- What specific laser system do you use for my skin type?
- How many years of experience do your practitioners have?
- Can I see before/after photos of similar cases?
- What are the potential side effects and how are they managed?
- Do you offer touch-up sessions if needed?
Understanding Laser Hair Removal Pricing in Reading
Average Cost Per Session by Area
Treatment Area | Average Cost (Per Session) | Typical Sessions Needed |
|---|---|---|
Upper Lip | £30 - £60 | 4-6 |
Underarms | £50 - £90 | 6-8 |
Bikini Line | £60 - £120 | 6-8 |
Full Legs | £150 - £300 | 8-10 |
Full Body | £400 - £800 | 10-12 |
Factors That Affect Pricing
- Technology Used: Advanced lasers (Cynosure Elite, Titanium) cost more than basic IPL devices
- Clinic Location: Central Reading clinics typically charge 15-20% more than suburban locations
- Practitioner Experience: Senior dermatologists charge premium rates compared to junior technicians
- Number of Sessions: Larger areas require more sessions, increasing total cost
- Specialized Areas: Face treatments cost more than body areas due to precision requirements
Package Deals & Discounts
- Multi-Session Packages: Most clinics offer 10-25% discounts when booking full courses in advance
- First-Time Offers: Many providers give £20-£50 discounts for initial consultations
- Seasonal Promotions: Summer and winter often feature special pricing (15-30% off)
- Referral Bonuses: Some clinics offer £10-£25 credit per referred client
- Payment Plans: Interest-free installment options available at sk:n and similar chains
Additional Costs to Consider
- Consultation Fees: £20-£30 (usually redeemable against treatment)
- Aftercare Products: £15-£50 for recommended moisturizers and sunscreens
- Maintenance Sessions: £30-£100 annually for touch-ups
- Medical Supplements: £10-£20 for pre/post-treatment vitamins if recommended
- Travel Costs: Factor in parking (£5-£10/day) or public transport for multiple visits
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
While laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth (typically by 70-90%), it's not always permanent. Most patients need 1-2 maintenance sessions annually to sustain results after completing the initial course of 6-12 treatments.
Does It Work on All Skin Types?
Yes, modern lasers like the Cynosure Elite and Titanium are effective on all skin tones (Fitzpatrick types 1-6). However, results may vary - lighter skin tones with dark hair typically see the best outcomes.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Treatment Area | Typical Sessions | Spacing Between Sessions |
|---|---|---|
Face | 6-8 | 4-6 weeks |
Bikini | 6-8 | 6-8 weeks |
Legs | 8-10 | 8-12 weeks |
Full Body | 10-12 | Varies by area |
Is It Painful?
Most patients describe discomfort as mild - similar to a rubber band snap or hot pinprick. Clinics use cooling systems (gel or cryogen spray) to minimize pain. Topical numbing creams are available for sensitive areas.
Are There Side Effects?
- Temporary redness and swelling (lasts 2-24 hours)
- Mild itching or irritation
- Rare hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones
- Very rare blistering or scarring with improper aftercare
Can I Get Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant?
Most clinics advise against laser hair removal during pregnancy due to hormonal changes potentially affecting results and safety concerns. Wait until after childbirth and breastfeeding for optimal results.
Can It Treat Light-Colored Hair?
Traditional lasers work best on dark hair. Newer technologies like the Cynosure Elite can treat lighter blonde, red, and gray hair, but results are less predictable. IPL devices are generally ineffective for light hair.
How Long Does Each Session Take?
Area | Duration |
|---|---|
Upper Lip | 5-10 minutes |
Underarms | 10-15 minutes |
Bikini Line | 15-30 minutes |
Full Legs | 30-60 minutes |
Full Back | 30-45 minutes |
Is It Safe for Sensitive Skin?
Yes, when performed by qualified professionals using appropriate settings. Cooling systems protect sensitive skin. Patch tests are mandatory to determine safe energy levels. Aftercare is especially important for sensitive skin types.