Laser Hair Removal in Torquay: Your Complete Guide

If you are tired of regularly shaving or waxing, light-based hair removal may help you spend less time managing unwanted hair. At Infinity Salon in Shiphay, Torquay, we start with a consultation so you understand how treatment works, whether it is suitable for your skin and hair, and what results you can realistically expect.

The aim is long-term hair reduction. Many people notice less hair growth and finer regrowth after a course of treatments. Results differ between people, and occasional maintenance may be needed.

How does light-based hair removal work?

The light is absorbed by pigment in the hair and converted into heat. This can affect the follicle’s ability to produce new hair. Because hairs grow in different cycles, one appointment cannot target every hair at the right stage. That is why treatments are carried out as a course, with time between sessions.

Dark, coarse hair generally responds better than very fine or pale hair. White, grey, blonde and some red hair may have too little pigment for effective treatment. We will assess your hair and skin at consultation rather than promise a result from a photograph or description.

SHR laser and cooled IPL: what is the difference?

These names can be confusing, so here is what they mean:

Laser produces a concentrated wavelength of light. Different laser types and settings are chosen for different skin and hair characteristics.

IPL, or intense pulsed light, produces a broad range of light wavelengths. It is a light-based treatment.

SHR, often called “Super Hair Removal,” describes a method of delivering energy in repeated passes, commonly while the handpiece moves across the skin.

“Frozen” or cooled IPL usually means the handpiece has a cooling feature that helps keep the skin surface more comfortable during treatment. Cooling can improve comfort, when using it in targetted areas.

Neither method is automatically best for everyone. Your skin tone, hair colour and thickness, treatment area, recent tanning, medical history and the specifications of the actual machine all matter. At Infinity, we will explain the method proposed for your treatment during your consultation.

Who might benefit?

Laser hair reduction may appeal to you if:

1. You regularly shave or wax and would like to reduce how often you need to do so.
2. You have noticeable dark hair on an area such as the legs, underarms, bikini line, face, back or chest.
3. You find frequent hair removal inconvenient or experience irritation from your usual routine.
4. You are happy to attend a course of appointments and follow preparation and aftercare instructions.

It may also be worth discussing if you have unwanted facial hair linked to hormonal changes or PCOS. Treatment can reduce suitable hairs, but it does not treat the underlying hormonal cause. New or rapidly increasing facial hair should be discussed with your GP.

Who may not be suitable?

Treatment may be unsuitable, less effective or need to be delayed if you have:

1. White, grey, very light blonde, some red, or very fine downy hair in the area.
2. A recent natural tan, sunbed tan or fake tan.
3. Sunburn, broken skin, infection or significant irritation in the treatment area.
4. A tattoo in the area you want treated.
5. Medication or skincare that makes your skin more sensitive to light.
6. A previous reaction to laser or IPL treatment.
7. A medical condition or skin concern that requires further assessment.

We would also need to discuss pregnancy, recent procedures and any changes in your health before treatment. Darker skin is not an automatic “no”: the important question is whether our particular equipment and settings are appropriate and safe for your skin. If we cannot offer a suitable option, we will tell you honestly.

What are the benefits?

For a suitable client, a completed course can mean less visible growth, finer regrowth and less reliance on frequent shaving or waxing. Some people also find their usual hair-removal routine easier to manage. The amount of reduction varies, so we will review your progress throughout the course.

We do not describe the treatment as guaranteed permanent removal, completely pain-free, or suitable for every skin and hair combination.

What happens at your consultation?

We will discuss the area you would like treated, examine the hair and skin, ask about tanning, medication, health and previous treatments, and explain the likely course. We will also discuss risks, preparation, aftercare and any test patch required by our treatment protocol.

This is your chance to ask questions before committing to a course. If another approach would be more suitable, we will explain why.

What does a session feel like?

You may feel warmth or brief snapping sensations as the area is treated. The sensation varies by person, area, settings and equipment. Cooling features can help with comfort, but we will never promise that a treatment is sensation-free. Protective eyewear is used where required, and your practitioner will explain each step.

The skin can look slightly red or feel warm afterwards. Your practitioner will give you aftercare instructions suited to the treatment you received.

How many sessions will I need?

Most people need multiple sessions because hair grows in cycles. At Infinity, we commonly plan a course of eight sessions, then review your response. Eight is a treatment plan, not a guarantee that all hair will be gone. Some people need further appointments or occasional maintenance, particularly where hormonal changes affect growth.

We will explain the recommended spacing for your treatment area at consultation.

How should I prepare?

You will generally need to avoid tanning and tell us about any recent sun exposure or fake tan. Do not wax or pluck the hairs during your course unless your practitioner specifically advises otherwise, because the light needs a hair target within the follicle. You will need to shave before your appointment.

Please tell us about new medicines, skincare products, illness, pregnancy or changes to your skin before every session. Arrive with the area clean and free from products if instructed.

What are the possible side effects?

Temporary redness, warmth and swelling around follicles can occur. Less common but more serious reactions include blisters, burns, changes in skin colour or scarring. Tanning, skin tone, treatment settings and aftercare can affect risk. A consultation and test patch help us assess suitability, but no treatment is entirely risk-free.

Follow the written aftercare we provide, protect treated skin from the sun and contact the salon promptly if you experience a reaction that concerns you.

Frequently asked questions

Is laser hair removal permanent?

It is more accurate to say long-term hair reduction. Results vary, and maintenance may be needed.

Can you treat every hair colour?

Light-based systems rely on pigment in the hair. White, grey, very pale blonde and some red hairs may not respond well. We will assess your hair before recommending a course.

Can I wax between appointments?

Usually, you should avoid removing hair from the root during your course. Ask us how and when to shave between visits.

Can I have treatment with a tan?

Please tell us about any natural, sunbed or fake tan. We may need to postpone your appointment for safety.

Is cooled IPL the same as Shr?

No. IPL and Shr are different light technologies. Cooling describes a feature of the handpiece, not the type of light it produces.

Which option is right for me?

That depends on your skin, hair, treatment area and the equipment available. We will recommend an option only after assessing you.

Ready to find out if it suits you?

Book a consultation with Infinity Salon Torquay, or call 01803 343163. We will talk through your goals, explain the treatment options and help you decide whether a course is right for you.