Home › Treatments › Laser Hair Removal

Medically reviewed by Dr. Dhanraj Chavan, MBBS, MD Dermatology | Clear Skin Clinic, Pune

Laser hair removal is a light-based cosmetic treatment that uses concentrated beams of light to target and disable hair follicles, permanently reducing unwanted hair for men and women seeking long-term hair reduction on the face and body. The treatment delivers precise laser energy into the skin, which is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in each hair follicle. This heat damages the follicle and inhibits future hair growth – without harming the surrounding skin.

At Clear Skin Pune, laser hair removal is performed by qualified dermatologists using two laser technologies: the Diode Laser (800-810 nm) and the Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm). Both are suited to Indian skin tones and calibrated per patient skin type.

Key Facts About Laser Hair Removal

1. Permanently reduces unwanted hair by 70-90% after a full course of sessions
2. Most patients need 6-8 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart
3. Each session lasts 15-60 minutes depending on the treatment area
4. Clear Skin uses Diode Laser (800-810 nm) and Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm) – both suitable for Indian skin
5. No downtime – resume normal activities the same day
6. Safe for Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI (most Indian skin tones) when calibrated by a dermatologist
7. Results are permanent hair reduction, not total hair removal – some fine regrowth may occur

How Laser Hair Removal Works?

Laser hair removal uses a principle called selective photothermolysis. A concentrated beam of light at a specific wavelength is directed into the skin. The melanin in the hair shaft absorbs this energy and converts it to heat. That heat travels down into the hair follicle and damages the follicle’s ability to produce new hair.

For this to work, the hair must be in its active growth phase (anagen phase). Since follicles cycle through growth stages at different times, a single session will not disable all follicles in a given area – which is why multiple sessions are required to catch every follicle at the right stage.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal works best on patients with dark hair and medium to dark skin – which describes most Indian patients (Fitzpatrick types III-VI). The Diode Laser targets hair on medium-dark skin effectively. The Nd:YAG Laser at 1064 nm is the preferred choice for darker skin types (Fitzpatrick V-VI) as it bypasses surface melanin and focuses energy deeper into the follicle.

Indian skin is more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – a darkening of the skin following irritation or treatment. This is why all laser sessions at Clear Skin are performed by trained dermatologists who calibrate settings for each patient’s individual skin type. Visit our laser hair removal in Pune page for full candidacy information.

Laser hair removal is not recommended for:

1. Pregnant or breastfeeding women
2. Patients on photosensitising medications (retinoids, certain antibiotics)
3. Areas with active skin infections or open wounds
4. Patients with blonde, grey, white, or red hair (insufficient melanin for laser targeting)

Treatment Areas: Where Can Laser Hair Removal Be Done?

Laser hair removal can be performed on most areas of the face and body. Common treatment areas at Clear Skin include:

1. Face: Upper lip, chin, sideburns, forehead hairline
2. Body: Underarms, arms, legs, back, chest, abdomen
3. Sensitive zones: Bikini line, Brazilian, full bikini
4. Full body: Comprehensive treatment in staged sessions

For a full area-by-area breakdown, see our step-by-step full body laser hair removal overview. Men considering treatment can refer to our LHR guide for men.

What to Expect During a Session at Clear Skin?

A standard laser hair removal session at Clear Skin follows this sequence:

1. Consultation – Your dermatologist assesses skin type, hair type, medical history, and selects the appropriate laser technology and settings
2. Preparation – The treatment area is shaved 24-48 hours before the session. See our shaving prep guidance for the correct method
3. Eye protection – Both patient and clinician wear protective eyewear throughout
4. Laser application – The handpiece is moved across the treatment area, delivering calibrated pulses with a built-in cooling mechanism to protect the skin surface
5. Post-session care – Mild redness or warmth is normal and typically subsides within a few hours

Sessions range from 15 minutes (underarms, upper lip) to 60 minutes (full legs, back). No anaesthesia is required, though a topical numbing cream may be applied for sensitive areas on request.

Session costs at Clear Skin vary by treatment area and total sessions required. See our laser hair removal cost guide in Pune for a full area-by-area price breakdown.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

The clinical term is permanent hair reduction – not permanent hair removal. After a full course of 6-8 sessions at Clear Skin, most patients achieve 70-90% reduction in hair density. Any hair that does regrow tends to be finer, lighter in colour, and slower to appear.

Hair in hormonally sensitive areas (face, chin, bikini) may require additional maintenance sessions, as hormonal changes can stimulate some follicle activity over time. Most patients return for a single top-up session every 12-18 months.

View patient results and before/after outcomes and verified patient reviews on the Clear Skin website. You can also read about risks and side effects and LHR effectiveness for PCOS in our related guides.

As Verified By:

1. American Academy of Dermatology – Laser Hair Removal FAQs
2. Mayo Clinic – Laser Hair Removal Procedure Overview
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – Laser Hair Removal: StatPearls
4. Cleveland Clinic – Laser Hair Removal: What to Expect
   Link to: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8912-laser-hair-removal
5. Skin of Color Society – Laser Hair Removal in Skin of Color
   Link to: https://skinofcolorsociety.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Laser hair removal delivers permanent hair reduction, not permanent hair removal. Most patients achieve 70-90% reduction in hair density after 6-8 sessions at Clear Skin.

Hair that regrows tends to be finer and lighter in colour. Hormonal areas like the chin or bikini may require occasional maintenance sessions every 12-18 months.

How many sessions does laser hair removal take?

Most patients need 6-8 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. The exact number depends on hair type, skin tone, treatment area, and hormonal factors.

Indian hair tends to be coarser and denser, which may require the full 8-session course for optimal reduction. Your dermatologist will confirm the recommended plan at your first consultation.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

Most patients describe it as a mild snapping sensation – similar to a rubber band flick against the skin. Modern laser systems at Clear Skin include built-in cooling to reduce surface discomfort.

Sensitive areas such as the upper lip or bikini line may feel more intense. A topical numbing cream can be applied on request before the session.

Is laser hair removal safe for Indian skin?

Yes, when performed by a qualified dermatologist using the correct laser technology. Indian skin (Fitzpatrick types III-VI) responds well to Diode Laser (800-810 nm) for medium-dark tones and Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm) for darker tones.

Correct calibration is essential to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is more common in Indian skin. All sessions at Clear Skin are conducted by dermatologists, not technicians.

Who should not get laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, patients on photosensitising medications (such as retinoids or certain antibiotics), anyone with active skin infections in the treatment area, or patients with blonde, grey, white, or red hair.

A pre-treatment consultation with a dermatologist at Clear Skin will confirm your suitability and flag any contraindications before your first session.

Ready to begin laser hair removal? 

Book a consultation with a dermatologist at Clear Skin Pune for a personalised treatment plan based on your skin type, hair type, and target areas.

Learn more: Laser Hair Removal in Pune | Diode Laser Hair Removal | Side Effects and Risks | LHR for PCOS