What to expect at your first laser session

Shaving the day before, the patch test, the cool snap of each pulse and the week after: a plain-language walk-through of session one.

Before you arrive

Shave the area the day before, skip self-tan and sun for two weeks, and don't wax or pluck: the laser needs the root in place.

In the room

Your practitioner checks your skin type, runs a patch test and talks you through each step. The cooled handpiece glides over the skin; each pulse feels like a quick snap.

Afterwards

• Some pinkness for a few hours is normal.
• Skip the gym and hot baths for 24 hours.
• Wear SPF daily between sessions.