Laser hair removal in Brussels: prices, results and everything to know before your first session

Shaving every other day, a waxing appointment every three weeks, ingrown hairs on the legs or bikini line… Many women, and more and more men, end up considering laser hair removal. But before taking the plunge, there are plenty of questions: is it really permanent? How many sessions will you need? Does it hurt? And above all, how much does it cost in Belgium?

This guide answers all these questions simply, so you arrive at your first session knowing exactly what to expect, whether you live in Brussels, Jette or the surrounding area.

How does laser hair removal work?

The principle relies on a phenomenon called selective photothermolysis. The laser emits light of a single wavelength, which is attracted to melanin, the pigment that gives hair its colour. This light is absorbed by the hair, turns into heat and travels down to the hair follicle, the "root" that produces the hair. Once heated, the follicle gradually loses its ability to grow a new hair.

This has two important consequences:

• Contrast matters. The darker the hair compared with the skin, the more easily the laser targets it. Blond, red, grey or white hairs contain little or no melanin and respond poorly, if at all.
• The hair must be in its growth phase. A follicle is only truly sensitive to the laser during its active growth phase (the anagen phase). At any given time, only some of your hairs are in this phase. That is why one session is never enough.

"Permanent" hair removal: what can you really expect?

People often talk about permanent hair removal, but the more accurate term is long-lasting hair reduction. After a full course, the vast majority of treated hairs do not grow back, and those that return are generally finer and sparser. A few maintenance sessions may be useful over the years, especially with hormonal changes.

Laser or IPL: what's the difference?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is often presented as an alternative to laser. Both techniques use light and melanin, but they don't work in the same way:

No technology is "magic": in both cases, the result depends above all on the quality of the device, the settings and the experience of the person performing the session.

Which areas can be treated?

Almost every area where dark hair grows, except the immediate eye area. The most requested:

Laser hair removal for the bikini line

This is often the area behind the first visit: coarse hairs, irritation, ingrown hairs after shaving or waxing. We generally distinguish the classic bikini line (edge of the underwear), the high-cut (edge + pubic area) and the full bikini (Brazilian).

Laser hair removal for the legs

Half or full legs are very well suited to laser: a large surface, often dark hairs, and a huge time saving day to day.

Underarms

A small area with thick, dark hairs: underarms are among the areas that respond best, with very short sessions.

Laser hair removal for the face

Upper lip, chin, cheeks: laser can give good results on dark facial hair. However, light or white hairs, common from a certain age, do not react. In that case, electrolysis is often the most suitable solution.

What about men?

Back, shoulders, chest, nape or beard line: laser is just as relevant for men, provided the area to treat is clearly defined at the consultation.

How many laser sessions do you need?

There is no universal number, but you can generally count on 6 to 8 sessions for a satisfying result on the body, sometimes more. Sessions are spaced several weeks apart so resting hairs have time to enter the growth phase: the interval is usually shorter on the face than on the body.

Factors that influence results

• Hair and skin colour: dark hair on fair skin is the most favourable case.
• Hair thickness: thick hairs often respond better than fine down.
• The area: each area has its own growth cycle.
• Hormones: a hormonal imbalance can stimulate regrowth and make treatment longer.
• Regularity: keeping to the session schedule is essential. Spacing them too far apart, or too close together, reduces effectiveness.
• Following the advice: sun, wax or tweezers between sessions reduce results.

What does a session feel like?

The sensation is often compared to a small elastic band snapping on the skin, together with a feeling of warmth. It varies by area (the bikini line and upper lip are more sensitive than the legs) and by person. Most recent devices include a cooling system that makes the session more comfortable.

The length depends on the surface: a few minutes for the underarms, up to about an hour and a half for the full body.

Before and after the session: good habits

Before the session

• Shave the area 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. The hair must be present in the follicle, but not on the skin surface.
• Do not use wax, tweezers or an electric epilator throughout the treatment: these methods pull out the hair and its root, which is exactly what the laser needs to reach.
• Avoid sun and self-tan. Tanned skin absorbs more light and increases the risk of burns.
• No cream, oil or perfume on the area on the day of the session.
• Tell us about any medication you take, even occasionally.

After the session

• Redness and small bumps around the hairs are normal for a few hours.
• Protect the area from the sun and apply high sun protection to exposed areas.
• Avoid steam rooms, saunas, chlorinated pools and intense sport for 24 to 48 hours.
• Within two to three weeks, the treated hairs gradually fall out: a sign that the treatment is working. Don't pull them out.

Contraindications: when should you seek medical advice?

Laser hair removal is not suitable in every situation. In particular, it is not recommended, or should be postponed, in case of:

• pregnancy;
• recent sun exposure or tanned skin;
• taking photosensitising medication (some antibiotics, acne treatments and corticosteroids, among others);
• a lesion, infection, herpes flare-up or wound on the area;
• a tattoo or mole on the area (the beam must avoid them);
• wearing a pacemaker.

Hair growth that appears or increases suddenly, especially on the face, abdomen or chest, may have a hormonal cause (for example polycystic ovary syndrome). In that case, see your GP or a gynaecologist first: treating the cause is as important as treating the hair.

How much does laser hair removal cost in Belgium?

The price of a laser session varies a lot from one salon to another. To compare wisely, look at:

• the size of the area: underarms cost less than full legs;
• the number of sessions needed: what counts is the total cost of the course, not just the price per session;
• multi-area packages, often better value if you treat several areas at once;
• the technology used and how well the device is maintained;
• what is included: consultation, shaving in the salon, follow-up between sessions.

Be wary of very low prices: settings that are too cautious give poor results, settings that are too aggressive risk burns. The right price is the one that matches a serious, well-monitored course.

Why start with a consultation?

The initial consultation is not a formality. It allows us to:

• check there is no contraindication;
• look at your skin and hair type and tell you honestly whether laser is the right method for you;
• define the areas and the number of sessions to plan;
• explain the precautions before and after each session.

It is also the time to ask all your questions and see whether you feel confident in the salon.

Laser hair removal at Victory Beauty, in Wemmel and Jette

In our two salons, in Wemmel and Jette, on the edge of Brussels, Victory Beauty offers laser hair removal with Auraskin technology, suitable for all skin types, from the fairest to the darkest. Sessions are performed by qualified, certified beauty therapists in a calm, well-kept setting.

The way we work rests on a few simple principles:

• An initial consultation, during which the therapist explains the protocol, the contraindications and the sun precautions. It costs €15 and is refunded at your first session.
• An analysis at every session: your hair and skin are checked to adjust the laser intensity as precisely as possible.
• Strict hygiene: for the full-body package, shaving is done in the salon with clippers and sterile razors.
• Clear prices, per area or as a package, available online. As a guide, per session: underarms €49, classic bikini €45, full bikini €75, half legs €45, full-body package €200.

For light or white hairs that laser cannot treat, we also offer electrolysis, the only method that works hair by hair, whatever its colour.

In short

Laser hair removal is an effective, long-lasting way to reduce hair growth, provided your hairs are dark enough, you follow a course of several sessions and respect the advice, especially regarding the sun. A thorough consultation at the start remains the best guarantee of a suitable, safe treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Is laser hair removal really permanent?

It provides long-lasting hair reduction: most treated hairs do not grow back and those that return are finer. A maintenance session can be useful over the years, especially with hormonal changes.

How many sessions are needed for the bikini line or legs?

Generally 6 to 8 sessions, sometimes more depending on hair colour and thickness, the area and your hormonal balance. The exact number is estimated at the consultation.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

You feel warmth and a small snapping-elastic sensation, stronger on sensitive areas such as the bikini line or upper lip. Most people find it perfectly bearable.

Does laser work on blond, red or white hair?

Very little or not at all, because these hairs contain too little melanin. For these hairs, electrolysis is generally the most suitable method.

Can you have laser hair removal in summer?

Yes, but only on untanned areas and by strictly avoiding the sun before and after each session. Many people prefer to start their course in autumn.

Is laser hair removal suitable for olive or dark skin?

It depends on the device. The Auraskin laser used at Victory Beauty is suitable for all skin types; settings are adjusted to your skin at every session. The hair, however, must remain darker than the skin to be targeted.

Should you shave before the session?

Yes, 24 to 48 hours before. For a full-body package at Victory Beauty, don't shave: we do it in the salon so we can analyse your hair better.