Key Takeaways
- Full body laser hair removal typically costs between £1,500 and £3,500 in the UK.
- Prices vary based on skin type, hair density, laser technology, and clinic location.
- Package deals often offer better value than paying per session.
- Darker skin types may require specific lasers, such as Nd: YAG, for safe treatment at a skin clinic.
- Hormonal factors and hair colour can influence the number of sessions needed.
- Compared to waxing or shaving, laser treatment is more cost-effective in the long run.
What Defines ' Full Body ’ in Clinical Laser Treatment
Full-body laser hair removal treatment refers to the treatment of all major hair-bearing areas in a single course of sessions. This typically includes the face, underarms, arms, chest, back, abdomen, bikini or pubic region, legs, and feet. Each area requires individual attention due to differences in hair density, growth patterns, and skin sensitivity.
The total surface area covered in a full-body treatment can span over 1.6 square metres of skin. Depending on the clinic, some packages may also include smaller regions such as fingers, toes, or the perianal area, while others treat these as optional add-ons. The goal is to target as much terminal hair as possible within a defined anatomical range.
The duration and complexity of full-body sessions often depend on the size of the treatment zones and the number of passes required per session. Larger areas, such as the legs or back, may require longer exposure times and higher energy output, while smaller or hormonally sensitive areas like the bikini line may call for more conservative settings. Because each zone may respond differently to laser light, a tailored approach is essential for safe and consistent results.
What Is the Average Price of Full Body Laser Hair Removal Treatment in the UK?
In the UK, the average cost of full-body laser treatment typically ranges from £1,500 to £3,000 for a complete course of treatment. This pricing usually covers six to eight sessions, which aligns with the number needed to effectively target hair in the active growth phase. Some high-end clinics may charge over £3,500, especially when advanced laser technologies or additional areas are included.
Costs are often influenced by the size of the body being treated, the number of laser hair removal sessions required, and the type of laser system in use. For instance, clinics using Alexandrite or Nd: YAG lasers may charge more due to their precision and suitability across different skin tones. In contrast, lower-cost packages might rely on older or less versatile equipment.
Many providers offer full-body packages as bundled deals rather than charging per area. This approach tends to reduce the overall cost compared to booking individual zones separately. Some clinics also adjust their pricing based on gender, as male body hair tends to be denser and more widespread, often requiring longer sessions.
Cost per Session vs. Full Treatment Packages: Key Differences
Pay-per-session allows greater flexibility, making it suitable for those testing laser responsiveness or focusing on limited areas. However, booking sessions one at a time can lead to higher cumulative costs and inconsistent treatment intervals, which may reduce effectiveness.
Full treatment packages are designed around the typical clinical protocol, which typically consists of six to eight sessions. These packages often include additional follow-ups or touch-ups, creating a more structured and cost-effective path to long-term results.
Here’s a breakdown of how the two models compare:
- Estimated Cost per Session
Pay-per-Session: £250–£500 per session.
Full Treatment Package: £200–£437 per session on average. - Total Estimated Cost (6–8 Sessions)
Pay-per-Session: £1,800–£4,000.
Full Treatment Package: £1,500–£3,000 (includes all sessions). - Treatment Planning
Pay-per-Session: Sessions are booked individually.
Full Treatment Package: A full course is pre-scheduled at consistent intervals. - Inclusions
Pay-per-Session: Covers one session only.
Full Treatment Package: Includes multiple sessions, often with review or top-up options. - Customisation
Pay-per-Session: Typically focused on one area or concern per session.
Full Treatment Package: Offers a mapped plan across multiple areas and sessions. - Continuity of Care
Pay-per-Session: May vary depending on clinician availability.
Full Treatment Package: More likely to ensure consistent care with the same clinician and schedule. - Financial Flexibility
Pay-per-Session: Pay-as-you-go structure.
Full Treatment Package: Often includes interest-free payment plans. - Clinical Efficiency
Pay-per-Session: May miss optimal hair growth phases.
Full Treatment Package: Timed to align with the hair growth cycle for best results.
While both options utilise the same scientific principles and devices, the package model tends to yield better outcomes by aligning with the natural hair cycle and providing greater scheduling consistency.
Which Factors Determine the Cost of Full-Body Laser Hair Removal?
The cost of full-body laser hair removal varies from one patient to another due to several interrelated factors. Each treatment plan is shaped by individual physiology, clinical requirements, and the type of equipment used.
Skin Type and Fitzpatrick Classification
Skin type plays a critical role in determining treatment protocols and overall cost. Clinics commonly refer to the Fitzpatrick skin type scale, which classifies skin from Type I (very fair) to Type VI (very dark).
The amount of melanin present in the skin affects how energy is absorbed during treatment, which is an important factor to consider during a consultation. For patients with darker skin tones (Types IV to VI), clinics often use longer-wavelength lasers, such as Nd: YAG, to safely bypass the melanin in the epidermis and reach the follicle.
This added requirement for specific laser systems can increase the cost per session. Additionally, darker skin types may need more sessions or lower fluence settings to avoid complications such as hyperpigmentation, which can influence the total treatment plan and laser hair removal prices.
Hair Density, Colour, and Hormonal Influence
Hair characteristics significantly impact the outcomes of laser hair removal and the required treatment intensity. Thicker, coarser, and darker hairs contain more melanin, making them easier to target.
Patients with this hair type tend to see faster results with fewer sessions. In contrast, fine or light-coloured hair contains less melanin and may require more passes or specialised devices to produce noticeable reduction.
Hormonal influences also matter. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase hair density in specific areas, particularly the face, chest, and abdomen. These areas may require additional sessions to manage regrowth, leading to higher overall costs.
Gender can be another variable, as male patients often present with more widespread and denser body hair, resulting in longer treatment durations.
Laser Device Types and Technology Used
The choice of laser device directly impacts both the safety and cost of treatment. Clinics use different technologies based on skin tone, hair density, and treatment goals. Each device offers unique advantages:
- Alexandrite Laser (755 nm): Highly effective for lighter skin types with dark hair. Offers fast repetition rates and is well-suited for large areas.
- Diode Laser (800–810 nm): Versatile and commonly used for a range of skin types. Penetrates deeper into the follicle and offers a good balance of speed and efficacy.
- Nd: YAG Laser (1064 nm): Ideal for darker skin tones. It bypasses surface melanin and targets deeper hair follicles with lower risk of pigmentation issues.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): A lower-cost alternative that uses a broad spectrum of light. Less precise than laser systems and may require more sessions to achieve similar results.
Devices that feature contact cooling, adjustable pulse durations, and real-time energy control tend to provide safer and more effective outcomes. These technologies can also raise the cost per session due to their higher operating standards.
Comparing Laser Hair Removal Costs With Other Hair Removal Methods
While laser hair removal may appear more expensive upfront, it is often more cost-effective in the long run compared to conventional methods. Traditional techniques, such as waxing, shaving, and depilatory creams, require ongoing maintenance and regular purchases, adding to cumulative costs over months or years.
Here's a quick comparison of average costs and treatment characteristics across popular hair removal options:
1. Laser Hair Removal
- Requires 6–8 sessions with occasional top-ups.
- Costs between £1,500 – £3,500 over five years.
- Offers long-term hair reduction of up to 90%.
- Each session takes about 1.5 to 2 hours for full body.
- Ongoing maintenance is minimal after initial treatments.
- Highly suitable for full-body treatment.
2. Waxing
- Needs to be done every 3–4 weeks.
- Long-term cost is approximately £5,000 – £8,000.
- Results are temporary and require ongoing treatments.
- Session time is around 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Maintenance is required indefinitely.
- Moderately to highly suitable for full-body use.
3. Shaving
- Typically done daily or on alternate days.
- Costs between £1,800 – £3,000 over five years.
- Offers no reduction in hair growth—only temporary removal.
- Takes around 15 to 30 minutes per session.
- Requires indefinite upkeep.
- Highly suitable for full-body use.
4. Depilatory Creams
- Used weekly for hair removal.
- Five-year cost ranges from £1,200 – £2,500.
- Results are temporary with no long-term reduction.
- Each session takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- Ongoing use is needed indefinitely.
- Moderately suitable for full-body application.
5. Electrolysis
- Sessions are needed weekly to monthly.
- Total cost over five years can be £4,000 – £10,000.
- Provides permanent hair removal but typically only on small areas.
- Each session lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on area.
- Maintenance may be necessary for several years.
- Not ideal for full-body treatment due to time and cost.
Laser hair removal is the only option that offers a significant long-term reduction across large body areas, such as full legs, with minimal maintenance. It might require a longer time investment per laser treatment session, but it is worth the while.
While electrolysis can produce permanent results, it is labour-intensive and better suited for smaller areas. In discussions around electrolysis vs laser removal, the key differences often come down to treatment scope and efficiency. Laser is typically preferred for full body coverage, while electrolysis may be chosen for precision in limited zones.
Traditional methods, such as waxing and shaving, demand frequent upkeep and incur cumulative costs that can exceed the one-time investment of a full laser course.
Before You Go…
Full body laser hair removal involves more than a single cost figure. The final price depends on individual skin and hair characteristics, the type of laser technology used, and the structure of the treatment. While upfront expenses may seem high, the long-term value often surpasses that of traditional methods, both in terms of convenience and clinical outcomes.
Understanding these variables helps set realistic expectations during the consultation and supports better decision-making. For those exploring laser treatment further, learning about treatment cycles, technology options, and post-care can provide a deeper understanding of what shapes both results and costs over time.
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The Institute of Medical Physics, founded by Dr. Emanuel Paleco, is a premier medical laboratory specialising in Medical and Aesthetic Laser Science. With a flagship clinic in King’s Cross and additional locations in North London and Essex, the Institute is at the forefront of laser science innovation.
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