There are a few considerations when choosing the right studio for something as intimate as hair removal – whether it’s waxing or laser.

Cost is one, sure – but ultimately, in our opinion, experience, professionalism and a warm smile from someone who puts you at ease, are even more important.

We all probably have a few horror waxing experiences to share…

One of our favourite salons in Geneva is Studio Beauté, which has just celebrated its 10^th anniversary. It’s a small, two-roomed studio – which is always immaculate.

Rosemary, the owner – who originally hails from Venezuela, offers many classical beauty treatments, including facials, manicures and pedicures, but specialises in waxing and laser hair removal.

She is Swiss-trained and qualified in all the procedures she offers.

What makes her different is her very personal approach and professionalism. She takes her time to ensure every treatment is perfectly executed. There is no conveyer belt treatment and she’s discreet, but personal and warm at the same time. You almost look forward to the hair removal sessions.

Rosemary speaks French, Spanish and some English.

The laser diode. It is a versatile laser that can be used to remove all types of hair, including fine hair and all areas for men and women.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL LASER HAIR REMOVAL SESSION ENTAIL?

You start off with a first consultation to enable Rosemary to assess your overall state of health and the photo type of your skin.

It also includes a test on a small area to ensure safety of the treatment and determine the exact settings suitable for your skin and hair type. If after 48 hours everything is fine, you are ready to start the treatment.

IS THE LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT PAINFUL?

Not at all – at most you’ll feel a short sensation of heat at certain times for example when more resistant hair is being treated, but nothing too uncomfortable.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

You need to shave the area at least one day before your sessions. Certain medicines should not be taken during the treatment and don’t arrive sunburnt – for obvious reasons! The skin should be clean, shaved and without a trace of cream and make-up.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SESSION?

The skin can be a bit sensitive and red for up to 72 hours after treatment, but responds well to calming creams. Avoid sunbathing and sunbeds for 15 days before and after the treatment, no hot baths and steer clear of nylon or synthetic clothes. Also don’t use alcohol or oil-based products on the area and don’t rub vigorously.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

This will be determined after the first session, but you’re looking at between 6 and 10 sessions to get the desired result. This is necessary because the laser works on the first phase of skin growth (there are 3 phases) and not all the hair grows at the same time, so the treatment has to be repeated a few times.

The sessions are usually spaced about 4 weeks apart.

WHICH AREAS CAN I TREAT?

The laser can be used on most parts of the body – avoiding the area around the eyes. Most popular areas include:

• Upper lip
• Under arms
• Arms, hands and fingers
• Bikini area – all the different variations
• Legs, toes and feet
• For men: torso, back, neck

(Rosemary doesn’t do the bikini area for men!)

HOW LONG IS ONE SESSION?

The duration depends on the area that is being treated, for example 5 minutes for the upper lip and one hour for the whole leg (both legs).

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

At the end of your sessions, you skin should be soft and smooth. We don’t even have to mention the convenience of not having to resort to shaving or other aggressive forms of hair removal again, but it also helps to maintain the skin’s natural smoothness and hydration for longer.