What to Expect From Your First Laser Hair Removal Session

The idea of your first laser hair removal session can bring up a lot of questions — will it hurt? How long will it take? What do I need to do beforehand? If you have been relying on razors or waxing appointments to manage unwanted hair, switching to a permanent solution is a big step. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before, during, and after your very first session at Carisma Aesthetics Malta.

Why Laser Hair Removal Is Worth It

Waxing, shaving, and threading are temporary fixes that add up in cost, time, and discomfort year after year. Laser Hair Removal Malta at Carisma offers a clinically proven permanent reduction of unwanted hair — across all skin tones and most hair colours. Our technology, the Alma Soprano Platinum, is CE and FDA-cleared and uses three laser wavelengths simultaneously to target hair follicles at multiple depths, ensuring a higher destruction rate than single-wavelength devices.

Most clients see visible hair reduction after just two to three sessions, with a full treatment course of six to eight sessions delivering long-lasting smooth skin. And unlike older laser systems, there is no recovery time — you can return to work, the gym, or the beach immediately after your appointment.

Before Your Session: How to Prepare

Good preparation makes a real difference to both comfort and results. Follow these steps in the days leading up to your appointment:

• Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your session — the laser targets the follicle below the skin, not the hair above it.
• Avoid waxing, threading, or epilating for at least four weeks prior, as these methods remove the root the laser needs to target.
• Stay out of direct sun and avoid sunbeds for two weeks before treatment. Tanned skin increases the risk of temporary pigmentation changes.
• Remove any fake tan, perfume, deodorant, or topical creams from the area on the day of your appointment.
• If you are taking photosensitising medication (e.g. certain antibiotics or retinoids), let your practitioner know during your consultation.
• Drink plenty of water — well-hydrated skin responds better to laser energy.

If this is your very first visit to Carisma, your session will begin with a one-on-one consultation and a complimentary patch test. This takes 15–20 minutes and lets you experience the Alma Soprano Platinum system firsthand so you can feel how gentle it really is. There is absolutely no obligation to continue after the patch test.

What Happens During the Session

On the day of your appointment, a trained Authorized Alma Practitioner will escort you to the treatment room and review your skin type, hair colour, and any medical history relevant to the procedure. The handpiece is then calibrated to settings specifically matched to your skin tone and hair texture — this personalisation is one of the reasons results at Carisma are so consistent.

The Alma Soprano uses patented ICE Plus™ cooling technology, which chills the skin surface to as low as –4°C throughout the session. This is what makes the treatment virtually painless — most clients describe the sensation as a warm, gentle glide rather than the snapping discomfort associated with older IPL or single-wavelength lasers. The handpiece is moved across the treatment area in smooth, overlapping passes to ensure every follicle is covered.

How Long Does a Session Take?

• Small areas (upper lip, chin, underarms): 10–15 minutes
• Medium areas (bikini line, arms, lower legs): 20–30 minutes
• Large areas (full legs, back, chest): 30–45 minutes
• Full body: 60–90 minutes

Once the session is complete, a soothing gel is applied to calm the skin. You are free to leave immediately — there is zero downtime with SHR® technology.

After Your Session: What to Expect

Immediately after your session, the treated area may appear slightly pink or feel warm — similar to mild sunburn. This is completely normal and typically subsides within a few hours. Over the following two to three weeks, treated hairs will begin to shed naturally as the follicles are expelled by the body. This shedding is a sign the laser worked, not a sign that hair is regrowing.

• Avoid hot baths, saunas, and swimming pools for 24–48 hours after treatment.
• Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to any exposed treated areas for at least two weeks post-session.
• Do not wax or epilate between sessions — shaving is fine if needed.
• Moisturise daily with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion to support skin recovery.
• Avoid active skincare ingredients (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs) on the treated area for 48 hours.

It is important to complete the full recommended course of sessions for the best outcome. Hair grows in cycles (anagen, catagen, and telogen), and laser hair removal is only effective during the active growth phase (anagen). Spacing sessions four to eight weeks apart ensures each new cycle of follicles is targeted in turn.

Who Is Laser Hair Removal Suitable For?

The Alma Soprano Platinum is designed to be safe and effective across all Fitzpatrick skin types — including darker skin tones that were historically excluded from laser hair removal. It is also effective on a wide range of hair colours, though very light blonde, grey, or white hairs contain less melanin and may respond differently. During your consultation, your practitioner will assess your individual profile and advise on expected outcomes.

Laser hair removal is not recommended during pregnancy. Clients with certain medical conditions or on specific medications should discuss this with the team during their pre-treatment consultation. Minors can undergo treatment only with a parent or legal guardian present throughout the session.

How Laser Hair Removal Fits Into Your Aesthetic Routine

Many of our laser hair removal clients also explore complementary treatments to achieve their wider aesthetic goals. If you are working on a full-body confidence refresh, our Face Treatments — including HydraFacials, peels, and injectables — pair beautifully with a laser programme. Clients who are undergoing body transformation journeys sometimes combine laser with our Medical Weight Loss Malta programme for a comprehensive approach to looking and feeling their best.

If you are curious about other laser-based treatments, our Pico Laser Tattoo Removal uses a completely different mechanism to break down tattoo ink — it is worth exploring if you have unwanted body art alongside unwanted hair. And if hair loss on the scalp is a concern, our Hair Regrowth Treatment addresses thinning and hair loss using advanced regenerative protocols, complementing your overall hair wellness goals.

Our Guarantee

We are so confident in our technology and the skill of our Authorized Alma Practitioners that we offer a straightforward guarantee: visible hair reduction after just three sessions, or your next session is free. No small print, no conditions. That confidence comes from investing in the best-in-class equipment — the Alma Soprano Platinum, introduced to Malta for the first time by Carisma Aesthetics.

If you are ready to ditch the razor for good, explore our Carisma Membership options — our Bronze, Silver, and Gold membership plans bundle six sessions at exclusive pricing, making it the most cost-effective way to commit to permanently smooth skin.

Ready to Book?

Your first step is a free, no-obligation consultation and patch test. Our team will answer every question, run a test patch on your chosen area, and build a personalised treatment plan — all before you commit to a single session. Book a Free Consultation today and experience the Carisma difference for yourself.