Well-being: Trick or treat? Permenant Hair Removal

What is it? The latest technology using pulses of infrared light that promises a virtually painless way to permanently remove unwanted body hair. Lasers heat the follicles below the skin to a temperature that means the hair can no longer grow, leaving skin silky and smooth.

How does it work? Wearing dark glasses to protect my eyes, I lie on the bed and stretch the skin under my arms to allow the therapist better access. Using a special handset, she moves across the area with sweeping motions. I am aware of flashes of light but over the course of six treatments I only ever feel a tinge of pain twice – the rest of the time it is completely comfortable, mainly thanks to the patented chilled tip, which takes the heat out of the laser. The whole process takes only about 15 minutes per session, though if you are getting a larger area treated – the legs, say, or, for men, the back – it will take longer. And I can go straight back to work afterwards. The only recommendations are that I avoid perfumed products and heat treatments for 24 hours.

Strip off or cover up? That depends on which area of the body you are getting treated. I got my underarms done, so could strip down to a vest, but for legs or bikini line you will be required to remove a little more clothing.

Does it work? Even after just one treatment, the hair was finer, and after three there was hardly any regrowth at all. In the past, I had always been left with a little stubble after shaving, but now my oxters are completely smooth and hair-free and I finally can throw away my razor.

Who is it for? Anyone who is fed up shaving or waxing – if you go swimming or to the gym regularly, it is a godsend. And it is particularly effective for those with pale skins and coarse, dark hair, but can't be used on suntanned skin. It is recommended that you take a course of six treatments, with four weeks between each session – which means now is the ideal time to start getting hair-free for summer.

How much does it cost? Sessions start from 40, with a course of six being recommended. An underarms session starts at 70, and course prices are available on request.

Transform, Ingram House, 227 Ingram Street, Glasgow (0141-204 4567, www.transforminglives.co.uk)

• This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday, January 31, 2010