My Laser Hair Removal Journey at Calveo, Ashwell Near Oakham, Rutland

There are some beauty treatments that you book on a whim, and then there are the ones you've been thinking about for years.

For me, laser hair removal definitely falls into the second category.

Growing up, I was blessed with thick, dark, coarse hair. While that's wonderful for the hair on my head, growing up in the 90s meant body hair wasn't exactly celebrated. In fact, it quickly became one of my biggest insecurities.

I had my legs waxed for the first time when I was just seven years old. Well, one leg. My aunt managed one before I decided the pain wasn't worth it and called it quits!

Throughout my teenage years, my Mum could see how self-conscious I was about my body hair and actually offered to pay for laser hair removal for me. It was incredibly generous, and I remember researching it and considering it more than once. But back then, laser technology wasn't what it is today. Results often varied, treatments could be uncomfortable, and many people still needed frequent maintenance sessions afterwards.

It's something I've thought about on and off for nearly two decades.

Fast forward to adulthood, and I still find myself shaving my legs and underarms every other day, while my upper lip requires waxing every four weeks to stop it from becoming a full-blown moustache.

The difference now is that laser technology has moved on enormously.

Modern systems are faster, more precise, more comfortable and, most importantly, capable of delivering significantly longer-lasting results than earlier generations of laser treatments.

So when the opportunity came to visit Calveo in Ashwell, near Oakham, for a laser hair removal consultation, I felt like the timing was finally right.

Located at Rutland Garden Village, Calveo is one of Rutland's leading aesthetic and wellness clinics, and your local go-to for an injectable-free clinic, offering a wide range of advanced treatments designed to help clients look and feel their best.

Alongside laser hair removal, Calveo offers: HydraFacial treatments, RF Microneedling, Emsculpt Neo body contouring, Skin rejuvenation treatments, Chemical peels, and Massage therapies, Permanent makeup, Nutritional therapy, Pigmentation treatments, Thread vein removal and more.

The clinic itself feels calm, professional and reassuringly luxurious. From the moment you arrive, you feel completely at ease.

My consultation was with laser hair removal expert Lorna, and before any treatment could begin, we discussed: Skin type, Hair colour and density, Medical history, Tanning habits, Lifestyle factors and Expected results.

Laser hair removal isn't a one-size-fits-all treatment. Lorna carefully assessed my skin tone and hair type before determining the settings that would give me the safest and most effective results.

Because I have fair skin and dark brown hair, I'm actually considered an ideal candidate for laser hair removal, as the laser can easily distinguish between the pigment in the hair and the surrounding skin.

After discussing my concerns, we decided to focus on the three areas that bother me most: Underarms, Upper lip and Chin.

Calveo uses the Cynosure Elite iQ laser platform, one of the most advanced laser systems currently available.

Unlike older laser devices, the Elite iQ combines two powerful wavelengths, allowing practitioners to safely and effectively treat a wider range of skin tones and hair types. The system also features Skintel® Melanin Reader technology, which measures the amount of melanin in your skin and helps practitioners tailor treatment settings specifically to you.

In simple terms, the laser works by targeting the pigment within the hair follicle. Light energy travels down the hair shaft and is converted into heat, which damages the follicle and disrupts future hair growth.

Because hair grows in cycles, multiple sessions are required to target hair when it is in its active growth phase. Over time, this leads to a significant reduction in hair growth, with many hairs disappearing altogether, and any regrowth often becoming much finer and lighter.

This isn't the same laser treatment people were having 15+ years ago. The technology has evolved enormously, becoming more precise, more comfortable and more effective, which is why so many people now achieve long-lasting results with minimal maintenance.

Let's address the question everyone asks.

Does it hurt? Honestly? No.

The Elite iQ system incorporates a cooling air device that blows chilled air onto the skin throughout treatment. Rather than pain, I would describe the sensation as a quick, hot flick or tiny elastic band snap. It's less painful than waxing!

One of the things that surprised me during my consultation was just how many areas can be treated: Face: Upper lip, Chin, Jawline, Sideburns, Full face and Neck Upper Body: Underarms, Arms, Hands and fingers, Chest, Abdomen, Back and Shoulders Lower Body: Bikini line, Brazilian, Hollywood, Buttocks, Full legs, Lower legs, Feet and toes

Laser hair removal is suitable for both women and men, with many clients choosing larger areas such as full legs, chest or back.

Prices vary depending on the treatment area, with smaller facial areas costing significantly less than larger body areas.

As a guide:

Upper Lip: from £60 per session

Chin: from £60 per session

Underarms: from £65 per session

Hollywood Bikini: from £95 per session

Half Legs: from £140 per session

Full Legs: from £210 per session

Package pricing and interest-free financing options are also available, making treatment courses more cost-effective for those treating multiple areas.

My patch tests are complete, my treatment plan is in place, and my laser hair removal journey has officially begun.

Over the coming months, I'll be sharing honest updates, treatment experiences and before-and-after results as I find out whether I can finally say goodbye to the razor.

Watch this space.

Follow along on Instagram: @‌rutlandblog, or via this blog post, which will be updated are every appointment milestone of my laser treatment. 📍Calveo, Rutland Garden Village, Ashwell Road, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 7QN www.calveo.co.uk

RUTLAND LE1 7QN

Charlie x

Please note: This treatment journey is marked as an AD because it has been kindly gifted in exchange for content creation. Throughout the process, I will be sharing my honest experiences, reviews, feedback and testimonials, as always reflecting my genuine opinions.