Your Appointment
From your first consultation through to your ongoing treatments, I want you to know exactly what to expect.
Here you'll find everything you need to know about getting started, preparing for your appointments and looking after your skin following treatment.
Your Free Consultation & Patch Test
Every new client starts with a free, in-person consultation and patch test.
This gives us time to talk about the areas you'd like to treat, what you'd like to achieve and what you can realistically expect from laser hair removal. I'll assess your hair and skin, go through the information you've provided on your consultation form and check for anything that may affect your suitability for treatment.
It's also your opportunity to ask questions. There's no pressure to commit to treatment — the aim is simply to make sure laser hair removal is appropriate for you and that you feel fully informed before deciding whether you'd like to go ahead.
If you're suitable for treatment, I'll carry out a patch test on the area or areas you'd like treated.
Your consultation and patch test must be completed at least 48 hours before your first laser hair removal treatment and within the previous 6 weeks. The information provided during your consultation must also remain unchanged. If anything changes during that time, please let me know before your treatment so I can check whether anything needs to be reassessed.
Can I Have My First Treatment on the Same Day?
No. Your consultation and patch test must be completed at least 48 hours before your first laser hair removal treatment, so your first treatment will always be booked for a separate appointment.
This gives us time to make sure everything is suitable before going ahead with treatment.
Preparing for Your Consultation
There are a few things you can do before your appointment to help me properly assess the areas you'd like treated and carry out your patch test.
Leave Some Hair Visible
Please leave some visible hair growth in the areas you're considering having treated. This allows me to assess the hair before we discuss your treatment options.
I will shave a small area within the area or areas you'd like treated in order to carry out your patch test.
Complete Your Consultation Form
You'll be sent a consultation form to complete.
Please complete this before your appointment where possible and provide accurate information about your health, medications and anything else that may be relevant to your treatment.
Avoid Tanning & Sun Exposure
Please avoid direct sun exposure to the areas you'd like assessed for at least 3 days before your consultation, and don't use fake tan or gradual tanning creams for at least 2 weeks beforehand.
If your skin is tanned, sunburned or too sensitive to patch test safely, your appointment may need to be rearranged.
Check the Treatment Area
If you have an active skin condition, irritation, broken skin or another change affecting the area you'd like treated, please let me know before your appointment.
If it prevents me from safely assessing or patch testing the area, your appointment may need to be postponed.
Preparing for Your Laser Treatment
Once we've completed your consultation and confirmed that laser hair removal is suitable for you, there are a few things you'll need to do before each treatment.
Shave & Prepare the Treatment Area
Please shave the area being treated 2–12 hours before your appointment.
Try not to shave immediately before you arrive, as this can make the skin more sensitive.
The treatment area needs to be clean and free from topical products when you arrive for your appointment.
The Hair Before & Between Treatments
Avoid bleaching, hair-removal creams, essential oils, waxing or plucking the hair for at least 4 weeks before treatment.
Once your course has started, don't wax, epilate or pluck the hair between appointments. Shaving should be your method of hair removal throughout your course.
Avoid Tanning & Sun Exposure
Avoid direct sun exposure to the treatment area for at least 3 days before your appointment. Sensitive or sunburned skin will not be treated.
Don't use fake tan or gradual tanning creams for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
Medications & Cold Sores
Please let me know if you're taking antibiotics or have recently finished a course, as there needs to be a gap after finishing antibiotics before laser treatment.
If you have a history of cold sores, please let me know before treatment so we can discuss the appropriate preparation for you.
Keeping Me Updated
Things can change during a course of laser hair removal, so please keep me updated before each treatment.
Let me know about any changes to your health or medical conditions, medications or supplements, skin or the treatment area, sun exposure or tanning, use of fake tan or gradual tanning products, reactions following a previous treatment, or anything else you think may be relevant.
If you're unsure whether something matters, please tell me anyway and we can check.
Your safety will always take priority, and there may be occasions when a treatment needs to be adjusted or postponed.
On the Day of Your Treatment
Appointments at The Beam Room Berkshire are by appointment only, so you'll have the studio and my full attention during your allocated appointment time.
Please arrive on time so there's enough time to complete the necessary checks and your treatment without rushing.
Before we begin, I'll check that nothing has changed since your consultation or previous appointment that could affect your treatment, and we'll discuss how you've responded since I last saw you.
If something has changed and it isn't appropriate to treat you that day, we'll talk through the next steps and rearrange your treatment where necessary.
Driveway parking is available when you arrive.
After Your Treatment
I'll talk you through your aftercare following your appointment, but there are a few things to keep in mind while your skin settles.
Give Your Skin a Little Time
If you experience any redness or swelling following treatment, you can apply a soothing lotion such as aloe vera or use a cool pack if needed.
Avoid shaving or applying fragranced deodorant or perfume to the treated area for 24–48 hours.
Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun following treatment.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen and avoid direct sun exposure to the treated area and sunbeds for at least 4 days after your appointment.
Avoid Excess Heat & Strenuous Activity
Avoid hot baths, saunas, hot tubs or jacuzzis, massage treatments and strenuous exercise for 2–3 days after treatment.
Be Gentle With Skincare
Avoid skincare containing AHA, glycolic acid, salicylic acid or retinoic acid on the treated area for 3–5 days following treatment.
Keep your skin well hydrated and moisturised as part of your normal skincare routine.
If You Have Any Concerns
If something doesn't feel right following your treatment or you're concerned about how your skin is responding, please get in touch with me for advice.
Changing or Cancelling Your Appointment
I understand that plans sometimes change.
If you need to move or cancel your appointment, please give me at least 48 hours' notice.
Deposits, late cancellations, missed appointments and other booking conditions are covered in my full Booking Terms and highlighted at a glance below.
Booking Terms at a Glance
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I don’t accept walk-ins. You can book online from the website through Timely or contact me directly.
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All appointments require a 25% deposit upon booking and your appointment is not confirmed until this has been received. The remaining balance is payable at your appointment, before you leave. Card payments only unless otherwise agreed prior.
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If you need to rearrange or cancel your appointment, please give at least 48 hours notice. If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, your deposit may be retained to reflect the appointment time reserved for you and any loss reasonably arising from the cancellation.
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If you don’t attend your appointment, your deposit may be retained. Following a no-show, full payment in advance may be required before another appointment can be confirmed.
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Arriving late may mean your treatment needs to be shortened or rearranged. I will never rush your treatment or skip the necessary pre-treatment checks to make up lost time.
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New laser hair removal clients need an in-person consultation and successful patch test before treatment. A successful patch test must take place at least 48 hours before your first treatment.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're new to The Beam Room Berkshire, your first step is to book your free consultation and patch test.
We'll talk about what you'd like to achieve, assess your suitability and make sure you have all the information you need before deciding whether you'd like to go ahead.