FOR most modern women the holy grail of beauty is an anti-ageing formula that actually works, although for the time being this pipe dream remains unrealised.

But for hirsute women their aesthetic miracle has already happened in the form of permanent hair removal.

In the past 10 years there has been a quiet revolution in the depilatory industry with a proliferation of lasers which zap unwanted hair out of existence.

This method can prevent between 75 and 95 per cent of the hair targeted from ever returning.

It works by sending out pulses of light which are absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle, heating up the pigment and effectively destroying the follicle without damaging the surrounding cells.

Women with dark-coloured tresses and fair skin will see the best outcomes due to the high concentration of melanin in their hair.

And while it may seem almost too good to be true, in the majority of cases your shaving and waxing days will be over after six to eight treatments

Laser hair removal is available at salons across the country, but the biggest problem to date has been one of quality control because of the lack of regulation.

However, a number of centres have developed respected reputations and can be trusted to provide a safe, high-quality service.

One of them is the Laserlife Clinic in Baker Street, which opened five years ago in New Cavendish Street, Marylebone, before recently relocating.

It is run by Nicole Saponari and her business partner Andrew Constable, both originally from Australia, who have been in the laser business for more than 10 years.

The main focus is hair removal but they also use a variety of laser machines to remove tattoos, thread veins, sun damage, pigmentation and even cellulite.

The clinic has something of a boutique feel with its clean minimalist design, soft lighting and tasteful hardwood floors.

As you enter one of the treatment rooms, Nicole immediately puts you at your ease with her softly spoken voice and gentle prompts to lay down and put on a pair of blackout goggles before you have chance to spy the laser.

After previously testing your skin for suitability, she double-checks you haven’t got a tan because this can cause your skin to redden or even blister with the increased heat being attracted to the melanin.

Then, with the safety routine completed, she proceeds by spreading a cold, slimy gel on the area she is treating – not pleasant but necessary.

Next come the laser pulses which can be a bit of a shock at first and in all honesty are slightly painful to begin with, although not quite on the same level as waxing.

However Nicole is quick and efficient in her work and that, along with her soothing bedside manner, gets you through the treatment in no time.

It is recommended that clients return every four to eight weeks for the best results and most need no more than six sessions before they see a significant reduction in their hair growth.

For more information and a free consultation contact the Laserlife Clinic directly on 020-7935 5777 or go to their website at www.laserlifeclinic.co.uk.