We use the Lumenis LightSheer Quattro with both 805 nm and 1060 nm handpieces. Its built-in ChillTip sapphire contact cooling helps protect your skin and keep treatment comfortable. Your technician does a hair and skin analysis to choose the appropriate wavelength and settings for you.

Want the science and Shar’s take on why we chose it? Read our LightSheer Quattro blog.

No. Prickly Spa operates strictly on a transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing model ranging from $79 to $299 per session. There are zero high-pressure sales pitches or long-term package contracts.

Laser energy is absorbed by dark pigment in the hair and converted to heat, which damages the follicle to reduce future hair growth. Treatment is most effective during the active growth phase. Because hairs enter that phase at different times, you need a series of appointments.

Laser hair removal provides permanent hair reduction, not guaranteed permanent removal of every hair. Hormonal changes can trigger new growth, and maintenance treatments may be needed. Your results depend on your hair, treatment area and response to the series.

Plan for a series of 6 to 12 treatments at Prickly. Your technician sets your treatment plan based on the area, hair and response. One session does not treat every hair because hairs grow in different cycles. Maintenance appointments may be needed after your series.

At Prickly, laser hair removal appointments are spaced 4 to 12 weeks apart, depending on the treatment area. Your technician will recommend the timing for your treatment plan.

No. Laser hair removal does not work on blonde, red, gray or white hair. The laser needs dark pigment in the hair to target the follicle.

Yes. Laser hair removal reduces hair growth, which helps reduce ingrown hairs and the need to shave. It does not treat a skin infection. Tell your technician about painful, inflamed or infected bumps before your appointment.

Yes. Laser hair reduction is used to help reduce flare-ups of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) by targeting hair follicles. It is not a cure for HS or a replacement for your dermatologist’s treatment plan. Discuss laser with your dermatologist before booking, and tell us about your diagnosis, medications and any active sores so we can review the treatment area and preparation.

Yes. Laser hair removal reduces unwanted dark, coarse hair associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including facial and body hair. It treats the hair, not the underlying hormonal imbalance. PCOS can continue to trigger new growth, so maintenance sessions are often part of the plan. Tell us about your PCOS and medications at consultation so we can set realistic expectations for your treatment series.

No. We do not perform laser hair removal directly over tattoos. The laser targets pigment, including tattoo ink, which can damage the tattoo and burn the skin. Tell your technician about any tattoos near the treatment area before your appointment.

Yes, when performed by trained, experienced technicians using appropriate settings for your skin and hair. Every Prickly technician holds a Texas Professional Laser Hair Removal Technician license and has at least 10 years of laser experience. We review your skin, hair and health history before treatment. Before each appointment, tell us about medications, recent tanning and changes to your health or skin. Burns, pigment changes and scarring are possible risks.

We use the Lumenis LightSheer Quattro, a high-end diode laser with built-in ChillTip contact cooling to protect the skin and make treatment more comfortable. Expect a brief stinging or snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band against the skin. Sensitivity differs by treatment area and person. We check your comfort throughout treatment, and you can ask your technician for a pause.

Yes. The most common side effects are temporary redness, tenderness and swelling around the hair follicles. A cool compress helps mild discomfort.

Prickly Spa treats adults ages 18 and up.

No. Prickly Spa does not perform laser hair removal on anyone who is pregnant. If you become pregnant during your treatment series, let us know so we can pause your appointments.

Yes. You can get laser hair removal while on your period. If you’re getting a Brazilian and are actively bleeding, wear a tampon or menstrual cup. Your skin may feel more sensitive during your period. Let your technician know if you’re uncomfortable so we can check in and pause when you need to. You can also choose to reschedule.

Prickly Spa is a female-owned boutique laser hair removal spa in South Austin. We use the high-end Lumenis LightSheer Quattro with built-in cooling, and every technician has 10+ years of laser experience.

You pay by the session, with no required packages or pushy sales. We take time to answer your questions, check your comfort and make sure you feel incredibly cared for at every visit.

Find us in South Austin at 2605 Jones Rd, Suite 102, Austin, TX 78745.

Laser hair removal at Prickly ranges from $79 to $299 per session, depending on the area. For the full pricing list, check out our Services page.

Your $20 booking deposit is credited toward your first visit.

Cancel or reschedule with at least 24 hours’ notice, and the $20 stays as credit on file for a future visit. No-shows forfeit the deposit. If you need to change an appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice, text our team at 512-540-5498.

If we find at your consultation that laser isn’t a good fit for you, we’ll refund your full $20 deposit. Taking care of you comes first.

Your first appointment starts with a consultation. We explain how laser hair removal works and what to expect before, during and after treatment. Ask us anything. We’re here to make sure you feel informed and comfortable.

Once we confirm you’re cleared for treatment, we do your first laser session that same day. The full appointment typically takes about an hour, depending on the areas we’re treating.

Closely shave the treatment area before your appointment. Do not wax, tweeze, sugar or thread it for 4 to 6 weeks before treatment or during your treatment series. Laser needs the hair roots in place.

Avoid tanning, tanning beds, self-tanner, spray tans and tanning lotions for 10 days before your appointment. Avoid sun exposure on the treatment area for 7 days before treatment. Tell us about any recent tan or sunburn before you come in. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin.

Exfoliate before treatment as directed in your Prickly care instructions. Stop retinol products and other topical creams on the treatment area 5 days before your appointment. Contact us about your products, and check with your prescriber before pausing a prescribed cream.

Tell us about all medications before your visit. Prickly does not perform treatment within 10 days of taking photosensitizing medications, such as certain antibiotics. These medications increase skin sensitivity to light. Do not stop prescribed medication to keep an appointment. Contact us to arrange your treatment timing.

If you are prone to cold sores or herpes outbreaks, arrange your prescribed antiviral plan before treatment. Prickly’s instructions require antiviral medication 3 days before and 3 days after treatment for clients who need this prevention.

Text 512-540-5498 with preparation questions.

Yes. Closely shave the treatment area before every laser hair removal appointment, including your first visit. Shaving removes hair above the skin while leaving the roots in place for the laser to target. Do not wax, tweeze, sugar or thread instead.

Yes. Shaving leaves the hair roots in place, which laser needs to target. Wait until treated skin is no longer irritated before shaving, and follow your technician’s instructions. Avoid waxing, tweezing, sugaring and threading during your series. Closely shave the treatment area before your next appointment.

No. Do not wax, tweeze, sugar or thread the treatment area during your laser hair removal series. These methods remove the hair roots that laser needs to target. Shaving is fine once your skin has settled. If you’ve already waxed, text us at 512-540-5498 before your next appointment so we can adjust your treatment timing.

For the first 24 hours, avoid workouts, hot showers, jacuzzis, saunas or anything that heats up your skin.

Do not exfoliate for the first 48 hours. After that, gently exfoliate every 2 to 3 days once your skin has settled. Do not exfoliate irritated skin.

Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 7 days after treatment, and longer if your skin has not returned to normal. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin and keep protecting the area from the sun between sessions.

Do not wax, tweeze, sugar or thread the treatment area during your series. Shave only after the skin has settled.

If you need cold sore or herpes prevention, complete your prescribed antiviral plan, including the 3 days after treatment specified in Prickly’s instructions.

Text or call 512-540-5498 with care questions. Contact us promptly for blistering, significant pain or worsening symptoms. Seek medical care for severe symptoms or signs of infection.

Treated hair sheds over the days to weeks after your appointment, rather than falling out immediately. Do not wax, tweeze, sugar or thread it. Follow your aftercare instructions and contact Prickly at 512-540-5498 if you have concerns about your skin or shedding.