HUGO SHUM did his formal training in the beauty industry in Canada before working in Vancouver for 10 years. He then returned to his birthplace, Hong Kong, and opened LAVAR in 2013. His focus was to replicate the same professional standards he’d experienced overseas. We asked Hugo about five key features of his salon, including its methods for getting rid of unwanted hair, from Brazlian waxing to threading and laser hair removal.
#1 Salon space
Our salon is designed with both comfort and hygiene as top priorities. We’ve created a clean, private, and welcoming environment where clients can feel completely at ease – especially for more intimate services like Brazilian waxing. We also take an uncompromising approach to hygiene, following strict no-double-dipping policies, using disposable tools wherever possible, and maintaining thorough sanitation practices between every client.
#2 Laser versus IPL for hair removal
For hair removal, especially in sensitive areas, we often prefer laser because it’s more precise and consistent, which is important for both comfort and long-term results. Laser uses a single, focused wavelength, so we can target the hair follicle very accurately without affecting too much of the surrounding skin. IPL, on the other hand, uses a range of different light wavelengths. Even though filters are used, the light is more spread out and less targeted, so the energy isn’t as concentrated on the hair follicle.
From a therapist’s perspective, this means laser allows us to work more precisely and consistently – something that really matters when treating delicate areas and aiming for better long-term hair reduction.
#3 Downtime for laser hair removal
There’s very little downtime with laser hair removal. Most clients may experience some mild redness or slight warmth in the treated area right after the session, but this usually settles within a few hours. With Brazilian hair removal and other sensitive areas, the skin might feel more sensitive on the same day, so we usually recommend avoiding heat (hot showers, saunas or intense workouts) for about 24 hours. Other than that, you can return to your normal daily routine right away.
We also guide clients on simple pre- and post-care steps – avoiding sun exposure before treatment, and not bleaching, plucking or waxing for 4 to 6 weeks before and after (the hair roots need to be intact for the laser to work properly).
#4 The Fitzpatrick scale
We use the Fitzpatrick scale every day in the treatment room. It’s a simple way for us to understand your skin type – mainly how your skin reacts to the sun, whether you burn easily or tan easily. This really matters for hair removal, especially with laser, because these treatments work by targeting pigment in the hair. So, we always look at your skin type first, to choose the safest and most effective settings.
From a therapist’s point of view, no two clients are the same. For example, if your skin is lighter with darker hair, treatments are usually straightforward. If your skin tone is deeper, we adjust our approach for safety and comfort while still getting great results. We can safely treat a wide range of skin types – from very fair to deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick I to VI) – because we use the Candela GentleMax Pro, which is highly versatile.
#5 Other services
In addition to laser hair removal, we offer a range of complementary services including full body waxing, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, and facial threading. LAVAR serves an average of 15 to 20 Brazilian waxing clients per day, and all our therapists have been with us for more than 10 years.
22/F, Stanley 11, 11 Stanley Street, Central
2915 0918 | WhatsApp 5598 9128 | booking@lavar.com.hk
lavar.com.hk
This article about hair removal treatments at LAVAR first appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.
