Have you ever wanted to find out more about laser hair removal? Our clients always have lots of questions so we thought we would share these with you. Hopefully these will answer any questions you may have.

I’ve really suffered with ingrowing hairs. Let’s just say in quite awkward places!
One of the huge benefits I’ve seen by having our medical grade laser hair removal is no more of these irritating and painful episodes! Because laser hair removal destroys the actual hair follicle, there is nothing to get ingrown.

Not to mention the many other benefits including not needing to shave or wax for years (some enjoy the benefits of laser for up to 8 years and beyond!!), always being ready for the gym or a sunny day meaning you don’t have to scramble to shave at short notice.

Can you be hair free whilst having your course?
Lots of people ask if they need to grow the hair in between sessions. In fact with laser hair removal we actually need you to be as closely shaven as you can manage. You can shave as much as you need to whilst on your course; as long as you are closely shaven for your appointment then you’re all good! What you can’t do is wax, epilate or thread/pluck the hairs. Doing this pulls out the follicle which we need to target with the laser.

Frequency of treatments?
Our laser is quite unique in that we see you every 2 weeks for your first 4 sessions then monthly for your last 2. Our courses are 6 sessions so you can be hair free very quickly compared to other laser protocols.  Some people needed between 6 – 10 sessions and 6 sessions are recommended to get going and to get a significant amount of the hair gone.  You may need a couple more to get hair completely banished but it does depend on the person and you can add on at the course price for further sessions.

Will it hurt?
Our laser is virtually pain free as it has a wonderful ice nozzle. We cool the area before the laser treatment. You can be cooled for as long as you need and we also cool after. The laser feels warm but when you’re cooled, you can’t feel it – most clients cannot feel a thing. You may feel a tiny bit of heat where the hair follicle is larger in certain areas but with each session this will reduce as the follicle reduces. The laser is so fast that it’s over before you know it. Often you won’t know we’ve done the area as you can’t feel it.

How long does it last?
Many call laser hair removal permanent, however hair regrowth varies from person to person depending on your hair, your hormones etc. Most people enjoy many months and years hair free. You can have top ups when needed to keep on top of it so we offer single sessions for this which we recommend annually.  Facial hair can need more attention.

Can it do blonde or white hair?

Our laser can do any skin and hair colour. Traditionally fair hair encountered issues with laser hair removal treatment however are seeing results with both fine blonde hair and even some grey/white hair. You may need more sessions for this type of hair as it is more of a challenge but it’s no longer ‘not possible’ and we are happy to work with you case by case.

Do you have to have fair skin?
No our laser works on every skin colour and is safe and effective on all skin types.

What is the difference between IPL and laser?
IPL uses broad spectrum wavelength which means that IPL has always been limited to people with darker hair and paler skin. This is because IPL is less focussed and can lead to more chances of adverse skin reaction and more sessions being needed.

With laser hair removal, the direct beam of the laser transfers more light much quicker which in turn creates more heat in the hair follicle. This leads to more efficient hair reduction which works safely on all skin types and there less risk of discomfort to the skin compared to IPL.
That said, IPL is fantastic for skin rejuvenation, reduction of red veins etc. so it does have its place however laser is always the best option for hair removal and reduction.

I hope that answers any questions that you may have. Simply book your laser consultation online with us, we will chat about your requirements and do your patch test. Then 48 hours later we can start your treatments!

You MUST avoid bleaching, plucking or waxing hair for 2 weeks prior to treatment. Do not use Depilatory creams 1 week prior to treatment. You must shave my hair prior to my appointment (preferably 24 hours or the morning of your appointment and please ensure you are as close shaved as possible) this is for your comfort. You must continue to shave only and must not wax, epilate or pluck the hair in the weeks between treatment and that waxing and plucking hairs will result in a prolonged treatment plan. You must NOT wear self tan of any description or be tanned in the area to be treated, this may result in me not being treated due to the risk of burning in self tan or tanned areas and that the treatment session may be forfeited as a result of this. Avoid the sun 2 weeks before and after treatment. If you have had a history of cold sores, Zovirax may be used prior to treatment and continued one week after treatment. The use of tanning cream must be discontinued two week before treatment. DURING TREATMENT The skin is cleaned Skin colour can compete as a target for the 810nm wavelength with melanin in the hair. The cooling tip will be used with the laser to minimize skin damage. Safety considerations are important during the laser procedure. The client and the operator will wear protective eyewear during the procedure.

Immediately after treatment, there may be redness and swelling at the treatment area, this may feel like mild sunburn. The application of iced water during the first few hours after treatment will reduce any discomfort. The application of aloe vera gel can continue at home Makeup may be used immediately after the treatment unless there is epidermal blistering. Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation or darker pigmentation. Use sunscreen SPF 30 or greater at all times throughout the course of treatment. Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. Do not use any other hair removal treatment methods (waxing, threading, electrolysis or tweezing) that will disturb the hair follicle at the treatment area for 4-6 weeks after treatment. Shaving or depilatories may be used. Hair regrowth occurs at different rates on different areas of the body. New hair growth will not occur for AT LEAST three weeks after treatment. Anywhere from 5-19 days after the treatment, shedding of the surface hair may occur and this appears as new hair growth. This is NOT new hair growth. You can clean and remove the hair by washing or wiping the area with a wet cloth or Loofa sponge. After the underarms are treated, use a powder, instead of deodorant, for 24 hours after the treatment to reduce skin irritation. Avoid hot baths and heat treatments and treat the skin gently, as if you had sunburn, for the first 24 hours. You will need to advise us of any changes to medication or any sun exposure, sun bed use or tanning products used between treatments. A course of treatments is needed to achieve the desired results. I am aware the results of the treatment may vary.