Laser Hair Removal
This is one of the most popular and effective methods to reducing unwanted body hair as it can be used on any skin tone or type. Years ago, laser hair removal was not suitable for darker skin, however modern laser technology has now allowed this to be proven false. The laser can be adjusted to make it safe for every shade of skin. A patch test is always carried out on your skin to make sure that you are suitable for the treatment, laser hair removal always requires a test patch and will not be carried out without it. Exposure to the sun or a tan can affect treatment so always be honest about this before treatment has begun so that necessary changes can be made.
WHERE ON MY BODY CAN I HAVE MY HAIR REMOVED?
The lasers are precise enough to treat hairs anywhere on the body, although the hairs should be dark enough. This consists of your face, ears, jaw, shoulders, neck, chest, back, underarms, abdomen, fingers, bikini line, buttocks, legs, toes and feet.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Lasers release light energy which targets and heats up dark hair follicles. Laser light is attracted to and absorbed by melanin. The heat travels down the hair and destroys the root and what connects it to the blood supply which prevents the growth of more hair.
DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL HURT?
Again, this depends highly on the individual and how sensitive you are as well as the area that is being treated. The sensation has been described as feeling like an elastic band being snapped against your skin. As the laser is constantly moving, the pain is not felt in one place for longer than a few seconds and this makes it easier to tolerate. A mild pain reliever (paracetamol) can be taken before treatment. For those with more sensitive skin, numbing cream can be applied one hour before treatment.
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE TREATMENT?
Before you’re treated, make sure you haven't had excessive exposure to the sun. Remove all hair by shaving, waxing is not permitted as this consists of pulling the hair from the root. Do not wear any products before you have your treatment either as laser hair removal should be applied on clear skin.
IS THERE A POST TREATMENT ROUTINE?
There are a few things that you should stick by after your treatment. Excessive heat to the skin should be avoided such as hot showers/baths, saunas, steam rooms or working out for at least 2 days after treatment. The area should not be exposed to tanning beds or sunlight and SPF should always be worn daily. Depending on where you’ve been treated, tight clothing should also be avoided for 48 hours as this causes friction and will irritate the treated skin. Aloe vera gel will be applied after treatment to cool the skin down. Shaving between sessions is allowed - waxing and plucking is not. This is because it removes the hair from the follicle and the laser will not have anything to target should this happen.
HOW LONG SHOULD I LEAVE BETWEEN TREATMENTS?
This is dependent on the rate of regrowth and is different with everyone. A four to six week gap is recommended at first and after this, the treatments should gradually increase in time.
IS LASER TREATMENT SAFE?
Laser is a clinically tested treatment therefore it is safe as it has undergone trials to ensure patient safety. Our laser therapists are highly trained and every patient’s comfort is key to our therapists. Before starting a treatment, a patch test is essential. This is to ensure the skin safe to treat.
DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL BEAT OTHER METHODS?
Laser hair removal removes up to 90% of unwanted hair which makes it outstanding value for money. IPL and electrolysis take more time and cost more money, therefore making laser hair removal the better method when you outweigh the pros and cons.