The best results from laser hair removal occurs when there is plenty of target pigment melanin in the hair therefore blonde, white, grey and some red hair cannot be treated with laser and we would recommend Applisonix hair removal.
Consultation and Patch Test
We offer a free hair removal consultation where we discuss your requirements and expectations. If you decide on laser you will need to have patch test (£10, redeemable against further treatment) to determine the correct laser settings for your skin and to observe how your skin responds to laser treatment. We can proceed to treatment after 48 hours if there are no problems.
When to have laser hair removal?
The most effective laser hair removal is during the anagen stage of the growth cycle. The laser energy is taken up by the pigment converting it to heat which is then conducted down the hair shaft to the hair bulb, destroying it. During the catogen phase the hair shaft has come away from the bulb which means that the laser energy has to cross the gap to reach the future hair producing region causing damage only, which over time repairs and carries on growing. These hairs are often finer and easier to remove with the laser.
Clearing out of the destroyed and damaged hairs happens in the first 10 to 14 days after treatment. Some redness and swelling may persist for two to three days but is not common. We advise the use of Instant Calm (available from the Clinic) and cold compresses to help with this. For treatments to the face we advise the daily use of sun protection cream, also available from the Clinic.
Follow Up
Two to six treatments, sometimes more in the case of darker skin types, are usually needed to achieve the desired results. Timing of the treatments is important because hair should be treated during theanagen phase to ensure maximum damage to the hair bulb. As hair growth diminishes and the remaining hairs become finer, treatments are spaced further apart. We ask that you do not thread, wax or tweeze your hair in between treatments as these methods remove the hair from the root which then delays regrowth and treatment.
Does it hurt?
It is widely accepted that laser hair removal technology has reached it’s full potential. However, treatment can be painful, like an elastic band being flicked on to you over and over again. Laser manufacturers are now concentrating on patient comfort.
The Light A Star laser (Alexandrite and Nd Yag) used at Skin Deep is the next generation in laser technology and we have been very impressed with it’s long lasting and effective hair removal abilities but absolutely delighted with the revolutionary contact cooling tip offering virtually pain free treatment and epidermal (skin) preservation. The cool tip cools the skin and helps control heat exchange between the laser and surface of the skin which stays cool and ensures maximum comfort at all times. This allows us to safely treat darker skin types.
Our laser is fast, non invasive and covers large areas quickly. Some areas such as full legs and backs can take 30 to 45 minutes. Clients are most welcome to bring in ipod/iphone to play their favourite music via our ipod dock during treatment to help the time pass!
If you would like to come in for a complimentary consultation to discuss your hair removal options, please call the Clinic for an appointment with our Aesthetic Nurse or experienced Beauty Therapists who will be able to advise you.