Goodbye razor, hello laser.

What is Laser hair removal and how does it work?

Laser hair removal has been conducted on millions of people worldwide, it is the third most performed non-surgical cosmetic treatment in the UK.

Laser hair removal, when conducted by a professional, is a safe way to give you effective, permanent hair reduction anywhere on your body.

The key things to remember when having Laser hair removal are:

1: Use a normal razor 24 hours before your appointment to make sure the area is smooth and clean.

2: Tweezing, Waxing, or plucking the area before or between sessions is a big NO, only shave the area.

3: The area also needs to be free from make-up, deodorant, lotion, and sun cream.

4: Keep the targeted areas out of the sun for 4 weeks prior to your appointment, else the procedure cannot be done.

5: Fake tan can also interrupt your treatment, so do not use fake tan for 3-4 weeks prior to treatment and exfoliate the area thoroughly to remove all residue.

6: Working out, saunas or hot showers, after treatment are not recommended for over 24 hours, as you run the risk of creating a warm environment for bacteria to multiply which can result in spots and irritation. This is due to the heat from the laser staying on your skin for the 24 hours following your treatment.

7: Scrubs, glycolic acid, and retinol creams should be avoided for at least 2 days before and after treatment, chemical peels should also be avoided for 2 weeks before and after treatment.

How it works:

Laser hair removal works by directing an intense beam of light at the hair, which is attracted to the melanin (pigment) inside, causing the hair to heat up and the follicle to be destroyed.

There are 4 stages to hair growth.

Anagen which is the growing phase. New hair growing from the root with an attached blood supply.

Permanent hair removal proves most effective during the anagen phase, when approximately 20% of hairs are in this stage at any given time.

Catagen which is the transition phase. The hair follicle shrinks & the hair detaches from the root/blood supply.

Telegen which is the resting phase. Hair follicle is in the resting stage until a new hair follicle begins to develop.

Exogen which is the shedding phase. When the new hair pushes out the old hair

Laser technicians will use a handy little thing called the Fitzpatrick Scale, (see below) which helps them determine the effectiveness of lasers on the different skin types.

The strength of the laser used is determined based on the skin’s reaction to the light, similarly to how the different skin types react to the sun.

Why have Laser hair removal treatment:

Unwanted hair is a problem for most people. Shaving, plucking, and waxing are all time-consuming, inconvenient, and often painful methods of hair removal, and only offer temporary results. Laser hair removal can remove hair from any part of your body safely, it can also prevent ingrowing hairs, which we all know can be unsightly and painful sometimes even becoming infected.

It also saves you having to endure Regrowth, so you stay smooth and hair free between sessions and after sessions.

Laser Hair removal is a long-term solution and cost effective, some people may need a touch up a few months or even years down the line. Leaving your

skin feeling soft and silkier, this procedure also improves the appearance of your skin while enhancing your muscle tone, it remains one of the best long-term solutions available.