Laser hair removal is a heat treatment.
The laser light is attracted to the melanin (pigment) in the hair which converts to heat, travels down through the shaft of the hair and into the root bulb.
The hair has 3 stages of growth. The first one is the Active stage of growth (Anagen). In that stage, the hair is attached to the blood supply. We need to treat the hair in this stage of growth to permanently remove it. There is only a certain amount of hair in this stage on our bodies which is why we require a course of treatments to ensure we treat the hair in that phase. Approx 6-8 treatments will remove up to 85% of the hair but this is different for everyone.
Hair colour and skin type influence the success of laser hair removal. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. The laser should damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. Therefore, a contrast between hair and skin color — dark hair and light skin — results in the best outcomes.
During the treatment you MAY feel a bit of heat and pinch (the same as from an elastic band) and this is normal. If it is too much please let me know and I can reduce the fluency for your comfort.
The risk of damage to skin is greater when there is little contrast between hair and skin color, but advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal an option for people who have darker skin. Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don't absorb light well: gray, red, blond and white. However, laser treatment options for light-colored hair continue to be developed.
Possible side effects
- Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours.
- Pigment changes. Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin, usually temporarily. Skin lightening primarily affects those who don't avoid sun exposure before or after treatment and those who have darker skin.
- Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin. It is vital to inform your therapist of any medications you are on and any health conditions you may suffer from as some can cause a photosensitive reaction resulting in burns or pigmentation issues.
Amanda is an experienced, London trained, fully qualified Level 4 Laser technician. She believes in providing a professional yet relaxed clinical environment where clients can feel comfortable and fully informed.
She offers a free, no-obligation consultation to explain the treatment process in detail, answer any questions you may have and undertake a simple, pain-free patch test (patch test required 7 days prior to starting treatment).
*Note: Please can you inform the clinic of any medication you are currently taking and any health conditions you may have when you book your consultation. Amanda will be in the clinic on Tuesday mornings, Thursday afternoons and alternate Saturdays.
*Unfortunately Amanda is unable to treat you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
**May be unsuitable for blonde and grey hair. Please call reception on 01444 410944 for further info.
