Laser Hair Removal

Question 1

What is laser hair removal?

Accepted Answer

Laser hair removal emits laser light directly into the root of the hair, within the hair follicle.

The laser light targets the melanin pigment in the hair follicle; the heat generated then disrupts the cells in the hair root to inhibit hair growth.

Question 2

What is the science behind laser hair removal?

Accepted Answer

Laser hair removal uses selective photothermolysis to target specific tissue in your skin, applying heat to the target, with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

In laser hair removal the dark, melanin pigment in the follicle is targeted (dark material absorbs more light energy than light material). This heats up and damages the basal stem cells in the hair follicle, rendering them ineffective, without heating or damaging the rest of your skin.

Because dark hair will absorb more of the laser energy, laser hair removal treatment may be more effective than when applied to lighter colour hair. However, laser hair removal for blonde hair is possible.

Further reading:

Question 3

What type of laser is used?

Accepted Answer

Some beauticians or clinics may offer a lower cost option of hair removal using IPL technology, but there is evidence to suggest that these treatments are less effective.

At WY Skin Clinic we use Cynosure’s light-based laser aesthetic technology. The benefits of using this method of laser hair removal rather than IPL include:

Improved results with 90% of patients receiving permanent hair loss after 3 to 6 sessions.
More precise treatment, which can selectively target dark, coarse hairs or smaller areas whilst leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
Settings can be adjusted to specific skin tones and hair colour.
Laser heat is absorbed by the follicle and not the skin, therefore decreasing the risk of burning.

Question 4

Does laser hair removal hurt?

Accepted Answer

Laser treatment heats the cells in the root of the hair within the follicle, without heating the surrounding skin.

This works because the light is naturally absorbed by dark surfaces (the melanin pigment) but reflected by lighter surfaces (the surrounding skin).

All our laser systems have a built-in cooling device to ensure that your treatment is comfortable.

Question 5

When is the best time to have laser hair removal?

Accepted Answer

Laser hair removal is most effective when the hair is actively growing.

Hair growth takes place in cycles, so at any given time, some hair follicles are actively growing and some of them are resting.

This is why a series of treatments are needed to ensure that as many hairs as possible are treated during the growing phase.

Question 6

What parts of the body can be treated with laser hair removal?

Accepted Answer

Laser hair removal can be performed on any area of the body to remove unwanted hair, as long as the hair contains some degree of pigmentation.

Question 7

What else can laser hair removal treat?

Accepted Answer

Laser hair removal can also treat ingrown hairs, and help to reduce the skin irritation caused by nuisance hairs.

Question 8

Who can have laser hair removal?

Accepted Answer

Skin tone and hair colour are factors which determine whether a patient will be a viable candidate for laser hair removal.

We are always happy to arrange a free consultation to confirm viability, but patients unsuitable for treatment may include:

Those with ginger, blonde or white hairs, which may respond poorly or not at all to treatment.
Dark skin types such as Asian and Afro Caribbean skin. These skin types may not be suitable for the stronger lasers because the skin pigment absorbs too much energy, which causes skin damage.
Patients with a recent sun tan.
Patients with a history of sensitivity to light based treatments.
People with an active infection in the area to be treated.
Pregnant women.

Question 9

How long will the treatment take?

Accepted Answer

This very much depends on the area being treated. This is something that your practitioner can advise during your initial consultation.

As a guide, treating a small area, such as the upper lip, might take only a few minutes. Whereas treating a larger area, such as the back, might take an hour or more.

Question 10

How often are treatments required?

Accepted Answer

On average 6 to 8 treatments are needed at 6 to 10 week intervals.

You may also require maintenance treatments once or twice a year to maintain results depending on your skin type.

The exact number of treatments depends on hair colour, skin tone, hair density and the site of hair growth, all of which we will advise you of during your free initial consultation.

Question 11

How quickly will I see results from laser hair removal?

Accepted Answer

Hairs do not fall out immediately, but will fall out over a period of days to weeks.

Because laser treatment works best when hair follicles are in their growing stage, repeated treatments are usually necessary, so that all hairs are caught at the correct point during the growth cycle.

Question 12

Can I have laser hair removal in combination with other treatments?

Accepted Answer

It is not recommended to have another treatment on the same day, in the same area of skin as the laser hair removal treatment.

Tanning treatments and tanning injections are not suitable treatments to have in conjunction with laser hair removal.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

At a glance

none

30 minutes

Face & body

A few days to weeks

Permanent

Conditions Treated