Laser Hair Removal Guide

Body hair: tolerated by some, hated and dreaded by others. It’s a fact of life that men and women worldwide have to deal with on a daily basis. Hair removal can be lengthy, tedious and tiresome process for many trying to achieve the groomed or hair free body associated with perfection. There are many options available for tackling body hair – shaving, threading, waxing, epilation, electrolysis, depilatories – the list is virtually endless. All methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and with so many options available it’s often hard to choose the best method for you. Laser hair removal is emerging as a popular, easy hair removal method and viable alternative to conventional methods of removing body hair.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal works by using powerful beams of light to target and penetrate groups of hair follicles in the skin, heating the internal structures and destroying the follicles ability to produce hair. The laser also shrinks the follicle. There are a variety of different laser treatments available which work on different skin and hair colours. Best results from laser hair removal are seen on light coloured skin with dark, thick hair but good results can be achieved on all colours and types of skin and hair. Body areas are treated with lasers between 6 and 12 times to achieve a hair free result which can last for between 1 and 10 years. Laser hair removal is not permanent as such, it offers permanent hair reduction.


Determining Suitable Candidates for Laser Hair Removal

Before deciding to undergo laser hair removal treatment, you must determine whether you are a suitable candidate for your chosen laser hair removal treatment. It is important to choose a treatment that would give the best possible hair removal results for your own skin and hair type/colour; choosing a laser procedure which is not suitable could result in unsatisfactory and disappointing results; while choosing a suitable option generally gives you the desired results. Skin colour, hair type and hair colour need to be considered when trying to choose a treatment. But with so many different types of skin and hair out there it can seem daunting trying to decide on the best treatment, but different laser hair removal treatments have been developed with this in mind.

There are options available for many skin colours including light, fair, tanned and dark, and for different hair types including fine, light, thin, dark and thick hair. Some laser hair removal treatments will cater for more than one type of skin colour and hair colour/type, making it easier to choose a suitable option to give you the best possible results.    

Advantages of Laser Hair Removal over Other Options

Laser hair removal is becoming a convenient, useful form of hair removal for many reasons; it has a lot of benefits over other hair removal methods. Laser hair removal can be used on large patches of skin on a variety of body areas: laser hair removal on the face (not around the eye area though), laser hair removal on the arms, laser hair removal on the underarms, laser hair removal on the back, chest, on the bikini area, and laser hair removal on the legs. This has benefits over methods such as epilation and threading; which can only be used on certain areas or are difficult to use on specific body parts. The process is fast and almost painless, which is advantageous as some methods such as waxing and electrolysis can be painful and hard for people to tolerate. Laser treatments are tailored to suit individuals and results can vary, but treated areas are generally 80% hair free for 1 to 10 years. The same cannot be said for other methods as results for shaving and waxing are short lived in comparison.

Any repeat sessions after your initial course of treatments are kept to a minimum. These remove any hair which has grown back; giving you hair free results once again,   and increasing your chance of getting good long term results. When you compare the cost of laser sessions to the cost of continually buying products, this is a much more economically beneficial option for you. Having laser hair removal treatment means minimal upkeep afterwards or at home when compared to other options, so time and effort are saved as well as money by choosing to have laser hair removal. Laser hair removal treatments are constantly changing and new systems are being developed, so laser hair removal will continue to be a viable option for the future as well as today. There are laser hair removal clinics nationwide offering laser hair removal in Leeds, Manchester, London, Birmingham as well as more and more clinics opening throughout the UK, as people are seeing the benefits of this long term hair removal solution.

Disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal      

Laser hair removal treatment is not a decision that should be taken lightly. When considering whether to have laser hair removal treatment or not it is important to consider all the facts and details about the process, not just the positive, advantageous aspects. So as to make an informed decision before undergoing any treatment, you should consider the disadvantages and risks too. While most of the time people get the hair free results they were hoping for and are very happy with laser hair removal, there are complications which can be associated with the process. Swelling and redness can occur after laser hair removal procedures, but more serious complications include hyperpigmentation, changes in the colour of skin pigment, scarring on the areas where the procedure was carried out and burns. Repeat treatments may be needed in the future to give long term hair free results, which means paying for more sessions and exposing yourself to the risks of treatment again. Choosing the wrong laser hair removal treatment for your skin and hair types can have disappointing and disastrous results; you must be sure the procedure you are choosing is right for you before undergoing treatment. A qualified clinician will only use the right procedure, for you. 

Advice on Practitioners/Clinicians

With laser hair removal procedures are being advertised everywhere, it is important to research your chosen procedure, practitioners (or clinicians) and their practice before treatment. Choosing a professional (e.g. a doctor, registered nurse or plastic surgeon) who meets the legal requirements for laser hair removal, with experience and positive reviews will help to minimise your risk of experiencing complications and increase the chances of you getting that perfect, hair free body you long for. To satisfy any other reservations or questions you may have about a practitioner, you can ask to see their relevant qualifications and ask about their experience of carrying out laser hair removal. Any qualified professional should be happy to see you before you make a decision to discuss their qualifications and experience to set your mind at rest; this should help you make up your mind as to whether the procedure and practitioner are right for you before going ahead with any treatments. 

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? »