The ultimate guide to laser hair removal

26th July 2022
Laser clinic

Laser hair removal is a gentle, effective way to manage and permanently reduce unwanted body hair for every individual.

Here we explain each aspect of the treatment, to give you all the information you need.

About laser hair removal
Who is laser hair removal suitable for?
What it’s like to have laser hair removal
What else can laser hair removal be used to treat?
Having laser hair removal treatment in the UK
Safe use of laser hair removal

About laser hair removal

What is laser hair removal?

Since the 1990s, laser hair removal has been a gentle method to remove small or large areas of unwanted hair. Both its speed and permanence have led to it being such a trusted and popular treatment.

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

Unlike temporary hair removal measures such as shaving, waxing and plucking, lasers provide the opportunity for permanent hair reduction.

Understanding the structure of hair

The hair root extends into the deeper layers of the skin. It is surrounded by the hair follicle, which is a sheath of skin and connective tissue.

At the base of the hair, the hair root widens to a round hair bulb, where new hairs are constantly being made.

By the time the hair grows to the surface of the skin, it is dead. Hence it doesn’t hurt when you get a haircut!

How does laser hair removal work?

The lasers emit light (or photons), which target the melanin pigment in the hair follicle. The cells in the root of the hair within the follicle are heated, without heating the surrounding skin. This works because light is naturally absorbed by dark surfaces (the melanin pigment) but reflected by lighter surfaces (the surrounding skin).

The heat generated by the laser damages the cells in the hair root within the follicle, so hair growth is inhibited.

Laser hair removal is most effective when the hair is actively growing. When hair is in a resting state, it may not absorb enough of the laser light and therefore it can continue to grow. This is why a series of treatments are needed to ensure that as many hairs as possible are treated during the growing phase.

Understanding hair growth

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

When a hair follicle is resting, the hair it has grown falls out, to be replaced by a new hair when the next growth cycle begins.

Each growth cycle for the hair on the head lasts for 4-7 years, whereas the hair elsewhere on the body has a growth cycle of only a month or so before resting, which is why it doesn’t grow as long.

Who is laser hair removal suitable for?

Certain factors determine whether or not a patient is a suitable candidate for laser hair removal.

Skin tone and hair colour are important considerations as to how treatment is approached. For example, for darker skin types such as Asian and Afro Caribbean skin, specialist Nd:YAG laser settings are most effective.

We are always happy to arrange a free consultation to assess suitability, but as a guide, those unsuitable for treatment may include the following:

Those with ginger, blonde or white hairs – these hair colours may respond poorly or not at all to treatment due to the lower levels of pigmentation present in the hair
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

What it’s like to have laser hair removal

What should I ask before I have laser hair removal?

There are a few things you should check before you go ahead with your treatment:

Find out the name of your practitioner and look up their qualifications and experience. Ensure that they are accredited by appropriate medical and aesthetic registers.
Find out how many treatments they expect you to need for the outcome you want and the cost of the treatments.
Ask what they will do to minimise pain or discomfort during the treatment.
Ask about any risks or side effects of the treatment.
Find out whether you will have a follow-up appointment.
Ask what they will do if something goes wrong or if you’re not happy with the results.
Ask what aftercare is recommended.
If you are in any doubt about the safety of your treatment or the abilities of the practitioner, do not proceed with treatment.

What should I expect to be asked at the consultation?

Your practitioner should ask you for details of your medical history and any medication you are taking. They should discuss the outcome you’re looking for and why you want to have laser hair removal treatment, to ensure that it is the right choice for you.

If they don’t believe that laser hair removal is right for you, then they should explain why and, if appropriate, discuss alternatives.

What should I expect during treatment?

Your practitioner will typically perform a test dose on your initial visit. This will assess the correct laser settings and ensure there is no risk to the skin.

During treatment, the laser light is gently passed over the skin in order to be absorbed by the growing hairs. The effect of this is that the hairs become smaller and finer until they become virtually invisible.

Prior to treatment, you may be asked to remove any metal eye glasses or jewellery. You will be asked to wear goggles to protect your eyes against exposure to laser light.

Which parts of the body are suitable for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal can be performed on any area of the body.

The treatment can be performed on any site where there is unwanted hair, as long as the hair contains some degree of pigmentation.

How many treatments will I need?

We generally recommend that you’ll need between six and eight treatments, with a six to ten week gap between each one, although this will vary depending on your complexion, hair density and the area to be treated.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

The cost of laser hair removal will depend on the treatment area.

We offer a range of packages for patients to choose from, so that the treatment can be tailored to their needs. At the initial consultation, your practitioner will confirm the full cost of your treatment programme.

How long should a treatment take?

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.

How quickly will I see results?

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.

How long do the results of laser hair removal last?

After the recommended number of treatments, you may require maintenance treatments once or twice a year to maintain results, depending on your skin type.

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

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

It is not recommended to have treatment on the same day, in the same area of skin as the laser hair removal treatment. The area of skin to be treated should be clean of any oil or creams.

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

Does laser hair removal hurt?

At Melior Clinics, our lasers are Cynosure’s light-based aesthetic lasers, which use gold standard 755nm Alexandrite and 1064nmNd.yag wavelengths.

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

What are the side-effects of laser hair removal?

You may experience redness and swelling around the hair follicles, lasting only a few days.

Occasionally, crusting in the treatment area may develop, again this should also go within a couple of days. Minor tingling, similar to a sunburn, may occur in the first 24-hours, which can be managed with paracetamol if necessary.

In certain instances, usually in patients with darker skin, there can be temporary pigmentation changes.

What precautions should I take after having laser hair removal?

Your practitioner will advise you about the best way to care for your skin following treatment.

You may be advised to avoid tanning your skin for a period of time after treatment, and to use a sunscreen of at least SPF30.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Laser hair removal dramatically reduces the size of unwanted hairs and inhibits their ability to grow. As a result, the hair is not permanently removed, but is rather reduced in size to become so small that the hairs cannot be seen.

This effect is permanent, but in some cases, maintenance treatments will ensure that results are retained.

What should I do if I’m not happy with treatment?

So long as you felt that your treatment was administered safely, you should speak to your practitioner if you are at all unhappy with the outcome.

If you weren’t happy with how the original treatment was administered or felt at all unsafe in the clinic, then we would recommend visiting an alternative practitioner to resolve any issues. While this may not be the most cost-effective route, your safety should be your primary concern. Use a register such as Save Face to ensure that you select an accredited practitioner.

What else can laser hair removal be used to treat?

Laser hair removal can also treat ingrown hairs and aid in the reduction of irritated skin and red bumps that are caused by nuisance hairs.

These treatments are suitable for everyone and can be used on any part of the body and on all skin types.

Having laser hair removal in the UK

How do I find a safe clinic?

Save Face is a national register of accredited clinics who provide non-surgical cosmetic treatments. The register is accredited by Professional Standards Authority and is recognised by the Government, The Department of Health, NHS England and The Care Quality Commission.

Save Face clinics have been individually assessed on-site by a Save Face Clinical Assessor, using a stringent set of standards for accreditation.

All Melior Clinics clinics are Save Face accredited. Find out more about Save Face.

How old do I have to be to have laser hair removal?

There are no age restrictions for having laser hair removal treatment. However, a reputable practitioner will not treat anyone who they feel is too young or not suitable for any other reason.

We do not recommend starting laser hair removal treatments prior to puberty because hormonal changes during this time can affect and stimulate hair growth. However, for Indo Asian patients, laser hair removal is considered an effective method of managing hirsute areas during puberty.

Safe use of laser hair removal

Is laser hair removal safe?

Whilst all treatments carry a degree of risk, when carried out by a qualified practitioner, laser hair removal is considered very safe.

Any risks will be discussed with you at your consultation, when we will assess your skin type and your desired outcome prior to any treatment.

Can I have laser hair removal if I’m pregnant?

Laser hair removal treatment can be carried out during pregnancy, but the breast and bump areas should be avoided.

The increased hormone levels during pregnancy may stimulate hair growth, so additional sessions may be required to manage hair growth effectively.

Can I have laser hair removal if I’m breast feeding?

As long as the breast area is avoided, laser hair removal can be carried out during breast feeding.

Can I have laser hair removal if I have an infection?

Treatment is not recommended if you are suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area.

If you have a cold or any other illness, you should tell your practitioner. They can then judge whether treatment will be safe for you.

Can I have laser hair removal if I’m diabetic or have a heart condition?

These conditions would need to be discussed during your initial consultation where a thorough assessment of any risk will take place.

Can I have laser hair removal if I’m on antibiotics?

Again, a thorough assessment during your initial consultation will identify any risk factors associated with the requirement for antibiotics.

Can I have laser hair removal on areas where there is scarring?

It is possible to have laser hair removal on areas of scar tissue. We would use specific Nd:YAG laser settings to ensure the treatment is safe and gentle on these areas of skin.

Are there any other factors that may prevent me from having laser hair removal?

You should discuss any medical conditions you have and any medication you are taking with your practitioner before the treatment goes ahead.

Can you be allergic to laser hair removal?

It is very unlikely that you would have an allergic reaction to laser hair removal. If you have any history of allergic reactions, you should discuss this with your practitioner before your treatment.

Are home laser hair removal kits safe?

You may be aware of kits or devices for laser hair removal at home. We strongly advise that you only trust an experienced practitioner with laser hair removal.

Professional laser hair removal will ensure the safest, most effective outcome.