Laser Hair Removal

Light is absorbed by the melanin (the pigment in the hair follicle). The light energy heats the pigment and effectively destroys the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding cell. The laser or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released, which targets many follicles simultaneously. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area of the skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is covered. For IPL treatments, a thin layer of gel is applied to the skin to help guide the light.

With this laser, almost all skin types can be treated. The most successful results are seen with people who have lighter skin and darker hair. Dark hair has a higher concentration of melanin which absorbs the laser light more effectively, thereby destroying the hair follicle. Fair hair contains less melanin so is harder to treat and grey/white hair contains absolutely no melanin therefore is not suitable for treatment.

The treatment sensation varies and is dependent on the client’s individual pain threshold. It is often described as like being stung by an elastic band. No anaesthetic is required with most clients describing the discomfort as tolerable.

The hair follicles are damaged by the heat but the hairs remain in the follicles. The dead hairs shed after 1 to 3 weeks as the epidermis renews. During this period the hairs will seem to grow as they are pushed out by the new epidermis.

You may find the treated area may be slightly pink straight after treatment but this should return to normal after a few hours.

The number of treatments will vary from person to person according to factors such as the density of hair in the area being treated, the hair colour and the individual’s skin type. Treatments are spaced at 4 – 8 week intervals because of the hair growth cycle. The laser will only target hairs at a particular stage of the growth cycle therefore multiple treatments are required for optimum results.

This depends on the size of the area being treated. An upper lip, for example, can take a matter of minutes whereas an upper back will take considerably longer.