Laser Hair Removal

If you’re tired of the constant cycle of shaving or waxing, laser hair removal might just be the perfect solution for you! Suitable for all skin types, this popular cosmetic procedure uses a laser beam to effectively remove unwanted hair from various parts of the body. Over the years, laser hair removal has gained a reputation as a safe, convenient, and effective method for permanently reducing hair growth. The procedure works by using focused light beams that target and disable hair follicles, leading to a significant reduction in future hair growth.

Many people find laser hair removal to be less painful than traditional methods like waxing or plucking. With just a few sessions, you can enjoy long-lasting smoothness and say goodbye to the hassle of regular hair removal routines. So, if you’re looking for a convenient way to achieve that hair-free look you desire with much less upkeep, laser hair removal could be the answer you’ve been searching for! Embrace the freedom of smooth skin and enjoy the confidence that comes with it!

How it works

The laser delivers an intense beam of light, which is absorbed by the hair follicle and converted to heat. The heat damages the hair follicle while the surrounding tissue remains unaffected. This damage will result in the follicle no longer being able to sustain the growth of the hair. Laser hair removal can be carried out on most areas of the face and body. The GentleMax Pro Plus has a patented cooling system, so you can be assured that the treatments are not painful, as the skin is cooled during treatment.

The hair follicle must be targeted at a specific time during its growth cycle to prevent the hair from returning. As individual hairs could be in different parts of the hair growth cycle at any one time. We recommend a course of 6-8 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart so that the hairs are in the most receptive stage of growth when treated. Our studies advocate 6 sessions for an 80% reduction of hair growth.

There are three phases of hair growth every time a new hair is developed, and it’s important to understand that our hair does not grow all at once. While one hair might be in the first stage of hair growth, the one next to it might be in the last.

Preparation

Shave – The area of treatment should be shaved at least 12 hours prior to treatment. 

Clean Skin – The treatment area needs to be free from makeup, lotion, deodorant and sunscreen.

No Plucking, Waxing, Epilating or Depilatory creams – Do not use any form of method which will remove the hair from the follicle in the 4 weeks leading up to your appointment. For laser hair removal to work, there needs to be a hair follicle present!

You cannot go ahead with treatment if you have had sun exposure (including sun beds) 6 weeks prior to your appointment. This also applies to patch tests. It is very important you let the technician know if your medical history has changed.

Aftercare

Avoid – For 24 hours post-treatment, excessive sweating, swimming, saunas, hot showers  and tight clothing. Avoid exfoliation for 7 days and shaving for 3 days.

Avoid direct sunlight – Avoid exposing the area to direct sunlight for 2 weeks after your treatment. Always protect the skin with SPF 30, or preferably a total sun block of SPF 50.

Shaving only – Only shave the area you are getting treated. Yes ladies, that includes the face.

Please note: after treatment, your hair will still be growing. This is normal while the hairs make their way up to fall out. Do not wax, thread or epilate them. Remember, you are only shaving the area, you  are not removing it from the root.

FAQs

What do I need to do to prepare for my laser hair removal appointment?

• .Shave treatment area at least 12-24 hours prior to your treatment
• Avoid chemical peels or laser resurfacing treatments at least 4 weeks before your treatment
• Ensure no residue fake tan is present on the skin
• Avoid excessive sun exposure on the area being treated two weeks prior (including solariums or tanning drugs)
• Avoid using topical creams/moisturisers, colognes or perfumes to the area being treated before the appointment
• Do not wax, use depilatory creams or pluck hairs four weeks prior to laser treatment

Am I suitable for treatment?    

We work with skin types 1 to 6, which means everyone is suitable. Grey, white, blonde & red hair has no melanin so is not suitable for treatment. Laser treatments are suitable for men and women with dark hair, and our laser machine treats all skin types, including darker skin types. Laser hair removal is an excellent option for people who have medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hirsutism.

My hair is growing back patchy. Is this normal?

When your hair does grow back in you might notice hairs are not as densely populated as before and some areas may be patchy!  This is great; just keep the end goal of hair-free skin in mind!

Does laser hair removal hurt?

In addition to being able to set parameters to suit the individual skin type, the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus has a specialised cooling system to ensure patient comfort during treatment.

Is laser hair removal safe?

Laser hair removal is a perfectly safe form of treatment. Lasers have been used in medical applications for decades. Laser hair removal simply targets the melanin in the hair and leaves the surrounding skin unharmed.

Are there any side effects of laser hair removal treatment? 

The skin can appear slightly red after treatments and the hair follicles which have been treated may appear raised or bumpy for up to 48 hours. Itching can occur after treatment which tends to be mild and subside. Other side effects are rare.

How many laser hair removal sessions  do I need?

Typically, a minimum of 6 sessions are required. Depending on your  hair, skin type, and body area being treated, you will require treatments at 4-6 weeks intervals. For the facial area, treatments are recommended at 4 week intervals. Each part of the body area has a different growing cycle, so hair reduction will vary depending on what stage your follicles are in at the time of the treatment.

Can I have laser hair removal anywhere?

In short – yes! Pretty much anywhere! Laser hair removal can be carried out on any face or body part that has hair, provided it has enough pigment to be treated successfully. We will assess the area and carry out a test patch in the consultation.

Will laser hair removal give me permanent hair removal?

There is actually no such thing as “permanent hair removal.” Depending on what area of the body and what type of hair you are treating. If you have very thick, coarse hair, you can see up to 85- 90% reduction in hair growth. Someone with fine hair will only see a reduction of approximately 45- 60%. Remember, treating the face area typically requires more treatments because older females tend to grow new and denser facial hairs with hormonal changes, the natural ageing process or as a side effect of medications.

Can men have laser hair removal treatments?

Yes! Laser hair removal for men is a highly effective treatment. 

Can laser hair removal help with ingrown hairs?

Yes! Ingrown hairs are caused by hairs that are essentially not growing back straight out of the skin but have re-entered the skin or are curling under the surface of the skin. Laser hair removal has two effects on this. First, it will encourage the hair to grow straight, reducing the chance that it will become trapped beneath the surface and become an ingrown hair. Second, laser hair removal treatment will permanently eradicate the hairs that are successfully treated and these then cannot become ingrown.

How old do you have to be to get laser hair removal? 

Our customers must be at least 18 years of age to have any laser or skin treatments. For persons aged 13-17, a Parent/guardian must be present for consultation and first treatment. We do not recommend under 12 years of age due to hormonal changes/puberty.