If you're fed up of juggling regular hair removal appointments, you may have pondered the pros and cons of laser hair removal, which uses the latest technology to banish the bristle and remove unwanted body hair once and for all. But what exactly should you expect, aside from up to 90 per cent permanent removal of unwanted body hair?
Beauty clinic owner, Lisa Mason gives us the lowdown.
Let there be light
Laser hair removal can help to reduce ingrown hairs, and skin irritation. It's safe and effective anywhere you have unwanted hair that's dark enough to draw the laser - even in sensitive areas, such as the face and the bikini line. The treatments are perfectly safe, whatever your skin type or colour.
"Laser hair removal works by directing a concentrated beam of light at the pigment in the hair follicles," Lisa explained. "The light converts to heat as it passes through the skin. This heat is absorbed by the hair's dark pigment in the follicle, which damages the follicle enough to prevent future growth."
Laser hair removal works best on growing hair. So, for best results, a course of treatment is advised and in general around 8 - 12 treatments are required.
Benefits of laser hair removal
"Aside from clearer, smoother skin and permanent hair reduction, laser hair removal also boasts benefits including helping to reduce ingrown hairs and less irritation of the skin. This is because the treatment encourages hair to grow straight," advised Lisa.
The effects of laser hair removal last - with up to 90 per cent of unwanted hair removed permanently - making it excellent value for money. That's compared to other hair removal methods, such as electrolysis, IPL or the lifetime totals of shaving or waxing, where the cost and time of maintaining hair-free skin can quickly mount up.
Take care to discuss your needs with a therapist
"Everyone's skin is different, so a therapist should take great care to tailor your treatment to your needs. You should have a patch test to determine which laser can produce the safest, most effective results for your skin type. Longer wavelength lasers suit darker skin as they go deeper, bypassing surface melanin to avoid causing burns," she added.
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