Brief History Into Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal hasn’t always been as popular as it has now. This is because technology has been developing since the 60s to form the best kind of treatment through laser hair removal, treatment that is effective and safe.

In the 60s, lasers were created that emitted a continuous wave of light rather than pulses. However, they were no good for removing hair because the beam of laser was uncontrollable and this means skin could be damaged. This was too much of a risk and so was not taken to market.

When it came to the 70s, a new laser was developed. These lasers could target individual follicles through a fiber-optic probe. However, it was quite painful and the FDA removed it from market because it was ineffective.

In the 80s, a new wave of lasers were created. These lasers were better at targeting hair, but still too ineffective.

In the mid 90s, the first laser was cleared by the FDA for public use. These types of lasers used a carbon-based lotion as a chromophore. The laser hair removal machine used a laser to heat the carbon which released a shock wave to the follicle which in turn destroyed it. By 1997, the laser was developed to target melanin in the hair. This laser was easy to use and didn’t have many side effects. This made it safer for people to use and these are the lasers currently being used today.

Now, millions of people have laser hair removal with minimal side effects and great results.

We also know that in the future, the laser is likely to develop, as it has done over the past fifty years, into something even more effective. Scientists are working on the new wave of lasers continuously but as of yet, the current ones are still the most popular and effective.

Most Common Areas To Get Laser Hair Removal Treatment [Update 2020]

Laser hair removal treatment is popular for both men and women.

There are also many common places that salons see people having their treatments, including armpits, legs, back, chest and face. These are the top five places to have the treatment.

For women, common areas include their upper lips or chin. However, men might also go for this area if they suffer from razor burns when shaving their face. This can be a sensitive area to treat, so special care is required before and after treatments..

Chest hair is also a favorite with many people. Waxing these areas can cause considerable pain and even scars on the skin. With laser hair removal treatment, men will never have to suffer from waxing their chests again.

Back hair is another part of the body which people want removed, particularly athletes and sports people. Back hair can grow back fast if people choose to shave or wax it, which can cause time wasting and expense. After laser hair removal, people never have to worry about this again.

Armpit and underarm hair is a common concern for both men and women. It can in the worst cases cause excessive sweating and bad odour. Underarm laser hair removal treatments remove this unsightly hair from the armpits in less than an hour. More often than not, this is permanent after several sessions too.

Leg hair is another area of the body commonly treated with laser hair removal. In summer, women like to wear swimsuits and to look extra good they like to be hair free, so they have no worries that they need to shave every day. Hair on the legs is the easiest to remove because the hair is thicker and darker. Laser hair removal works best on people with fairer skin and darker hair, as the laser can “find” the hair much more easily.

Some women prefer hair removal on their legs from the ankle to just above the knee; whereas other women want the whole leg treatment to include the ankle right up to the hip bone. In many cases, it depends on the woman’s budget and some even do half a leg one year and the top half of the legs another year!

This kind of treatment does not take too much time and is virtually painless too. This is why laser hair removal has become more popular, especially in these areas of the body.

 

Treat Your Girl This Winter With The Premier Laser Clinic

You may be reading this panicked about what to buy your girlfriend or wife this Christmas. You want something she’ll love… but that won’t break the bank! Year after year, men struggle with the perfect gift – but now your perfect solution is here!

Many of our customers are buying a course of laser hair removal treatments for their loved ones this Christmas. This is a popular choice, as it is an ideal time of year for your loved one to have the laser hair removal treatment in time for the summer. This means they can achieve smooth, supple and hair free skin in a painless, effective and safe procedure, something every girl dreams of!

There are some great deals available from the Premier Laser Clinic, too. For example, if you spend over £500 on laser hair removal you will receive a free £35 voucher for advanced skin treatments.

Another great grab is our buy two and get one free on the most advanced skin non surgical treatments.

You can also get 40% off your laser hair removal treatment cost when you pay for a course of 8 laser hair removal sessions in one go. This is a great bargain which saves you money – but don’t worry, we won’t tell her if you don’t!

The Perfect Christmas Gift – Laser Hair Removal

Struggling with what to buy your loved one this winter for Christmas? Scouring the streets for deals and treats during the festive period is stressful and overwhelming. If you think they may be tired of the same old gift; a dressing down, a pair of slippers… then you might consider giving them a laser hair removal treatment as a gift.

This treatment is growing more popular as lasers are safe and the procedure is quick, painless and highly effective. Courses last around 6 weeks depending on the area of hair being treated and they can be carried out in centres across the UK.

By paying for laser hair removal for your loved one, you can ensure they experience smooth, supple, hair free skin which, after a course of around 6 treatment sessions, remains virtually hair free permanently. This means no need for razors, waxing or tweezers anymore!

This is the perfect gift for your loved one, male or female, so they have time to have the sessions and gain the full effect before the summer months. This means they’ll be experiencing smooth, hair free skin all year round – a great, thoughtful gift for anyone!

Laser Hair Removal vs. IPL

The two methods of hair removal, laser hair removal and IPL, are hot topics at the moment – with many celebrities endorsing their use and various beauty magazines raving about their effectiveness. But which one is best?

Laser hair removal uses a beam of high concentrated light, targeted at the hair follicle, to kill it from the root. This means the hair is destroyed and will not grow back. The treatment is not painful like waxing or traditional methods of hair removal, and can be completed in a short amount of time. Different types of lasers mean that different patients can be treated, including men or women with varying degrees of hair types. You need multiple treatments to achieve the best results, especially on larger areas of hair, however sometimes only one treatment is needed on some people. Laser body hair removal is now established in many clinics and salons, and is a trusted form of hair removal which is also cost effective.

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. Like laser hair removal, IPL uses a light beam to kill the hair at the follicle which means that the hair cannot grow back. The difference between this and laser hair removal is that the light beam is designed to take a shorter amount of time to remove the hair and is ideal for larger areas of hair removal. However, long term effects of the treatment have not been assessed because it is too new to tell. IPL treatments also require multiple sessions to achieve full effectiveness, and occasionally skin damage can occur but this all depends on the individual. Laser hair removal is a more accurate and effective way to remove unwanted hairs and can be less costly then IPL.

Can I Sunbathe Before or After Laser Hair Removal or use Sunbeds & Fake tan ?

Laser hair removal – Sunbeds, Sunbathing and Fake tans – The Facts

Many people ask the question whether they can sunbathe, use sunbeds or apply fake tan before, during or after laser hair removal.

We will explain the do’s and the don’t so you will know exactly what you can and cannot do.

As with any procedure and laser hair removal treatments, speak to the qualified expert dealing with your treatment so you get specific, personal advice.

spf protecting skin against uv and sunbathing

Sunbathing before, during and after laser hair removal advice

  • sunbathing Before Laser treatment

Traditionally, advice was not to sunbathe before laser hair removal. However, with the advancement in laser technologies, treatments can be made which penetrate deeper into the skin – avoiding the top layers, so sitting out in the sun in the height of summer should not be a problem before your treatment as long as you take the necessary precautions of wearing a good SPF even if you have dark skin.

  • sunburn and laser hair removal

If you come into your session with sunburned skin, however, your clinician may turn you away. And you may have wasted the cost of the session. When booking your treatments you should inform your laser hair removal clinic if you intend on tanning and they can give you the best advice.

Sunburn and laser do not mix.

Laser causes intense energy to be transferred into the hair follicle. Sunburn is also a transfer of light energy into the skin which your skin has to heal and recover from. Laser cannot be performed on sunburned skin. Your skin is trying to recover and heal from the sunburn which dermatologists classify as damage.

  • sunbathing During laser treatment

Lasers make your skin more sensitive to the sun and UV light.  This increases your risk of burning. It can also cause hyperpigmentation which is an increase in the production of melanin, leading to dark spots or patches on your skin.

Laser works by being attracted to dark pigmentation in hair. When you tan this darkens the skin and makes it harder for the laser tell the difference between the skin pigment and hair pigment.

suntanned skin model

Lasers like contrast.

With lasers the better the contrast the more effective the lasers are.

Also if you are tanned your laser settings will have to be changed. With laser hair removal consistency is the key to good results (along with with an experienced practitioner.)

If you have an experienced practitioner they can adjust your treatment confidently, an inexperienced practitioner may be unsure and hesitant which could put you at risk

Clinics recommend you avoid sun exposure and sun beds completely during your laser hair removal sessions.

  • sunbathing After laser treatment

Most people feel their skin feels slightly red and sore, similar to sunburn. You should not worry about this as it is perfectly natural.

Your practitioner should advise you of the best aftercare. As the laser uses a tremendous amount of energy and transfers this into your skin, your skin needs time to heal.

It is important to avoid sunbathing, cover your skin up and wear an SPF as your skin is vulnerable and needs protecting.

What to do if you have a holiday planned ?

Just because you are having laser hair removal it doesn’t mean your life should be put on hold!. However there are steps you can take to make sure disruption to your treatment is minimal.

The best advice if you are in the middle of treatment is to:

  • Let your clinic know you are going away and how long you will be spending overseas – a weekend break v a month long trip!.
  • Apply a good quality high SPF sun factor cream every couple of hours, especially if you are swimming.
  • Cover up as much as possible with hats and light, long-sleeved clothing.

tanning and fresh air for your skin

Sunbeds and laser hair removal

  • sunbeds before laser hair removal

Avoid using sunbeds in the run up to your first laser hair removal session. Have your last sunbed 7-10 days before your first laser session, depending on how long you are on the sunbed for.

A deeper tan should see you stop 14+ days before.

Sunbeds use the same UV light as the sun so can cause the same damage. Laser will not be able to be performed on suntanned skin, even if it from a sunbed.

  • sunbeds During laser hair removal

Your skin may not able to recover as easily from the treatment as you are causing extra trauma to the skin which has to heal.

If using sunbeds is a regular part of your life you may find it hard being told that you should avoid them for a while.

  • sunbeds after laser hair removal

How long you sit on the side-lines is different for everyone. It depends where you have been treated and your skin type, tone and hair.

Make sure you look after your skin post-laser. It will heal quicker. Also use a good quality SPF. Have a good skin routine to keep your skin healthy and supple. This will help you get back on the sunbeds faster.

sunbathing on beach model

Fake tans and laser hair removal

Can you wear fake tan when having laser hair removal?

As you know there are different types of fake tan available. We are referring to tans which are:

  • not instant
  • that wash off
  • are body foundations
  • bronzing powders

This means formulas with slow tanning agents such as moisturisers including gradual tan formulas.

Fake tan must be removed from the area you are having laser hair removal treatment before your session.

All traces must be removed.

If you are having laser on your legs and your fake tan is on your face then you don’t have to worry.

Can you wear fake tan between laser hair removal sessions?

In between your treatments fake tan can be worn as long as you remove all traces before, if it is on the area you are having treated. The best advice is to stop applying your fake tan 7-10 days your scheduled laser sessions.

All residue must be removed as it can be dangerous to have laser with traces of fake tan present on your skin.

You will run the risk of your laser session being cancelled if the fake tan is still present when you attend your clinic.

sunbathing model

Can you wear fake tan between my laser hair removal sessions?

Yes although if you have very dry skin and your tan takes longer to fade, leave a longer period 14+ days so all residue is completely removed.

Can you use instant or wash off tan before laser hair removal?

Yes. If using instant wash off tan you can use it no more then 2-3 days before your session but it is not recommended the day before as all residue must be completely removed.

Can you use fake tan on the same day of my laser session?

No. Your skin must be as natural as possible. So free from tanning products as well as oils, creams, moisturisers and lotions. This is to avoid any complications.

Advice on best way to remove fake tan before your session:

  • Exfoliating mitts & scrub
  • Tan eraser mitt
  • Moisturiser after exfoliating to avoid dry skin
  • Have a hot bath before exfoliating.
  • Pay special attention to dry, wrinkly hard to clean areas like elbows, knees, shins etc

bikini laser

Laser Hair Removal Aftercare

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Laser hair removal aftercare does not require any complicated routines to follow for weeks after your appointments. This is because laser hair removal is a relatively simple process with little recovery time.

However, it is important that you take time to care for your skin after the procedure. Caring for your skin means it will remain healthy and moisturised.

Immediately after your laser hair removal session, you can expect your skin to be slightly red and irritated, this is totally normal. It might even feel like mild sunburn. For many people, this disappears within a few hours.

But for others, it may take a few days before it totally goes. If you notice any of your skin blistering, you need to discuss this with the clinic where you had the treatment as this will be a reaction which shouldn’t happen.

How to soothe your skin during aftercare 

If you find the redness after your laser hair removal treatments to be uncomfortable and sore, there are things you can do to help ease the redness.

  1. First you should get some cold compresses and apply these to the area of skin that’s red, to help any swelling go down. You might consider using ice if you don’t have any cold compresses , or a cold bath. This should soon have your redness going down.
  2. Making sure the area of skin is kept clean is also an important point, to avoid infections.
  3. You should also moisturise the area. Moisturising creams aid in the recovery of the skin in the areas that were treated with the laser. The clinic you go to will probably recommend some creams for you to use.
  4. Consider using a daily moisturiser in the days leading up to your next treatment, if you have purchased a package are having a course of treatments. This will also keep your skin generally healthy and supple and give you optimum results when having your laser hair removal procedure.

In general, many people feel fit and ready to go back to work immediately after treatment. Others may feel they need a little rest, but this shouldn’t be more than a day or too. Depending on the length of treatment, area of skin being treated and skin type, all after care guidelines can vary and you should speak to your clinic.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Planning for your summer 2012

It may seem a long, long way away – but you should prepare for summer 2012 now. No, this doesn’t mean booking your holiday in the sun just yet (although, you can if you like) but preparing your skin by investing in a permanent hair reduction solution – laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is ideal for any section of your body where you have unwanted or unsightly hair, such as on your legs, armpits, chest or back. Instead of shaving or waxing, having laser hair removal ensures that you have smooth, hairless skin summer after summer.

Preparing for your summer now by getting laser hair removal in the winter will ensure that any red patches clears up in good time after your course of treatments. Sometimes, the skin can be left slightly red where intensive laser removal is required.

Treatment length can vary, but generally you will expect about 6 weeks of regular treatments. This is so that all of your hair will be removed, making it a thorough and cost effective hair removal solution.

Starting now and planning ahead is a great idea, and will get your skin hair free and in perfect shape for those glorious summer months which will be long awaited.

The only thing you’ll need to think about now is, where do you fancy flying off to?

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal works by beaming an invisible, high concentration beam of light directly into the skin. The constant heat of the laser means that the light can penetrate deep into the layers of the skin where the hair follicle, or the hair root is situated.

There are four types of lasers which can be used for laser hair removal. This includes the

  • Ruby Laser
  • Alexandrite
  • Diode
  • Nd: YAG

Different lasers or wavelength are used for different skin types and tones. The Alexandrite 755nm wavelength is used on lighter skin tones where the Nd:YAG 1064nm is used on darker skin tone. The Ruby laser is fairly old and not used as much these days as the technology has improved since the early day of laser hair removal.

Top of the range lasers like the Candela Genltemax Pro operate on the 755nm and 1064nm wavelength so can treat a wide range of skin types and tones.

The beam of light can then cauterise or destroy the hair follicle so that the strand of hair is safely killed without damaging surrounding tissue or skin. This is a very safe procedure which is also virtually painless. Some people report a mild discomfort during the treatment, like an elastic band snapping on the skin.

how laser worksThe skin may be left slightly red afterwards, but this returns back to normal within a few hours. This makes it one of the most effective and efficient method of hair removal to date.

In order for the laser hair removal to be fully successful, a series of treatments is advisable. This is because laser hair removal works when the hair is in the active growth phase, which 90% of hair usually is.

However, to be sure that the full area of skin remains hair free, the remaining 10% also needs to be treated. This means that some people book in for a series of five, six, seven, or even eight sessions to be completely thorough.

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last? [Updated 2020]

If you are thinking about getting laser hair removal one of the first questions on your mind is probably…

“how long does laser hair removal last?”

It is a fair question to ask before spending hundreds or thousands of pounds of your hard earned money on laser hair removal.

It is also one of the most popular questions we are asked in our London clinics and call centre every day.

Unfortunately the answer you don’t want to hear is….

….. “it depends!”

Sadly, that is the only answer any laser clinic can give you. This is because your results will depend on:

  • your skin type and tone
  • your hair
  • your response to treatment
  • hormone levels

All of these combine to determine how effective your results will be.

If your friend is ecstatic or disappointed with their long term results it doesn’t mean you will have the same good or bad results.

laser hair removal

Is there anything you can do to guarantee you the best longer lasting results possible?

Yes, there are a few things you can do to give yourself the best chances for long lasting success and not waste your money. You should try and do the following:

  • Firstly you will need more then one session (usually 6-8).
  • Set realistic expectations. No clinic can remove 100% of hair – forever.
  • Use top of the range medical grade lasers.
  • Find an experienced practitioner you trust and feel comfortable with and give feedback every session.
  • Be consistent and committed to your appointments.

How many times do you need laser hair removal?

Most people require 6-8 sessions spread around 6 weeks apart. A couple of laser sessions will destroy some of your hair permanently but the rest of your hair will remain unaffected by the laser. This is because the laser can only kill hair actively in the growth phase of the hair cycle.

How much hair do you lose after your first laser session?

When you attend a hair removal session for say your underarm. Only around 15% of your underarm hairs will be in the growth phase. This means only 15% of the total underarm hairs can be destroyed at that session.

The laser or practitioner cannot tell which of the hairs are in the growth phase. That is why the laser will go over the whole area.

laser hair removal lasting results

Why is my hair growing back after laser?

At your next laser session six weeks later the laser will destroy another 15% of your hair (hair in the growth phase).

This is how and why multiple sessions are needed.

It is also why you will experience hair growth in between sessions. Fewer and fewer hairs will grow back as you have more sessions. After 6-8 session all the hairs should have been destroyed.

Using the underarm example, by session 6 or 8 all your underarm hair would have been in the growth phase at some point during your previous sessions, so would have been destroyed.

As you can see, one or two laser sessions will destroy some hair but leave many.

It would be a waste of money if you were expecting total hair loss.

Does hair grow back thicker after laser hair removal?

Some people only want a slight reduction in hair loss. They are happy to continue shaving. They will only have 3-4 laser sessions to get their hair under control.

Slightly less hair grows back and the hair that does, usually is not as thick and is much finer then before. This makes managing the hair much easier.

The bikini area is where this option is usually chosen.

laser destroying hair follicle and 5-14 days to fall out

Is it worth getting?

People that get the best long term laser hair removal results have lighter skin and darker hair. This is because lasers are most effective when there is contrast.

The contrast between the light skin and dark pigment help the laser light beam find the root of the hair follicle and destroy it.

The laser recognises melanin found near the base of the hair follicle.

That is also why people with grey hair, very light blonde hair and red hair are not suitable candidates for laser hair removal due to the lower levels of melanin found in lighter hair. Laser also finds it difficult to recognise red pigment in the case of red hair.

How long does laser hair removal last for dark skin?

Until recently, people with darker skin posed problems for laser technology and hair removal. Todays lasers are more advanced then the earlier models.

They use a much deeper wavelength called Nd:YAG which gets around any issues previously experienced. The same results can now be experienced regardless of skin tones.

laser hair removal dark skin model

How can I speed up the shedding after laser hair removal?

During the course of your laser hair treatment you will find that it usually takes about 5-14 days for hairs to shed. Exfoliating, tweezing and plucking can be done but are not necessary as the hair will fall out naturally.

After the shedding period a re-growth phase of around four weeks happens. This is the reason treatments are set approximately six weeks apart to allow for shedding and regrowth.

After 6 to 8 sessions further sessions are often unnecessary for a few months for most. However, this depends on how successful the procedure has been in removing hairs over the months.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Lasers can remove up to 90% of hair permanently. Because of the way skin and hair types affect the results as mentioned earlier it is hard to accurately predict how long hair removal will last. We have used two case studies below to highlight how laser hair removal can work.

shaving or laser for women

CASE STUDY 1

Lucy is 30 years old and is from Japan. She has dark black hair and a light skin tone. She makes an ideal candidate for laser hair removal. She has purchased 6 sessions of a full body laser hair removal package.

She is using a clinic with the latest medical grade lasers, has an experienced practitioner and has not missed or cancelled any sessions. After 4 sessions spaced 6 weeks apart she is virtually hair free and is delighted with the results.

Fast forward four years and Lucy is still hair free but needs a top up session once a year or every two years to keep on top of her results.

CASE STUDY 2

Anna is 25 years old she is from Cyprus. She has thick curly black hair and a darker tanned Mediterranean skin tone.

She has purchased 8 sessions for full legs and bikini. Like Lucy she is using a clinic with the latest medical grade lasers,  has an experienced practitioner and is consistent with her appointments over the course of a year.

As she gets to the end of her 8th session, she is still experiencing hair growth albeit very reduced. She decides to purchase a top-up package of 3 to remove the remaining hairs. In total she has now had 11 sessions and is finally happy with her results.

Fast forward a few years and Anna is having a top up session once a year to keep any hairs that are growing at bay.

Takeaways

As you can see laser works differently for different people.

Laser can reduce hair growth by up to 90% which for most people this has a really big impact on their lives.

Compare this with the the non stop cycle of shaving and waxing and most people are happy to invest in laser as a long term solution to their hair removal needs.

It certainly saves money and time in the long run.

london laser clinics 

Next steps

If you live in London and are looking for a laser hair removal clinic using the latest Candela lasers, has experienced practitioners and has been performing laser hair removal across its 9 London clinics since 2008, then get in touch with us for a free consultation.

We would love to hear from you.