Whilst many celebrities are more than a little tight lipped about their beauty treatments and interventions, some are very open about them. The Kardashian sisters have all been very vocal about their love of laser hair removal.
With their Armenian heritage and their thick, dark hair the Kardashians had long been disillusioned with less long lasting hair removal techniques such as waxing and shaving and had wanted to try something which would offer a more long term solution to the problem of unwanted hair.
Celebrity facial hair treatment – ready for that close-up
Kim was the first of the sisters to come out as a fan and has reportedly had the procedure done on her hair line to eradicate the fine “baby hair” which was a few years ago very apparent on her forehead.
It is understandable with cameras following them 24-7 and with millions of followers on Instagram you would want to look your best.
She was so happy with her laser results encouraged the rest of her family to give laser hair removal a try and Khloe shared her experience with the world by allowing the cameras to film whilst she had laser on her body…including her toes!
Other Celebs Reported To Have Gone Under The Laser too!!
Kris Jenner, the girl’s Mother, has also been under the laser and the entire family regularly promote laser hair removal. They’re not the only ones either!
Other celebs, listed above have reportedly had laser treatment include Victoria Beckham on the advice of her friend Eva Longoria and Beyonce…both dark haired it’s not hard to see why these glamorous women would choose to opt for a permanent solution to their hair issues.
Bollywood stars and laser hair removal
It’s not only Hollywood celebrities that have undergone laser hair removal. Bollywood stars have been rumoured to have undergone laser hair removal. They include Deepika Padukone who had full body the laser hair removal and Shraddha Kapoor who as an actress would need to feel comfortable in a range of costumes and clothing.
(At Premier Laser our Nd:YAG lasers on the Candela Gentlemax Pro work wonders on all skin types and tones. Find out more about our free consultations below.)
Ingrown Hairs Can Be A Thing Of The Past
Women and especially women in the media have long felt pressure to appear “perfect” and whilst this is one reason for people to undergo permanent hair removal, another is comfort.
If you’re constantly shaving or waxing certain areas then you will undoubtedly know the pain of ingrown hairs, sore skin and shaving rashes…certain areas such as the armpits are certainly easier to keep fresh when there is a lack of hair there…so it makes sense to look at permanent removal in these spots.
Facial Hair Is A Thing Of The Past!
Equally distressing is the appearance of hair on the upper lip…women with moustaches aren’t universally admired and those who suffer from too much hair in this area will probably have tried all kinds of solutions including depilatory cream.
Whether the Kardashians have undergone this treatment is unknown but one thing’s for sure and that’s that none of the fashionable sisters ever appear with a trace of facial hair.
Celebrity influence
Celebrities often lead the way in terms of fashion and beauty treatments. Universally admired for their style and looks, celebs like the Kardashian sisters influence the masses with their decisions regarding their bodies and what treatments they choose.
With laser hair removal being such an obvious success for them, many people are choosing to follow in their footsteps and seek out laser hair removal.
Find out more about laser
If you have any questions about laser hair removal you can read our guides on
Laser hair removal is a safe, relatively fast and very reliable solution to the problems of unwanted hair in any area of the body…anyone who has ever despaired over their razor blade or felt the pain of waxing should look into this effective problem solver.
Next steps if you live in london
If you live in London why not pop in for a free consultation to discuss you laser hair removal needs. We have 9 clinics across London and are London’s largest independent laser hair removal specialists, having been trusted by Londoner’s to have performed over 500,000 treatments since 2008.
Once upon a time it wasn’t considered “manly” for the males of our species to indulge in anything so self conscious as male hair removal…apart from beard maintenance of course!
Just a few years ago advertising for men’s hair removal products consisted solely of the most rugged of chaps engaged in some jaw jutting, razor-sharp shaving shenanigans.
A well groomed man also has the freedom to indulge in facials and to get in touch with his feminine side has to be a good thing.
Why shouldn’t men have the pleasure of great products and great treatments when at the end of the day they not only ensure better skin health but more comfortable hair removal and a longer-lasting smoothness?
Male grooming in our London clinics
Men’s laser hair removal is just one of the areas which have seen an increase in not only sales but also interest and acceptance with more and more men daily making enquiries about laser hair removal and other treatments listed below.
At Premier Laser we offer a range of treatments to get you looking your best. They include:
Facials – including Dermapen and Hydrafacial to treat scarring or stretch marks or simply to get your skin glowing for that important occasion or event.
Tweatments– turn back the hands of time and get rid those frown lines, prevent saggy skin and fill out volume.
Popular areas for laser grooming
So where exactly are men having their hair lasered…and I don’t mean geographically! The answer to that is just about anywhere there’s hair!
Men’s facial laser hair removal is growing in popularity…especially amongst men who suffer from pseudo folliculitis aka razor bumps! This painful condition is common among men who have curly hair and it’s basically multiple ingrown hairs which can become inflamed and painful and the condition is exacerbated by shaving.
As many professional men already know, a clean shave on a daily basis is a given…no turning up to the office with a day’s growth!
Chest, backs and necks have always been popular areas for men along with smaller areas like hands, nose and ears.
Laser hair removal for chest hair and back hair leaves the area smooth and will end DIY shaving jobs that can be tricky in hard to reach areas like the back. This look is a particular favourite among the younger generation and it’s not as difficult to achieve baby-soft skin as you might think!
Mens laser hair removal has now headed south and more men are having their pubic area pruned and sculpted. The rise in brazilian or manzillian and bikni has also become more popular recently along with the perianal area.
No More Shaving…
This is one of the main reasons why many men seek laser hair removal and it’s an extremely popular solution too. The hair is permanently inhibited by the destruction of the hair follicles beneath the skin so men can enjoy the sensation of soft, smooth skin!
Repeated procedures are usually needed as the treatment is done in sections and the hairs must be “caught” at their growing stage but once it’s gone it’s gone and many men report feeling cleaner, more attractive and happier after their hair removal.
So if you’re bored of your beard or feeling churlish about your chest hair or perturbed by your pubic hair!, then it might be time to look into the permanent removal of the offending pelt once and for all!
Next Steps if you are looking for complete male grooming in london
If you are looking for laser hair removal or want advice on what our range of treatments can do for you, why not book a free consultation at any one of our 9 clinics across London.
Hair growth in places where no hair should be is a problem for many women today and the most popular areas for treatment are the upper lip, the chin and cheeks and the bikini line. When you’re used to shaving, plucking, waxing or using depilatory creams the revelation which women’s laser hair removal can bring about is truly freeing…especially when your long awaited summer holiday is looming!
Evolve From The Razor To The Laser
Moving from the discomfort of sore, over-shaved skin to the smooth comfort of a hair-free zone is a great thing and if the only thing holding you back is fear of the unknown then it’s time to get with the picture and get lasered!
We all know the pain of preparing to bare all…or nearly all on our summer hols’ and ensuring that you’re bikini-ready is an important part of the preparation for your summer plans! It’s also half of the fun…after all why limit your preparations to swimsuit shopping when you need to know that you’ll be able to wear it with confidence!
As women make more and more effort with their appearance, it has become the norm for many women to spend even more money getting ready for their summer break than they do on the actual holiday!
If you’re on a budget there’s one area where you shouldn’t skimp and that’s your skin…you need to feel comfortable in it after all! Spray tans, exfoliating treatments and facials are all very well but if there’s a suspicious looking shadow on your upper lip it might be time to consider laser hair removal.
Think Of The Convenience of laser hair removal !!
Women’s laser hair removal is becoming so widespread that a majority of women see it as an essential…rather than an optional treatment. Spending hours on the beach is a pleasure and more especially when you can pop on your bikini without a second thought as to the state of your armpits or bikini line!
Packing multiple hair removal essentials is just a bind at a time when you want to be free…and your holiday is a time when you should be free to indulge in the minimal of grooming after all!
What Are you Waiting For? Laser Away Your Unwanted Hair
If you are currently planning your summer break and looking at visiting hot countries then do take time out to explore the many options with regards to laser hair removal for women; you will find that many of your preconceptions regarding the process are misguided.
Some people avoid laser hair removal due to a fear of pain but the truth is that for many people the pain is only slight…likened to a snapping elastic band hitting the area of skin currently being treated. If that’s all there is to worry about then perhaps it’s time to join the band of happy hair-free holidaymakers currently packing their best swimwear!
Hair is a tricky issue for many people; sometimes cropping up in places where it’s just not welcome! The problem areas for many of us include the chin, upper lip, cheeks, legs, arms and also the fingers and toes.
Some of this errant hair is natural and since some of us are hairier than others, it’s just one of those things which has to be dealt with. For a small proportion of people, excess hair growth can be a symptom of underlying health issues and this is particularly true for women.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is one of the more common reasons that some women suffer unwanted hair growth and without help to diminish the growth, this excess hair can be embarrassing and upsetting. Similarly, dark haired women can find that they have more than their fair share of hair in areas they’d prefer smooth…this is just down to the pot luck of genetics and there’s no real way to deal with the problem on a permanent basis other than laser hair removal.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is certainly one of the most effective treatments for excess hair-growth and certainly beats shaving, waxing or plucking, not only as far as longevity is concerned but also in terms of comfort!
The decision to try laser hair removal often comes after the exhaustion of all other options…the endless round of depilatory creams and tweezers finally becomes so wearing that a more permanent and effective solution is the only way to go.
Laser hair removal isn’t an instant fix…it usually takes two or three sessions to be completely effective and this is due to the fact that hairs grow at different rates and the period of time in which an individual follicle may be destroyed is limited to that when the hair is in it’s phase of active growth.
That said, it is certainty possible to see some results even after the first session and most people are so pleased to watch an improvement in their unwanted hair situation that they’re only happy to return for their subsequent sessions!
The process is a little painful for some people whilst others say that it only causes mild discomfort. Usually the sensation is likened to an elastic band being snapped against the skin…so it could hardly be called an agonising process but rather mildly annoying. The discomfort however is more than worth it for many people when they contemplate the relief of finally being rid of their unwanted hair.
Speak To A Professional
The first thing to do when considering laser hair removal is to speak to the professionals; booking a consultation can help to give you time to settle any concerns and to have your questions answered by someone in the know…laser hair removal is a safe, effective and usually permanent way to reduce hair from the places it’s not welcome!
Laser hair removal is a common treatment that men undertake on a regular basis. Traditionally, men did not care about their looks at all but the modern man is seen more and more as a well groomed individual.
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular treatments that a man can have to remove unwanted hair. In many cases, men decide to shave their chests or their backs and shoulders to get rid of the course black hair that grows there on a regular basis. However, this not only uses up a lot of time but it also cost you money in the long run.
With a laser hair removal course of six treatments, your hair is guaranteed to be lighter and thinner than ever before. Men may also decide to have the laser hair removal treatment on their face or on their legs.
Many swimmers like to be streamlined and hair removal is a big part of this process; if you are a swimmer you could benefit from the results of laser hair removal treatments.
It is very important that if you decide to have laser hair removal, you find a reputable clinic that has dealt with treating men as well as women; you should look out for their certificates and find out what equipment they use; you should also make sure they use the state of the art technology to conduct their laser hair removal procedures. You may want to do some previous research online so you know what to look for when it comes to asking about the kind of technology that the laser hair removal clinic uses. This makes you appear clued up and the clinic should supply all the information you need without bother.
So what are you men waiting for? By finding your local laser hair removal clinic today, you will start treating your unwanted hair in an effective way. The procedure is quick and easy and virtually pain-free – it is far less painful than having wax strips applied to you and having them ripped off! Many people ask is laser hair removal permanent, although this not always guaranteed it can be the case for some people.
As I am writing this the sun is shining brightly through the window, creating a magical animated pattern of light as the blinds gently sway in the wind. The birds can be heard singing outside and U2’s it’s a beautiful day is playing on the radio.
Summer is starting to awaken from its long hibernation and thoughts of summer holidays and days on the beach start to flood the mind. It’s that time of year to dig out them shorts and the bikinis from somewhere deep in your wardrobe and prepare for the warm months ahead. Suddenly the realisation kicks in; you have been a little bit lazy and have neglected your legs over the winter months and have not kept your pins in pristine condition. Don’t worry this is easily done and we won’t judge you but it’s time to do something about it. You can’t very well walk along the beach with furry legs now can you? It’s time to turn on that laptop or pick up the phone and book a laser hair removal appointment.
Laser Hair Removal
There are 3 main stages to your laser hair removal treatment. Obviously the main one is the actual laser hair removal itself but the preparation and aftercare are just as important.
Below I will run through the 3 stages and what you should and shouldn’t do before, during and after your laser hair removal treatment.
Preparation
Prior to your laser hair removal appointment you should:
1. Avoid Tanning…yes that means the sun bed too.
2. Avoid waxing or plucking for around 2-4 weeks.
3. A day or two before your treatment you should shave the area that you want to have treated. The hair follicles should be present however longer hairs can be more painful to treat.
4. Clean the area that you are having treated – this especially includes removing any cosmetics, creams and body lotion. (this can be done the night before and the morning of the treatment)
During The Appointment
During the appointment you should:
1. Make sure you are wearing clothing that will leave the treated area exposed or are very loose fitting. (otherwise it’s time to strip off).
2. If you are worried about pain speak to your laser clinician as they will be able to apply a topical aesthetic cream that will numb any pain.
3. Make sure to wear the protective eye goggles.(We know they don’t look very cool but safety is of top priority)
After The Appointment
After the appointment:
1. It is recommended sun cream is applied for 4 weeks after on areas exposed to sunlight
2. Try to avoid irritating the treated area by shaving, waxing, plucking and bleaching directly after the treatment.
3. Keep area clean to avoid any infection
4. Around a week after the laser hair removal treatment you should begin exfoliating the surface of the skin. This will remove any hairs as the body begins to push out the dead hair follicles.
That’s it, it really couldn’t be any more simpler. Book your appointment today and make sure you have perfectly smooth skin ready for the summer.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Are you making any of these 10 biggest hair removal mistakes?
See how many you are guilty of and add your score up at the end.
Below are the 10 ten biggest hair removal mistakes men and women make when getting rid of their unwanted hair.
1.Exfoliate, exfoliate, and exfoliate!!!
If you shave or wax then it will not come as a shock when I mention that dreaded word...ingrown hairs. However you can dramatically reduce the amount you get by exfoliating. Exfoliating is your best protection against ingrown hairs and by combining this with using daily body lotion you will reduce your chance of getting them quite considerably.
2.Why go to the wax salon when I can do it a home?
You pay a little visit to the wax salon and get your legs waxed. That was easy enough you think, all I have to do is buy a cheap pack of wax strips from the supermarket, apply it to my legs, cover with the fabric and pull. However if done incorrectly you can end up with big bruises on your legs.
It is important to note that when waxing the skin should be pulled taut in the opposite direction that the wax strip is being ripped off to prevent your legs from changing to a dark bluely, black colour unless that is the look you are aiming for?
3.Morning shave
After pressing the snooze button on your alarm for the 10th time you decide that you should really be getting out of bed. A morning shower is great to rejuvenate the body and is perfect to have a quick morning shave…or is it? As we sleep our legs slightly swell, hiding a small proportion of hairs on the skin.
To get a clean and smoother shave you should have a shave later on in the evening, that is after watching your favourite soaps on TV first.
4.Shaving in a hot bath
There is a common misconception that shaving in a hot bath relaxes the hairs and therefore makes it the ideal time to have a shave.
Wrong!.
Just like above it temporally makes our legs swell a little and therefore again hides some hairs from the razor.
If you really wish to shave in the tub make sure to do it within the first few minutes of getting in…although don’t blame us if your nice relaxing bath time takes a prickly turn for the worst.
5.Shaving with a dull blade
As the days, weeks or months pass by you feel that shaving is becoming more and more difficult and painful. Are you shaving the wrong way? Or is your hair just getting thicker? Well honestly it could be both but chances are that you have just not changed your blunt razor blade any time soon.
Ideally you should throw away your razor after every shave however it is reasonable to use them up to 3 or 4 times before departing from your dull bathroom companion.
6.Where’s the shaving cream?
Shaving cream is your best friend when it comes to shaving and not only does it prevent irritation but also helps you to get a cleaner, closer shave. Well what are best friends for? By applying it to your skin against the grain of hair growth you will see the best results.
7.Leaving your skin vulnerable
If you are one of those people that religiously uses accutane or retinols in your daily beautifying routine you should stop applying it for a minimum of at least a week before you wax or head of to the beauty salon. Making the skin fragile the waxing process could take off layers of the skin along with your hair. Ouch!!!
8.Surely it must be time for another wax already?
It is all too easy to see the little few hairs starting to break the surface of the skin and start to freak, but don’t panic, unless your boyfriend has access to the Hubble telescope then chances are he will not see them and neither will anybody else. Ideally you should wait around 4 weeks, 3 at a push if you must so that the wax has enough hair to “grab”.
9.Pulling faces in the mirror!
We all like to make silly faces in the mirror but when you are trying to tweeze your eyebrows this is not the best time to do so. Screwing up your face warps the natural shape of the brow and can give an uneven look. The best method is to try and relax the face muscles as much as possible and use an ice cube to numb the area to reduce the pain.
10.Waxing and that time of month
Maybe it’s not the first thing that crossed your mind when booking in a downstairs wax ready for the summer months but if you are someone who is really sensitive to pain then the timing of this could be crucial. Hormonal changes in the body as well as the increase in blood flow could mean you have an unpleasant experience.
Make sure to plan your salon visit carefully and try and book around mid-cycle to ensure a comfortable experience, well as comfortable as waxing gets anyway.
Ever thought about laser and live in London?
Why not book a free consultation today and speak to one of our expert practitioners about laser hair removal. We have 9 clinics across London for you convenience.
Laser hair removal is a popular technique which many thousands of people across the world decide to invest in. The reason for this is that many people wish to get rid of unwanted or unsightly body hair, and traditional methods such as shaving, waxing and plucking simply do not cut it in the long term.
Everybody knows that the more you shave your hair, the quicker, stronger and thicker it grows back. This makes body hair an ongoing issue for many people across the world, including both men and women.
When did it begin?
Whenlaser hair removalwas invented, some people were sceptical. Some people thought that it would be unsafe but the FDA cleared the first laser for hair removal in 1995. The traditional machines that were used and the technology that was part of the light treatment was only available to people with light skin tones. This is because the laser beam itself could only differentiate between what was hair and skin by the light and dark of both elements. It would target the dark hair from the light skin so in order to be truly effective lighter skin tones were the only ones treated.
How did it develop?
However, as advances in laser and light-based technology improved, various different skin types could also be treated with the laser. This included ethnic skin tones as well as darker skinned individuals. For these people, the laser would need longer wavelengths and pulse widths in order to treat the hair and technology began to include this.
What can you expect now?
Nowadays, it is important that if you have darker skin, you are not put off by the idea that the laser might not be able to treat your particular ethnicity. This is now a common myth associated with laser hair removal. Many different clinics will be able to treat different kinds of skin tones now, but it is important to go for a full consultation to see what your chances of success with the laser hair removal machine actually are.
Visiting the clinic:
In the consultation, you will be asked about whether you have any issues with your skin, whether you have any skin infections, or whether you have any tattoos. The technician will compile a file which will evaluate your effectiveness with the laser machine and your expectations. For example, you might want a small area treated or you might want a very large area of skin treated.
Experts developed the Fitzpatrick skin typing scale as one way to classify different skin colours and how they react to UV light. The skin tones are divided into types 1 to 6, which gives technicians and professionals the ability to determine the best technique required for that specific client with their particular skin tones. This also allows the clinic to provide a safe and effective treatment for the client.
The Fitzpatrick skin typing scale:
1
Very White or Freckled
Always Burns/Never Tans
2
White
Usually Burns/Sometimes Tans
3
White to Olive
Sometimes Burns/Always Tans
4
Brown
Rarely Burns
5
Dark Brown
Very Rarely Burns/Moderately Pigmented
6
Black
Highly Pigmented
One clinic which has vast experience in treating people with darker skin is thepremier laser clinic. The premier laser clinic has special technologies, including the GentleYAG laser system, which is perfect for treating people with darker skin.
Laser hair removal treatment is fast becoming the most effective method of hair removal across the world. The unique aspect of laser hair removal is the fact that after around six or eight sessions under the laser, you can be virtually hair free. This is a treatment perfect for both men and women and all over 18.
However, there are some general myths about laser hair removal which many people listen to. This might make people reluctant to invest in the treatment.
Here, we crack down on some of the most popular myths and put the record straight:
Myth 1: Laser hair removal is a painful process
Many people believe that laser hair removal is a painful and uncomfortable process. Actually, the truth is that many people say that the feeling of the laser on your skin is just like the feeling of an elastic band snapping against your skin. It is not necessarily painful, and many people do not feel anything at all. For those people who are extra sensitive, the technician will put an anesthetic cream on the area before they start the laser process. They may also apply ice to the area before or after the laser. This will give the patient the most comfortable treatment possible.
Myth 2: People with dark hair and dark skin cannot be treated with laser hair removal
Traditionally, people with dark hair and dark skin would not be able to be treated with laser hair removal. This is because the laser differentiates between skin and hair – and light and dark. This means that if the hair and the skin are both dark, the possibility of burning the skin might occur.
However, with modern technology constantly evolving, this is no longer the case. There are certain systems like the GentleYAG laser system which is designed to work with darker skin. Of course, it is best to check with your laser hair removal clinic about your particular hair type so that you can have a full and comprehensive consultation.
Myth 3: Laser hair removal is not safe
The technique is safe. Within the process of laser hair removal, the laser will focus on the hair follicle itself, which means that the surrounding skin is left unharmed. The laser hair removal treatment has been performed successfully on many thousands of people across the world. Also, a lot of research has been conducted into the technique and has proved that there are no long-term side-effects from the process.
Myth 4: Laser hair removal is an expensive treatment to invest in
Many people see laser hair removal as an investment in the body. Think of all of the savings that you will make over the many years of not having to buy razors, shavers and waxing strips. Also, laser hair removal is getting more cost-effective each year. Traditionally it was quite expensive, but now clinics are making it more affordable and even offer some value for money packages.
Laser hair removal is the modern way to achieve perfectly smooth skin. After years of shaving, waxing and using hair removal creams in a futile attempt to remove your unwanted hair, or at least on a long term basis anyway, are you fed up with seeing no results. The archaic hair removal methods of yesterday just don’t cut it in the modern none stop society in which we reside in. After all, shaving and waxing may win us the battle but our hairs are ultimately winning the war – Until now…welcome laser Hair Removal.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is the process of removing unwanted hair using a laser. There are many types of lasers which can be used to remove hair depending on varying factors such as your skin type but we will get to this later on.
A Brief History
Don’t panic this isn’t going to be a history lesson, however I always feel a bit of background knowledge is a great way to set the stage and provide a greater understanding.
Truth be told laser hair removal, or the concept behind it, isn’t as futuristic as you may think. There are 5 key time periods that were crucial to the development of the laser hair removal you see and use today.
1960:
In the 1960s the first lasers which were known as wave 1 lasers and emitted a continuous wave a light. This continuous beam however rendered wave 1 laser s useless as the beam could not be controlled which caused too much of a risk to the skin being permanently damaged.
1970s:
In the 1970s came the wave 2 lasers. These lasers where a vast improvement to the ones seen a decade earlier allowing for targeting of individual hair follicles by sending a beam of energy via a fiber optic probe. The wave 2 laser were not sent off for testing and as a result was pulled by the FDA as it was difficult to use and ineffective for its claims.
1980s:
In 1980s the wave 3 lasers were created. These laser were not much of a advancement from the previous and although they did offer improved targeting then the wave 2 lasers they were still tedious and ineffective for laser hair removal which saw them being removed from the market.
1990s:
1990 is where laser hair removal started to take its current form in the form of the wave 4 laser which was finally cleared by the FDA for official use. The lasers used a carbon based lotion as a chromophore (what the laser targets). The laser heated up the carbon which would release a kind of shock wave to the hair follicle destroying it in the process. The only problem with the wave 4 laser is that it could also cause damage to surrounding cells and tissue.
1997:
In 1997 the wave 5 laser was introduced. The wave 5 laser targeted melanin in the hair and was cleared by the FDA. Being easy to use and having a cooling system built in it greatly increase the safety and effectiveness. Wave 5 lasers are used all round the world today and are currently the latest in laser hair removal technology.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
It would make sense that we start from the beginning, as in order to understand how laser hair removal works it is necessary that you first have a basic understanding of hair. A single hair is composed of a shaft – this is the hair which is visible on the surface of the skin and the root which lies beneath. Located at the base of the root is the hair follicle, this follicle is a mammalian skin organ that produces our hair. The production of hair happens in three stages which include the growth stage (anagen), cessation stage (catagen) and the rest stage (telogen). At the end of the growth stage the hair naturally falls out meaning that at anyone stage hairs are being created, being shed and then being replaced by the hair follicle. An important note to make here is that the hairs on the human body are not synchronised to the same growth schedule meaning that each hair is different and while one may be being created another is being shed.
Laser Hair Removal Using Candela GentleLASE System:
The Kryptonite Of Hair
The key principal behind Laser Hair Removal is SPTL (selective photothermolysis). This sounds kind of complicated and well to be honest it is but basically put it’s the matching of a precise wavelength of light and pulse interval to achieve the optimal effect on the targeted tissue, without causing any surrounding damage to any nearby neighbouring tissue.
We all have our weakness and until now our hairs were a razor blade and wax strips. However because hair has regenerative capabilities so to speak these methods only provided temporary solutions. As many of you reading this know you can spend a long time in the morning in the shower removing your hair only to see it re-appear days later. I know it’s annoying!! However it was only a matter of time before we found hair’s kryptonite…melanin. Melanin gives hair its colour, there are two types named Eumelanin that gives hair a brown or black colour and pheomelanin which gives blonde and red hair.
A highly concentrated laser is aimed at the hair which is absorbed by the melanin in the skin. The energy then heats up the hair safely which subsequently damages the follicle (which creates hair), hindering the future growth without harming and damaging skin in the surround area.
Who Is A Right Candidate?
As you will have noticed if you wear a black t-shirt on a sunny day you will feel hotter than if you had worn a white t-shirt. What has any of this got to do with laser hair removal? Trust me and keep reading it will all become a lot clearer. The lighter the colour the less amount of visible light being absorbed and converted to heat. Laser hair removal systems have taken the t-shirt concept and have applied it to melanin.
Since dark colours (black) convert a higher percentage of light into heat this means that people who have Eumelanin, which if we remember gives that individual dark coloured hair, are better candidates for laser hair removal as more heat is produced which increase the chance of the hair follicle being safely destroyed.
Skin Type
Varying skin types will provide different results:
Light Skin:
When it comes to laser hair removal if you have light skin you are a good candidate. Usually if an individual has light skin they require less treatments then someone with darker skin.
Medium Skin:
People with medium skin can still be good candidates, however speaking generally the persons hair has a larger role to play. If you have a medium skin tone then more likely then not you will need more treatments then someone with light coloured skin.
Dark Skin:
Previously if you had dark skin then you would have been told that this particular treatment wouldn’t work for you…however with the ever increasing improvements in the laser hair removal industry there are now lasers for dark skin types too.
Hair Type
Like skin type, your hair type also plays an important role in determining if you are a suitable candidate.
Dark Hair:
As discussed earlier on anyone with dark hair (black/brown) is going to be a good candidate as the dark hair contains more pigmentation, allowing the laser beam to be absorbed to a larger degree.
Medium Hair:
Medium hair usually covers people that have brown hair (on the lighter side). Just as with the medium skin, a medium hair colour is still treatable but will most likely require more treatments than someone with dark hair.
Light Hair:
Light hair is the hardest to treat– this is because those with light coloured hair such as blonde or red have phemelianin pigment which is less proficient at absorbing the laser light.
Note: Since white or grey air does not contain any pigment it is near impossible to treat people with these hair colours.
How Many Sessions Will I Need
The average course is between 4 to 8 treatments due to the lifecycle of the human hair (3 different stages mentioned above). Laser hair removal only works in the anagen phase (aka active growth stage) and as 90% of follicles will be in this stage at any one time, a full course of treatments are needed to make sure that all the follicles have been destroyed hindering future growth.
What Is The Waiting Time Between Treatments?
Once you have completed a treatment it is usually around 2 weeks before the treated hairs shed from the skin. After this the re-growth normally starts to occur 4 weeks later so usually you will have your following treatment every 6 weeks. However this can vary depending on the targeted treatment area.
Treatment Areas
Image of top 5 laser hair removal areas:
Top 5 areas for women include:
1. Upper Lip
2. Under Arms
3. Bikini Line
4. Stomach
5. Legs
Top 5 areas for men include:
1. Sideburns
2. Back
3. Stomach
4. Arms
5. Buttocks
Is It Permanent?
Laser hair removal is known as a hair reduction solution. Even though some people who have the treatments have seen permanent results, generally speaking it reduces the amount of hairs that can grow in any given area. Don’t be fooled by the word reduction however as you can generally expect to see a 75% – 95% hair removal. Obviously this will depend on varying factors such as your hair and skin type as well other factors we will discuss further on.
Preparation
There are a few things that you should do to prepare before your treatment. Firstly and most importantly you should have had a consultation with a dermatologist to understand the laser hair removal process. This consultation will include topics such as how the procedure works, are there any side effects and whether or not you would be a good candidate depending on your hair and skin colour.
Patch Test:
Before you start your full course of treatments you should get a patch test done in the area you want your laser hair removal – this is very important as it will determine the intensity of the laser energy that will be required to achieve optimum results as well as revealing any side effects or problems that could arise from the treatment. You would rather a problem occur on the patch test as only a small area will be affected rather than undergoing a full treatment. Basically the main aim of patch test then is to fine tune the laser to yourself and to reveal if any, any side effects or problems that may occur with the treatment – this will minimise any chance of any side effects occurring and maximise the effectiveness of your results.
Avoid Sun beds And Tanning:
The skin should be kept as natural as possible. It is usually recommended that tanning should be avoided for around a month to six weeks prior to treatment. Also the same goes for any fake tan sprays and creams – these need time to completely fade before your treatment.
No Waxing, Plucking and Tweezing:
Because the hair is required to be in the follicle you should not wax, pluck, tweeze and thread for around 3-4 weeks prior to treatment. However the exception to this rule is if you are having laser hair removal on your face as hair on the facial area grows back at a faster rate – normally avoid the above techniques for a minimum of 2 weeks before. If you require removing your hair shaving is permitted as this method keeps the hair and follicle intact.
Also in addition to the above you should refrain from bleaching your hair.
Prepare The Skin:
The skin should be cleansed from any creams, lotions and cosmetics.
Post Treatment / Aftercare
After care is just as important as preparing for laser hair removal. To make sure that you achieve the best results you should follow these post treatment guidelines.
Immediately After:
Immediately after your treatment you will most likely experience redness and bumping of the skin. This usually lasts for around 2-3 hours after the treatment however depending on your skin type if you have sensitive skin it can take or day or two for this to subside. If you experience any discomfort you can apply a cold compress to the area, also some after sun treatments can be used however make sure to ask your clinician before you apply.
Avoid Sun Exposure:
You should avoid spending too much time in the sun after treatments. Sun cream should be used at all times throughout the course of the treatments using a SPF 25 or higher.
Don’t Irritate The Treated Area:
Do not irritate the treated area by scratching or picking at the affected area.
Bathing and Showering:
You cannot have a bath or a shower during your treatments…only joking. You may continue to wash yourself however the treated area should only be washed with a mild soap. Avoid scrubbing and make sure to dry yourself through the process of patting and not rubbing when drying yourself with a towel.
It is important to mention that anywhere from between 5 to around 30 days after your treatment you may see shedding of the hair. Some people understandably mistake this for new growth – you can help remove this hair by washing very gently with a washcloth.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
This is one of the most common questions that surrounds laser hair removal. Many people have the treatment done without the need for anaesthetic however to reduce any chance of pain an anaesthetic cream can be applied to the area before hand to numb the treatment area immediately.
Most modern laser hair removal devices also have inbuilt cooling systems which also help to reduce any pain that may be felt.
Because pain tolerance varies between each individual some people will feel some pain whilst others will hardly feel a thing. Most people that do feel pain describe it as feeling like an elastic band being snapped across the skin.
Side Effects
Laser hair removal is FDA approved and is generally a safe procedure when carried out by a fully qualified and experienced laser hair clinician. Some of the side effects can include:
Normal Side Effects:
These side effects are normal and are experienced by the majority of people that get the laser hair removal treatment.
• Redness of the skin
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Itching
Temporary Side Effects:
As the title suggests these side effects are temporary and can appear and disappear within a short period of time.
• Redness of the skin
• Slight Swelling
• Skin Blistering (chances of this happening with modern laser hair removal systems that have inbuilt cooling systems is rare.
• Hypo-Pigmentation – This again is quite rare – mainly seen on people that have dark skin
Herpes and Abnormal Scarring:
Anyone who carries herpes could see an outbreak with laser hair removal. This can usually be solved by antiviral medication being administered beforehand. Also anyone who has a history of abnormal scarring should speak to the clinician beforehand. If you are a carrier of herpes or have a history of abnormal scarring you should speak to your local GP before deciding on getting laser hair removal just to make sure the treatment will be safe for yourself.
Diet
Why should what you eat have an effect on laser hair removal? Well generally it doesn’t, however Beta Carotene can interfere with the treatment.
Beta Carotene is a group of natural chemicals that is known as carotenes or carotenoids. You have probably heard the word carotene before and know that it is responsible for the orange colour found in vegetables and fruit such as carrots.
Some example foods that contain Beta Carotene include carrots, squash, broccoli, lettuce and sweet potatoes.
Because Beta Carotene is deposited in the skin, it produces a slight yellow/orangey colour to your skin. This absorbs the laser energy which in effect stops it from reaching the hair follicle. Because Beta Carotene remains in the body for months after it is eaten it is recommended that anyone wanting to have laser hair removal should limit the amount of Beta Carotene they ingest.
The London Premier Laser clinic uses the latest, state of the art laser technology. The system we use is called Candela GentleLASE. The Candela GentleLASE is great for laser hair removal but can also be used to treat other medical conditions.
Please watch the video below to learn more about the Candela GentleLASE system:
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