Innovations Skin Clinic

Laser Hair Removal: The Ultimate Guide

Laser hair removal is a wonderful, modern hair removal method that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. For years, unwanted hair has been removed through painful waxing, time consuming hair removal cream, or tedious shaving, but laser hair removal has revolutionised the way we take care of that unwanted hair. 

At Innovations Advanced Skin Care & Beauty, we are pleased to offer medical grade Cynosure laser hair removal to our clients throughout the North East from our advanced skin clinic. But, many people are unsure exactly how laser hair removal works as well as the aftercare surrounding the treatment. That’s why our team has come together to create this ultimate guide to laser hair removal for you! Keep reading now for more information! 

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

A cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated light to remove unwanted hair from a treatment area by targeting the pigment (melanin) in the hair. Light energy is converted into heat, which damages the hair follicles that produce the hairs to inhibit or delay future hair growth. Results can vary depending on hair type, texture, and colour, but clients tend to see a huge reduction in hair growth in the targeted area or even a complete stop of growth. 

Laser hair removal has historically been most effective in individuals with dark hair and light skin as the laser can better target the stronger melanin in the follicle. However, with modern advancements, technology has made laser hair removal a viable option on a much wider range of skin and hair types. 

How Does Laser Compare to Other Hair Removal Methods?

Treating unwanted hair growth with a laser is a highly effective method, and compared to other hair removal methods it’s hard to argue the superiority. Some of the best reasons to get laser hair removal includes: 

Long-Term Results: Unlike shaving, threading, waxing, or hair removal cream, laser hair removal – which always only offers temporary results – laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth over time, offering a more permanent and long lasting solution. 

Precision: The beams of light emitted by a laser are designed to target specific treatment areas and can affect dark, coarse hairs without bleaching or otherwise damaging the surrounding skin – much less risky than an accidental razor cut. 

Speed: When a laser is used, each pulse takes only a fraction of a second to treat many hairs at the same time. Areas like the upper lip can be treated in less than a minute while larger areas like the back or legs may take up to an hour per session. 

Predictability: For most patients, three to seven sessions is all it takes to see a significant reduction in hair growth, or even complete hair loss in the area. With this predictability, it’s easier to estimate how a specific hair type will react to this treatment. 

It’s important to note that while laser hair removal may be a more costly option that requires multiple sessions, it is a pain-free, risk-free, long-term solution to tackle unwanted hair growth on the body. 

How to Prepare For Your Session

If you want to increase the overall effectiveness of your laser hair removal, it’s important to take the proper steps to prepare for your sessions. It’s not as cut and dry as simply walking in and receiving the treatment – there are a few recommended steps to take beforehand. One of the biggest mistakes people make is waxing or plucking the area within 6 weeks of having the treatment, which removes the hair root and gives the laser nothing to target. 

It’s recommended that the area is shaved 24-48 hours before the session so that the laser can target the hair shaft without surface hair causing skin damage. It’s also considered best practice to avoid sun exposure for at least six weeks leading up to the treatment as tanned skin can lead to complications with the treatment. Right before your session, ensure that the area is clean and dry – free from any lotions or perfumes. 

Laser Hair Removal Aftercare Tips

To get the most benefits after your treatment, it’s essential to take steps to minimise any potential side effects by properly following aftercare advice. While each laser hair removal clinician may offer different advice, the general consensus for caring for an area after laser includes: 

• Avoiding sun exposure – use SPF30 should you need to go outside. 
• Cool the skin using ice packs or cool compresses for discomfort. 
• Avoid other hair removal methods between sessions. 
• Utilise a gentle skin care routine using non-abrasive cleansers and lotions.

Laser hair removal is an effective and safe way to reduce unwanted hair growth overtime, but it’s important to keep aftercare in mind between treatments to achieve optimal results. 

Contact Innovations today for more information! 

If you would like to know more, or to arrange professional, affordable Cynosure laser hair removal from our clinic, get in touch with the team at Innovations today! We offer our laser hair removal service in Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, and Yarm!