Laser Hair Removal, Oxfordshire

The light source used in this procedure is attracted to melanin, which is found in hair. Because there is more melanin found in darker hair, the darker the hair is, the more effective the treatment is. During the treatment an optical coupling gel is applied to the skin to aid the light into the skin and to protect the skin from burning. The applicator is pressed onto the skin and the light energy is absorbed into the hair causing a heat reaction to destroy the follicle.

6-10 sessions is recommended to permanently reduce the hair, however, please note that this will differ due to hormones. Everyone’s results are individual. Yearly top ups (1/3 sessions) may also be required to keep any stray hairs at bay.

To begin, you should leave 4-6 weeks in between each treatment, this is because the treatment is only effective on the growing hairs when they are attached to the hair follicle. The majority of hair will be at the resting stage (not attached to the follicle) but still in the skin, so by leaving 4-6 weeks in between treatments, this will allow for all hairs to be captured in the growth stage in the desired treatment area.

This time frame between sessions will get progressively longer throughout your laser journey, due to reduced hair growth after each session.

Laser hair removal permanently reduces your hair. It will remove at least 80% of hair. In some people it will remove 95% and in others 100%. The results are individual to each person.

This particular machine uses the latest Crystal Freeze cooling technology which reduces pain by up to 80%. Most clients will experience a warm ‘elastic band snap’ sensation throughout their treatments which is described as a strange feeling but not painful.

Under no circumstances can skin with an active tan be treated, this includes patch tests too. You should avoid sun exposure completely 10 days post and prior to your laser appointment. This includes sun-beds, fake tan, and the sun. Sun exposure can cause burning and even permanent pigmentation to the skin. There are also some cautions we must take with tattoos, birth marks, scars and other visible skin lesions.

Hair that is too long can absorb the energy from the laser and prevent it from reaching the root of the hair follicle. You must shave the day before treatment or the morning of.

Clients with light skin and dark hair will find the treatment most effective due to the large concentration of melanin found in the hair, which will give optimal absorption of light energy and convert to heat.

Clients with fair hair will find the treatment less effective as there is little melanin found in the hair, therefore less heat is produces giving us less certainty of destruction of the hair in the follicle. This means white, red and grey hair cannot be effectively treated. The upper layer of the skin also contains melanin and the concentration increases when the skin is exposed to UV light. Therefore it is important to let people with tanned skin fade to avoid excessive heat generation.

If the hair bothers the client while it is shedding from the skin, the client can shave the area 4 days after the treatment and for the next few weeks while it is shedding. Exfoliation with a body brush or mild scrub is also recommended to encourage the shedding process.

The most common skin reaction is a mild erythema/redness of the skin that normally subsides a few hours or a few days after the treatment.