Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicles directly. A laser is a concentrated beam of light that travels at a specific wavelength. It’s absorbed into the hair follicles, where a thermal reaction (called photo thermolysis) deactivates them, preventing more hair growth.
With a series of treatments, it’s possible to achieve significant hair reduction.
Laser hair removal is incredibly safe as long as it’s carried out by a trained professional. Modern lasers are able to treat unwanted hair while preserving the integrity of the skin.
At Be. Beauty and Laser Clinic, I am confident to say that I am a specialist when it comes to laser hair removal (hair removal is my signature treatment). I have undertaken device specific training and have attended numerous advanced laser courses, masterclasses and invested in 1-1 training with leading industry experts.
Providing a safe treatment is my top priority, and I will do everything I can to ensure your experience is pleasant and effective.
As explained above, laser hair removal is generally safe and a well-tolerated procedure when conducted by a skilled practitioner. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects to make an informed decision about the treatment. The most common side effects are redness in the treatment area, minor follicular swelling also known as perifollicular oedema, and tenderness or itching. It’s also common to experience mild ingrown hairs in the weeks following your initial treatments. The side effects normally resolve within hours or a couple of days at most.
There are also some less common side effects such as burning, blistering, infections, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation. These are quite rare, and more likely to occur as a result of poor screening or overly high treatment settings. Without exception, prior to ANY laser treatment at Be. Beauty and Laser Clinic all clients MUST attend for a full consultation and patch-test which will help to determine suitability for treatment.
Please be mindful that these side effects are much less likely to occur when receiving treatment from experienced clinicians.
At Be. Beauty and Laser Clinic, I am committed to providing the highest standard of care, minimising risks, and ensuring client safety and satisfaction throughout the process.
Laser hair removal is usually classified as permanent hair reduction, but this can be a little misleading. In reality, it’s common to have a minimal amount of regrowth in the years after getting laser hair removal (which can also occur with electrolysis). Additionally, major hormonal fluctuations can also stimulate sudden hair growth.
While laser treatments destroy many hair follicles, some may survive or regenerate over time. Factors like hormone levels, skin tone, and hair type play a significant role. This is why most people need multiple sessions to achieve their desired results and some maintenance sessions later on.
Here’s the truth: Laser hair removal provides long-term hair reduction rather than permanent hair removal. This means that while it significantly reduces the thickness and amount of hair, a few hairs may grow back over time, although they are typically finer and lighter in colour.
Whilst laser hair removal is effective for a wide range of hair types and skin tones, the treatment is most successful in individuals with dark hair and lighter skin tones. This is because the melanin pigment in the hair shaft absorbs the laser’s energy readily, whereas lighter hair, such as blonde, red, or grey hair, may not absorb enough energy for optimal results.
The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. The laser should damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. Therefore, a contrast between hair and skin colour — dark hair and light skin — results in the best outcomes.
Advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal an option for clients with diverse skin tones. At Be. Beauty and Laser clinic, the technology used for hair removal is a long-pulsed ND: Yag laser which is safe to use on every skin tone from white to afro-Caribbean.
Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colours that don’t absorb light well: grey, red, blond and white and for that reason I will not offer laser hair removal to clients in these categories. My treatments are results focused and when I cannot guarantee a result I do not feel that it is ethically or morally correct to offer a treatment.
The number one rule prior to your laser hair removal appointment is to avoid tanning (either sunbeds or fake tan) and sun exposure, along with certain skincare products that may increase the skin’s sensitivity. This will be discussed in detail at your consultation and patch test appointment where we will discuss skincare that you are using and any medications you are taking, as some drugs may affect the treatment outcome or cause complications.
The evening before your laser hair removal appointment procedure you must cleanse and shave the treatment area, leaving the hair follicle intact for the laser to target effectively.
After laser hair removal, avoid sun exposure, heat, and exercise for at least 24 hours, as these activities can aggravate the treated area. Apply a cool compress or soothing aloe-vera gel to manage any temporary discomfort. Refrain from plucking, waxing, or using depilatory creams between sessions, as this can interfere with the treatment’s efficacy.
All laser hair removal bookings either for new clients or previous laser clients who have not had a treatment in over 6 months must have a patch test booked a minimum of 48hrs prior to laser treatments.
The process involves directing concentrated beams of laser light at the tattoo. Different wavelengths are used to target specific colours in the tattoo ink. The laser energy penetrates deep into the skin, targeting the tattoo’s pigments and the ink particles absorb the laser energy. The energy breaks down these pigments into smaller fragments, which are then naturally flushed out by your body’s lymphatic system over time. Multiple sessions are required to achieve complete removal, as each session only removes a certain percentage of ink.
Most tattoos can be removed using laser technology, although some colours may be more challenging. Black, red, and dark blue inks are typically easier to remove, while green, yellow, and light blue can be more difficult.
The number of sessions required for complete tattoo removal varies based on several factors, including the age, colour, size, where it’s located on the body, clients skin type, how active the client is, the depth of the ink in the tattoo (some parts may be deeper than others depending on the skill of the tattooist) – there is no way of accurately telling anyone how many sessions will be required. Before each session a picture will be taken so that both myself and client can gauge the progress. Some clients goal is for complete removal, others simply want to fade for a cover-up.
After patch test you must wait for 2 weeks before treatment. After each treatment I advise a gap of 3 months between sessions to ensure that both your skin is completely healed and ready before we carry out more tattoo removal work and it also gives your body’s lymphatic system time to also carry out the work required to flush out the shattered pigment resulting in maximum fade between treatments.
The duration of each laser tattoo removal session depends on the size and complexity of the tattoo. Smaller tattoos can be treated in as little as 10 to 15 minutes, while larger or more intricate designs may take up to an hour. It’s important to note that multiple sessions are spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin time to heal and the body to process the ink particles.
Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but many people compare the sensation of laser tattoo removal to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin. The discomfort is typically less than that of getting the tattoo initially
Laser tattoo removal at Be. Beauty and Laser Clinic starts at £30. Prices are dependent on size of the tattoo being removed. This is discussed in full at patch test and consultation and will be agreed with the client so that there are no hidden costs.
At consultation and patch test I will provide you both with a physical and electronic copy of your pre and post treatment care. If you are considering laser tattoo removal it is vital that you are aware of the following:
Avoid skin exposure to UV – either on holidays or on sunbeds and absolutely NO self-tan on the area to be treated for at least 4 weeks before treatment.
The reason why tanned skin is strictly prohibited for laser tattoo removal is that the target chromophore for the laser is the pigment in the tattoo ink, and tanned skin contains high levels of melanin which also contains pigment. The laser will be absorbed by the ink pigment AND the melanin in the skin which means thermal damage to the skin surrounding the tattoo and that is what we absolutely do not want to happen. If laser is applied to skin with too high a melanin content it can lead to burns, blistering and either hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skins natural pigment) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skins natural pigment)
If you have been on holidays or used sunbeds the tan must have completely faded before you can have laser tattoo removal.
This is not a straightforward yes or no answer. If the skin is scarred in the area to be treated I will not treat for fear of further compromising the integrity of the skin. If the skin is healthy and I feel that there is still sufficient pigment to fade I will happily treat. Please be advised if the ink is already very faded then further treatments may not be possible as these will require higher levels of energy from first treatment and in this instance, I will refer back to previous laser clinic (where possible).
Regular Waxers – If you wax on a regular basis, you should have at least 4 weeks hair growth from your last wax appointment.
If you shave/trim/use hair removal cream – please allow at least 2 weeks hair growth from your last removal.
I totally understand that it’s sometimes difficult to let your hair grow out – I’ve been there, and I understand – BUT I promise the results will be worth it. I want to ensure you get the absolute best results from your treatment.
Results vary based on the natural speed of your regrowth – some clients have a quicker regrowth, some are slower. Rule of thumb is that you will see minimal re-growth during the first 3 weeks and growth will then increase.
Regular waxing – Continued waxing encourages slower, sparser regrowth – however bear in mind it is not a permanent solution. Remember for my dark-haired clients I offer laser hair removal which permanently reduces hair.
Shavers/Razor Users – I recommend attending for 4 waxes spaced regularly apart so that we can get your hair synced to the same growth cycle and then you will see more smoother, more consistent and longer lasting results.
As you attend for waxing on a regular basis I will get to know your growth cycle and we’ll schedule your appointments appropriate to your growth speed!
