The Ultimate Guide to Laser Hair Removal
Learn about the most effective hair removal treatment for removing unwanted hair from all areas of the body to help you achieve super smooth skin, permanently.
Traditionally, tweezing, shaving, and waxing were the main options for men and women to achieve smooth skin, removing hair that would appear in unwanted places. These temporary solutions definitely do the job, but are extremely time consuming and do not provide very long lasting results. Since the introduction and development of cosmetic laser technology, hair removal has never been more simple, quick or effective.
Although this treatment continues to be a popular selection for those looking to permanently remove stubborn unwanted hair, or to achieve smoother skin, there is still a lot of confusion around this popular treatment. In our ultimate guide, the laser hair removal specialists at our clinic in Surbiton will outline everything you need to know about this popular treatment, including what it is, how it works, what to expect, safety, costs and more.
About the treatment
What is Laser Hair Removal?
As mentioned above, Laser Hair Removal is an increasingly popular way to remove unwanted hair in a fast, effective, and pain-free way. This style of hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses a powerful and highly concentrated beam of light to target, heat, and destroy the hair at the follicle level.
The laser itself produces a highly concentrated wavelength of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair as well as damaging the hair follicle. These combined discourage future hair growth and cause hair to grow back lighter and in fewer numbers.
How does Laser Hair Removal work?
Laser Hair Removal works by using a high intensity laser to destroy the hair at follicle level. The light and heat produced by the intense beam of the laser is absorbed by the pigment of the hair, making it regrow much lighter and finer than before.
The follicle is also destroyed over time. After a single session, the follicle will be destroyed and grow back in a weaker form. Over the course of multiple treatments, each time the follicle will become more and more disabled, preventing hair regrowth altogether, allowing for permanent results.
What to expect from your treatment
Before treatment, you will discuss with your practitioner the results you are after and the areas you would like to have treated. Laser Hair Removal treatments take between 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on the area, or the number of areas, being treated. For example, a small area, such as the chin or upper lip can take up to 20 minutes, whereas a whole body session may take an hour or two.
At your treatment session, your practitioner will welcome you into the clinic, brief you on the treatment you will be having, and answer any questions you may have. Once the practitioner is ready to begin the treatment, you will be reclined in a comfortable treatment bed or table where your practitioner will administer a cooling gel to the area to be treated and begin your laser treatment. Although laser hair removal is considered pain-free, local anaesthetic is available should you need it.
After your treatment, some minor side effects can be expected. You may notice some redness and itchiness at the site of the treatment – this is completely normal and will subside shortly after treatment. A single treatment of laser hair removal is not permanent; however, results can last from 6 months to 1 year before needing a top up. If you want to maintain your results for longer or achieve permanent results, we recommend booking 6-12 sessions depending on your individual circumstance.
treatment Safety
Is Laser Hair Removal safe?
Absolutely! The technology used in Laser Hair Removal makes it one of the safest cosmetic procedures available. Modern lasers used for this treatment have been vigorously tested and have built-in safety measures to ensure patient safety, as well as overall comfort for those participating. It is important to note that Laser Hair Removal is safest when provided by an experienced and qualified practitioner, using the latest industry-leading technology for the treatment. Laser Hair Removal has been around since the nineties and has evolved in leaps and bounds, providing you with an FDA-Approved, safe and effective treatment.
It is essential for all participants of this treatment to follow the pre and post-treatment information provided by your practitioner. By following their instructions, you will give yourself the best chance at achieving the hair removal goals you want and will avoid complications with your treatment.
Does Laser Hair Removal hurt?
We know what you’re thinking, lasers can be quite daunting and associated with some sort of discomfort for some people, however, everyone is different, so it is difficult to answer for everyone. Overall, this treatment is considered to be pain-free to most as the technology has built in safety and comfort measures to avoid having an unpleasant experience.
That said, most patients describe the sensation as a light snap on the skin’s surface, similar to a light rubber band. The laser itself has built in heat detection safety measures to prevent discomfort. The majority of people do consider the treatment pain-free, however, local anaesthetic is available should you want it.
Are there any side effects for this treatment?
As with most, if not all, cosmetic treatments, some minor side effects should be expected. Luckily, the side effects of Laser Hair Removal are temporary and will only appear around the treated area. Following your treatment you should expect any of the following side effects: redness, swelling, and itching.
You will be pleased to know that these side effects commonly keep to the treated area and most pass within a few days following treatment. Side effects usually clear entirely within 24 to 48 hours. Although there is no downtime for this treatment, we would recommend booking your appointment away from any big events or engagements to allow for your side effects to reduce and for the skin to achieve its silky smoothness.
Are results of Laser Hair Removal permanent?
One of the questions we get most at our clinic in Surbiton is whether or not permanent hair removal is possible using laser.
You’ll be pleased to know that should this be something that you are interested in, it is very possible to achieve permanent results. Unfortunately this will not happen after a single treatment, however, after around 6-12 treatments, these sorts of results can be achieved. Of course, results will vary depending on the person, the density of their hair, the bodies natural ability to regrow hair etc, but commonly you will need no more than 12 sessions to achieve these permanent results.
Permanent results are achieved by repeat sessions of breaking down and destroying the hair follicles in a certain area. The laser technology is very effective at doing this and over time will prevent hair regrowth from the repeated sessions.
What areas can be treated with Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal can be performed anywhere on the body where hair grows other than close to the eyes. However, it is extremely unlikely that you will need this. Common treatment areas for women include the face (upper lip & chin), underarms, bikini area, legs, and arms/forearms. Common treatment areas for men include the back, chest, abdomen and underarms.
Although these are the most common areas, there are still many more that this treatment can be performed. Speak to your practitioner about the hair that you wish to have removed and they will be able to advise whether this is possible or not. Also, have a browse of our price list below which will outline how much you can expect to pay for each different area you would like to have treated.
treatment Benefits & Costs
What are the benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser Hair Removal treatment has many benefits when compared with alternative hair removal methods, such as tweezing, waxing and shaving. Some of the most important benefits include the following:
- Long-lasting results.
- Save time, money and effort.
- Target hairs with ultimate precision without the risk of missing any stubborn hairs.
- Extremely convenient and fast acting.
- Improved skin quality.
- Permanent results can be achieved after a number of sessions.
How much does Laser Hair Removal cost?
| Treatment Area | Single Session | Course of 6 Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Lip | £35 | £300 (Chin included) |
| Eyebrows | £35 | £175 |
| Ears | £35 | £175 |
| Nose | £35 | £175 |
| Chin | £35 | £175 |
| Jawline | £40 | £200 |
| Cheekbones | £40 | £200 |
| Sideburns | £35 | £175 |
| Neck | £55 | £275 |
| Beard | £95 | £475 |
| Full face | £150 | £750 |
| Full face and neck | £175 | £875 |
| Upper back | £125 | £625 |
| Lower back | £125 | £625 |
| Buttocks | £125 | £625 |
| Full back | £200 | £1000 |
| Chest | £150 | £750 |
| Nipples | £60 | £300 |
| Abdomen | £150 | £750 |
| Upper arms | £125 | £625 |
| Lower arms | £125 | £625 |
| Full arms | £180 | £900 |
| Underarms | £70 | £350 |
| Hands and fingers | £60 | £300 |
| Shoulders | £110 | £550 |
| Bikini | £100 | £395 |
| Brazilian | £135 | £675 |
| Hollywood | £135 | £675 |
| Lower legs | £200 | £1000 |
| Upper legs | £200 | £1000 |
| Full legs | £275 | £1375 |
| Underarm and Bikini | £140 | £700 |
| Whole body | £500 | £2600 |
Book your Laser Hair Removal treatment
Considering Laser Hair Removal for yourself?
Book a consultation with our specialists.
We hope the information above has helped you to gain a greater understanding of this incredible treatment for achieving smoother skin, or even permanent hair removal results. We highly recommend Laser Hair Removal treatment to anyone who wants to get rid of unwanted hair permanently, or just wants a quick and effective solution for smoother skin before an upcoming holiday or event.
If you have further questions about this treatment that were not answered above, please visit our laser hair removal page or contact our friendly team at our state-of-the-art clinic in Surbiton. Our treatment practitioners have a wealth of knowledge and experience in providing this treatment and will be able to answer any questions, queries or concerns you may have.
You can also visit our laser hair removal deals page for discounted prices on your treatment. Get in touch today to book your initial consultation and take the first step to smoother skin.
Laser hair removal at 360 Degree Clinic
We use the Soprano Titanium, which is suitable for all skin tones. Courses of six from £395, and the consultation is free.
Consultations are free. 58A Victoria Road, Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, KT6 4NQ, ten minutes from Kingston town centre. Call 020 3971 4025.