Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a gentle, effective way to manage and permanently reduce unwanted hair on any part of the body. Laser hair removal works by delivering laser light directly into the root of the hair, within the hair follicle. The laser light targets the melanin pigment in the hair follicle; the heat generated then disrupts the cells in the hair root to inhibit hair growth. Through repeated treatments, hair growth is inhibited so much that it is either fine enough to be barely visible, or regrowth is prevented altogether.

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What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal emits laser light directly into the root of the hair, within the hair follicle. The laser light targets the melanin pigment in the hair follicle; the heat generated then disrupts the cells in the hair root to inhibit hair growth.

What is the science behind laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal uses selective photothermolysis to target specific tissue in your skin, applying heat to the target, with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. In laser hair removal the dark, melanin pigment in the follicle is targeted (dark material absorbs more light energy than light material). This heats up and damages the basal stem cells in the hair follicle, rendering them ineffective, without heating or damaging the rest of your skin. Because dark hair will absorb more of the laser energy, laser hair removal treatment may be more effective than when applied to lighter colour hair. However, laser hair removal for blonde hair is possible.

What type of laser is used?

Some beauticians or clinics may offer a lower cost option of hair removal using IPL technology, but there is evidence to suggest that these treatments are less effective. At WY Skin Clinic we use Cynosure’s light-based laser aesthetic technology. The benefits of using this method of laser hair removal rather than IPL include:

• Improved results with 90% of patients receiving permanent hair loss after 3 to 6 sessions.
• More precise treatment, which can selectively target dark, coarse hairs or smaller areas whilst leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
• Settings can be adjusted to specific skin tones and hair colour.
• Laser heat is absorbed by the follicle and not the skin, therefore decreasing the risk of burning.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

Laser treatment heats the cells in the root of the hair within the follicle, without heating the surrounding skin. This works because the light is naturally absorbed by dark surfaces (the melanin pigment) but reflected by lighter surfaces (the surrounding skin). All our laser systems have a built-in cooling device to ensure that your treatment is comfortable.

When is the best time to have laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is most effective when the hair is actively growing. Hair growth takes place in cycles, so at any given time, some hair follicles are actively growing and some of them are resting. This is why a series of treatments are needed to ensure that as many hairs as possible are treated during the growing phase.