Medically Reviewed June 2023, by Charlotte Tundy, Regional Nurse Trainer, for sk:n. Next review due June 2024.

If you are tired of traditional hair removal techniques, like shaving, waxing or depilatory creams, and want a longer-lasting effect, you may be considering laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is the most effective hair removal procedure available and can be used on practically any part of the body, including sensitive areas like the face and bikini line. Popular areas for treatments are facial hair, leg hair, pubic area, underarm hair, back hair and chest hair.

Unlike other hair removal treatments, it provides long term effects. With each treatment, the hair will become finer and softer, it will be less visible and the growth will slow down.

What Are The Side Effects Of Laser Hair Removal?

There are a few common side effects that can appear after a laser hair removal treatment. Most of these effects are minor and temporary, but include:

• Redness or skin irritation: as laser hair removal works by damaging the hair follicle of the targeted hairs, many people will experience short-lived tingling, redness or skin irritation. The skin may appear to swell slightly. Irritation like this should ease within a few hours of the treatment.
• Crusting: some people may experience crusting on the treated area, another minor effect that should pass off quickly. By taking care of the area afterwards, using a moisturiser, you can prevent any scabbing which could lead to scarring.
• Changes to skin colour: some people can experience hyper or hypopigmentation, which means the skin in the targeted area might get darker or lighter. Again these changes will fade over time and the normal skin colour will return.

These are the common side effects and tend to be minor and temporary. If any of these symptoms persist, it’s important to consult your dermatologist.

Like any other method of cosmetic hair removal, there is always a risk of infection. If you experience any signs or symptoms of infection, contact your dermatologist straight away or see your GP.

As the process uses powerful lasers, you might be concerned about the side effects of laser hair removal on the face. There is potentially a risk of eye injury when a practitioner is working near the eyes, so you must wear protective eye equipment when the procedure is carried out. Otherwise, the process is safe for the face, carrying only the normal, smaller risks of the side effects mentioned above.

Severe side effects are rare and the risk of them increases if you don’t choose to have the treatment administered by a trained and certified professional. These can include excessive hair growth in the targeted area; changes to your skin texture; scarring or blisters.

If you have any concerns about these side effects, you can discuss them in your consultation with our expert dermatologists. At sk:n we have a safe environment with strict medical protocols.

Common Misconceptions About Laser Hair Removal

You may have heard some frightening things about having laser hair removal. These are usually unfounded myths.

• It causes skin cancer: this myth is untrue. The lasers are scientifically designed to pass through skin cells, only targeting hair follicles. Although they do emit a very small amount of radiation, this is not thought to be harmful and there is no evidence to show that laser hair removal causes skin cancer.
• It causes infertility: as the lasers only penetrate the skin and don’t reach or affect any other organs, it’s not possible for the laser to affect fertility, even when used in the pubic area.

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method of hair removal for most people. However, there are certain people who should avoid it.

Who Shouldn’t Have Laser Hair Removal?

There are a few people who should either avoid laser hair removal treatment or be especially careful when they discuss it with an expert practitioner before having the procedure.

• Pregnancy: laser hair removal is not recommended for people who are pregnant. This is because there have not been any scientific studies carried out that prove it is safe. You should wait until after you have given birth and your hormones have returned to normal before having the treatment.
• Light Sensitivity: anyone who is hypersensitive to light shouldn’t have the procedure. Certain medications will increase light sensitivity, for instance, some antidepressants, anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory drugs. It’s important to discuss with your dermatologist which medication you may be taking
• Keloid Scarring: people with keloid scars, or if you have skin healing problems, like hypertrophic scarring, you may need to avoid laser hair removal in that area. Again your dermatologist will be able to advise you.

When you book at a sk:n clinic, you always get a one to one consultation with one of our highly qualified practitioners, where you can discuss any concerns you may have.

How Long Does It Take To Get Results?

As laser hair removal treatment targets the root of the hair beneath the surface of the skin, it has to destroy the hair at a particular stage in its growth cycle. Individual hairs are always at a different point in this cycle, so you will need multiple sessions to get the longest term benefits.

We usually recommend having 6 to 8 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.

How Much Does It Cost?

When you invest in a course of laser hair removal, you may never need to wax, shave or use a hair removal cream again, saving you time, money and hassle.

A course of 8 treatments, carried out by our specialist hair removal practitioners starts at £940 for a full face treatment; £1280 for full legs; £520 for bikini line and £440 for underarms.

See our website for full pricing details and discounts.

Key Takeaways

• Laser hair removal is suitable for men and women with all skin tones.
• It works on your entire body including sensitive areas such as the face and pubic areas.
• Side effects are usually minor, things like redness, irritation or temporary changes to skin colour.
• Laser hair removal is safe and is not linked to cancer or infertility.
• It’s not recommended for people who are pregnant.
• Always discuss any medication you are taking in your consultation as these can affect the process.
• Always discuss any skin conditions you may have with a dermatologist before having laser hair removal treatment.
• Laser hair removal is a safe and cost-effective way to remove hair.

Find your nearest clinic and arrange a consultation with one of our dermatologists for advice on how laser hair removal can work for you.