The UK’s leading laser hair removal clinics
Client care at the heart for over 30 years
Unrivalled safety, laser and treatment standards
Delivered only by highly qualified, medically trained laser specialists
Regulated by the Care Quality Commission
The ultimate guide to laser hair removal
Medically reviewed by: Helen Green, Nurse Prescriber and Non-Surgical Lead, 1st July 2023. Next review July 2024
Our guide will give you all the information you need when you’re shopping around for laser hair removal, including how the treatment works, how to get the best results and the difference between laser hair removal and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.
What is laser hair removal and how does it work?
Laser hair removal is the most effective solution to removing unwanted body and facial hair. It works by a process called photothermolysis; a direct, precise wavelength of light is released into the hair follicle, which converts to heat, damaging or destroying the bulb. Because the light is precise and travels in one direction, it effectively targets individual hairs instead of the skin, so there’s very little risk of skin damage. To be the most effective, the hair needs to be in the right stage of growth during treatment, and hair grows in four phases: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, the telogen phase and the exogen phase. Provided the hair is targeted at the right stage of the 4 stage growth process (anagen phase), hair regrowth slows down or stops.
Lasers for hair removal treatment typically have three wavelengths: Alexandrite, Diode and Nd:YAG. Alexandrite 755nm is the shortest and most suitable for lighter skin tones. Diode 808 works best on coarse dark hair, and darker skin tones. Nd:YAG is the longer wavelength at 1064nm and is the safest option for darker skin tones as there is less risk of discolouration and other side effects. IPL is an alternative; a much shorter wavelength but with scattered light and less effective.
Why you should only book laser hair removal with a safe, qualified provider?
Even though laser hair removal is widely available, it’s important to remember that lasers are still serious, specialist machines. Using the wrong type of laser, the practitioner not being fully qualified or a lack of the right safety protocols could result in burning, discolouration or scarring of the skin.
This is why it is so important to use a regulated provider and fully trained practitioners to carry out your treatment. At sk:n, we are monitored and audited by the Care Quality Commission in England, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, and Health Inspectorate Wales, and all of our practitioners are fully medically trained.
At sk:n, all of our practitioners have 4 to 6 weeks thorough training and are required to pass both a theory and practical test, before they are allowed to treat. We are known for having the best training programme in the industry, during which all of our practitioners are supported and assessed by a senior nurse. The nurse will only pass the training when they’re sure they are a safe, competent, knowledgeable laser practitioner, delivering high-quality care. Our laser practitioners are trained to a minimum of NVQ Level 3, and many are already on 4. Many of our laser treaters also have a laser BTEC, or are qualified nurses.
Are there rules in place for delivering laser hair removal?
It’s worth bearing in mind that there is currently no industry standard for the level of training required to deliver laser hair removal. Beauticians working in salons may have only had a couple of hours’ training before treating.
At sk:n, we follow a laser hair removal medical protocol which was developed by leading dermatologists, doctors and nurses who form our medical standards team. All of our clinical protocols are designed to keep every single client safe and get the best results, and laser hair removal is no different.
How many treatments you will need, and how long treatment will take?
Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle during its active growing cycle, known as the anagen phase, when the hair is still attached to the root. Not all hair will be in this phase at the same time (roughly 10-20%), so having appointments at regular intervals means that the treatment will be more effective. We recommend a course of around 8, every 4-6 weeks, depending on the area, hair type and thickness. Sometimes, some clients may need more or a few less, but our practitioners will inform you how many you’ll need.
How effective is laser hair removal?
Clients could see up to 90% reduction in hair growth from laser hair removal, and any hair that does grow back will grow back much slower and be finer and lighter. You’ll also have smoother skin, the risk of ingrown hairs will be dramatically reduced, and you’ll no longer have the stubble or rashes associated with frequent waxing or shaving.
However, the success of your treatment is dependent on the colour of hair being treated and how many sessions you have. Clients with darker hair will get the best results, but those with white, blonde, grey or red hair will not see as effective results as there is not enough pigment in the hair to attract the laser.
Hair growth is also impacted by many factors including hormonal changes, so top up treatments after you’ve completed your course are sometimes needed to ensure you get the longest lasting results.
With enough sessions at the right intervals, you’re likely to see permanent hair reduction and you may never have to shave or wax again.
What is the difference between laser hair removal and IPL?
Laser: The energy emitted from a laser is a pure single colour focused light, which travels at the same wavelength in a straight line. Lasers are able to differentiate between skin and hair pigment, and because the light is pure, it is more accurate when it is absorbed by certain colours, so you can see better results, faster. All skin types can also be treated with laser hair removal thanks to the different wavelengths available. At sk:n our advanced clinical lasers can be calibrated to suit your skin type, meaning that whatever your hair or skin colour, laser is safe.
IPL: Intense pulsed light therapy produces a variety of light waves, travelling at different wavelengths in all directions, a little like the light from a bulb. This means the light is less powerful and accurate than a laser. Success with IPL is very much dependent on technique, it’s typically less effective and can take a lot longer to achieve desired results than with laser.
What skin types can be treated with laser hair removal?
At sk:n, we conduct a full consultation which includes a thorough assessment of skin and hair type, medical history and reasons for treatment.
We also carry out a test patch on a small, representative area of skin to ensure we have selected the right wavelength and strength of laser or laser parameters, and your skin is suitable.
The laser is attracted to the pigment in the follicle of the hair, avoiding skin pigment, and this is how the hair growth reduces. Depending on your skin type, a different laser wavelength will be chosen. Alexandrite 755nm lasers are the shortest, best used on lighter skin and thinner hair. Darker skin types need a longer wavelength to avoid the laser targeted the surface skin pigment rather than the hair follicle. This is why Nd:YAG 1064nm is the best and safest option for darker skin.
At sk:n, we use the Fitzpatrick scale to determine skin type and will discuss the results you can expect from treatment during your consultation, and which laser we will select for you.
Preparing for laser hair removal
Before laser hair removal treatment you should ensure that the area is clean, hair has been removed by shaving (not waxing) and that all make-up is also removed. You should also not have had any sun exposure or have a tan two weeks before treatment, and you shouldn’t wear fake tan either. We are also unable to treat clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so please let us know if you are beforehand.
How do I book laser hair removal at sk:n?
Step 1
Book your free consultation. You can book online, call us directly or request a consultation. To secure your laser hair removal booking, your card details will be held against your booking. This is £25 for laser hair removal. Please refer to our payment protection and cancellation policies for more information.
Step 2
Visit your local sk:n clinic for a consultation with one of our medical laser hair removal practitioners. During this consultation the practitioner will:
- Assess the area you would like to be treated and discuss the results you’re likely to see.
- Explain the procedure for laser hair removal, the cost and your recommended aftercare.
- Give you a quick patch test to assess suitability for treatment.
- Answer any questions you have regarding laser hair removal.
Step 3
Start treatment with the UK’s leading laser hair removal specialists.
The sk:n promise
Our mission to deliver confidence through better skin is at the heart of everything we do. Our promise to you:
- Award-winning, unrivalled medical expertise. No one has more consultants, doctors and clinical expertise than sk:n, so no other dermatology provider comes close.
- Outstanding approach to client care for over 30 years. We’ve consistently delivered unrivalled, personalised client care, that’s always right for our clients. If you have a concern, you can trust us to solve it.
- Standards you can trust. Our market-leading medical, safety and training protocols and strict industry regulation means you can trust that your safety and care is our priority.
- We are the UK’s leading skin clinics. We’ve treated millions of clients, improving their self-confidence for the better – with some life-changing results.
Request a callback
One of our friendly sk:n advisors will call you to book your consultation.
- More than 450 consultants, doctors, nurses and medical practitioners
- Regulated by the Care Quality Commission, Health Inspectorate Wales and Health Improvement Scotland
- Partner of the NHS
- Rated excellent by our clients on Trustpilot
- Strict safety and care protocols
