Laser hair removal is a permanent hair removal treatment that is FDA approved. It has been medically proven to reduce hair growth.  There are a wide range of places on the body where it is known to be effective and it has become increasingly popular over the past decade as a way in which people, both male and female can reduce their hair growth significantly.  Hair growth is reduced significantly, and also grows back much slower and finer than before.

At the Harley Laser Clinic, we use a laser system which is FDA approved.  We are also fully registered with the Healthcare Commission, who are a governing body that is responsible for the monitoring of independent clinics and hospitals across the UK.

The wavelengths of the light, which is produced by the laser, are specifically designed to disable the hair follicles only.  Lasers have been used within the medical profession for many years and there have been no long-term side effects reported.

Once the laser treatment has taken place, the hair on the affected area will usually take 7-14 days to shed from the skin.  You would normally expect the first re-growth to occur around one month after this.   Because of these timescales, we normally advise leaving around 4-6 weeks between treatment sessions.

It is perfectly normal for people to require around 6-9 different sessions, if the area has not been previously treated, to achieve the optimum results.  It can vary from person to person, and also the size of the area being treated.

Following each laser hair removal session, you are further along towards your goal of permanent hair removal.  You will see a decrease in the hair growth following each treatment.  As everyone is different, the results will differ from person to person, but rest assured; you will have visible results after just one session.

There are many different options when it comes to hair removal.  Waxing, threading, shaving, sugaring amongst others – all of which are temporary. Laser hair removal is the only proven method to reduce hair growth permanently.  The hair that does grow back comes back finer, lighter and slower than before, unlike some of the options mentioned above, which can cause hair to become thicker, and also return quicker.  If your goal is permanent hair removal, then the answer is laser hair removal.

It is suitable for adults, both male and female.  A patch test and a full consultation is always carried out before any treatment being offered as this will look thoroughly at your skin and hair type to ascertain the optimum laser settings.

It is suitable for a number of different areas on the body which include; back, face, neck, ears, chest, shoulders, underarms, legs, hands, feet, genital areas, arms and buttocks.

Laser hair removal is not effective on red, grey or white hair.

At The Harley Laser Clinic, we use the latest and greatest technology and devices.   Our laser hair removal machine has an integrated cooling element, which makes the treatment much more comfortable.  The pulsed light sensation has a hot and cold sting that is very quick.  You will get to experience this beforehand at the patch test to ensure that you are fully aware of what it will feel like and that you know exactly what to expect.

Immediately after the treatment, it is perfectly normal to experience some redness or slight swelling to the skin, but don’t worry, this will subside within a couple of hours.   If you have exceptionally sensitive skin, it may take a few days to subside; we always recommend Aloe Vera gel afterwards as it gives a wonderfully soothing effect while restoring the skin cells.

Using a pulsed light, hair is removed from the specified area of the body.  This type of treatment has been practised since 1997.   Treatments are always performed by a trained laser practitioner who will direct the sapphire crystal glass carefully onto the treatment area.  It is the pulse from the laser machine which heats up the follicles and denatures them from producing hair.  The special part of this treatment is contained within the energy that is produced from the crystal glass, this gets absorbed by the melanin within the hair and penetrates deeply, reaching the follicles that lie just underneath the skin.  This energy safely heats the hair shaft, destroying it, causing no damage to the tissue whatsoever.

Some of the main causes of excessive hair growth are due to pregnancy, thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, a side-effect of medication, ageing, steroids, excessive testosterone, or they can simply be hereditary.

Before commencing any laser treatment, patients with excessive hair growth in uncommon areas are encouraged to investigate any underlying medical conditions.

Harley Laser Clinic work with an organisation called www.pcostreatment.co.uk. If you are referred by your GP, with a referral letter from the linked website, we will give you a discounted rate; this is specifically for women who are diagnosed with PCOS.

Following on from your treatment, we always advise our clients to avoid direct heat, or heat simulation, such as hot baths, saunas, hot tubs, sunbeds and steam.  It is also imperative that you do not undertake any cardiovascular exercise too, as this will heat up your skin.

Swimming pools are also to be avoided because of the chlorinated water.  Perfumes, lotions, make-up, deodorant and aftershave should not be used on the treated area for at least 24 hours.

The wearing of tight clothing should also be avoided for 48 hours as this can aggravate the area as well.  The one and only product we advise our client to use after a session is Aloe Vera gel.