Excess Hair

Why excess hair grows

Unwanted hair can be genetic or hormonal, and conditions such as PCOS often cause thicker growth on the chin, upper lip and neck. Because hormones keep stimulating the follicles, facial areas may need more sessions than the legs or underarms. Shaving and waxing deal with the surface only, and regrowth can leave skin itchy, irritated or with a shadow under the surface.

The laser Skin House uses

Treatments use the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus, which has two wavelengths: a 755nm Alexandrite laser and a 1064nm Nd:YAG laser. Having both allows settings to be matched to your skin tone, and the system can treat skin types I to VI, including darker skin, after a patch test. A Dynamic Cooling Device sprays cryogen before each pulse to reduce discomfort, which most people describe as a mild snap.

Why it takes a course

Each follicle has to be treated at the right point in its growth cycle, and at any moment your hairs are at different stages. Sessions are therefore spaced four to six weeks apart to catch each new wave of growth. Most women need six to nine sessions, and Skin House recommends an initial course of six to twelve. Results vary: most clients see significant, long-lasting hair reduction after a full course, and maintenance sessions may be needed for hormonal regrowth.

Treatment areas for women and men

Common areas for women include the upper lip, chin, underarms, arms, legs, bikini line and full body, all covered on the laser hair removal in Luton page. Small facial areas such as the upper lip, nose, ears and brows can be booked individually, and sessions take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the area. Men often choose the back, chest and neckline, which are hard to reach when shaving or waxing at home; see laser hair removal for men. Area-by-area costs and course options are listed on the laser price list.

Before and after each session

• Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment.
• Avoid waxing or plucking for four weeks beforehand, so the root is still in place for the laser to target.
• Keep the area out of the sun before treatment.
• Expect mild redness or slight swelling afterwards, which usually fades quickly. There is no downtime.

Detailed pre-treatment instructions are given at your free consultation and patch test, so you know exactly what to do before your first session.