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Laser Hair Removal

Primelase is the world’s most powerful hair diode hair removal laser with twice the power of other brands to guarantee best results. We are delighted to be able to offer this first class service to our clients.

What are the benefits?

For long term, smooth skin, laser hair removal can be life changing. Any part of the body can be treated (not eyebrows). You will see a general improvement in skin quality, significant reduction in ingrown hairs and folliculitis. Skin feels softer and looks more even toned. No more shaving rashes! No more ingrown hairs. You do not need to have hair visible to have treatment. Treatment can be started at any time of year. Benefits of laser treatment are seen right from the first treatment! So many people tell us that it’s the best thing they ever did for themselves!

Popular areas to be treated are lip and chin, legs, nipples, underarms and especially bikini lines, to reduce ingrown hairs and bumps there. Back, chest and neck laser treatments are popular with men. Laser to the neck and face can really help with those that struggle with shaving rashes.

Laser can really help those people that suffer with the symptoms of PCOS (polycystic ovaries) and folliculitis.

Depending on your skin and hair type, the hair reduction is long term and for some, permanent. Maintenance is necessary.

It’s good for the environment! It has been said that the average person, who shaves daily, will throw away around 2500 razors to landfill in a lifetime. World-wide, that adds up to billions!

How does laser hair removal work?

At Primelase Berkshire, we use the Primelase Diode 810nm laser. The laser light is pulsed over the area and is absorbed by the melanin (dark colour) in the hair. This creates heat in the follicle, which disables or destroys the cells there, so that it cannot grow another hair.

Hair grows in cycles. You never have all your hair growing at the same time. When a hair is growing, it has the most melanin in it, at the root. This is the best time to treat the hair, as it absorbs all the light at the root, where you need it! Our laser hair removal courses are based around this fact, to achieve the best results.

Hair grows at different rates on the face and body. On the face, there is a new cycle every 4-6 weeks and on the body, 6-8 weeks or even longer. This can be different for men and women, at different ages. Hair growth patterns can be affected by your genetic make-up, medical conditions or medication. These patterns determine how to best treat your hair, to achieve the best results for you.

How many treatments will I need?

Results are seen from the first treatment. However, to get the best and longest lasting results, you will require a course of treatment. How many treatments are required is influenced by age, gender, your own genetic make-up, certain medical conditions, such as PCOS, as well as hair type and the part of the body being treated. Facial hair can grow quite quickly requiring a course of at least 6 to 8 treatments, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Body areas require at least 4 to 6 treatments, with a 6 to 8 week interval in between treatments. To maintain the results, maintenance is required. The frequency of maintenance varies, depending on the results achieved.

If you are thinking, I’m not sure that I am able to commit to a course of treatment? Even one treatment can make a difference, with softer, slower growing hair that is more manageable. You will have some relief from ingrown hairs.

At Primelase Berkshire, you will be treated by experienced therapists, with over 20 years’ experience using lasers to treat skin and hair. Your therapist can confidently advise and set up the right expectation for you.

When will I see results?

During a laser treatment, some hairs will eject straight away. Most hairs take around 2 weeks to come to the surface and drop out. You can continue to shave your hair, if you wish and you will notice that you gradually get less and less hair in the treated area. You will see a reduction from the first treatment. Skin will start to look and feel smoother and clearer. When a new cycle of hair growth appears, it will be softer and slower growing than before. You may shave this new hair if you wish.

Is laser hair removal right for me?

Laser is not effective on very fine, light hair (vellous hair). You are unlikely to see a result on white, grey or red hair. There is no melanin to absorb the laser light. However, you may still see an improvement in skin quality.

If you usually wax, thread or pluck hair, please do not do so for 2 to 3 weeks before laser treatment. This is to ensure that there is hair in the follicle to absorb laser light. Treating areas that have been recently waxed will see slower results.

If you are taking light sensitising medication, or Roaccutane, laser is not suitable for you. Roaccutane should be stopped 6 months before a test patch.

You cannot have laser hair removal if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

At the time of consultation, your therapist will discuss suitability and expectations with you.

What to expect during and after a laser hair removal treatment?

Your therapist will check that your medical history has not changed since your previous treatment or test patch. Your skin will be assessed. Photographs may be taken for your file. You will be given protective goggles or glasses to wear.

Hair should be removed from the area before treatment. Preferably shaved at home the day before. Cool ultrasound gel will be applied to the area. This helps to keep the skin cool during the treatment and the laser handpiece to glide comfortably over the skin. Afterwards this gel is removed and Aloe Vera applied, to soothe and reduce heat irritation.

Your skin will look red and bumpy, much like after waxing, for anything from a few hours to a few days. If hairs are very thick, it may take longer. Usually, any irritation settles after a few days and entirely when hairs have fallen out after the laser treatment. Avoid heat treatments and sun for at least 48 hours after treatment. You may continue to apply Aloe Vera for a few days.

What does laser feel like?

People often describe the sensation of the laser as a hot band, repeatedly pinging on the skin. The sensation varies from person to person. Some people hardly feel anything and others can find it quite uncomfortable. It is tolerable to most though.

The laser has a cooling tip that helps with this heat sensation as the treatment is carried out. Ice can be used briefly before treatment to sensitive areas if necessary. You can also purchase a topical numbing cream to apply at home before you attend for a treatment. This can help minimise the heat sensation. Most people do not require this. Your therapist will advise you. During the test patch, you can discuss this.

Tanning and sun exposure

Having a tan means that you have increased melanin in your skin, giving it a lovely glow. The laser light can be absorbed by the melanin in the skin instead of the hair. This makes treatment not only more uncomfortable, but also increases the risk of burning, hyper and hypopigmentation, leaving darker or lighter patches. This may be temporary, but is not attractive and can be sore. It may take many weeks and months to resolve. We ask that you do not have any sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before a laser test patch or treatment. This allows the melanin in your skin to be less ‘active’. Fake tan should be removed before treatment.

After treatment, your skin may be more sensitive and react more to heat and sunlight. Aloe Vera is applied after a laser treatment, to soothe. You should use SPF when in the sun at any time, but especially after laser treatment.

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one standard laser treatment to any part of the body