Laser hair removal is available on every high street, but not all treatments and practitioners are the same. If you’re considering this, knowing the differences will make sure you lose hair safely and cost-effectively.

What type of treatment am I being offered – Laser or IPL?

It may be called laser hair removal but the equipment being used may be medical laser or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). Both deliver energy to damage the root of the hair to impede re-growth. However, this is where the similarity ends.

 

Medical Grade Lasers

Our laser is a Cynosure® Elite+™, one of the most advanced lasers on the market today for hair removal sun damage and spider vein removal. It is a combination Nd:YAG and Alexandrite system which uses a concentrated beam of light that safely targets hair at the root leaving the surrounding skin intact. It can be fine-tuned to suit your skin and hair type for exceptional results and is safe to use for all skin tones.

During hair removal, the melanin, which is the pigment in your hair follicle is targeted by the laser. By using highly specific settings, customised to your skin and hair type, we can destroy the hair root permanently, instantly removing the hair, and preventing further growth.

Our laser can also be used with highly specific protocols to eliminate unsightly spider veins, cherry angioma, sun damage or pigmentation treatments. All of these conditions can be successfully treated with the Alexandrite Laser.

A small beam of light is selectively aimed at the target hair or vessel which is coagulated and destroyed by the heat of the laser. Our cooling system is used to maximize comfort and prevent any damage to the epidermis. With enough time in between treatments and an individually designed removal plan, we can completely remove most unwanted hair, spider veins and pigmentation with minimal discomfort and no risk of scarring.

 

IPL

IPL devices are more commonly found in salons as the equipment is far less expensive. It is also far less effective than laser. The less powerful broad beam of light targets everything in its path but is unable to reach and destroy the roots of deeper hairs, therefore requiring more treatments, and achieving less effect. The treated hair will remain in situ for a short length of time before eventually being naturally expelled by the skin. It is generally only suitable for fairer skin and can damage darker skin tones.