Guide to permanent hair removal

Want to tackle the problem of excess hair for once and for all? Your questions answered

Often marketed as permanent hair removal solutions, there's not a huge difference between laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). Both are good and work in the same way, using light at specific wavelengths to heat and destroy growth cells in the hair follicle. They find the hairs by seeking out dark material, ie the pigment in hair. IPL is generally considered better for covering large areas of excess hair.

Does it work for everyone?

Both laser and IPL hair removal work best on fair skinned people with dark hair as the machines work on seeking out dark colour. That's why it's not a good idea to start a course in the summer if you're tanned, as they can target skin rather than hair. Equally, they aren't so effective on black skins or people with light skin and red, grey or blonde hair as the colour contrast isn't so strong.
However, there are some lasers specially designed for darker skin and, it's possible to lower the settings on an IPL machine so it doesn't damage the skin and cause burning, pigmentation or scarring. Results may not be as quick though.
Both methods are generally more effective on women as men's greater testosterone levels make hair follicles more resistant.

Does it hurt?

It's not pain-free, but it's not up there with childbirth. Some describe it as a hot whipping sensation, others as hot needles. It is reasonably short-lived though as your skin is cooled with ice packs or cool air. You may look red for some hours afterwards. Different areas of the body are more pain-sensitive and, as women tend to be more sensitive around menstruation, it's best not to book in for a session then. If you're prepared to put some time and money into tackling excess hair, these methods do deliver

How often do I need to have sessions?

The key is to catch hairs in their growth cycle, which is about every four to six weeks. However, as hairs in the same area are in different growth cycles, you can't get all the hairs at the same point, hence the need for repeat treatments. You'll need at least three treatments to see lasting results. Usually you'd have a session of three treatments quite closely together with follow up treatments every few months after that, depending of course on which area of the body you're treating – leg hair has longer growth cycles for example, so results take longer. A full course can easily take a year to 18 months to complete.

What results can I expect?

Results aren't really permanent, despite the claims. They are however long-lasting for most people and when regrowth does occur, it tends to be finer and lighter than before. There are unfortunately some people for whom laser and IPL doesn't seem to work, but you'd realise this within a few sessions. On the whole though, if you're prepared to put some time and money into tackling excess hair, these methods do deliver.

What does it cost?

Reckon on around from £40 per session for a small area such as lip and chin.

Where should I go for further information?

As a starting point for IPL, two brands to look out for are Aculight and Pulsar, and for laser services, look at www.sknclinics.co.uk. If you choose a local salon be sure to check they are registered with the Healthcare Commission and insist on a patch test, especially if you are having facial treatment. A cosmetic doctor is usually a safe bet – find one near you at www.cosmeticdoctors.co.uk.