A guideline for successful laser hair removal treatments

As we start to leave winter, it becomes a very popular time for people to start thinking of the warmer months and consider permanent hair removal.

Here at SkinFirst we treat thousands of clients every year for hair removal, and have extensive knowledge and experience in this industry. With this in mind, we have put together this quick guide to help you understand some of the important points to remember if you are considering or undergoing laser hair removal.

Please remember we always have your best interest in mind, so make sure to be honest with your therapist so that no complications arise from your hair removal sessions. All these points will be covered with any consultation before starting hair removal.

Always shave before your session

The MPL (multi pulsed light) we use for hair removal targets the pigment of the hair and penetrate into the skin. It focuses its heat energy on the hair which transfers into the follicle and destroys it. Since its the follicle and not the hair we are actually targeting, it is important that you shave (or use hair removal cream) the treatment area the day of your session. If the hairs are long they will absorb the laser energy outside of the follicle, leading to ineffective hair removal, and may cause damage to the top of your skin. Please don’t pluck/wax/thread the hairs as it pulls it from the root, and we need that hair attached to the follicle under the skin.

Use a broad spectrum SPF at all times

A tan is laser hair removals worst enemy. Since the laser focuses its energy on darker pigments, active melanocytes in the skin caused by a tan are vulnerable to hyper/hypopigmentation (the lightening or darkening of your skin) and can cause burns. Stay out of the sun and make sure to apply an SPF 30 sunblock every 2 hours when you have to be exposed to it.

Try your best to keep your scheduled appointments

Your hair grows in cycles and the hair removal can only effectively treat hairs in the growth cycles. You have many different cycles of hair that grow which is why effective laser hair removal takes numerous sessions. We schedule your appointments to optimally treat those hair cycles and not miss any of them. If you miss an appointment, you may miss a hair cycle causing the need for more sessions.

Don’t have an expectation of how many sessions you will actually need

The industry standard for effective laser hair removal is between 6-8 sessions. This is only an average; it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed clearance after 6-8 sessions. Some people may need more than 8 sessions to get clearance. Remember, changes in medication that cause hormone imbalances, missed scheduled appointments, some medical conditions, and even pregnancy can cause new hair growth.

Do tell us about medical conditions

No matter how irrelevant the condition may be, make sure to always disclose any medical conditions you may have. There might be a contraindication that would put you at risk when getting laser hair removal sessions done. Safety first!

Do tell us about any medication you are taking

The medication you are taking may or may not have an impact on our ability to treat you and the effectiveness of laser hair removal. Medication that affects hormones can cause the need for more laser hair removal sessions since hair is affected by a change in hormone levels. Also, there are some dangerous medications that can leave your skin sensitive to the laser and cause burns. Always disclose all medications you are taking. This includes any changes in medications throughout your sessions.

Don’t get a tan

If you’re tanned, we cannot treat! Though we can treat most skin types, a tan is different due to the increased levels of melanin. Make sure to stay out of the sun at least 4 weeks before and 2 weeks after your sessions!

Let us know if you are taking antibiotics (or have recently)

Antibiotics make your skin photosensitive, with Accutane being the worst. Most antibiotics clear your system within 3-10 days. With Accutane it will be 6 months before you can safely have laser hair removal sessions. Make sure to let your tech know if you are or have recently been on antibiotics!

Avoid getting hot straight after your treatment

This is something that is very obvious, but also commonly overlooked. We have just caused heat damage to your skin. Just as you wouldn’t go take a hot shower right after you get a burn, you should avoid hot showers/baths or working out after your hair removal session. Cold showers are completely ok!

Try and avoid wearing tight clothing on treatment area

Tight clothing, especially spandex legging, trap heat and can cause complications. Wear loose cotton clothing for and after your treatment

Don’t miss your appointments

As stated earlier, missing your appointments means the likelihood of missing a hair cycle, causing the need for more sessions and more money out of your pocket.

Don’t lie to your therapist

We are here for you and want you to be safe and get the best out of your sessions!

If you have any questions regarding MPL hair removal, or any of the treatments we offer, feel free to drop us an email or give us a call.

We look forward to helping you become hair free!

01925 446688

contact@skinfirst.co.uk

Client Testimonials

Fantastic service as always. Izzy & Millie make you feel so welcome. Izzy is super efficient & professional. I highly recommend Skin First.

Margaret

I wish I could go for a treatment here every day, it was such a lovely experience! Hayley was wonderful, so informative and just magical at what she does! everything was fantastic from the music to the decor to the energy of the space. Can’t wait to book in again soon! I’ve never had a facial before as I felt intimidated by such environments but it was such a warm and friendly place to be, I’d highly recommend this clinic to anyone and everyone!

Robyn

Izzy was brilliant, makes you feel really relaxed and takes time to make sure you are comfortable throughout the treatment. Had 3 RF Micro needling sessions and love the results.

Jackie

I have very dark hair and have always been very conscious of it. I started to have the laser hair removal treatment firstly to my underarms. After only two sessions I was so impressed with the results. My hair was virtually gone! As a result I now have three areas treated. It is truly a fantastic treatment and leaves your skin not only hair free but baby smooth. Furthermore, the service you will receive is both informative and highly professional. After years of waxing and sugaring I have now found a hair removal treatment that I would whole heartedly recommend.

I have always had my underarms waxed but decided to try laser hair removal instead. After only one treatment I was surprised at how few hairs grew back. I have just completed my fourth treatment and can’t really see any remaining hairs. But i will finish my course of 6 to ensure that all hairs have been removed as my therapist (Cathy) told me that there are some hairs that may not be in the active growing phase which could still come through. I am delighted with the results and will definitely keep my standing order going until I have done my bikini line and then maybe even my legs.

I have always had poor skin tone and a red blotchy face, which was diagnosed as Rosacea 3 years ago. I have been prescribed antibiotics orally and taken topical medication which helped a little with the postules but did not really have significantly noticeable results; and I don’t like to take antibiotics longer term. I was therefore delighted to find that the light based treatment at SkinFirst was able to help my condition. My cheeks are much less flushed and my nose has improved markedly, and that is only at the half way stage of my full course. I would recommend this treatment to anyone else who has rosacea.

My treatment at SkinFirst, at The Village in Warrington, was quick, easy and I was very happy with the result. I had an unsightly cluster of small red veins on my face and they have now gone completely.

I would like to thank you for the improvements to my general skin condition. Many people have commented about how well I am looking and I feel like I look several years younger at least. It has given me a boost of confidence, and I think I am going to tackle my thread veins next.

I was amazed that the sun spots on my hands disappeared following a course of treatments by SkinFirst. I expected them to perhaps go a little lighter but not to go completely. There was the added benefit that my skin felt much softer too. My hands were a give away to my age and I now feel so much happier about showing them off!

As a Clinical Scientist, I recently carried out training with the staff of SkinFirst at Warrington and was most impressed with the new ‘Super MPL Combi’ machine they have installed. This new technology uses a combination of Intense Pulsed Light and Radiofrequency making the treatments effective at lower levels of energy than would normally be the case. This makes the treatments safer and more comfortable for the clients.

I am extremely pleased with the outcome of the treatment I recently received at SkinFirst in Warrington. I had a prominent blood vessel on the side of my nose which has now completely gone. I hardly felt anything during the treatment which only took a few moments. This bothersome blood vessel had been previously treated at another clinic using a different type of laser which was not only painful but did not completely remove the problem – it came back. I would certainly recommend SkinFirst for anyone with a similar problem.

I have only compliments to say, having had beauty treatments for many years Skinfirst has to be the most professional, confident, competent and comfortable to date. I wish you and you company every success and I will certainly be recommending you in the future.

I was nervous, but felt a ease straight away. I had a lot of questions which were always answered. Saw great results after 2 treatments, I would recommend SkinFirst to my friends.

I have always felt very welcome when visiting the clinic. The service was excellent and I am very pleased with how quickly I got results.

Excellent introduction, I was put as ease and the course was clearly explained. Very professional, I felt that June gave that little extra in my treatment. I have used many treatments and anti-biotics with little or no improvement over a 35 years period. The results during and at the end of the course of 6 treatments goes beyond my expectations. My only wish is that I had done this 30 years ago. My thanks and gratitude to all at SkinFirst.

Wonderful night, extremely informative. Friendly girls with lots of advice, thank you very much to you all and see you all again soon.

I have found my skin tone improved immensely and my skin felt moisturized and hydrated, I would definitely recommend SkinFirst to my friends.

I am so impressed with the treatment and love the way that it works in a non-aggressive manner. From previous laser hair sessions I was always left with burnt, damaged hair and slight skin redness and scabbing following a treatment which looked unsightly for a couple of weeks whilst the hair was worked out of the skin. Your treatment worked without any of these nasty side effects… really impressed!

I had a Radio Frequency treatment and I couldn’t believe my husband even noticed! He said it looked a lot smoother and tighter around the jaw line and on the cheek area and he said it looked younger! The results are amazing, I can’t believe that was after only one treatment!

I was a little nervous about coming in for a treatment as I’ve never had anything like this before, but I was put at ease immediately. I can honestly say I really enjoyed the whole experience – Natalie was lovely, and very understanding. I was having laser hair removal on my bikini and she was so professional and I hardly felt anything. It was 2 weeks ago and I have already seen an amazing result with patches where there is no hair. I will definitely be booking in for my underarms and legs now I know how good the results are. Thanks so much and I wish I had done this ages ago!

Results were fantastic – even after a couple of sessions. It’s like a miracle! No longer do I have to shave thick black hairs on a daily basis.

Thoroughly professional atmosphere and treatments.

For the first time in years I don’t have to wear make-up. I have had spots for most of my life and can’t believe how my skin looks now. Thanks so much!

I would definitely recommend the laser hair removal given by SkinFirst. It has completely changed my life. The service is excellent, staff very friendly and I have complete confidence in them.

I have fair skin & dark hair, after having just four sessions of the SkinFirst MPL machine. I have seen such a difference, the hair growth has slowed down so much I hardly have to shave, on some area’s like my underarms and bikini line there is no hair there any more, Its permanently gone!

Thank you so much for such a reasonable priced treatments, such good response.

My Birthday was coming up so I wanted a special treat for myself. So I called Skin First. I was welcomed with a warm reception and a glass of cold champagne.

I must admit I felt a little nervous, but everything was explained to me and I was soon looking forward to having a treatment done.My skin felt so much better and softer and I certainly saw an improvement in my skin.

I would recommend a visit to Skin First to everyone. I’m looking forward to my next appointment.

I go here for my MPL face laser treatment and I have to say Izzy is amazing! Pain free and you feel like your getting a mini facial! I love it and will always to go to SkinFirst.

Warm, comfortable surroundings and amazing treatment!

I highly recommend SkinFirst. It’s a lovely place, they make you feel really comfortable and provide all the info you need. I’m definitely going back for more treatments!

I love the results I am getting from their hair removal treatment! It does not hurt and the results can be seen straight away! Millie is amazing and the advice received is extremely useful. I would obviously recommend it to anyone wanting to get rid off any unwanted hair.

Absolutely amazing! Izzy is a credit – makes each visit brilliant by caring and making sure you’re well looked after. Can’t wait for my 4th visit in December! Thanks so much for each treatment. It’s lovely and clean & relaxing environment. Highly recommend to anyone.

I have been going to Skinfirst for a couple of months now and would highly recommend them. The dual radio frequency works absolute wonders on your face and is so relaxing. My skin is much more smooth, and so much more youthful looking, lines are far less obvious. Hair removal is so effective, very happy with legs and bikini. All treatments are very competitively priced.

Millie is so friendly, professional and puts you at ease straight away. The whole environment is very relaxing. I will continue to use Skinfirst on a regular basis. Thank you so much Millie.

The laser hair removal I’m having will be truly life changing when it’s complete, and my first radio frequency tonight was wonderful – can’t recommend it enough! Lovely staff and premises too, always enjoy my visits.

From the moment I walked through the door Millie put me at ease! The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, Millie is friendly, professional and knowledgeable.

The best bit? The laser hair removal is quick, painless and works! Can’t recommend it highly enough!

First visit to SkinFirst, so impressed with my facial by Izzy.

So relaxing, lovely welcome. Thank you x