Unwanted hair growth is something that most people want to get rid of, usually by a temporary method such as waxing, plucking or shaving. Imagine if there was a longer lasting solution? Imagine never having to shave, wax or pluck unwanted hair growth again? Here we will discuss the different methods of hair removal, why some work better than others and why you should consider a treatment such as laser or IPL hair removal to get rid of unwanted hair growth.

People don't just look for methods of hair removal purely for cosmetic reasons, there may also be a medical reason that gears them towards a more permanent hair removal solution. Women are prone to unwanted hair growth in areas such as the lip and chin which is triggered off by an inbalance of hormones. Shaving hair offers a temporary solution, IPL or laser offers a longer lasting solution to unwanted hair growth and can boost a person's confidence when they no longer have to worry about embarrassing hair growth.

Most people are familiar with shaving or waxing as a form of hair removal, or plucking those unwanted facial hairs as soon as you see them appear. All three of these methods are effective forms of hair removal in their own right, but they are all temporary forms of hair removal. Waxing hair means that you have to have a certain amount of hair growth before it can be removed. Shaving often leaves a shaving rash and has to be done regularly to maintain smooth, hair free skin. There is another option for hair removal, one that's long lasting, safe, non invasive and extremely effective. Laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal methods have been on the market for a number of years now and technology has advanced in such a way to provide long lasting permanent hair reduction results. Lasers have been used for hair removal since the 1960's but it was in 1995 that the FDA approved the first laser hair removal system. Laser and IPL hair removal systems work by targeting the pigment in the hair known as melanin. A pulse of light is sent through the skin down to the hair follicle which kills it rendering the hair follicle unable to produce new hair growth. The skin is left undamaged and only a slight tingling is usually felt by the client. This is often compared to having an elastic band flicked against the skin with a little heat. Each pulse of light lasts only a fraction of a second meaning that largers areas can be treated for hair removal with reduced treatment times.

The hair is not all removed in just one treatment and a course of IPL or laser hair removal is recommended for optimum results. This is because the hair has three phases during it's life cycle and the hair can only be killed when it is in the growing or Anagen phase. Hair removal treatments usually take place once every 4-6 weeks and after an average of 6 treatments you may not need to have further treatment. Different IPLs and Laser work in slightly different ways and providing you have an experienced practitioner treating you, you should notice a reduction after just 3 treatments. Laser and IPL treatments should be carried out by qualified practitioners to ensure both the best results and the safety of the client. You should be invited to attend a free consultation prior to commencing a course or permanent hair reduction, this is when you should be offered a test patch to ensure your suitability for hair removal treatment. During this consultation you will have the chance to feel what it's like to have a laser or IPL treatment. After the test patch you will be able to book in to commence hair removal treatment as long as you have no adverse effects. Your practitioner should be able to talk you through the whole treatment process and answer any questions you may have. IPLs and Lasers can be used all over the body, but due to the treatment head being quite large smaller areas such as the eyebrows cannot be treated.

You should do your research in your area for beauty clinics and salons offering IPL or Laser treatments, compare the information they provide you with and avoid paying a consultation fee as why should you pay for a test patch for a beauty treatment you may not have?

Lasers and IPLs can be used to treat hair removal on the following areas; Upper lip and chin, bikini line, under arms, legs, chest hair, shoulders and backs. IPL and laser hair removal is suitable for both men and women. Below we have highlighted some of the most common questions we have been asked over the last 10 years working in this industry. If you have any other questions about IPL or laser hair removal in Kent then please contact us on 01622 600020

Does IPL or Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

Having laser or IPL hair removal feels like an elastic band is being gently flicked against the skin while feeling a little bit of heat. It's not painful, but it is an unknown sensation which is why a test patch allows you to feel it before starting hair removal treatment.

How much does it cost?

Hair removal treatments cost from £40, depending on the area to be treated. You can benefit from discounts if you book a course of treatments at the same time. Advance Clinic offers a discount on 5-4-4 so you pay for four hair removal treatments and get the 5th free. If you require further treatments you pay the same rate but treatment by treatment.

How long does a treatment take?

Depending on the are to be treated for hair removal depends on how long the whole treatment takes. Smaller areas are treated in a matter of seconds, but areas such as lower legs and the back take longer. You should be advised of how long the treatment will take at the time of booking.

Are there any side effects?

Some areas may appear slightly redder after a treatment, this usually subsides within a few hours. This will be discussed with you in full during your free consultation. If you are being treated for pigmentation or sun damaged skin then you will notice that the pigment will darken before it breaks down. This is usual and you should not be alarmed.

Is it true I can't have laser or IPL hair removal if I have been out in the sun?

Yes this is true. When you go out in the sun the pigment in your skin changes and it could cause damage if you have an IPL or laser treatment. Your practitioner would talk this through with you during your free consultation.

To book your free consultation in Maidstone please call 01622 600020 and benefit from discounts throughout September and October 2010