This article is a translation of the original French article “5 questions que vous vous posez sur l'épilation laser” and is intended for the French market. Treatments, availability and prices may differ at our London clinic.
1. Laser hair removal: a more economical option than waxing?
Although waxing may seem cheaper in the short term, the costs add up over time, as it has to be repeated regularly. For a rough estimate, let us assume you wax each area (bikini, half legs, underarms) every 4 weeks. You start at the age of 20 and continue until 60. Given that on average 3 pots of wax are needed per session, that represents 1,440 pots of wax saved over a lifetime, or €14,400 if we estimate a pot at €10. So laser hair removal is indeed far more economical than waxing.
2. Is laser hair removal really effective and suitable for all skin types?
At Innerskin, we use the Clarity II laser, a latest-generation dual-wavelength Alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser, which allows hair removal in winter as well as summer, for all skin phototypes.
- For fair skin and dark hair, the practitioner will opt for the Alexandrite.
- For olive or dark skin, they will turn to the Nd:YAG.
What is more, the Clarity II is a so-called "intelligent" laser that leaves no hair behind. Thanks to its intelligent roller system, the laser knows where and when to fire. And it moves twice as fast as the average.
Because of their very low melanin concentration, very blonde, white or red hairs cannot be removed with laser hair removal. However, electrolysis is a very good alternative.
The results of laser hair removal are described as permanent insofar as the hair follicle targeted by the laser is destroyed and therefore unable to regrow hair. In most cases, and when the treatment has been carried out correctly, hair does not grow back on the treated areas. Depending on age and hormonal changes, new hairs may appear. In this case, you can have an annual touch-up session if necessary.
3. How many laser hair removal sessions are needed for lasting results?
On average, 6 to 8 sessions spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart are needed to remove hair from the treated area for the long term. It is also advisable to keep to a maximum interval of 12 weeks between two sessions.
The hair growth cycle takes place in three phases. The hairs in a given area are never all in the same phase of the hair cycle at the same time. This is why several laser sessions are necessary, in order to target all the hairs in the area during their growth phase.
4. Is laser hair removal a painful treatment?
Laser hair removal treatments are no longer painful as they were a few years ago. The sensations felt are generally bearable, similar to the snap of an elastic band, and disappear quickly. The Clarity II laser is equipped with a pulsed cold air system, which reduces the feeling of discomfort with each laser pulse and soothes the skin.
5. Are there any risks with laser hair removal treatment?
Your laser hair removal sessions always begin with a medical consultation, which helps avoid any risks, incompatibilities or side effects.
Once contraindications have been ruled out, the laser is safe and we adjust the settings to avoid any risk of burns.
In short, Innerskin has selected the best laser on the market, the Clarity II, to treat all skin colours effectively, safely and painlessly.
