A complete guide for the consumer containing important information on laser hair removal.

Am I a candidate for laser hair removal? 
Laser hair removal is not for everyone. In general the requirement is that ones hair must be darker than the surrounding skin. Additionally, very darkly pigmented people may absorb too much laser energy in their skin and may not be candidates. Tanned patients with light hair are not candidates. Tanned patients with dark hair must wait until their tan fades a little before they can be treated. Lastly, the treatment cost should be within reach of the patient. Laser hair removal, although much less expensive than electrolysis, requires multiple treatments, which may cost from £300 up to £1,000 in total for large areas.

What will laser hair removal cost? 
Treatment cost varies with the size of the area treated. Experienced laser centres, which have developed expertise in laser hair removal, generally average £200 for medium sized areas, with an initial 4 to 5 sessions recommended. Large areas, such as an entire back or entire legs can cost over £350 per treatment. Small areas such as an upper lip can be as little as £85 with small patches costing just £50. Individual consultation with the laser centre is necessary to obtain exact pricing. 

Influence of skin colour on laser hair removal. 
Light skin makes laser hair removal easier to perform. Fewer treatments are required, and better, faster results are obtained. 

Influence of hair colour on laser hair removal. 
Dark hair absorbs more laser energy and is easier to treat. Coarse dark hair responds the best to laser hair removal. Light hair is more difficult to treat. Blonde or red hair is very difficult to treat. Multiple treatment sessions are required and results are variable. Blonde or red hair usually contains pheomelanin, which absorbs laser energy less avidly than the eumelanin, which is present in black or brown hair. 

Laser hair removal requires multiple treatments.
Although one laser session can produce long-term hair removal, as a rule multiple sessions are necessary to obtain optimal results. This is due mainly to the fact that laser hair removal is most effective for hair in the anagen phase; this is the growth phase of hair. Since hair grows in cycles, not all the hairs are in anagen at any given time. Additional sessions are necessary to catch all of the hairs when they are in this stage.

What areas can be treated?
Any area, except adjacent to the eye, where there is excess hair. The most common areas requested are: - 
The Face - upper lip, chin, cheeks and neck.
The Body - underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line, legs, arms and chest.

Myths 1:
Guarantees in laser hair removal. 
It is impossible to predict the exact result a patient will achieve with laser hair removal, especially with regard to how many sessions a given individual will require. Many of the hair removal clinics, which guaranteed results, have gone out of business. Like most reputable medical practices, the most established laser hair removal clinics do not guarantee results.

Myths 2:
Discount laser hair removal clinics. 
Established medical centres with excellent reputations do not discount their fees. Patients know their reputations and rely upon their experience and expertise. The same is true for laser hair removal. Consumers are advised, as with all forms of medical care, to seek the centre of highest quality, rather than lowest cost. Stand alone clinics who specialise in laser treatments, as opposed to operators who rent space in salons, can provide patients with the assurance of long term individual attention, experience and a trained, caring, professional staff. 

Myths 3: 
Laser hair removal limitation of effectiveness. 
Contrary to the statements of those unfamiliar with this new technology, laser hair removal is effective when properly performed for the greatest majority of candidates. Non-responders are usually limited to those with blond or red hair. 

Qualifications of laser hair removal personnel. 
A laser clinic should be registered with the local health authority under the provisions of the Registered Homes act 1984. This act requires that a qualified laser operator can only perform treatment using laser. 

Importance of experience in selecting a laser hair removal facility.
Experience is crucial in selecting the proper laser parameters to use for any given area for any individual patient. Centres with the most experience generally have the best results.

Tanning and laser hair removal.
Tanning and laser hair removal are not compatible. Tanning prior to the procedure will necessitate turning the power down, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. 

Adverse treatment reactions. 
There are no adverse effects with the Polaris laser. Some patients may experience a slight reddening of the skin but this usually subsides within an hour or so.

Laser Hair Removal - Children
It is the policy of Dunham Consulting that we do not treat children under the age of 18 for hair removal unless there are predisposed circumstances. We would require the presence of a parent or guardian and their written consent.

Laser hair removal for Afro- Caribbean skin.
The darker one's skin the more difficult it is to obtain adequate results from laser hair removal. The darker one's skin the more sessions are required and the greater the chance of adverse results. Laser hair removal can be successful for Afro-Caribbean’s with light skin and coarse dark hair. The operator will advise you at your consultation appointment.

Laser hair removal for other people of colour.
The best results are obtained when the hair to be treated is considerably darker than the surrounding skin. Also coarse hair is easier to remove. Fine, light hair in people of colour is difficult to remove.

Who should not have laser hair removal?
Patients with a recently acquired dark tan. Blondes or redheads with any recent tan. People of colour with fine, light hair. Anyone who cannot afford multiple sessions (one treatment is rarely adequate). 

How to assess a laser hair removal facility.
Is the clinic registered with the local health authority? Is it a stand-alone centre specialising in laser treatments? Is the atmosphere professional? What type of laser does the clinic use? 

LASER EQUIPMENT COMPARISON 
The following comparison of the most commonly used laser hair removal equipment is based on publicly available information, technical data and interviews with customers and practitioners in the US and UK. During the past year it has become increasingly apparent that consumer satisfaction with laser hair removal treatments depends on many factors in addition to the type of laser used - laser technician training and experience, consumer expectations, skin type, hair colour etc. 

Skin Types: 1 Very Fair 2 Fair 3 Medium 4 Asian 5 Dark 6 Very dark

For more information we can be contacted on: 
Email: info@dunham-consulting.co.uk
Telephone: 0161 928 3425

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