A hair removal option that can save you time, money and reduce your impact on the planet – it’s what we’re all searching for, right? Gen Zs and Millennials everywhere will know the struggle is real when it comes to the fight against stubbly legs, unsightly armpit hair and unruly bikini lines. But thankfully, when it comes to convenience, effectiveness and sustainably, laser hair removal ticks all the boxes and more.
When traditional hair removal methods just aren’t cutting it
Did you start your battle against unwanted hair growth in high school? Like most other Gen Zs and Millennials, you probably started out using an electric shaver and razors, before experimenting with waxing, sugaring, chemical depilatory creams or epilating in the search for an effective hair removal option that worked for you.
But now you’ve past your teens and entered your twenties and thirties, you have greater challenges that take priority. Work, studies, fitness and social commitments mean you’re always on the go and your usual hair removal methods just don’t fit the bill anymore. They’re just too time-consuming and the need for regular upkeep can be too much to keep up with!
Throw the unpredictable Scottish weather into the mix, (you can be baring your legs in a dress one day and wrapping up in layers the next), and it’s around this age that most young people realise it’s time for something radically different.
Life is busy! Save time with laser hair removal
More and more people just like you are realising that laser hair removal is the ideal alternative. Suitable for targeting unwanted hair on the legs, underarms, face or bikini line, most people require a course of just six to eight sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, to achieve their desired results – followed by a few annual maintenance treatments. The result is a long-lasting reduction in hair growth.
Just think of the hours you’ll save in comparison to shaving daily or booking monthly waxing appointments. Imagine waking up in the morning and not needing to make time for shaving before heading to work. Or being able to hit the gym or spontaneously meet friends without worrying about stubble. It’s a huge advantage for people like you who lead busy, modern, full lives.
The amount of money you’ll save by the time you reach your 40s will shock you
And it’s not just time you’ll save when you switch to laser hair removal. The financially savvy amongst you will realise that although laser hair removal has a higher initial investment compared to traditional methods, it offers significant savings in the long run, and in fact it could save you thousands of pounds by the time you reach your 40s.
Think about it, you don’t need to keep adding razors, foams and creams to your weekly shopping bill, or paying for monthly waxing appointments. You just book the occasional maintenance appointment once you've completed a course, so it’s a much more cost-effective solution. You’re probably spending far more than you realise on shaving or waxing.
One report showed women who shave spend £6,500 over the course of their lifetime managing unwanted hair, and those who wax spend £23,000 (Ref 1). We all know that waxing treatments at salons can be even more expensive in urban areas like Edinburgh, where the cost of living is higher. So, you will save money when you invest in treatments from a professional clinic using a medical-grade laser operated by skilled staff – like at the DRVICTORIA™ Clinic.
IPL versus laser hair removal – it’s not the same thing!
Laser hair removal should never be confused with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal which is not the same technology. IPL hair removal is outdated, less comfortable and less efficient. Some clinics market their services as laser hair removal when in fact they are using an IPL machine – so make sure you do your research.
Good quality home IPL devices for hair removal cost roughly the equivalent of a course of laser hair removal at a clinic, but they don’t give you any of the time-saving benefits of getting it done by a professional. In fact, there are several reasons why they’re not an effective solution:
- Power and precision: Medical-grade lasers are far more powerful than home IPL devices and achieve deeper penetration into the hair follicle. This higher energy targets the hair root more effectively, leading to better long-term results and faster hair reduction. Home devices operate at far lower energy levels to ensure safety for home use, making them less efficient.
- Wavelength and targeting: Medical-grade lasers have specific wavelengths that are optimized for hair removal on various skin types. Home devices use broad-spectrum light, which scatters and is less targeted, making them less efficient.
- Treatment speed and coverage: Medical-grade lasers cover larger areas in less time. Home devices have small treatment windows, making the process more time-consuming and more difficult for you to target all areas.
- Customisation: Medical-grade lasers allow customisation based on skin tone, hair colour and hair thickness. At the DRVICTORIA™ Clinic, we can adjust the settings on our laser to suit each client’s specific needs. You can’t do this on a home device, which makes them less effective, and in some cases, inappropriate for certain skin or hair types.
Personalised precision
Laser technology is continuing to advance all the time. The first lasers weren’t as effective for darker skin tones or hair that was not very dark, but this has changed. Today, medical-grade lasers can cater to almost all skin tones and hair shades, from light brown to jet black, and hair thickness from fine to coarse. They are also far safer, and the treatments are more comfortable.
Personalisation is key to achieving good results. Here at the DRVICTORIA™ Clinic, we tailor treatments based on individual skin type, hair texture, and the area of the body being treated. Whether you're targeting a small area like the upper lip or larger areas like your legs or back, the precision of laser hair removal ensures maximum effectiveness with minimal discomfort.
Improved skin health and reduced irritation
Many people, particularly those with sensitive skin, experience skin irritation from regular shaving and waxing. Ingrown hairs, razor bumps and even skin infections can be common problems. Waxing can also cause redness, bruising and even burns if not done properly.
Laser hair removal significantly reduces the likelihood of skin issues like ingrown hairs, as it permanently reduces hair follicles causing these issues. Since the laser targets the hair follicle and not the surrounding skin, there’s much less irritation compared to other methods. In fact, after a course of laser hair removal, clients often find that their skin feels smoother, more even-toned, and free of irritation.
For those with sensitive skin, laser hair removal is often recommended as the least invasive and least irritating method of hair removal available. Over time, the skin can heal from years of shaving-related damage, resulting in a healthier and more radiant appearance. However, if you have sensitive skin less powerful laser settings may be advisable requiring more treatments, but you will still achieve the end goal.
Laser hair removal – the environmentally friendly choice
Today, we’re all more environmentally conscious and have greater awareness of climate change and the need to reduce our plastic waste. Traditional hair removal methods, such as the use of disposable razors, shaving creams and wax strips, generate a considerable amount of plastic waste, much of which is non-recyclable. The UK alone disposes millions of razors annually. Just think what an impact that’s having on our planet.
Laser hair removal, however, is a much greener option in the long run. Once your course is complete, you’ll use far fewer razors, creams or wax strips. This reduction in personal waste is a significant advantage for the eco-conscious who want to reduce their environmental footprint. Many of our Gen Z and Millennial patients are already making sustainable choices in other areas of their lives, such as fashion and diet, so choosing laser hair removal fits in with their values.
Social media influence – the three T’s
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube have played a huge role in making laser hair removal more popular among younger generations. Influencers, beauty bloggers and celebrities often share their positive experiences with laser hair removal, helping to demystify the process and encourage others to try it.
This level of transparency and access to information means that you can research the procedure, compare clinics, and make informed decisions based on real-life experiences shared online. BUT make sure you are considering in your research the following aspects:
- Training: Is the reviewer trained in laser hair removal and providing advice based on their level of competency? If not, they could be providing incorrect information or even dangerous advice.
- Technology: Is the reviewer using, or had a treatment, using a medical-grade laser? Copycat and IPL machines will not provide the same experience and outcomes.
- Treatment plan: If the reviewer was a patient, did they complete a course and follow the aftercare procedures? Remember a single session is not going to show results.
Your laser hair removal FAQs answered
Intrigued by laser hair removal but want to know more? Here are a few frequently asked questions to put your mind at ease.
Why do I need a patch test?
This is to see how your hair and skin reacts to the laser energy and provides a baseline on which we will start your treatment settings to ensure safety and effectiveness. It is also UK regulatory requirement to protect patients.
How do I know the treatment plan is working?
It takes at least two treatments before you can start to see results. For most patients, their hair will grow slower, become finer and more sporadic, until eventually only a little is left.
How do I improve results?
You can improve results with gentle exfoliation three days after your treatment and ensure that your treatments are regularly spaced according to the timeframe appropriate for the body area being treated. For example, areas of the face should be treated roughly very four to five weeks and those of the body every six to eight weeks – this is because hair grows at different cycle rates in different areas of your body.
What hair responds best?
Typically dark, coarse, fast-growing hair on the face, underarms and bikini usually responds best.
How do I prevent complications?
You should ensure the area to be treated has fresh clean skin without any products or fake tan on it. Importantly you should avoid direct strong sun exposure to the area for four weeks prior to treatment. Any you must also use SPF50 sun protection on the area during your course – even in Scotland!
Why do I need annual maintenance treatments?
The term “laser hair removal” often creates false expectations. Laser treatments permanently reduce hair growth by permanently reducing the number of hair follicles, BUT they will not permanently remove all hair. About 80% reduction is achievable for most patients over a course of six to eight treatments, with any remaining hair being much finer and less noticeable. This makes managing your hair much easier. Annual maintenance treatments will reduce the appearance of hair even further.
And remember, individual results will vary and hormonal changes can stimulate new hair growth. Women who suffer with PCOS will also need ongoing treatments – however laser treatments can make the hair growth easier to manage.
Can you treat my grey, blond or red hairs?
Hair that is grey, blonde, or red lacks enough melanin for the laser energy to effectively target and destroy the hair follicles, making laser treatments less effective for these colours. If your hair is any of these shades, we recommend electrolysis as a more suitable alternative.
Is laser hair removal right for you?
Laser hair removal is suitable for many, many people, but is not right for everyone. So, it is important you choose the right provider.
Do your research and choose wisely
Laser hair removal was once seen as a luxury treatment but advances mean results can be achieved in shorter treatment plans, reducing the overall cost. However, make sure you have done your research! Providers offering IPL treatments or large discounts cannot be delivering a professional service given the large investment costs – medical-grade lasers typically cost £100,000 per machine and training skilled laser aestheticians typically costs several thousands. So, check the equipment and staff training of these providers and ensure they are not luring you in with cheap offers that then require 16 to 24 treatments with ever increasing prices!
Book a consultation and let’s have a chat
In contrast to the providers mentioned above, all the laser aestheticians at the DRVICTORIA™ Clinic are professionally trained to the highest standards, we invest in the professional medical-grade laser technology, we uphold exemplary safety standards, we treat women and men of all skin tones, and we understand how to create tailored treatment plans to address each patient’s individual needs.
Want to know if laser hair removal is right for you? Book a consultation and test patch so we can chat about your concerns and provide honest advice. We can help you put an end to the wasted time, money and environmental impact associated with shaving and waxing, and start you on your journey to better, smoother, fuzz-free skin.
Hannah
Author's experience
Aesthetician Hannah has helped countless patients achieve smooth skin thanks to her professional knowledge of laser hair removal and her commitment to devising personalised plans that put patient needs at the heart of every treatment.
References:
- Harpers Bazaar: This is how much women spend on hair removal in their lifetime, Thornhill, 2017
Resource Links:
- Wiley Online Library: Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Laser Hair Removal With the Long-Pulsed 755 nm Wavelength Laser: A Two-Center Study With 948 Patients, Russe, Purschke, Herold, Sakamoto, Wechselberger, Russe-Wilflingseder, 2019
- National Library of Medicine, Laser Hair Removal, Vaidya, Hohman, Kumar
- ResearchGate, Biological and Clinical Aspects in Laser Hair Removal, Lepselter and Elman, 2004
