Unwanted hair is something many of us deal with in one form or another. But for some people, managing facial or body hair becomes far more than an occasional inconvenience – influencing what they wear, whether they go swimming or even how they plan their social lives.
And with everything from razors and waxing to home IPL devices and professional laser treatments promising smoother skin, it isn't always easy to know which option is right for you.
SoGlos speaks to Karina Thomas, founder of ProSkin Clinic & Health UK in Gloucester, about some of the casuses behind unwanted hair, the mistakes people commonly make when trying to remove it and what to realistically expect from professional laser hair removal.
How common is unwanted hair and what causes it?
Unwanted hair is incredibly common. We see people of all ages who are bothered by hair on areas including the face, legs, underarms, bikini line, back and chest.
For some people, it's simply how their hair naturally grows, with genetics playing a big part. Hormonal changes can also affect hair growth, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, while conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be a factor too.
If someone suddenly notices a significant change in their hair growth, particularly alongside other symptoms, I'd always recommend speaking to their GP.
What are the main ways to remove unwanted hair?
There are lots of options and they work in different ways.
Shaving removes hair at the skin's surface, while waxing, threading and epilating pull it out from the root. Hair removal creams dissolve the hair. These methods can work well, but they need to be repeated regularly as the hair grows back.
Electrolysis treats individual hairs, making it useful for smaller areas or hairs that laser cannot effectively target.
Laser hair removal works differently, using light energy to target the hair follicle. Over a course of treatments, it can significantly reduce the amount of hair that grows back.
What's the difference between laser hair removal and IPL?
Laser and IPL are often confused, but they're not the same thing. Laser uses a specific type of light, while IPL uses a broader range.
With professional laser systems, different wavelengths can be used to suit different skin types. That's important because lighter and darker skin tones need to be treated differently.
At ProSkin, we offer both options and can choose the most appropriate wavelength and settings for each client rather than treating everyone in exactly the same way.
The important thing isn't simply having laser treatment – it's making sure the technology and settings are appropriate for your individual skin and hair.
Can laser hair removal get rid of unwanted hair permanently?
I prefer to describe laser as long-term hair reduction rather than promising that every single hair will disappear forever.
That said, we do see fantastic longlasting results. After completing a full course, many clients experience a major reduction in hair growth, with any remaining hair often becoming finer, lighter and much less noticeable.
Some people then only need an occasional top-up – perhaps once every one or two years – to maintain their results.
Everyone is different, though. Hormones, pregnancy, menopause, medication and some health conditions can trigger new hair growth, so results and maintenance will vary.
Why do you need several laser hair removal sessions?
It comes down to the way hair grows.
Individual hairs go through different stages and laser works best during the active growth stage. At any one appointment, only some of the hairs in the treatment area will be at that point in their growth cycle.
As different hairs enter the active stage over the following weeks, repeating treatment at carefully planned intervals allows us to target another group.
At ProSkin we generally recommend starting with a course of around six treatments, although some people will need more depending on the area being treated, their hair type, hormones and how their body responds.
Does laser hair removal work for everyone?
Skin tone and hair type make a big difference.
Darker, thicker hairs generally respond very well because laser is attracted to the pigment in the hair. White, grey and very blonde hairs don't contain enough pigment for most lasers to target effectively.
Skin tone matters too. Darker skin contains more pigment, meaning the laser and settings need to be selected carefully to target the hair while protecting the skin.
Certain areas can also be more influenced by hormones. Facial hair, for example, may require a different treatment plan from areas such as the legs or underarms.
It's one of the reasons a thorough consultation before treatment is so important.
What mistakes do people make when removing hair at home?
Picking or digging at ingrown hairs is one of the biggest. It can leave skin sore and inflamed and, in some cases, cause pigmentation or scarring.
With home IPL devices, people can assume using them more frequently or at a higher setting will achieve faster results, but that's not necessarily the case. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Another mistake is waxing or plucking before professional laser treatment. Laser needs the follicle intact to target it, which is why clients are usually asked to shave instead.
Sun exposure and fake tan can also affect whether laser treatment can be carried out safely, so it's important to follow the advice you're given before an appointment.
What should you look for when choosing a laser hair removal clinic?
You should feel confident that the practitioner understands your skin and hair type.
Ask what type of laser is being used, whether it's suitable for your skin tone and what training the practitioner has undertaken.
A proper consultation should cover your medical history, medication, skin type and any previous reactions before treatment begins. You should be able to ask questions without feeling rushed or pressured into going ahead.
A responsible practitioner should also be prepared to postpone treatment if they don't believe it can be carried out safely that day.
Ultimately, it comes down to the right technology and a properly trained person who knows how to use it safely.
What's the one thing you wish more people knew about unwanted hair?
That it often isn't really just about the hair! We meet so many people who have spent years planning around it. They avoid certain clothes, worry about swimming, constantly check whether they need to shave, struggle with painful ingrown hairs or organise their diary around their next wax.
When laser treatment works well, one of the biggest changes clients talk about is simply not having to think about their hair all the time.
For many people, that freedom is just as important as the hair reduction itself.
Ready to find out if laser hair removal could work for you?
Visit the ProSkin Clinic & Health UK website proskin-clinic.co.uk to find out more about laser hair removal and book a consultation at its Gloucester clinic.
