Cambridge Skin & Laser Clinic offer four different laser systems (Alexandrite, Diode, Ruby, Nd:YAG) and IPL to ensure optimal hair removal.

Our Hair removal lasers

Because we offer the entire range of hair removal lasers and IPL we can truly recommend the system that is best suited to your individual hair and skin type.

Effectivness Of Different Lasers For Varying Hair Types And Skin Colour

Pulse Width Relation To Skin Colour And Hair Thickness

How does hair grow?

Hair is made up of a shaft and a root. The shaft is the hair you see and the root is buried beneath the skin. The normal growth cycle of hair includes anagen (active hair growth), telogen (resting phase), and catagen (where the hair falls out). The length of the cycle varies but continues throughout an individual’s lifetime.

How does the treatment work?

Lasers and IPLs deliver a short burst of light onto the skin’s surface. The light is converted into heat at the hair follicle. Heating the follicle stops any further regrowth of the hair. Lasers emit high energy at one specific wavelength (colour) in a single beam of light. Intense pulse light (IPL) is broadband light energy that delivers hundreds of wavelengths (or colours) in a single discharge. The light is passed through filters to produce red light at 650 – 950nm. If the hair is in its growth stage (anagen) the heat can be transmitted down the hair shaft to the base of the follicle destroying the germination centre responsible for its regrowth.

How many treatments are needed?

On average 3 to 6 treatments are needed at 6 to 10 week intervals. The exact number of treatments depends on several factors including hair colour, skin colour, hair density and the site of hair growth.

Can all hair colours be treated?

Lasers and IPL work best on dark hair because the pigment melanin absorbs the laser light. Fair hair can respond well, but white hair, grey hair, very blond hair and some types of red hair respond poorly to lasers and IPL’s unless stained using a special melanin encapsulating solution.

Can all parts of the body be treated?

Using the latest laser technology we are able to treat all areas of the body quickly, safely and effectively.

Is the treatment permanent?

The permanence of laser hair removal is often questioned. In practice no single laser system destroys all hair follicles. Some follicles are destroyed, others are miniaturized and some enter a prolonged resting phase. It is possible that with a sufficient number of treatments, true permanent hair removal can be achieved.

What other treatment methods are available?

There are a number of traditional methods of removing unwanted hair; shaving, plucking, waxing, depilatory creams and electrolysis – all of which can be painful, time consuming or only temporarily effective.

Is the treatment painful?

Powerful cooling devices lower the skin’s surface temperature during the procedure ensuring that most patients experience no more than a mild stinging sensation. We also have lasers that deliver painless hair removal when treating sensitive areas such as bikini, underarms and upper lip.

Are there any after-effects following treatment?

Redness, and some discomfort of the area (like sunburn) may be present for the first few days following treatment. Blistering may occur in a small minority of patients, and this settles without treatment in a few days. Rarely, the pigment in the skin may be affected resulting in the treated area appearing lighter or darker. This almost certainly settles in time.

What is SHR technology?

Most people are now aware that lasers are the ‘gold standard’ method of hair removal but the most common patient complaint is the pain of the procedure. Not any more.

The SHR uses a series of low fluence, high repetition pulses to increase the temperature of both the hair follicle and the surrounding nourishing tissue to 45°C. This gradual heat delivery uses the surrounding tissue as a ‘reservoir’ to heat the follicle. This, along with the heat energy absorbed directly damages the follicle and prevents regrowth.

The result is superb hair removal without pain. On average only 4 sessions are needed at 8-10 week intervals and the treatment is suitable for all hair and skin types. This latest technology is now available at no extra cost.

Who performs the treatment?

All procedures at Cambridge Skin & Laser Clinic are performed by fully qualified doctors and nurses. We do not employ therapists or technicians to operate our laser systems.

Is laser treatment safe?

There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that laser treatment can lead to skin disorders or an increased risk of skin cancer. Our laser centre is registered with the Healthcare Commission, ensuring the highest level of safety for our patients.

Our lasers are fully cleared by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have full CE clearance in Europe.

The initial consultation is free of charge with no obligation to undergo treatment. Costs vary depending on the area treated.

Please Note: Prices quoted are per session and are an approximate guide only. If you require a more accurate pricing prior to consultation, please contact us directly. Although laser treatment may seem expensive, one must bear in mind the enormous acquisition and maintenance costs of the laser devices.