Penny Dumbleton is the joint owner of the Laser Hair Removal Centre in Bolton, the first in Greater Manchester to introduce the revolutionary LightSheer Duet, a state-of-the-art system specifically designed to remove unwanted hair faster, with less discomfort and more reliably than other methods. The centre offers friendly treatments, in luxury surroundings, for all skin types and for both men and women. Here she explains everything you need to know about laser hair removal. 

“When I tell people what I do for a living I find that there is a tremendous interest, but usually a wariness of the procedure.

Unwanted hair is a huge problem for all of us (well not me anymore!), both men and women. When women have excess facial hair, which is surprisingly very common; it can be a serious psychological problem for them, but even regular areas such as legs, bikini and under arm can be a nuisance if you are regularly having to shave, wax, thread etc. (not to mention costly). Whilst other methods of hair removal have a short term effect, laser hair removal offers a quick, effective and permanent reduction on all areas of the body with the exception of eyebrows.

Laser hair removal works best on dark hair with white skin, however, in recent years the technology has advanced and clinics with an up-to-date laser can treat darker skin types and lighter hair. The treatment will cause a dramatic and permanent hair reduction of around 80-85%, with remaining hair re-growth becoming finer and lighter. Most people who complete a course of treatments (around 6 – 8 treatments) will find they get an extremely effective hair reduction during the course and very little hair re-growth thereafter.

If you are wondering whether or not it hurts, well the honest answer is it feels hot and a bit uncomfortable, but no worse than waxing or threading, and good clinics will have a cooler which keeps the dermis cold whilst the treatment is going on.

These days laser hair removal is very affordable, depending on the clinic of course. If you avoid the chains of clinics which tend to be in city centres, you will be pleasantly surprised at how economical it is especially if you are used to paying for waxing every few weeks.

I’m often asked about the risks which are few and rare. The most common after affect is redness and mild irritation of the skin that can last for a day or so. Slight blistering or crusting can occur but this is rare and usually clears in a few days. With certain skin types changes in skin colour (either darker or lighter) can occur. This would normally settle with time although complete return to normal pigmentation cannot be guaranteed.

If you are considering laser hair removal, before you commit to treatment a reputable centre/clinic will offer you a no obligation consultation (often free). At this consultation you should be obliged to complete a detailed health questionnaire so that the technician can establish that you do not have any contra-indications to the treatment. They should also explain in detail how it works, what you can expect, its potential side effects and the costs. You should also check that they are using a diode laser which is the most effective for hair removal.”

For further information on the laser hair removal procedures at Penny’s clinic, the Laser Hair Removal Centre, contact info@lhrc-bolton.com