Laser Hair Removal is no longer offered by Skin HQ

Hair removal and permanent hair reduction

IPL or intense pulsed light is a hair removal technology introduced in 1997 which produces high intensity light that is rapidly discharged over a very short period of time.

To remove unwanted hair leading to permanent hair reduction, the IPL machine releases precisely controlled high-intensity pulses of filtered light that are absorbed by melanin which is the pigment in hair. The light pulses heat up and destroy the cells responsible for hair growth and this procedure is known to achieve long term hair reduction.

Laser is a source of high energy pulsed radiation used for medical and in particular dermatological applications such as laser hair removal. The long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser uses infrared light at 1064nm, which is ideal for permanent hair reduction for all skin types including type 6 skin (link to Skin Type Chart in PDT section) and for deep-rooted hairs.

Hair growth cycles

Each hair goes through phases of growing, resting, and shedding. Not all of the hairs on our body are in the same phase at the same time. This is why several treatments are required to achieve the desired result of permanent hair reduction.

The three phases of hair growth are called growth (anagen), cessation (catagen), and rest (telogen).

Anagen is the stage at which hairs are in active growth and when melanin synthesis occurs. In addition, anagen hairs are attached to the papilla and at maximum depth within the dermis
Catagen is the stage at which hair growth is arrested but the hair continues to be nourished from the papilla
Telogen is the stage at which hair growth ceases altogether, the hair detaches from the papilla and contracts to almost one-third its original depth. The hair then falls out and the process begins once more starting with the early anagen phase.

Electrolysis hair removal

The Ellman Surgitron system is ideal for treating stubborn or coarse hairs using electrolysis.

Electrolysis for hair removal treatment is available for white, grey, and blonde hair, providing an alternative to IPL and laser, which can only treat pigmented (i.e., black, brown, or red) hair. A fine needle is inserted into the hair follicle before a current of high frequency energy destroys the papillae. The hair then detaches from the papillae. The result is permanent, however some hair follicles may contain multiple papillae stem cells and hairs requiring multiple treatments to ensure permanent hair removal.

Prior to any treatment, all clients receive a full consultation to assess skin health and type and which mode of technology (IPL or Laser) will be the most effective. Clients are also provided with information about the procedure, how it works, realistic expectations, likely outcomes, contraindications, risks, costs involved, and post-treatment care advice.