View Details
Skin concern
Unwanted Hair
Shaving rash, ingrown hairs and the endless cycle of waxing take time and patience. Diode laser hair removal at our Southwell clinic offers long-term reduction of unwanted facial and body hair, planned around your skin and hair type.
Understanding unwanted hair
In short
Unwanted hair is usually down to genetics, ethnicity and hormones, and some people notice more after pregnancy, around the menopause or with conditions such as PCOS. At Skin Anatomy in Southwell we treat it with diode laser hair removal, which targets pigment in the follicle to reduce regrowth over a course of around 6 to 8 sessions.
Most unwanted hair is completely normal. How much body and facial hair you have is shaped largely by your genes and hormones, and it is common for hair patterns to change after pregnancy, around the menopause or as we age. Temporary methods such as shaving, waxing, threading and epilation all work, but they need repeating every few days or weeks and can cause razor bumps, ingrown hairs, irritation and pigmentation, particularly on the bikini line, underarms, neck and chin.
Diode laser hair removal is based on selective photothermolysis. The laser emits a single, focused wavelength of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. That energy turns to heat in the follicle, disabling its ability to grow hair while the surrounding skin is protected. Because only hairs in the active growth phase respond, and hairs grow in cycles, a course of treatments spaced several weeks apart is needed to reach every follicle.
Laser works best on dark hair and is not effective on white, grey, red or very fair hair, because there is too little pigment to absorb the energy. Results are long-term hair reduction rather than permanent removal: most clients see a large reduction in regrowth, and any hair that returns is usually finer and lighter, with occasional maintenance sessions. Every client has a free consultation and patch test first, and treatment is for adults aged 18 and over.
What causes unwanted hair?
- Genetics and ethnic background
- Hormonal changes in puberty, pregnancy and menopause
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other hormonal conditions
- Some medicines, including certain steroids
- Ageing, which can bring coarser hair on the chin and upper lip
Everyone’s skin is different. At your free consultation we look at the likely causes of your concern, and your medical history, before recommending anything.
How we can help
Treatments for unwanted hair
Many clients get the best results from a combination of treatments. We recommend a plan only after a free, no-obligation consultation — and we will tell you honestly what improvement is realistic.
Our diode laser targets the pigment in each hair to heat and disable the follicle, reducing regrowth on areas such as the upper lip, chin, underarms, bikini line, legs, back and chest. A patch test comes first. Most clients need around 6 to 8 sessions spaced several weeks apart, because hair grows in cycles. You will need to shave the area beforehand and avoid waxing or plucking for about 4 weeks, so the follicle is intact for treatment.
At home
Self-care tips
Simple habits that support your skin alongside — or before — any treatment for unwanted hair.
- Shave rather than wax, pluck or thread for about 4 weeks before laser
- Avoid sunbeds, self-tan and strong sun on the area before treatment
- Exfoliate gently to help prevent ingrown hairs
- Use a clean, sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth
- Apply SPF to treated areas that are exposed to the sun
- Tell us about any medicines you take, as some increase light sensitivity
Have a question?
Unwanted Hair: your questions answered
Will unwanted hair grow back after laser?
Laser hair removal gives long-term hair reduction rather than permanent removal. Most clients see a significant reduction in regrowth after a full course, and any hair that grows back is usually finer and lighter. Hormonal changes can stimulate new growth, so occasional maintenance sessions may be needed.
How long does it take to reduce unwanted hair with laser?
Most people need around 6 to 8 sessions, spaced several weeks apart. Hair grows in cycles and the laser only affects hairs in their active growth phase, so a course is needed to treat every follicle. Facial hair and hormonally driven hair may need more sessions and maintenance.
Does laser hair removal work on grey or blonde hair?
No, laser hair removal is not effective on white, grey, red or very fair hair. The laser relies on pigment in the hair to absorb its energy, so light hairs do not heat enough to disable the follicle. We assess your hair colour honestly at your free consultation.
What does laser hair removal feel like?
Most clients describe it as a warm snapping sensation, like a rubber band flicking the skin, that is very tolerable. Sensitive areas such as the upper lip and bikini line can feel sharper. Comfort varies between people, and treatment of small areas takes only a few minutes.
What should I do before my laser hair removal appointment?
Shave the area the day before, and avoid waxing, plucking, threading or epilating for about 4 weeks beforehand. Avoid tanning, sunbeds and self-tan on the area, and tell us about any new medicines. You will also need a patch test before your first full session.
Can laser help with facial hair caused by PCOS?
Often yes, and many people with PCOS find laser helpful for reducing hair on the chin, jawline and upper lip. Because hormones keep stimulating new follicles, you may need more sessions and regular maintenance. It works best alongside any medical management your GP recommends.
Where can I get laser hair removal near Newark?
Skin Anatomy offers diode laser hair removal at 17 Queen Street in Southwell, around 15 minutes' drive from Newark-on-Trent and within easy reach of Nottingham and Mansfield. Start with a free consultation and patch test to check the treatment suits your skin and hair.
Visiting Skin Anatomy
Easy to reach from across Nottinghamshire
Skin Anatomy is at 17 Queen Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0AA, around 30 minutes from Nottingham, 15 minutes from Newark-on-Trent and 25 minutes from Mansfield by car (approximate). Clients visit us for treatment for unwanted hair from Southwell and the surrounding villages, as well as Nottingham, Newark-on-Trent, Mansfield, Bingham and Ollerton. Find travel and parking tips for your town:
Schedule your visit online
Book your free skin consultation
