Hair concern
Unwanted Hair
Unwanted hair is persistent hair growth on the face or body that causes ongoing maintenance burden, skin irritation or distress. Laser hair removal uses targeted light energy to damage the follicle and reduce regrowth permanently over a course of sessions. Professional waxing removes hair from the root for a clean result that lasts two to four weeks. The right approach depends on your skin tone, hair colour, the area, and how much permanence you want.
Understanding the cause
What's happening in your skin
Shaving works above the skin. Laser works at the follicle.
Temporary methods cannot physically reach the follicle. Laser can, and that difference in depth is the difference between a short reprieve and permanent reduction.
Hair growth is governed by androgens, genetics and follicle density. The follicle itself is the relevant unit: each one cycles independently through active growth, transition and rest phases, and will produce hair indefinitely unless the follicle is damaged or the hormonal signal driving it is removed. Temporary methods such as shaving, threading and depilatory creams work at or above the skin surface. They do not reach the follicle, so regrowth reappears within days. Professional waxing removes the hair from the root, which interrupts the cycle for two to four weeks and weakens the follicle incrementally over time. Laser targets the follicle directly. The difference in outcome over twelve months is significant.
Hormonal and genetic factors drive persistent regrowth
Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common hormonal driver in women, producing persistent facial and body hair that can return between waxing sessions within days.
Several factors increase hair growth beyond what a person would choose. Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common hormonal driver in women, producing persistent facial and body hair that can return between waxing sessions within days. Natural androgen shifts during and after menopause have a similar effect. Certain medications, including some hormonal therapies and corticosteroids, can increase hair growth as a side effect. In other cases it is simply genetic: higher follicle density in visible areas, running through families.
Where a hormonal cause exists, laser reduces the burden. It does not treat the cause.
A GP referral for investigation runs alongside laser treatment, not instead of it. We flag this at your consultation if it is relevant.
Where there is an underlying hormonal driver, laser hair removal reduces the maintenance burden significantly. It does not address the hormone. For clients with conditions such as PCOS, laser reduces how often removal is needed rather than resolving the underlying condition. A GP referral for hormonal investigation runs alongside treatment, not instead of it. We will flag this at your consultation if it is relevant.
