It’s Not Me, It’s You: Why It’s Time to Ditch Your Razor
We’re not complaining about the sudden appearance of the sun (long may it last!), but we can’t be the only ones who’ve been thrown into a flurry of frantic hair removal activity. Whether it’s reaching for the razor or begging your go-to waxer to squeeze you in, it can feel like you’ve taken on a second job just to be able to keep some spontaneity in your outfit choices.
Well, take some comfort from knowing you’re not alone. 85% of women in the UK regularly use hair removal methods¹, spending an average of between £189 and £359 a year just to stay smooth². Across 60 years of hair removal that’s a spend of up to £21,540. Take into account that the average UK woman will spend 8 weeks of her life shaving¹, and suddenly the size of the commitment to a hair free life becomes very clear.
So how do we avoid the fate of losing 56 days of our life and a year's salary to shaving foam and a Bic? It’s all about the laser.
What is laser hair removal and how does it work?
Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light to create targeted damage to hair follicles and consequently reduce hair growth. The concentrated beam of light (laser) is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair. This light energy is converted into heat, which travels down to the hair follicle. The heat damages the follicle, inhibiting or delaying future hair growth.
As with many areas of medical aesthetics, we’re lucky to live in the time we do. Laser hair removal as a concept began in the 60s, but due to difficulties in controlling the laser beam (gulp) the treatment wasn’t able to come to market until the 90s³. Since then it’s come on leaps and bounds. Today's technology is quick, painless and effective.
Benefits of laser hair removal
For anyone who’s experienced the myriad drawbacks of shaving, waxing, and depilatory solutions, it won’t be hard to believe that hair removal can be improved. Luckily, the benefits of laser are many and include:
Long-lasting results: unlike other options out there, laser hair removal targets the hair follicle to reduce regrowth, rather than just removing the hair that’s already grown. Because of this, most people experience a dramatic and lasting reduction in hair density, especially after a full course of treatment. With occasional top ups you can maintain smooth skin for months or even years (making those daily shaving sessions suddenly sound even more unappealing).
Precision and effectiveness: targeting individual follicles means surrounding skin remains damage free, and means laser hair treatment can be used for small areas (such as the upper lip or bikini line), and larger areas, always delivering consistent results whether you’re tidying up your bikini line or tackling a full body treatment.
Reduced ingrown hairs: There’s nothing more frustrating than going through the rigmarole of shaving or waxing only to find when it’s time to don your swimsuit your bikini line is playing host to a group of ingrown hairs. By weakening follicles, laser hair removal actually reduces the chance of ingrown hairs, ensuring the area remains hair, blemish and pain free.
Time and cost savings: we’re sure the stats from above are still reverberating in your mind so we won’t repeat how much time and money you’re likely to spend over a lifetime of hair removal, but despite the upfront cost, laser hair removal can save you both time and money in the long run. No more weekly shaving or monthly waxing, just long lasting smoothness.
Suitable for most skin types: advancements in laser technology mean that people with a wider range of skin tones and hair types can now benefit from laser hair removal.
Reduced environmental impact: despite its use of electricity during treatment, laser hair removal is thought to have a reduced environmental impact over time when compared to other hair removal methods. By reducing the use of disposable plastics, the carbon footprint generated by the manufacture and shipping of hair removal products, and the reduced use of chemical compounds, laser hair removal is the green way to go smooth.
Can anyone have laser hair removal?
At Elevate we use the DiolazeXL, known for being one of the most advanced and inclusive hair removal technologies available, however there are still a few cases where laser hair removal may not be effective or appropriate, such as those with very light or grey hair, and those with certain skin conditions. Our experienced clinicians are always happy to discuss your requirements and guide you in making the best choice for your needs.
Which areas can be treated?
Laser hair removal can be suitable for:
Face
Arms
Back
Torso
Bikini area
Neck
Legs
Shoulders
What to expect from a treatment course
The number of treatments needed, and the length of each session will depend on the areas being treated and your skin tone and hair colour, but the average course is 6 to 8 treatments, 4 to 6 weeks apart. Because we use the DiolazeXL our session times are normally 20-30 minutes, nearly half the time of most laser hair removal sessions! Before any treatment is started, you’ll have a free consultation with one of our clinicians to talk through what your goals from treatment are, so we can formulate a tailored plan that works for you.
Before your sessions, you’ll need to avoid sun exposure and fake tan, and will also need to avoid any waxing/plucking/threading. Shaving 24 hours before your session will mean the hair follicle can be targeted more effectively, improving results. The sessions themselves are pain free and involve no down time, so you can get back to your routine straight away.
Are there any risks?
In the right hands and with the right tools, laser hair removal is a very safe procedure.
At Elevate, all our laser hair removal is performed by laser-trained, advanced aestheticians, and uses some of the most state of the art technology on the market, making it an incredibly safe treatment option.
Some clients may experience some redness, mild swelling, and sensitivity around the hair follicles in the immediate post treatment period, but this will normally resolve within a few hours.
Can’t I do laser hair removal at home?
Devices often marketed as ‘at home laser hair removal’ are likely to be IPL (intensive Pulse Light) devices. They work on a similar principle to laser hair removal - using light to damage the hair follicles - but they use a much less targeted light, meaning results can be variable and will often require regular repeated sessions. While they can be a great alternative to shaving and waxing for those wishing to use an at home treatment, they shouldn’t be confused with laser hair removal.
So, if you think it’s time to save yourself a lot of time, money, and hassle, and enjoy not just a smooth summer but a smooth foreseeable future, book your free consultation now!
References:
Wheat, A. and Radbourne, M., 2015. Hair removal: a summary of techniques with a particular emphasis on the importance and versatility of electrolysis. PMFA News, 2(2), Dec/Jan. [Accessed online 14th May 2025]
Basiadima, M., 2011. Brief history into laser hair removal. [blog] London Premier Laser & Skin Clinic, 20 December. Available at:https://londonpremierlaser.co.uk/blog/brief-history-into-laser-hair-removal/ [Accessed 14 May 2025].