How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost In The UK?
Laser Hair Removal costs vary on the area of your body that you want hair removed from. Learn about the average prices of Laser Hair Removal in the UK.
Laser Hair Removal (LHR) is one of the most sought-after non-invasive aesthetic treatments for women and men alike. The global Laser Hair Removal industry is growing and is expected to be US $3.4 billion by 2026, according to market experts Acumen Research and Consulting.
One survey of 2,000 women revealed that Laser Hair Removal was the top desired treatment in England, whilst another revealed that 46% of British men aged 16-24 removed hair from their bodies. It has also been suggested that it is the most common treatment modality sought by sufferers to help manage the visible symptoms of PCOS.
The buoyant growth that the industry is enjoying can be attributed in part to technological advances that have enabled Laser Hair Removal to become even quicker, more convenient, and more affordable than before – enabling the fast treatment of larger areas with minimal discomfort and no downtime.
From a revenue perspective, Laser Hair Removal treatments can prove to be profitable for clinic owners as they are often a patients’ first foray into the world of aesthetics. This gives practitioners the opportunity to expand their patient base, penetrate new demographics and increase the opportunities of upselling additional treatments whilst simultaneously strengthening other revenue streams.
What Exactly is Laser Hair Removal And How Does It Work?
Based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, Laser Hair Removal targets the entire hair structure, from the hair shaft down to the follicle. Light energy with a specific wavelength is absorbed by the endogenous chromosphere melanin, resulting in the rapid heating and subsequent local thermal necrosis of the follicles’ regenerative structures.
To achieve permanent hair reduction, the laser system must be able to effectively treat all skin types, while providing maximum skin protection. Lighter skin types are mainly treated with 755nm (Alexandrite) or 805 nm (diode) lasers, while darker skin types are mainly treated with 1060/1064 nm, which is available on both diode and solid-state lasers.
The laser’s wavelength, fluence, pulse duration and spot size determine the effectiveness of the treatment and also influence the depth of penetration and treatment speed.
Laser Hair Removal Prices in the UK: What Should You Expect?
There are several factors that can affect the price of Laser Hair Removal treatments. These include the size of the area being treated, the type of laser being used, skin and hair type and clinic location. Treatment prices can vary between £60-£200 per session depending on the area of the body being treated and the clinic location.
However, as most individuals will require six sessions to remove all unwanted hair, it is often useful to quote prices for courses of treatment as opposed to individual sessions so that patients can consider total cost implications of treatment. Based on the prices quoted above, patients on average could expect to pay between £360 – £1,200 per course of treatment for example.
Prior to treatment, it’s imperative that a thorough patient consultation takes place to discuss and establish patient expectations, as well as safety, efficacy and price. Most consultations would cover a discussion around the current method (or methods) of hair removal, how laser treatments work, different types of laser technology, why certain treatments are more effective than others, the treatment process itself, factors that may affect the outcome, medical history, pre and post treatment care, cost, frequency of treatment and anticipated outcome.
Full Body Laser Hair Removal Cost
There is no standardised pricing structure for Laser Hair Removal treatments and cost of treatment depends on location of clinic and type of technology used, but full body treatments can cost in the region of £1,500 – £2,000 for a course of 6 treatments.
Laser Hair Removal Costs for Small Areas
| Laser Hair Removal Costs for Small Areas | Prices (per course of 6) | Important Things to Note |
| Bikini Line
Source NHS UK |
From £780
Based on £139 per session |
Avoid plucking, waxing and bleaching up to 6 weeks before treatment
Shave night before treatment Avoid sun exposure before treatment Apply ice to relieve swelling post treatment Avoid very hot baths, showers, steam baths or saunas post treatment Don’t swim in strong chlorinated water for 2-3 three days post treatment Avoid using bleaching creams or perfumed products for 24 to 48 hours post treatment Avoid exfoliating or peels for one week post treatment. Avoid wearing tight clothing for two or three days post treatment. |
| Underarms
Source NHS UK |
From £660
Based on £110 per session |
|
| Chin | From £360
Based on £60 per session |
|
| Sideburns | From £360
Based on £60 per session |
|
| Facial Hair (Upper Lip)
Source NHS UK |
From £510
Based on £85 per session |
Laser Hair Removal Costs for Medium/Large Areas
| Laser Hair Removal Costs for Medium/Large Areas | Prices (per course of 6) | Important Things to Note |
| Lower Legs | From £660
Based on £110 per session |
Avoid plucking, waxing and bleaching up to 6 weeks before treatment
Shave night before treatment Avoid sun exposure before treatment Apply ice to relieve swelling post treatment Avoid very hot baths, showers, steam baths or saunas post treatment Don’t swim in strong chlorinated water for 2-3 three days post treatment Avoid using bleaching creams or perfumed products for 24 to 48 hours post treatment Avoid exfoliating or peels for one week post treatment. Avoid wearing tight clothing for two or three days post treatment. |
| Upper Legs | From £660
Based on £110 per session |
|
| Full Legs | From £1,200
Based on £200 per session |
|
| Arms
Source NHS UK |
From £1,620
Based on £270 per session |
|
| Stomach | From £660
Based on £110 per session |
|
| Back | From £900
Based on £150 per session |
Types of Lasers for Laser Hair Removal
Ruby Laser
The first ever laser was the Ruby laser and was invented by Theodore Maiman in 1960. It is a solid-state laser that produces pulses of visible red light at a wavelength of 694.3 nm and that uses a synthetic ruby crystal rod as its gain medium. It has been traditionally used as an effective method of hair removal for Fitzpatrick skin types I to III as its wavelength is well absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair.
However, it is generally not recommended for individuals with Fitzpatrick types IV to VI. This is because the shorter wavelength of the Ruby laser system is absorbed more by melanocytes which could possibly result in the occurrence of pigmentation issues and scarring in those skin types.
Diode Laser
Robert N. Hall demonstrated the first laser diode device in 1962. Diode lasers use semiconductor technology that produces coherent projection of light in the visible to infrared range. It uses a light beam with a narrow spectrum to target specific chromophores in the skin. The 808 nm diode laser wavelength offers the deepest penetration levels and superior melanin absorption. These unique characteristics make the diode laser a popular choice of technology for Laser Hair Removal, enabling safe and effective treatment of all skin and hair types, in all body areas.
Diode lasers use the principle of selective photothermolysis (abbreviated SPTL) to target specific chromophores in the skin, usually melanin or blood. The lasers damage the chromophores by selectively heating them while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed.
When treating unwanted hair, for example, the melanin in the hair follicles is targeted and damaged which results in the disruption of hair growth and regeneration. A diode laser can be complemented by cooling technology, or other pain reducing methods that improve treatment efficacy and patient comfort.
Alexandrite Laser
The emergence of the Alexandrite laser came in the 1970s. It is one of the most commonly used types of laser for hair removal across the globe and operates at a shorter (near infrared) wavelength of 755nm. Alexandrite lasers use an Alexandrite crystal as the laser medium and are highly targeted which makes them effective for treating dark hair in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I to III (and some very light skin type IV).
However, extreme caution is recommended whilst treating Fitzpatrick IV to VI patients as the laser can destroy melanin, resulting in adverse effects such as hypopigmentation.
Nd YAG Laser
Laser operation of Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) was first demonstrated by J.E. Geusic et al. at Bell Laboratories in 1964. An Nd:YAG laser works at a wavelength of 1064nm and is a solid state laser capable of producing a near-infrared wavelength that penetrates deep into the skin and is readily absorbed by haemoglobin and melanin chromophores.
Nd: YAG uses a synthetic crystal (solid state) that is pumped by a high intensity lamp and placed into a resonator (a cavity capable of amplifying the power of the laser). By creating a variable long pulse duration and an appropriate spot size, it is possible to significantly heat deep skin tissues, such as large blood vessels and vascular lesions.
Nd:YAG lasers target hair in the anagen phase of growth which contributes to a lower risk of burning and improved treatment effectiveness. It’s also generally accepted that they are the most suitable for treating skin types IV-VI as the absorption by epidermal melanin is much lower than with other wavelengths.
IPL Laser
Intense Pulsed Light (abbreviated IPL) describes the use of intense pulses of non-coherent light distributed over a range of wavelengths; from 400nm to 1200nm. The technology utilises specific wavelength ranges to target various chromophores (blood and melanin) in the skin. This enables effective treatment of a broad spectrum of conditions including hair removal. IPL is a widely used treatment protocol as it is painless and has a good record of permanent hair removal. However, as it targets melanin as a chromophore, it is often ineffective on lighter hair that contains less melanin.
How Many Sessions of Laser Hair Removal Do You Need?
This depends on the individual needs of the patient, their expected outcome, skin and hair type, area of the body being treated, and type of laser used. However, in general terms, the accepted course of treatment standard is that most individuals will require six sessions to remove all unwanted hair. These factors should all be discussed in detail with the patient as part of a laser treatment consultation.
Treatment sessions are usually spaced 4-8 weeks apart depending on the individual needs of the patient.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
– Precision – the use of laser for depilation is extremely precise thanks to a combination of technology and device design. This precision means that practitioners can be highly targeted when treating patients, resulting in excellent patient outcomes.
– Speed – this depends on the area being treated and thickness of the hair, but it is common for each session to take between 15 minutes to an hour.
– Predictability – Laser Hair Removal is a well-tolerated treatment protocol that is supported by several clinical studies and proven to be safe and effective. Its predictability makes it a popular choice for patients and practitioners alike.
– Long-lasting – the treatment protocol offers one of the most effective long-term solutions for hair removal where patients experience minimal regrowth between sessions unlike more traditional methods of depilation (shaving, depilation creams, waxing, etc).
Is Laser Hair Removal Treatment Worth the Money?
In conclusion, Laser Hair Removal is a well-tolerated treatment protocol for the long-term, safe and effective removal of excess hair. With technological advancements and new systems being launched to market, it’s predicted that this area of aesthetics will continue to evolve and enjoy good growth. Although treatment can require significant financial investment from patients, the permanency of the treatment outweighs any significant additional cost that they may have spent in the future.
Increasingly, aesthetic practitioners are looking for solutions that allow them to diversify their product offering and patient demographic. Ongoing technological advancements coupled with improved industry awareness and education means that this is finally becoming a viable possibility, with the latest laser devices now being able to reliably treat patients across all Fitzpatrick skin types, providing excellent patient outcomes.
Lumenis has launched the next generation in hair removal and skin treatments to the UK market.
Lumenis SPLENDOR X is a CE-cleared advanced, safe and effective device for hair removal, vascular treatments, pigmented lesions, and the treatment of wrinkles. Suitable for men and women and designed for use on all Fitzpatrick Skin Types (I to VI), this advanced system can target virtually any area of the body, including face, bikini line, legs, arms, stomach and underarms.
Although results can vary between individuals, on average individuals see up to an 80% reduction in hair growth after six to eight treatments with maintenance required 1-2 times a year.
Medical Director of Birmingham-based medical aesthetic clinic Dr Aesthetica, Dr. Baldeep Farmah is one of the first practitioners in the UK to be using the SPLENDOR X device in clinic. He comments “Technological innovations are at the forefront of our fast-paced industry and it’s important to invest in devices that are backed up by science, have a strong brand heritage, and importantly can offer the same level of clinical safety, efficacy and excellence across all skin types and indications. The Lumenis SPLENDOR X provides a wealth of opportunities for patient and practitioner alike and allows for fast and fully customisable treatments that fits each patient’s individual specifications. This is a hugely positive leap forward and this particular system uses BLEND X technology that combines Alexandrite (755nm) and Nd:YAG (1064nm) wavelengths that can be synchronised to fire independently or simultaneously. This device also uses less energy than its predecessors and comes with a dual cooling mechanism that has made the laser hair removal experience much more comfortable. We have found that this allows us to work more quickly, without compromising safety and has improved the rate of hair loss between sessions. Importantly, the influx of positive patient feedback to the SPLENDOR X system have told us everything we need to know.”
Key features of SPLENDOR X include:
– BLEND X technology – a binary laser emission of Nd:YAG (1064nm) and Alexandrite (755nm) wavelengths with synchronised and adjustable proportions, enabling practitioners to customise and tailor treatments to fit the patient specifications.
– Unique Square Spot Size – that provides fast and uniform coverage of the treatment area, and deeper epidermal penetration, there’s no overlap, less risk of burns and no retouching missed areas.
– Advanced Ergonomic Handpiece with Dual Cooling System & Integrated Plume Extractor – designed with patient comfort and safety at the forefront.
– Remote Service Software & Longer Lamp Life Leading to Greater Return On Investment (ROI)
SPLENDOR X ensures a greater return on investment in a shorter time due to a longer lamp life, no consumables and remote service capabilities.
Accumen Research and Consulting, Laser Hair Removal Market (End User: Dermatology Clinics, Beauty Clinics) – Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Opportunities and Forecast, 2019 – 2026, https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/laser-hair-removal-marketweblink
https://aestheticsjournal.com/news/laser-hair-removal-and-liposuction-voted-most-wanted-treatments
https://aestheticmed.co.uk/site/industrynewsdetails/laser-hair-removal-most-common-treatment-pcos
About Lumenis
Lumenis is a global leader in the field of minimally-invasive clinical solutions for the Surgical, Ophthalmology, and Aesthetic markets, and is a world-renowned expert in developing and commercializing innovative energy-based technologies, including Laser, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radio-Frequency (RF). For 50 years, Lumenis’ ground-breaking products have redefined medical treatments and have set numerous technological and clinical gold-standards. Lumenis has successfully created solutions for previously untreatable conditions, as well as designed advanced technologies that have revolutionized existing treatment methods. visit: www.lumenis.co.uk
