Permanent hair removal
Delivering brilliant care, safety and the best results is at the heart of our laser hair removal philosophy. Laser hair removal starts from £25 per treatment.
The UK’s leading laser hair removal clinics
Client care at the heart for over 30 years
Unrivalled safety, laser and treatment standards
Delivered only by highly qualified, medically trained laser specialists
Regulated by the Care Quality Commission
Permanent hair removal*
Medically reviewed by: Charlotte Lundy, Nurse Trainer, 1st July 2023. Next review July 2024
There are so many methods for removing hairs on the market today; waxing, shaving, hair removal creams, IPL, electrolysis, laser hair removal… all claiming to be the best solution. But which is the most effective and permanent?
Permanent hair reduction with laser hair removal at sk:n
*No hair removal method is permanent. That’s because hormones can affect hair growth, and different hair skin types and combinations can react differently to hair removal too. Some clients may need occasional top-ups after treatment, and some may never shave again, so we never claim permanent hair removal. If you book laser hair removal at sk:n, you can permanently reduce unwanted body and facial hair by up to 90%.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser Hair Removal is the most effective solution to removing unwanted body and facial hair. It works by a process called photothermolysis; a direct, precise wavelength of light is released into the hair follicle, which converts to heat, damaging or destroying the bulb. Because the light is precise and travels in one direction, it effectively targets individual hairs instead of the skin, so there’s very little risk of skin damage. To be the most effective, the hair needs to be in the right stage of growth during treatment. Provided the hair is targeted at the right stage of the 4 stage growth process (anagen phase), hair regrowth slows down or stops, and any potential re-growth you could experience after treatment is much slower, softer and finer.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
- Reduces hair growth, permanently – We recommend a minimum of 8 sessions. If you have the recommended number of treatments for your hair and skin type, you’ll see up to 90% hair reduction. Any hair that does grow back will be much finer and will grow back less frequently, which means smoother skin for longer.
- No more ingrown hairs – You won’t need to shave as frequently, minimising rashes or brittle stubble, and less waxing will also result in fewer ingrown hairs too
- Money and time saving – The average female spends £6500 on razors and 8 weeks of her life shaving, so laser hair removal is a worthwhile long-term investment.
- Improved skin tone and texture – Repeatedly shaving or waxing an area can cause skin pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Laser hair removal reduces the risk of this happening.
- A positive impact on the planet – The average woman in her lifetime throws away 2400 razors, and every year, approximately 2 billion razors end up in landfill as they cannot be recycled. Switching to laser hair removal will dramatically reduce that negative impact on our planet.
For more information on laser hair removal, read our ultimate buyer’s guide.
How do I book laser hair removal at sk:n?
Step 1
Book your free consultation. You can book online, call us directly or request a consultation. To secure a laser hair removal appointment, we will require a refundable deposit of £25. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.
Step 2
Visit your local sk:n clinic for a consultation with one of our medical laser hair removal practitioners. During this consultation the practitioner will:
- Assess the area you would like to be treated and discuss the results you’re likely to see.
- Explain the procedure for laser hair removal, the cost and your recommended aftercare.
- Give you a quick patch test to assess suitability for treatment.
- Answer any questions you have regarding laser hair removal.
Step 3
Start treatment with the UK’s leading laser hair removal specialists.
Laser hair removal pricing
Free consultations
sk:n is the UK’s leading laser, dermatology and aesthetic group, and pride ourselves on excellence. We have industry-leading training, safety and care protocols, and we’re regulated by the Care Quality Commission and General Medical Councils, so you can trust you’re in the best and safest hands.
For the best results, we recommend a course of 8 treatments, but this can vary slightly depending on the client. To help you soothe your skin after treatment and protect it from sun exposure, we offer free post-treatment skincare worth £58: Avène Thermal Water Spray 150ml, sk:n Aloe Vera Gel 100ml, sk:n Sunscreen SPF30 100ml.
You can buy online, or you can book laser hair removal at every sk:n clinic, including:
London, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Chester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leamington Spa, Leeds, Liverpool, Maidenhead, Newcastle, Nottingham, Reading, Sevenoaks, Sheffield, Portsmouth.
Find your nearest clinic here.
To secure a laser hair removal appointment, we will require a refundable deposit of £25. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.
The sk:n promise
Our mission to deliver confidence through better skin is at the heart of everything we do. Our promise to you:
- Award-winning, unrivalled medical expertise. No one has more consultants, doctors and clinical expertise than sk:n, so no other dermatology provider comes close.
- Outstanding approach to client care for over 30 years. We’ve consistently delivered unrivalled, personalised client care, that’s always right for our clients. If you have a concern, you can trust us to solve it.
- Standards you can trust. Our market-leading medical, safety and training protocols and strict industry regulation means you can trust that your safety and care is our priority.
- We are the UK’s leading skin clinics. We’ve treated millions of clients, improving their self-confidence for the better – with some life-changing results.
Request a callback
One of our friendly sk:n advisors will call you to book your consultation.
- More than 450 consultants, doctors, nurses and medical practitioners
- Regulated by the Care Quality Commission, Health Inspectorate Wales and Health Improvement Scotland
- Partner of the NHS
- Rated excellent by our clients on Trustpilot
- Strict safety and care protocols
What Happens During Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
Laser hair removal treatment works by permanently damaging or destroying the individual hair follicles (i.e., the root of each hair beneath the surface of the skin.) This prevents the hair from regrowing in the treated area.
In order to be effective, the hairs must be treated when they are in the growth part of their life cycle, known as the anagen phase. Unfortunately, not all of your hairs will be at this exact stage during treatment, so a number of treatments are required to target as many hairs as possible.
- Laser hair removal is a pain free treatment, so there’s no need to feel nervous beforehand.
- You’ll be asked to shave the area before your appointment so that the laser can target the hairs at the root.
- Your practitioner will ensure you are comfortable and relaxed, before cleansing your skin thoroughly.
- The treatment will then begin. The practitioner will direct the laser light at the area being treated. This will feel a bit like an elastic band being twanged against the skin and will create a warming sensation.
- After treatment, your skin may be a little red and uncomfortable, but this should subside within 24 hours or so. You should begin to see a reduction in hair growth from the very first treatment, but you will need to have from six to eight treatments in order to achieve permanent results.
Frequently asked questions
How does laser hair removal work?
The laser works by damaging or permanently destroying targeted hair follicles, preventing regrowth. The laser releases light energy that is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, targeting the roots beneath the skin during particular stages of their growth cycles. This damages the bulb, preventing regrowth through a process known as photothermolysis. As only 10-20% of hair is in the same phase of the growth cycle at any one time, to ensure the best results we advise a minimum of 8 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, depending on the area to be treated.
What do I need to know about my laser hair removal appointments?
You will need to shave the area 24 hours before your appointment so that the laser can target the hairs at the root, rather than on the surface above the skin.
Your laser practitioner will ensure you are comfortable and relaxed, before cleansing your skin of all make up and deodorant thoroughly.
When treatment starts, the practitioner will set the machine to the correct wavelength for your skin and hair type. The handpiece will then be moved over the treatment area so the light light energy from the laser can target the hair. The laser energy will feel a bit like an elastic band being flicked against the skin and will create a warming sensation, which is then cooled by the cooling device attached.
After treatment, your skin may be a little red and uncomfortable, but this should subside within 24 hours or so. We’ll give you a cooling spray and aloe vera gel to soothe the area, and SPF to protect the skin as it will be more sensitive to sun damage. You should see a reduction in hair growth from the very first treatment, but you will need to have around 8 treatments in order to achieve the best results.
Can I get rid of excess hair permanently?
There is no way to completely remove all unwanted hair permanently – but there are methods which will result in permanent hair reduction. Even when the hair follicle is damaged or destroyed via laser or electrolysis, hormonal changes can cause new follicles to develop, meaning hair will grow in that area and you may require a top-up session. Laser hair removal is one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for hair removal as it targets the individual follicles and is administered through a course of treatments. Clients can see a permanent result of up to 90% reduction in hair growth, and results are dependent on hair type and colour – clients with darker hair will see the best results, and those with white, grey, blonde or red hair will not due to the lack of pigment.
How long does permanent laser hair removal take?
Each laser hair removal session may take between 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on the size of the area that is being treated.
Is permanent laser hair removal safe?
Yes. While the lasers used for hair removal are very powerful, it’s extremely important for your care and safety that you choose a provider like sk:n who is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (the same body that regulates our NHS), HIS in Scotland and HIW in Wales. In addition to industry regulation, we have strict and industry-leading clinical, hygiene and safety protocols, and each and every practitioner is medically trained.
Plus, we have over 30 years’ experience. sk:n has treated millions of clients, some with life changing results, so you can trust you’re in the best and safest hands.
For more information on our clinical standards and training, read the ultimate guide to laser hair removal.
Is permanent laser hair removal unsuitable for darker skin?
No. Laser hair treatment is suitable for any skin type or colour, as long as the hairs are dark enough to attract the laser.
