laser-hair-removal-side-effects-what-are-the-risks
July 2, 2026 2026-07-02 2:49laser-hair-removal-side-effects-what-are-the-risks
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Leading laser hair removal clinics in the UK
Client care at the heart For Men over 30 years
Unrivalled safety, laser and treatment standards
Delivered only by highly qualified, medically trained laser specialists
0% Finance Options Available – so you can spread the cost of your treatment
Delivering brilliant care, safety and the best results is at the heart of our laser hair removal philosophy.
Medically reviewed by: Stephen Hannan, Group Clinical Director 2025. Next review October 2026
Laser hair removal is the most effective method of hair removal available, permanently reducing hair growth by up to 90%, with some of our clients seeing even better results. Suitable and women and all skin tones, almost anywhere on the can be treated, sensitive areas such as and bikini line. Unlike other methods such as waxing, depilatory creams and shaving, laser hair removal gives long lasting results, without the ingrown hairs and irritation associated. The hair will also become finer and softer so it’s less visible, and growth will slow down more with each treatment.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal works by photothermolysis, the use of brief pulses of light and heat energy to damage or destroy hair follicles, preventing regrowth.
The laser emits light energy which is absorbed by the melanin in the hair. This targets the hair roots the skin at specific stages of their growth cycles, damaging the bulb and preventing regrowth, a called photothermolysis. This is why we recommend at least 8 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, to ensure all follicles are targeted at the right time.
Why choose laser hair removal at sk:n?
Our mission to deliver confidence through better skin is at the heart of everything we do.
We’re not like other providers. We’ve treated millions of clients, and put every single client’s care and safety at the heart of our business. So your journey to smooth, hassle-free skin starts with you.
Your personalised treatment plan begins with booking a free consultation with a medically trained practitioner, who will always assess the hair, your skin type and do a test patch for suitability before you can start treatment. We’ll fully discuss the procedure, recommend the right number of treatments, the laser and the correct settings for your skin type, your aftercare and the expected results. It’s then time to start treatment. It’s that simple.
Our medical expertise and safety
sk:n is regulated by the Care Commission, the same industry body that regulates the NHS. You need to be sure that, when choosing laser treatment, you’re in the safest place, with strict training standards and protocols. That’s where sk:n comes in. All of our consultants, doctors and nurse prescribers are registered with the GMC, GDC or NMC, and each practitioner is medically trained.
In the last 30+ years, we’ve delivered over 15 million treatments to our happy clients, with some life-changing results for some suffering with conditions such as PCOS and hirsutism. We pride ourselves on excellence and put our patients’ care at the heart of everything we do, so this means that you can trust you’re in the best and safest place for laser hair removal at sk:n.
See our for more information about our laser hair removal practitioners’ training and expertise.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
Can any skin type have laser hair removal?
We can treat any skin type, ranging from very fair to very dark. Our lasers work with most hair and skin combinations, provided that it is not velus hair, or there is enough pigment in the hair, i.e. it is dark enough to attract the laser. This means you are unlikely to see results if you have white, blonde, grey or red hair.
What skin type do you have? Find out on the Fitzpatrick scale below:
Type 1: always burns, never tans (pale, freckles)
Type 2: usually burns, minimal tanning
Type 3: sometimes burns mildly, tans uniformly
Type 4: burns minimally, always tans well (moderate brown)
Type 5: very rarely burns, tans very easily (dark brown)
Type 6: never burns (deeply pigmented dark brown to darkest brown)
How do I book laser hair removal at sk:n?
Step 1
Book your consultation. You can , or . To secure a laser hair removal appointment, we will require a refundable deposit of £50. Please refer to our 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:
Step 3
Start treatment with one of the UK’s leading laser hair removal specialists.
Laser hair removal before and after pictures
Laser hair removal reviews
Here’s what our clients have to say…
I've seen a huge in my skin and hair after the laser sessions. I've also gained a lot more confidence in my appearance. The people who work in the Manchester clinic are absolutely lovely and I feel completely at comfort.
N Webster - Manchester Albert Square
Laser hair removal pricing
0% Finance Options Available – so you can spread the cost of your treatment
sk:n is a leading laser, and aesthetic group in the UK, 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 Councils, so you can trust you’re in the best and safest hands.
For the best results, we 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.
To start your journey to in better skin, or .
Our mission to deliver confidence through better skin is at the heart of everything we do. Our promise to you:
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Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Laser hair removal is a process which works to permanently reduce hair growth in targeted areas. Our specialists carry out the treatment, targeting unwanted hair with lasers to damage or destroy the hair follicles, which ultimately prevents regrowth.
The laser works by permanently damaging and destroying targeted hair follicles, preventing . The laser emits light energy which is absorbed by the in the hair. This targets the hair roots the skin at specific stages of their growth cycles, damaging the bulb and preventing regrowth, a process called photothermolysis. This is why we recommend at least 8 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, to ensure all follicles are targeted at the right time.
Laser hair removal is described as feeling like the flick of an elastic band, or it can be a little painful for some. However, as more of the hair follicles are destroyed, the treatment will become less painful. The level of pain experienced will vary depending on the areas being targeted and your individual sensitivity. Our specialists will ensure you are comfortable and your treatment is always safe.
Laser hair removal is approved to deliver permanent hair reduction of up to 90%. You can expect to see your best results after a course of 8-12, after which the hair will have reduced dramatically and the skin is silky-smooth. Some clients, however, may need top ups on their hormonal changes over time.
We recommend having at least 8 sessions per area to see permanent results. Depending on your hair type and goals, you may wish to have more or less. Our specialists will be able to advise you on how many sessions will be needed.
We generally recommend spacing sessions between 4 and 6 weeks apart, depending on the area and hair growth, but your specialist will advise on the frequency of your treatments to obtain optimum results. This is to ensure the hair follicles are targeted at the correct stage of their growth cycle.
Hair grows in four phases: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, the telogen phase and the exogen phase. To prevent re-growth, the hair follicle must be targeted during the anagen phase, which is the only part of the growth cycle that the hair is attached to the bulb. Individual hairs will most likely be in different parts of the hair growth cycle at any one time, that’s why a course of treatment is required. Your specialist will discuss this with you during your initial consultation, but as a guide we usually recommend around 8 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart (depending on the area to be treated).
Choosing sk:n to carry out your laser hair removal treatment means you can be certain you are receiving the highest level of care and . Our unrivalled training, treatment and safety protocols mean you can trust the specialists to be the safest and most effective place to have treatment. We won’t rush you, we will take the time to listen and understand your hair removal goals during your consultation, recommending the right treatment plan for you.
Our specialists carry out laser hair removal on all areas of the body and face. Wherever you have unwanted hair, we can safely treat any area with our class 4 lasers. From your legs to your cheeks, laser hair is possible. We treat all skin tones, as long as the hair is dark enough.
At sk:n all of our lasers are class 4 medical, which is the highest standard of laser. We use and Nd:YAG lasers and a range of leading brands including Candela.
As patient safety is at the of everything we do, we do not treat pregnant or breastfeeding women for any condition.
No, it is not safe to get laser hair over a tattoo as it can potentially lead to burns, blisters or skin damage.
At sk:n clinics our specialists are able to safely treat all skin types with our medical grade lasers leaving you with great results. Our lasers can be adjusted to work with any hair and skin combination, that there is enough pigment in the hair. Clients with brown or black hair will get the best results, but anyone with blonde, grey, red or white hair will not see good results.
Yes. Men can have laser hair removal for unwanted hair, or excessive hair growth caused by a condition called hypertrichosis. This can affect males and females, but is very rare. Laser hair removal works equally well across the entire body and the face. From unwanted cheek hair, to an entire back, chest or stomach, laser hair removal gives long and effective results.
There are several things you should do to prepare for laser hair removal:
We recommend you shave 24 hours before treatment. Before your treatment at sk:n, we will thoroughly clean the area to be treated and ensure any stray or missed hairs are shaved.
Laser hair removal leaves the surrounding skin unharmed, however there are a few things you should do to prevent irritation and comfort:
Prices vary depending on the size of the area covered and number of sessions booked. We recommend completing at least 8 sessions of treatment on an area to see permanent results. We also offer top up packages of 3, in case you need a few more treatments.
*Laser hair removal courses of 8 from £36.35 per month when you split the cost over 12 months. to learn more about interest free credit at sk:n.
The quality of treatment and care at sk:n is reflected in our pricing.
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200 St Vincent Street,
Glasgow,
G2 5SG
Registered in Scotland No. SC817369.
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Lorena Cosmetics Holdings SPV Limited is registered in Scotland with number SC817369. Registered address: 200 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5SG. Terms and can be found at . Lorena Cosmetics Holdings SPV Limited is acting as a credit broker offering finance from Omni Capital Retail . Credit is to status.
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