Unwanted hair can be easily removed with a laser procedure which uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).The targeted beams of light and heat destroy hair follicles to disrupt growth. The procedure is effective on the face, legs, arms, underarms, bikini line and other body areas without damaging the skin. A cooling gel is applied to the area of skin to be treated and the hand held laser is guided to the precise point before a beam is directed at the skin. Each session lasts from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the size of area being treated.It is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair because the laser targets the pigment melanin in the hair. Advances in treatment have allowed for laser hair removal to be an option for more people with darker skin (SHR).The procedure inhibits hair growth and can provide an extended hair-free period but periodic treatments may be needed.Treatments can be easily tailored to suit individual patients needs.

Essence & Co  brings you the very latest technology in safe and effective permanent hair reduction. SHR is a faster, pain free alternative to IPL or Laser hair reduction procedures which can be painful. Just imagine yourself free of embarrassing unwanted facial or body hair !!

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SHR Super Hair Removal is a recent breakthrough using revolutionary technology to reduce pain and maximise results.Unlike' Intense Pulse Light' IPL which is a technique from 20 years ago, hair removal via SHR can be used on all skin types even tanned skin.

FAQ: ABOUT SUPER HAIR REMOVAL (SHR)

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Does it work ? 

Yes. Over a period 6-10 treatments the majority of clients will see at least 90% reduction in hair growth. The Laser targets the actively growing hair root killing the stem cells around the bulb that creates the hair. Each treatment will knock out a majority of the growing hairs but some survive. Because only a fraction of all hair follicles are active at one moment we have to wait for the next to become active. The three stages of hair growth are called Anagen, Catagen & telogen. 

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How does it work?

The hand piece flashes pure light up to ten times a second through the surface of the skin.With each pass of the laser the coloured pigment in the hair heats up more and more until the root of the hair is cooked. The skin doesn't heat up to the same degree which is why the treatment is pain free. The hair is then naturally extruded over the following 2-3 weeks. Other lasers and IPL machines blast the skin with a single flash of light that also causes sudden heating of the skin. 

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When will I see results?

There will be very little to see at first, and you may think it hasn't worked. Some clients get a slight redness around the hair follicle immediately after the treatment this is called erythema. The area can be treated with tea tree or aloe vera gel. During the next 2-3 weeks the hairs will have been working their way to the surface of the skin and will simply fall out (this is called the hair casting stage). We tell our clients that each treatment can bring about a 15%-20% reduction in hair growth, many see much more.

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When doesn't it work?

White/grey hairs will not respond as well to treatment, and be slower to work on blonde hair. Redheads will also be less responsive, as they have a different sort of melanin called phaeomelanin. There is also a very small percentage of patients with highly resistant hair follicles that may not respond to treatment. This situation is much less likely with the SHR than other laser machines because of it's advanced technology. 

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Is it safe?

Yes lasers and IPL have now been around for over 20 years in the aesthetic industry. Minor heat injury within the skin is actually good for collagen which is they there are so many infa-red treatments available for skin rejuvenation. Eye protection MUST be worn as the SHR and IPL is a class 4 laser which can blind. We supply appropriate filtered glasses. Precautions are taken to make sure we do not treat you if you have a particular medical condition that is a contraindication or you are on a drug that can cause photo-sensitivity. 

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When shouldn't I have the treatment? 

If you have been recently tanning, pregnant, have active sores from herpes simplex or if you are on any drugs that can cause photo-sensation. We will take a medical history and ask for details of any medication or drugs that are currently being taken on consultation. 

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How do I prepare?

The laser targets the root of the hair. You should not wax, pluck or thread the area for at least 6 weeks prior to treatment. If the hair is not present in the follicle there will be no root to treat. You should remove the hair before your treatment with a razor or hair removal cream, and can continue to do so in between appointments. The SHR is particularly good at treating folliculitus so it does not matter if you have ingrown hairs.

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Is it painful?

SHR is pain free but not without sensation. You are likely to feel an increasing warm sensation as the head is stroked back and forth on the skin. There is often a slight tingly sensation at the end of the treatment when the root of the hair reaches the target temperature. 

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What happens on the consultation?

You will need to attend a free consultation prior to starting laser hair removal. This normal takes no longer than 30 mins. You will need to fill out a number of forms, including medical history and the Fitzpatrick skin chart. This consultation gives you the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the treatment. We shall also discuss fees and discounts on hair removal packages. A patch test will also be required on the treatment area to determine which setting to use, and to make sure the client does not come up with a reaction. If all is well we can begin the first session in a couple of days repeating the session in 4-6 weeks time. 

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