Question 1

What technology do you use?

Accepted Answer

Our laser machine is a class 4 Medical Laser Device. 
Our laser equipment is CE-compliant and regulated by MHRA (Medical Healthcare Regulatory Agency).
We are a proud member of the BMLA (British Medical Laser Association).

We have a variety of hair removal technologies:

DIODE LASER - with 4 wavelengths!
 • Alex 755nm: recommended for treating the fine and light-coloured hair. With more superficial penetration, the 755nm wavelength targets the bulge of the hair follicle and is especially effective for the superficially embedded hair in areas such as the eyebrows and upper lip.
 • Diode 808nm: is suitable for almost all hair types.
 • Diode 940nm: targets around the follicles, cutting off the nutrient supply of hair follicles, and reducing hair regeneration power.
 • Yag 1064nm: offers the deepest penetration of the hair follicle, allowing it to target the Bulb and Papilla, as well as treat deeply embedded hair in areas such as the scalp, armpits, and pubic areas. Also indicated for treating dark skin types.

IPL  - We have an advanced form of IPL - E-Light, which combines RF (Radio Frequency) energy and IPL (intense pulsed light) for improved efficacy with its cryo-cooling tip.

SHR - Progressive photo-thermolysis / Super Hair Removal . It is different from traditional IPL as it targets the hair germ cells and melanin of the hair. SHR is an in-motion technique, gliding over the area delivering heat and light to the hair follicles in repetitive sequences at around 5-10 shots per second. SHR uses multiple shots at lower joules, and is pain-free. This method is used for those who cannot tolerate laser, and is safer on tanned skins than IPL.

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Question 2

Am I suitable?

Accepted Answer

Westfield Clinic puts safety first and treatment cannot go ahead without, a consultation,  medical questionnaire and test patches, even if you have had it at another clinic. This should be standard practice in all clinics.

Hair colour: The darker the hair the better. Treatment can be successful on black, brown, light brown and some strawberry blonde hair colours. Light blonde, grey or white hair cannot be treated.
​
Skin colour: The paler the skin the safer. Suitable only for a Fitzpatrick skin type 1-5 (diagram at the bottom of the page). Your skin type will be assessed during the consultation and questions will be asked, including how your skin usually reacts to sunlight etc, this will determine your suitability for laser.
​
The medical questionnaire you complete at the time of booking will determine suitability. It is important for the effectiveness of the treatment that you are generally fit and well and that your immune system is not compromised.  For example, some auto-immune conditions mean you are unable to have treatment.
 
We ask for your current medications, as some medications can cause photosensitivity, these can include, but are not limited to: Some Antibiotics. Antiparasitics. Antipsychotics. Hypoglycaemics. Some NSAID. Retinoids.

Some contraindications identified may need to be supported by a letter of approval from your GP.

Hair supplements (biotin) should be avoided as they can affect your treatment progress, as they can stimulate hair growth. 
For more information on contra-indications click here...(https://www.westfieldclinic.co.uk/contraindications-guidance)
Laser hair removal is suitable for all genders.

Question 3

Can men have laser hair removal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, laser hair removal is suitable for both men and women.

Current prices for male patients is the same as female patients. See pricelist. (https://www.westfieldclinic.co.uk/prices)

Question 4

Do you treat transgender and LGBTQ+ clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The clinic is a welcoming and private space for transgender and LGBTQ+ clients to achieve smooth, hair-free skin. 
I understand how important hairless skin plays in the transition process for MTF transgender clients, not only helping you form your identity but to feel comfortable in your own skin.  The clinic is private and 1:1.
Please get in touch for a free consultation and patch test.

Question 5

Do I need a consultation and patch test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Westfield Clinic puts safety first and treatment cannot go ahead without a consultation, medical questionnaire and patch test for each area you want to treat. 
This is best practice and should be standard in all clinics.

The Medical Questionnaire at the time of booking will need to be completed before your initial consultation, this allows us to check your suitability for laser treatment. Some conditions or medications prohibit you from laser treatments and it would be unsafe for you to have a patch test at that time.
 
We may request GP or consultant approval/no medical objection, before treatment can go ahead for some conditions or medications you may currently have, or be taking. 
​
During the consultation, the treatment will be discussed fully and any questions answered, a series of small patch tests (at various energies) will be carried out near the area, enabling the correct parameters to be established and check your skin's tolerance to laser. After no adverse reactions, Full treatment can commence 3-14 days later.
 
You must inform Westfield Clinic of any health or medication changes throughout your treatment course. Failure to do so may result in complications or termination of treatment.

Question 6

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

It can be uncomfortable at times, it has a built-in cooling system to make the treatment more comfortable. It can feel like a rubber band being flicked against the skin.
Some areas can be more sensitive than others, for example, the upper lip, neck, back of hands and ankles. Generally, it is very well tolerated, and treatment is quick.

Question 7

When should I start?

Accepted Answer

Laser treatments can be started at any time as long as the hairs have not been waxed or tweezed for at least 4 weeks. We need the roots intact so the laser can target the hairs!

Laser cannot be performed on tanned skin. Throughout the course, you will need to wear a minimum of SPF30 on the area being treated, especially in the summer. If you have accidentally burned/tanned you may need to wait for 4 weeks before having your next treatment.

If sun-bathing is a priority to you then it might be best to start your treatments in the autumn.

Question 8

How many sessions are needed?

Accepted Answer

Female patients often have on average 6-8 treatments on the body.
Some patients can have up to 60% loss after just 4 sessions, especially if the hair is very dark!
Some patients may need more than 10 sessions, in particular those with tanned skin or lighter-coloured hairs.

Hairs on the face can be more resistant sometimes requiring 6-12 treatments, or more - in particular, patients suffering from hormone imbalances are likely to require more treatments and regular top-ups. (Diagnosed POS sufferers receive 10% discount on courses!).

Male patients require more treatments compared to females, due to the increased amount of follicles. There are around 5 million hair follicles in the human body (men have a few hundred thousand more than women).

The aim for laser hair removal is 85-95% removal following a course of treatments.

Hair Growth Cycles
How many you need varies hugely from person to person, and also depends on where the hair cycles are when we first start...
​Hairs can only be disabled effectively during the active growth phase (anagen). Only 10-20% of body hair is in this growing phase at any one time. This stage is when the hair is connected to the dermal papilla and blood vessels that feed the hair and enable stem cells to grow into new hair. A hair in this stage receives heat from the laser which transmits to the papilla to destroy it and prevent new growth.
When the hair is in one of the other stages - (catagen or telogen), it is either becoming detached or completely detached from the papilla therefore it will not absorb the light energy where its needed and be ineffective. This is why you need a course, with regular intervals, to destroy each hair in its growing phase!

Question 9

How often do I need a treatment?

Accepted Answer

As hair on the face tends to grow more quickly than hair on the body, laser hair removal appointments for the face usually start out spaced every 4 weeks, and treatments for the body every 6-10 weeks. 
As you progress through your course your sessions will be further apart. For example...
Face 4-6 weeks.
Underarm and bikini 6-8 weeks.
Legs 6- 8-10 weeks.
Back 8-10-14 weeks.

Question 10

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Prices vary depending on the area.  Please click here (https://www.westfieldclinic.co.uk/prices)for the full price list.
Courses are available in blocks of 3, 6, or 8 sessions and are discounted - a course of 3 saves you 10%, a course of  6 saves you 16%, and a course of 8 saves 20%. Courses are to be paid upfront on your first appointment.

Combining treatment areas saves you even more - 
save 15% on more than one body area. 
For example half leg & bikini together recieve 15% discount on both.

Save 20% on more than one face area.
For example lip, chin and jawline recieve 20% discount.

Question 11

What preparation do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

You will require a consultation and patch test before treatment can commence at a separate date. Following the patch test you need to wait at least 3 days before your first treatment (14 days for skin type 4). This allows a safe setting to be established based on your skin type.

The following will ensure you get the vvery best from your treatments:
 • Ensure the area to be treated is free from ALL topical solutions and no perfumes/aftershave to be worn in that area.
 • Shave the area thoroughly 12-24 hours prior. Do not shave on the day. 1-2mm of hair growth is ideal. Do not use depilatory creams or remove the hair from the root (tweezing, waxing, epilators).
 • Avoid exposure to the sun for four weeks before treatment.
 • Cease use of tanning creams two weeks before treatment.
 • Avoid bleaching, tweezing, waxing, epilation and any other forms of hair removal for 4 weeks prior (if you remove the roots, the treatment won’t work!).
 • Do not use essential oils on the skin at least 48 hours prior.
 • Cold sore medication can be taken 5 days before and 5 days after treatment (if treating the face).
 • Should you be on antibiotics it is recommended to sometimes leave a 6-week gap before starting laser. You will need to inform us which antibiotics you are taking so we can advise.
 • Do not use irritants such as, Retinol (Vit A), Vitamin C, glycolic/salicylic acid, bleaching creams, chemical peels/exfoliants for a minimum of two weeks before your appointment if having the face treated, and ideally not, during your course
 • For body areas, wear loose-fitting clothes to your appointment. Tight clothes will trap the heat after your treatment, increasing the chance of a heat rash/infection.

Settings are regularly adjusted during your course. If skin colour were to change mid-way through a course, the settings will need to be adjusted for safety reasons.

Question 12

Will my hair ever grow back?

Accepted Answer

Actively growing hair that’s been treated with laser should not grow back once the hair follicle is destroyed.

Other factors can encourage new hair growth for example, hormonal changes, a change in health or medication can encourage some new growth. ,Some patients have a touch-up session years later.

Occasionally a few resistant hairs can return, colourless, extremely fine, very short and barely noticeable.

Question 13

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the area of the body to be treated. The duration of the treatment can vary between a few minutes for the upper lip, 20 minutes for the lower leg and 45 minutes for the whole leg.

Question 14

Are their risks or side-effects?

Accepted Answer

Depending on skin type and sensitiveness of the skin, some mild skin redness (erythema) or mild swelling (edema) can be experienced. These are normal reactions, and they should generally disappear after a short while.

• Follow the aftercare advice that will be given to you post-treatment, in particular avoiding sun exposure for the entire course of treatments, regardless of the weather, and wear a minimum of SPF 30 on the treated area. Exposure to sunlight can cause your skin to become more sensitive to light energy, putting you at higher risk of hyperpigmentation, burns, or scarring. Avoid tanning creams for the same reason.

• It is important that any medical conditions or medications (including herbal remedies) are declared on the medical consent form during the consultation. Certain medicines can cause photo-allergic and photo-toxic reactions which may contraindicate you from treatment. Each time you return for subsequent appointments you will be asked to sign in agreement there have been no changes to your medical history, medication, or tanning since your previous treatment. It is your responsibility to inform Westfield Clinic of any health or medication changes throughout the course of your treatment. Failure to do so may result in complications.

• Rarely some clients may have a histamine reaction, causing a rash on the skin (sometimes seen on the lower legs) and can be treated with cold compress and anti-histamines.

• Tattoos in the area will be covered during treatment, otherwise there is a risk that they become damaged.

• Protective eyewear provided must remain on during the entire treatment.
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Question 15

What is the aftercare?

Accepted Answer

You will be given a copy of the aftercare during your appointment

• If having body areas treated, wear loose-fitting clothes on the day of your appointment. Tight-fitting clothes will trap heat into the skin.

• Cold compresses (not ice) and applying Aloe Vera may be useful to reduce swelling and erythema (redness) or general discomfort. Erythema may last for several hours. An antihistamine can ease symptoms.

• Always use a clean razor before your treatment, especially if you are prone to folliculitis (infection of hair follicles caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria).

• For a couple of days, use gentle cleansers, but do not rub the skin vigorously, and avoid hot water during this time. Skin moisturisers may be used, and make-up can be applied if the skin is not broken. Aloe Vera gel can help aid recovery.

• Avoid sun exposure during the entire course of treatments. Use a minimum of SPF 30 or greater on the treatment area at all times. Exposure to sunlight can cause your skin to become more sensitive to the light energy used in the removal process. This can put you at a higher risk of hyperpigmentation or burns.

• Avoid tanning creams during the entire course of treatments. The laser light/energy will be attracted to the closest pigment it sees first. Therefore, the pigment on the surface of your skin will be its target, which may result in burning.

• Avoid soaking for 24 to 48 hours. No hot tubs, whirlpools or baths, but showers are allowed if tepid water is used.

• Avoid excessive sweating for 24 to 48 hours, including no saunas or vigorous exercise.

• If the face was treated, do not use irritants such as Retin-A, Retinol, glycolics, bleaching creams, and exfoliants for one week after and two weeks prior to your next appointment.

• Itching after treatments may occur; if this is severe, you can apply 1% topical hydrocortisone or Benadryl cream to alleviate this, or an oral antihistamine may be taken (opt for non-drowsiness if daytime) and only if you are medically allowed to take antihistamines. Apply cool aloe vera kept in the fridge.

• Keep well hydrated.

• Any questions or concerns, always contact the laser practitioner, and always seek advice from a medical professional should you need to.

Question 16

What are the options for bikini area?

Accepted Answer

Standard bikini - a little off the sides.
Extended bikini - more off the sides and a little off the top.
Brazilian - approx 1" wide section of hair to remain all the way down through the middle, (if you want labia hair removed - you can add that on).
Hollywood - is everything off at the front.
Labia - the labia majora.
Peri-anal is the area around the anus and can be incorporated into any of the above.
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Question 17

What age can you have laser hair removal?

Accepted Answer

Age 14-18 with written parental permision.

Question 18

How do you keep me safe?

Accepted Answer

At Westfield Clinic we take this seriously, and have the following in place:

🏥Practice License with Local Council
👩‍🏫ICO member (Information Commissioner's Office) Regulates Data Protection and Information Rights
🏥GDPR Regulations adhered to
📝Risk Assessment updated regularly
📄Covid Risk Assessment
💊MHRA (Medical Healthcare Regulatory Agency) laser equipment
🏥Local Rules from LPA (Laser Protection Advisor) for safe laser use
🏥LPA Site Audit Report
👩‍🏫LPS (Laser Protection Supervisor) appointed
☑️ CE Certified Equipment
🔌PAT Testing all electrical equipment
👩🏽‍🔧Laser equipment routine servicing and calibration
🕶️Certified Eye protection for each laser wavelength
🎓Cok (Core of Knowledge) updated 3 yearly
🎓Ofqual Qualifications level 4 & 5 and CPD regularly updated
🏥Member of BMLA (British Medical Laser Association)
🔥Co2 and Foam Fire Extinguisher regularly serviced
⛑️Laser & Fire Safety Signage
💉Sharps and Hazardous Waste collection

Question 19

Why do I need a course?

Accepted Answer

Regular sessions of laser hair removal are essential because hair grows in different cycles, and the laser can only effectively target hairs in a specific active phase. Here’s why multiple treatments are needed for best results:

1. Hair Growth Cycles
Human hair grows in three main stages:
 • Anagen (active growth phase): Hair is attached to the follicle and contains pigment (melanin). The laser targets this pigment to destroy the follicle effectively.
 • Catagen (transition phase): Hair detaches from the follicle, making the laser less effective.
 • Telogen (resting phase): The follicle is dormant, and no visible hair is present.
Only 10–20% of hairs are in the anagen phase at any one time, so a single session can’t treat all follicles effectively. Regular sessions ensure that each area is treated when more hairs enter this active stage.

2. Gradual Follicle Reduction
Each treatment damages a percentage of active follicles. Over multiple sessions, the number of active follicles decreases, leading to long-term reduction in hair density and regrowth rate.

3. Hair and Skin Type Variation
Hair and skin type affect how the laser interacts with the pigment. Coarser, darker hair often responds faster, while finer or lighter hair may need more sessions for optimal results.

4. Timing Between Sessions
Sessions are usually spaced 4–8 weeks apart, depending on the area of the body and hair growth rate. This spacing allows new hairs to enter the active growth phase, ready to be targeted at the next session.

5. Consistency Ensures Lasting Results
Missing or delaying sessions can allow untreated follicles to regenerate, reducing overall effectiveness. Consistent treatment schedules maximise permanent hair reduction and improve long-term satisfaction.

Laser Hair Removal

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