Getting rid of unwanted hair can cause emotional distress, particularly if it is in a very noticeable area such as on the face or neck. At Halcyon clinics, we offer a range of hair removal treatments, including the latest generation Laser Hair Removal with the Soprano ICE Platinum from Alma Lasers. Alma’s SHR hair removal method uses cutting-edge technology to offer a simple, one-stop solution for truly effective hair removal. SHR’s unique gradual heating method effectively damages the hair follicles while avoiding injury to the surrounding skin. The sweeping In-motionTM delivery technique keeps the laser in constant motion ensuring full coverage.

HOW IT WORKS

Laser hair removal works by focussing a laser beam at the base of each hair follicle. The light from the laser is absorbed by the pigment colour of the hair, the melanin, which damages the hair follicle and helps to halt and prevent further hair growth. The rate of hair growth will decrease the more treatments you have and the more the follicles are damaged. The hair also must be in the right part of the hair growth cycle for treatment to be effective, which is why a course of treatments are recommended.

Unlike other laser hair removal systems that only work for patients with darker hair and are not suitable for those with grey, blonde or white hair, the Soprano ICE Platinum has been designed to painlessly target a broader range of skin and hair types.

The new Soprano ICE Platinum includes an Alexandrite laser (755nm wavelength) which gives us the ability to treat the widest range of both hair and skin types. The light is easily absorbed by even lighter hair colours, but because it doesn’t penetrate deeply it means that we can even treat you in the summer months when you may have a tan or if you’ve just returned from your holiday abroad, or if you naturally have a darker skin tone, as it will not target the pigment in your skin.

The machine also has an 810nm wavelength laser which has a much higher power and deeper penetration, making it speedy which helps to reduce the overall time of the treatment, especially for larger areas like legs. Finally the Soprano ICE Platinum has an Nd:YAG laser (1064nm wavelength) which is perfect for treating our clients with darker skin types who are looking for a hair removal option, and often find that clinics don’t have the right equipment to treat them without damaging their skin, due to the increased melanin that it contains.

It also has deep penetration which makes it great to use on hairs that lie much deeper in the skin, such as those found in the armpits, bikini line or scalp.

DURING TREATMENT

Treatment usually takes less than one hour. Skin will be cleansed; then the laser will be focussed towards the hair follicles. The secret lies in the Alma SHR technology within the Soprano ICE Platinum which makes it virtually painless as the hand piece is in constant movement over the surface of the skin so the hair follicles can be heated gradually and destroyed without hurting the skin. Treatment times can vary depending on the area being treated, followed by additional treatments every 4-6 weeks.

AFTER TREATMENT

You’ll be advised to protect your skin from the sun when undergoing a course of laser hair removal. The skin may be slightly red or sensitive immediately following treatment, but this will settle down within 24-48 hours.