Shaving, waxing, tweezing and hair removal creams have been replaced by hair removal in a flash. The Permanent Beauty system uses short, safe bursts of light emitted from a flash-lamp to remove unwanted hair from all body sites in minutes.

How does the treatment work? The operator guides the light from the flash-lamp to the treatment area. The unique system carefully filters this light in two ways to ensure that only light with the correct characteristics (wavelengths) is allowed to reach your skin.

Hair contains pigment (melanin) that absorbs the light and converts it into heat. The hair transmits this heat into the hair follicle, which is then destroyed and rendered unable to produce a new hair.

To ensure optimal light transmission to the hair, a thin layer of gel (similar to that used in ultrasound examinations) is applied to your skin before treatment. The operator then moves the hand-held applicator over the entire treatment area exactly one applicator width after each flash of light.

Can all hairs be treated? As the treatment relies on absorption of light in the hair pigment (melanin), the most efficient treatment is seen with dark hair. The lighter the skin, the more pronounced the distinction between hair and skin colour, making treatment easier. However, the system has pre-programmed settings for different hair and skin colours to adjust the energy output to your needs.

How long does a treatment take? The glass prism with the applicator that guides the light to the skin is 10mm by 48mm, so a large number of hairs can be targeted in one flash of light. Treatment of the upper lip takes approximately 5 minutes, whereas a back or both legs take 60-120 minutes.

Does it hurt? Tolerance of pain is very individual from person to person. No anaesthetics are required, and most people describe the sensation as similar to that of a rubber band snapping onto the skin.

Do I need to take special precautions before and after treatment? The light used is completely safe, visible light. Potentially harmful wavelengths are removed by the unique dual mode filtering system.

It is important not to remove hair by plucking, tweezing, waxing or use of creams during the entire four weeks before treatment. This ensures that as many hair follicles as possible contain a hair and thus can be destroyed by the light.

Since tanning takes place by accumulation of pigment (melanin) in the skin, it is also important to avoid tanning (sun, solarium or self-tanning cream) before and during the treatment period. Otherwise your tanned skin will absorb more light, which makes treatment less effective.

Generally, no post-treatment care is necessary. But people with very sensitive skin may benefit from using a soothing cream for a few days after treatment. It is also recommended to limit sun exposure and the use sunscreen (min. SPF 30) for a few weeks following treatment.

How many treatments do I need? Hair growth is cyclical, as hair follicles go through resting and growing phases. Only follicles in the growth phase contain hair and are destroyed by the heat. Resting hair follicles need to enter the growth phase before they can be effectively destroyed by the treatment. That's why it is necessary to repeat the treatment at intervals until all hair follicles have been through the growth phase.

The length and timing of the growth cycles are affected by numerous factors such as body site, hair density, thickness, ethnic origin, hormonal status and age. Clinical studies have confirmed that at least 3-6 treatments are needed, and the intervals between treatments are typically 1-3 months.

How can I be sure the treatment is safe and effective? Clinical trials documenting the system's safety and effectiveness are carried out by leading doctors prior to the release of the product. The results of these tests are then published in respected, refereed medical journals. The settings used for your treatment will be based on the settings recommended by the clinicians who carried out the clinical trials.

I want to be rid of unwanted hair - what should I do next? Arrange a free in-depth personal consultation at Permanent Beauty, Burnham by telephoning the number below.

0800 1075575 or E-mail us.