To achieve long lasting or permanent hair reduction, it is necessary to destroy the hair follicle from which individual hairs grow. Well controlled pulses of light penetrate the upper skin layer and are absorbed by one of the body’s own natural chemicals – melanin – in the hair contained in the follicle.

Melanin converts the light energy into heat. This heat is transferred to the hair follicle, which is destroyed, making it unable to produce a new hair. The treatment is only effective on growing hairs as these are still attached to the follicle. The majority of our hair is in the resting phase which explains why more than one treatment is necessary. This technique is called “Selective Photothermolysis”.

Hair grows in three different cycles and the Permanent Hair Reduction can only successfully treat hair during its growth stage. Therefore it is often necessary to undergo a course of 3-6 treatments ensuring that you leave at least 6-8 weeks between each session initially, and then only repeat as and when the hair returns.

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 AW3 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.

To ensure as many hair follicles are targeted as possible it is also important not to under go any hair removal for at least four weeks before the appointment or during the course of treatment. The same rule applies to any sun treatments, as a tan will raise the pigment level in the skin and have a severe effect on the treatments success.

We provide all clients with a 'Hair Removal Care Card' with any of our treatments.

Skin type is a fundamental effecting factor in this treatment as due to the high level of pigment in the skin. Tolerance of pain is very individual from person to person and machine to machine. We have a variety of machines including no pain machines and the sensation of each are completely different. No anaesthetics are required, and most people describe the sensation as similar to that of a rubber band snapping onto the skin.

We do patch tests before all treatments to ensure your treatment is suitable to your skin.

We can offer treatment for all skin types and hair types and with our treatment there is little post-treatment care required. Although people with sensitive skin may benefit from using a soothing gel or aloe vera for a few hours following treatment.

Clinical trials documenting AW3 for 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 medical journals. The settings used for your treatment will be based on the settings recommended by the clinicians who carried out the clinical trials.