Laser Hair Removal is the largest volume aesthetic procedure. The market has seen rapid change over the past 5-10 years with technology evolving and consumer prices reducing as more providers enter the market.
For many clinics with older slower technology with high running costs it is difficult to compete so they see volume reduce or decide to focus on other higher margin treatments. These changes however can be seen as an opportunity. With lower prices treatment becomes more affordable to a wider audience i.e. it is moving into the mass market.
How to choose the best technology
There are so many lasers on the market at wide variations in price it is very confusing for clinics. Essentially there are 4 things you need to look for in choosing a laser to compete profitable in the laser hair removal market.
- Power: For permanent results you need high power to heat the base of the follicle to 70 degrees as which point the hair is destroyed. A minimum of 1800 watts if required to do so but the higher the better.
- Pulse duration: a very short pulse duration will achieve better results particularly with lighter finer hairs and it will also make the treatment more comfortable. To achieve a very short pulse duration you need a very powerful laser.
- Wavelength: choose a wavelength with maximum absorption in melanin the target or conductor which delivers heat to the base of the follicle. Maximum melanin absorption in around 755-800nm so either 755nm (Alexandrite) or 810nm (Diode) are the gold standard. 755nm is limited to lighter skin types, Diode is suitable for all skin types( as long as you have good cooling and pulse duration).
- Cooling: The ability to cool the skin surface whilst delivering high power laser into the skin requires sophisticated cooling technology which surprisingly not many manufacturers have mastered. By keeping the skin surface consistently cool it protects the skin and allows delivery of high power down the follicle with minimum discomfort.
How much do I need to spend?
Prices range from £3,000 to £150,000. How can this be?
At the low end i.e under £20,000 you are going to have a low specification and poor quality device typically made in China (despite what the label might say!). Typical power levels are 600-800 watts which is simply not sufficient for permanent hair removal.
They will merely damage the hair and not remove it so you will need to retreat every 4 weeks, no better than waxing. With such low power they cannot achieve a short pulse duration and cooling is inconsistent at best maybe starting cool but heating up very quickly.
They use low quality diode bars typically 50 watts compared to 300 watt bars so they will burn out quickly and need to be replaced at your expense. More importantly you cannot build a good reputation if you do not deliver excellent results and meet your clients expectations.
At the high end you are paying a high premium for a brand that may or may not have consumer awareness. The specifications are sufficient to build a good business but not an outstandingly profitable business. With such high up front cost and running costs the return on investment is slow.
READ MORE ABOUT ENEKA PRO TECHNOLOGY
FAQs
Shave before each treatment:
Shaving removes the hair above the skin surface, allowing the laser to target the hair follicles directly. Shave the area thoroughly 12-24 hours before your appointment to ensure the best results.
How to optimise laser hair removal? ›
To maximise your laser hair removal results, it's important to prepare your skin before treatment. This includes avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 4-6 weeks before treatment. As well as avoiding any products that can irritate the skin. Such as retinol or glycolic acid.
How do you increase the frequency of a laser? ›
First, you cannot increase the wavelength AND get a higher frequency at the same time unless the laser beam exits a higher index material and shifts frequency at the same time.
Why is laser not getting rid of my hair? ›
As hair grows in stages, hair follicles can only be damaged when they are in the anagen – or growing – phase. This is why you need multiple laser hair removal treatments, as not all hair grows at the same rate, or is in the same stage as other hairs.
How profitable is a laser hair removal business? ›
The Profit Potential of Laser Hair Removal in the USA
The average cost of a laser hair removal treatment in the USA is around $200 per session, with clients typically requiring 6-8 sessions. This means that a single client can generate between $1,200 and $1,600 in revenue for your business.
Who is the target market for laser hair removal? ›
The 30 to 54 segment dominated the market in 2021, and is expected to continue this trend throughout the forecast period, owing to increase in disposable income, and rise in number of laser hair removal procedures among population aged 30 to 54.
Is laser cutting business profitable? ›
Is a Laser Cutting Business Profitable? Yes, a well-run, well-equipped laser cutting business has very high-profit potential.
What supplements affect laser hair removal? ›
High vitamin A dosages, however, may increase the skin's sensitivity to light and the chance of skin injury during laser hair removal. Before getting laser hair removal, it is advised that you cease taking vitamin A pills at least two weeks in advance.
Why am I not seeing results from laser hair removal? ›
If you have only attended a few sessions, one of the most likely reasons to why you have yet to see a desired response to laser hair removal is that you need more treatment sessions. This is usually the case if you are noticing a reduction in hair or thinning of hair.
How to promote laser hair removal? ›
Showcasing customer testimonials and before-and-after photos can massively boost consumer trust in your laser hair removal services. It's not just about stating what you offer but showing the outcomes you've achieved.
An easy way to do this is to shave and exfoliate the area of skin we are treating every two weeks. Shaving and exfoliating can increase follicular activity, making the following laser treatment more effective. Another tip suggested by experts is to pay attention to hair growth during laser hair removal treatment.
How to get the most from laser hair removal? ›
At Laser Clinics Australia, we advise our clients to shave the treatment area 12-24 hours before their session, avoid sun exposure or tanning, and refraining from waxing or plucking. Understand that laser hair removal usually requires multiple sessions to achieve the best results.
Can you stimulate hair growth after laser? ›
Even though laser hair removal is aimed to destroy the hair follicles, in some cases the laser can actually stimulate hair production. This can occur when the energy levels applied during your treatment are too low.
Why won't my hair shave off after laser? ›
If you feel like your hair isn't shedding at all, this could be due to a few factors. In some cases, the hair may be too light, the treatment intensity too low, or the hair might be in the wrong growth stage. Our laser hair removal experts can assess your progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment.
