Laser Hair Removal in Hale
Laser hair removal at Dr Ed Robinson Clinics uses BBL (BroadBand Light), a light-based treatment rather than a true laser. Gentle pulses of filtered light target the pigment in unwanted hair, giving a long-lasting reduction on small areas such as the upper lip, chin, underarms, bikini line and men’s beard line, at our clinic in Hale, near Altrincham.
At a glance
Depends on the area
Not required
None
After a course
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal with BBL
-
LONG-LASTING HAIR REDUCTION
Over a course of sessions, hair grows back finer, sparser and more slowly, so you spend less time shaving, waxing or threading. -
LIGHT-BASED, NOT A LASER
BBL uses a broad spectrum of filtered light rather than a single laser wavelength, and works by targeting the pigment in the hair. -
FEWER INGROWN HAIRS
Less shaving can mean fewer ingrown hairs and less razor rash, which many men notice along the neckline and jaw. -
COMFORTABLE SESSIONS
Each pulse feels like a brief, warm snap, and the skin is cooled as we work, so numbing is not required. -
SPECIALIST-LED CARE
Carried out by our skin specialists, after a consultation and patch test, at our doctor-led, CQC-registered clinic in Hale.
How does laser hair removal with BBL work?
The technology
BBL stands for BroadBand Light. It is a light-based therapy rather than a true laser: instead of one wavelength, it delivers filtered pulses of light that are absorbed by the pigment in the hair and follicle.
What the light does
The light turns to gentle heat in the follicle, which weakens its ability to grow new hair. The surrounding skin is cooled and protected throughout, so the energy stays focused where it is needed.
Why you need a course
Hair grows in cycles, and only hairs in their active growth phase respond to light. Spacing sessions 4 to 8 weeks apart, depending on the area, lets us treat each new wave of growth.
Laser or light: what is the difference?
A laser uses a single wavelength, while BBL uses a broad, filtered spectrum. Both target pigment in the hair, which is why light-based treatment is often searched for as laser hair removal. The same light technology is also used for BBL skin rejuvenation.
What areas can laser hair removal treat?
Upper Lip
Chin and Jawline
Sides of the Face
Underarms
Bikini Line
Men's Beard Shaping
Does laser hair removal work on my skin and hair type?
Dark hair on lighter skin
This combination usually responds well, because the light is drawn to the contrast between darker hair and lighter skin. A course gives a gradual, long-lasting reduction.
Blonde, grey, white or red hair
These hair colours have too little of the right pigment for the light to target, so BBL hair removal is not effective. We will always tell you honestly at your consultation.
Darker or tanned skin
Darker skin contains more pigment, which can absorb some of the light, so we take extra care, carry out a patch test, and sometimes advise that this treatment is not the right choice. We do not treat recently tanned skin.
Who we treat
We treat adults over 18 only. Please tell us if you are pregnant, have a skin condition in the area, or take medicines or use skin products that make your skin more sensitive to light. If excess facial hair is linked to a hormonal condition such as PCOS, we can help reduce it alongside care from your GP.
What to expect from laser hair removal
Your consultation and patch test
Every new patient starts with a consultation, where we look at your skin and hair, talk through your medical history and agree a plan. We carry out a patch test before your first treatment. You can see our consultation fees before you book.
Preparing for your session
Shave the area the day before. Avoid waxing, plucking, threading and epilating in the weeks before and between sessions, as the light needs the root in place. Avoid sun exposure, sunbeds and self-tan on the area.
On the day
Your skin specialist will give you protective eyewear, and the cooled handpiece is moved over the area in short pulses. Most people describe a brief, warm snap. Session length depends on the area. Our guide to planning your visit covers parking and arrival.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people need a course of several sessions, usually spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart depending on the area. We will advise you at your consultation and review your progress as you go.
What to avoid after treatment
Skincare products: Avoid scented lotions, soaps, exfoliants (such as retinoid creams and glycolic, salicylic or alpha-hydroxy acids), acne creams and gels on the area.
Aggressive cleansing: Do not use loofahs or scrub the skin.
Extreme temperatures: Wash only with lukewarm water.
Swimming and spas: Avoid pools and hot tubs with chlorine or other chemicals.
Heavy sweating: Postpone activities that make you sweat heavily.
Shaving, waxing and plucking: Avoid shaving the treated area while it settles. Between sessions, shave rather than wax, pluck or thread, so the root stays in place.
Sun exposure: Avoid all sun exposure for at least 7 to 14 days, keep the area covered and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplying every 2 hours.
Comfort and recovery tips
Cooling: Apply a cold compress or ice pack within the first 12 hours if the area feels especially warm.
Redness and swelling: Mild redness, swelling or a sunburn-like feeling is normal and may last from a few hours up to several days.
Soothe the skin: Vitamin E or aloe vera may be applied to calm the skin.
Shedding: Treated hairs may shed over the following couple of weeks. Let them fall out naturally.
Sun protection: Daily SPF helps prevent pigmentation, and our guide to choosing a sunscreen can help. Our general treatment aftercare advice has more tips.
Safety and side effects
Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as redness and swelling. Less commonly, blistering or changes in skin colour can occur, which is why we assess your skin type and recent sun exposure carefully and patch test first. If anything concerns you, please get in touch with our team.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
The cost of laser hair removal depends on the areas you would like treated and how many sessions you need, so we confirm your price with you at your consultation, before any treatment begins.
You can find our consultation fees on our prices page, and our team is happy to answer questions through our contact page before you book.
Our Approach
Patient Safety
We prioritise your safety and comfort, starting with a thorough consultation and patch test.
Evidence-Based Practice
Our treatments follow current research and recognised good practice in aesthetic medicine.
Bespoke Treatments
We take the time to understand your goals, your skin and your hair, and plan your course around you.
High Quality Products
We use medical-grade technology and products from reputable suppliers, for your peace of mind.
What Our Patients Say
General reviews of our clinic and team, from Google
I cannot recommend this clinic highly enough. Dr Ed was professional, knowledgeable and a step above other aesthetics practitioners I have encountered.
He was incredibly thorough during the initial assessment and took the time to discuss a range of treatments that would be suitable for me. What particularly impressed me was his honesty about treatments that he felt wouldn’t be appropriate or beneficial. He takes a genuinely individualised approach rather than offering a one size fits all treatment plan.
I was extremely pleased with my results. Dr Ed has a focus on achieving subtle, natural-looking results, which was exactly what I wanted.
The clinic itself is stunning, and all of the staff were warm, friendly and welcoming. From the initial consultation through to the treatment itself felt professional. I wouldn’t hesitate to return and would highly recommend Dr Ed and the clinic to anyone considering aesthetic treatments.
Dr Ed and the team are exceptionally welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable. The service is outstanding, with every treatment explained clearly and thoroughly, ensuring you feel confident and well looked after. The clinic itself is beautifully designed and feels more like a spa, creating an instantly calming atmosphere from the moment you walk in.
I visited the clinic recently and from the moment I arrived I felt really comfortable. Ed and all the staff were extremely helpful. I went in for a consultation to discuss my concerns and agreed on a treatment plan that I was really happy with. Will be returning here for all future treatments. I have been looking for a new clinic I can trust for a while and I’m glad I found this one.
FAQs
For more general enquiries, please take a look at some of our frequently asked questions.
What is laser hair removal with BBL?
Laser hair removal with BBL is a light-based treatment that gives a long-lasting reduction in unwanted hair. Pulses of filtered light are absorbed by the pigment in the hair and turn to gentle heat in the follicle, which slows and weakens regrowth on small areas of the face and body.
Is BBL hair removal a laser?
No, BBL is a light-based therapy rather than a true laser. A laser uses a single wavelength, while BBL (BroadBand Light) uses a broad spectrum of filtered light. Both target the pigment in the hair, which is why it is often searched for as laser hair removal.
Where can I have laser hair removal near Altrincham?
At our clinic in Hale, near Altrincham, Cheshire. BBL hair removal is available at Hale only, not at our Harley Street clinic. Our planning your visit guide covers parking, the station walk and what to expect when you arrive.
Which areas can you treat?
We treat small areas only: the upper lip, chin, jawline and sides of the face, underarms, bikini line, and beard shaping along the cheek line and neckline for men. We do not offer full body hair removal. If underarm sweating is also a concern, ask about our treatment for excessive sweating, and see our treatments for men for other options.
Does laser hair removal work on blonde, grey, white or red hair?
No, it is not effective on these hair colours. The light needs darker pigment in the hair to work, so white, grey, fair and red hair do not respond well. We will always be honest at your consultation if the treatment is unlikely to help.
Does laser hair removal work on dark or tanned skin?
It needs extra care. Darker and tanned skin contain more pigment, which can absorb the light and raise the risk of side effects, so we assess your skin, carry out a patch test, and sometimes advise against treatment. We do not treat recently tanned skin. A skin analysis can help us plan.
How many sessions of laser hair removal will I need?
Most people need a course of several sessions. They are usually spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart depending on the area, because only actively growing hairs respond to light. We will advise you at your consultation and review your progress as you go.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
No, it gives a long-lasting reduction rather than permanent removal. After a course, hair usually grows back finer, sparser and more slowly, and some people choose occasional maintenance sessions to keep the area smooth.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most people find it comfortable. Each pulse feels like a brief, warm snap, the skin is cooled during treatment, and numbing is not required. You will wear protective eyewear throughout.
What aftercare do I need after laser hair removal?
Aftercare is simple and the same as for our other BBL treatments. Mild redness, swelling or a sunburn-like feeling can last from a few hours to several days. Avoid scented products, exfoliants, hot or cold water, pools, spas and heavy sweating while the skin settles, shave rather than wax between sessions, and let treated hairs shed naturally.
Do I need to avoid the sun?
Yes, avoid sun exposure, sunbeds and self-tan before treatment, and avoid all sun on the area for at least 7 to 14 days afterwards, using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapplying every 2 hours. Autumn and winter are a good time to start, as our article on autumn and winter light treatments explains.
Can laser hair removal help with excess facial hair from PCOS?
It can reduce the hair, but it does not treat the hormonal cause. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to extra hair growth on the face, known as hirsutism, and light-based hair removal is widely used to reduce this kind of unwanted hair. Hormone-driven hair can keep returning, so you may need more sessions and occasional maintenance. We recommend continuing medical care with your GP alongside treatment, and our guide to PCOS and your skin explains more.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
The cost depends on the areas you would like treated, so we confirm your price at your consultation. You can find our consultation fees on our prices page.
Who carries out laser hair removal?
Our skin specialists carry out laser hair removal, with Kate as your dedicated specialist, at our doctor-led, CQC-registered clinic in Hale. You can meet the team before your visit.