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 light energy into heat. This heat is transferred to the hair follicle, which is destroyed, making it unable to produce 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 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 undergo any hair removal for at least four weeks before the appointment or during 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 treatment’s success.

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

The glass prism within the AW3 applicator that guides the light to the skin is 15 mm by 50 mm, so a large area can be targeted in one flash of light. Our system has the largest spot size on the market and is the only system to have auto flashes without delay. This means doing a full leg treatment in 15-30 minutes instead of 90 minutes.

Clinical trials documenting AW3 for safety and effectiveness are carried out by leading doctors before 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.