The Chromos 694 Ruby Laser:

Wavelength 694 nm. Pulse duration 1 millisecond

Developed by Professor Marc Clement at the Swansea Institute following extensive clinical research the Chromos 694 Ruby laser was first used to help clients who had undergone re-constructive plastic surgery. It is the front-runner in the field of laser hair removal, not only ridding patients of unwanted hair quickly and painlessly, but also preventing its return on a long term basis. Ruby laser uses the melanin concentrated in the hair shaft to absorb the laser light, attacking the follicle but passing harmlessly through the surrounding tissue. The wavelength used is highly absorbed in the melanin and only minimally in the surrounding tissue and the pulse length is carefully pre-set to create sufficient heat to prevent re-growth without damaging the skin. Clinical tests show an average 80% reduction in facial hair after six months and just two treatments.

One of the major problems facing women who suffer from medical conditions such as PCOS achieving a feminine appearance is that of facial hair. Chris Hart is dedicated to helping overcome this problem. If she could, she would clear every last hair from every woman's face. Chris’s bubbly personality and sympathetic approach ensures that clients feel completely at ease – or as much at ease as possible when facing a procedure, which involves "a measure of discomfort".

Chris makes no claims that laser hair removal is totally pain free. "Clients’ reactions vary", she says. "Some say it hurts, others consider it no worse than a pin prick – followed by an afterglow equivalent to having been out in the sun." By cooling the area beforehand and, if necessary, during treatment, Chris does all she can to minimise discomfort. Her chatty approach during treatment also distracts clients from the effect of the laser.

Secondly, each pulse covers an area of about 7mm diameter and treats all hairs within this area simultaneously – rather than just one hair at a time. This means that laser hair removal requires a tiny fraction of the number of individual shots needed for conventional electrolysis.

As well as reducing the total discomfort involved, this means that laser hair removal offers a "fast track" route to clearing noticeable facial hair. In many cases, around 6 months of laser treatment can replace two years of conventional electrolysis. Whilst individual sessions may be more expensive, total costs can be substantially lower as far fewer sessions are required.

Unfortunately, our laser the Chromos 694 is not effective on light or red hair – and is unsuitable for dark skins (even suntans can present problems). We have addressed this problem by purchasing state of the art equipment, which can address most of these issues, namely the Energist Ultra VPL. This means that clients with lighter hair and darker skin tones can now be treated.

Those not concerned with achieving a totally smooth complexion may well be content with shaving this residue. Others may be happy to pluck or remove the remaining hairs by some other means. Even if conventional electrolysis is used to control those hairs, which survive laser treatment, the numbers involved will be much reduced and even these will be far less obvious while growing long enough for treatment.

Two other significant advantages of laser hair removal are that it works best when the hairs are barely visible – eliminating the need to have a face full of stubble for treatment. And it is possible to use make up immediately afterwards.

Chris’s dedication to her clients is also reflected in the pricing and payment structure. She is happy to tailor programs to suit each client’s individual requirements.

A popular approach is to treat each area of the face in turn – often starting with the chin and upper lip where the shadow is most obvious. Even just three treatments to this area can virtually eliminate the need for beard cover and allow the use of far more natural looking make up.

One question asked about laser treatment is about how effective it is compared with conventional electrolysis. Potential clients are frequently aware that conventional electrolysis is claimed to be the only proven method of permanent hair removal.

Science and technology have put men on the moon in the last thirty years and inevitably medical research brings advances in many fields. Hair removal is just one of those areas. Yes, electrolysis was the best solution that we could offer people in the past but now we need to embrace innovative technology for the benefit of our clients. Many years of research and clinical trials by medical physics and plastic surgeons have resulted in the development of the Chromos 694 Ruby Laser.

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