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Berkshire Aesthetics
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Hair Removal Treatments

Medical assessment and long-term management of unwanted hair growth

Unwanted hair is excess terminal hair growth of cosmetic, hormonal (e.g. PCOS-driven hirsutism) or mixed origin, occurring on the face or body and amenable to medical laser reduction. We review hair colour, growth pattern, skin type and any endocrine indicators before planning laser reduction with the Alma Titanium — a medical-grade 810nm diode laser platform — calibrated to your individual hair and skin profile. Doctor-led protocols are designed for long-term reduction, safety and comfort over a full treatment cycle. Laser hair removal achieves long-term reduction rather than permanent removal, and results vary by hair colour, skin type and underlying hormonal factors.

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GMC Doctor-Led
CQC-Registered Medical Clinic
Medically Recognised
Est. 2016

Berkshire Aesthetics is a doctor-led, CQC-registered aesthetic clinic in Maidenhead. All treatments begin with a consultation to assess suitability, medical history, risks and realistic outcomes.

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Aetiology & Contributing Factors

Most skin and aesthetic concerns are multifactorial. Clinical assessment helps identify which contributing factors are most relevant in your case before treatment is selected.

  • Genetic predisposition and family history
  • Hormonal factors including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hirsutism and menopause
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy or puberty
  • Certain medications that can stimulate hair growth (e.g. some steroids, hormonal therapies)
  • Ethnic and genetic variation in hair distribution and density
  • Endocrine disorders affecting androgen levels

Clinical Presentation

Presentation varies by skin type, severity and duration. These are common clinical signs we assess during consultation.

  • Unwanted facial hair, particularly on the upper lip, chin and jawline
  • Excess body hair on areas such as the underarms, bikini line, legs, chest or back
  • Coarse or dark hair that is difficult to manage with shaving or waxing
  • Skin irritation, ingrown hairs or folliculitis from temporary hair removal methods
  • Sudden change in hair growth pattern, which may indicate an underlying medical cause requiring assessment

Hormonal hair growth, PCOS and what laser can — and cannot — do

Unwanted hair on the face and body can be cosmetic, hormonal or a mix of both. Where polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hirsutism or another endocrine factor is involved, laser hair removal works on the existing follicles but does not change the underlying hormonal trigger. We assess this honestly before recommending treatment so your expectations match what laser can realistically deliver.

What laser can do well

  • Long-term reduction of dark, coarse hair on face and body
  • Reduce ingrown hairs and folliculitis on bikini, beard and legs
  • Reduce hormonally driven facial hair when paired with maintenance
  • Improve daily comfort, shaving rash and skin appearance

What laser cannot do

  • Permanently remove every hair — long-term reduction is the realistic goal
  • Treat very light, blonde, red or grey hair (no melanin target)
  • Address the hormonal cause in PCOS, hirsutism or peri-menopause
  • Eliminate the (uncommon) risk of paradoxical hypertrichosis on facial areas in susceptible patients

Honest expectations matter, especially for facial or hormonally driven hair

Where hormonal causes such as PCOS are suspected, we may suggest concurrent medical assessment with your GP or an endocrinologist alongside laser. Some patients benefit most from a combined approach. Where laser is unlikely to help — for example light or grey hair, or unstable hormonal states — we will say so before you commit to a course.

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Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities

Treatment selection is individualised following clinical assessment, taking into account disease severity, Fitzpatrick skin type, medical history and patient goals. You can also review our consultation standards before booking.

Laser Hair Removal treatment for unwanted hair

We use the Alma Titanium — a medical-grade 810nm diode laser platform — to deliver long-term hair reduction across face and body. Its large spot size and ICE Plus cooling make treatment efficient and comfortable, and we calibrate settings to your skin type, hair density and growth cycle rather than using a fixed package. Suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI); for darker skin types V–VI we start with a test patch on the first visit and progress fluence conservatively. A course of 6–8 sessions is typical, with intervals and fluence progression planned by the treating clinician. Suitability is confirmed during your doctor-led consultation.

Why we start with a consultation

Every treatment begins with a medical assessment. We need to understand your medical history, current health, skin condition and concerns before prescribing any procedure. This protects your safety and ensures the treatment is clinically appropriate for you.

During your consultation, your clinician will explain what the treatment can realistically achieve, any risks specific to you, and whether an alternative might be more appropriate. Consultations are carried out by our doctors or advanced aesthetic practitioners, depending on the treatment or concern being assessed.

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Clinical FAQs: Unwanted Hair

These answers cover common practical questions. For individual diagnosis and treatment advice, book a medical consultation.

Laser hair removal provides long-term hair reduction rather than permanent removal. Most patients experience a significant and lasting decrease in hair growth, but occasional maintenance sessions are usually needed — particularly where hair growth is hormonally driven, for example in PCOS or peri-menopause.
Most patients require 6–8 sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart, depending on the treatment area. Hair grows in cycles, so multiple sessions are needed to target follicles during the active growth phase. Hormonally driven hair growth typically needs an ongoing maintenance plan beyond the initial course.
Yes, laser hair removal can reduce hormonally driven hair on the face, chin, jawline and body, but results vary and ongoing maintenance is usually required. Laser treats existing follicles — it does not remove the underlying hormonal trigger. Where PCOS, hirsutism or another endocrine cause is suspected, we may recommend medical assessment in parallel and set a realistic maintenance plan from the start.
Paradoxical hypertrichosis is a recognised but uncommon side effect where laser or IPL treatment stimulates new hair growth in or around the treated area, most often on the face and neck and most often in patients with darker skin types and hormonally responsive hair. We discuss this risk before treatment begins and adjust protocols accordingly.
Yes. By reducing hair growth at the follicle, laser treatment can significantly reduce ingrown hairs, irritation and folliculitis, particularly on the bikini line, beard area and lower legs.
Most patients describe a warm snapping sensation. Discomfort varies by area and individual tolerance. The Alma Titanium uses ICE Plus contact cooling during treatment to improve comfort and protect the skin.
Yes — the Alma Titanium 810nm diode platform is suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI). For darker skin types V–VI we always start with a test patch on the first visit and progress fluence conservatively to keep treatment safe. Suitability also depends on hair colour: very light, blonde, red or grey hair contains little melanin and typically does not respond well, regardless of skin type.
Laser hair removal may not be suitable if you are pregnant, have an active skin infection or unstable skin condition in the treatment area, take certain photosensitising medications, have recent significant tan or sun exposure, have very light or grey hair, or have certain hormonal or autoimmune conditions. Suitability is confirmed during your consultation.
There is minimal downtime. Mild redness and warmth in the treated area may last a few hours. You should avoid sun exposure, sunbeds, hot baths, saunas and intensive exercise for 24–48 hours after each session, and use SPF 50 on treated areas going forward.
Common treatment areas include the face (upper lip, chin, jawline, sides), neck, underarms, bikini line, legs, arms, chest, back, abdomen and toes. Your clinician will confirm which areas are suitable during your consultation.
True medical lasers such as the Alma Titanium 810nm diode tend to be more effective and predictable than IPL for hair reduction, particularly on coarser or darker hair, and are generally safer across a wider range of skin types. We use medical laser platforms rather than IPL for hair removal at our Maidenhead clinic.

Plan Your Next Step

Use these links to review consultation standards, check treatment pricing, and request a doctor-led assessment.

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Clinical Summary

Expected Recovery PeriodMinimal — mild redness for a few hours after treatment; no significant downtime
Therapeutic ResponseHair reduction becomes noticeable after 2–3 sessions; long-term reduction typically achieved after a full course of 6–8 sessions over several months. Hormonally driven hair growth usually requires ongoing maintenance.

Clinical Governance

  • Treatment delivered on the Alma Titanium — a medical-grade 810nm diode laser platform with ICE Plus cooling for comfort and safety
  • All hair removal is performed under doctor-led clinical oversight in our CQC-registered Maidenhead clinic
  • We assess your skin type, hair colour, hormonal profile and medical history to ensure safe and effective treatment parameters
  • Honest guidance is provided — we will tell you if laser hair removal is unlikely to be effective for your specific hair, skin or hormonal profile
  • Maintenance protocols are planned for hormonally driven hair growth so expectations are realistic from the start

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Request a medical assessment for your unwanted hair with our clinical team.

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Further Reading & Clinical References

The following external resources provide independent clinical and regulatory information.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual suitability for any treatment is assessed during a consultation. Always seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Clinical governance

Page last reviewed: 2026-05-03

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Book a medical consultation to discuss diagnosis and an individualised treatment protocol.

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