Search | The Hair & Beauty Directory

Search for what actually matters to you

Accessibility and inclusivity

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL, or intense pulsed light, uses broad-spectrum flashes of light to target colour (pigment) in the skin. Unlike a laser, which uses a single wavelength, IPL delivers a range of wavelengths, which is why the same device can be used for different concerns. It is most commonly used for hair reduction and for skin rejuvenation, helping to soften sun spots, freckles, facial redness, thread veins and the flushing linked to rosacea. The light is absorbed and converted to heat, which disables the hair follicle or breaks down unwanted pigment. Because IPL works on contrast between the target and the surrounding skin, it tends to suit people with lighter skin and darker hair or clearly defined pigment, and it is generally less suitable, and higher risk, for darker or tanned skin, where the light can be absorbed by the skin itself and cause burns or pigment changes. IPL is not a single fixed treatment. A trained practitioner tailors the settings, wavelength filter and energy to your skin tone, the concern being treated and how your skin responds, and a course of sessions is usually needed rather than a one-off. Results build gradually and are best thought of as reduction and improvement rather than permanent removal or a cure.

Book a face-to-face consultation before your first session so the practitioner can assess your skin tone (Fitzpatrick type), review your medical history and carry out a patch test. Avoid sun exposure, sunbeds and fake tan for at least four weeks beforehand, as tanned or recently exposed skin significantly raises the risk of burns and pigment changes; treatment is usually postponed if your skin is tanned. Do not pluck, wax, thread or use epilators for around four to six weeks before hair-removal sessions, because IPL needs the hair root in place, though you can shave. Stop retinoids, strong acids and other exfoliating actives for several days as advised, and tell your practitioner about any medicines or supplements that increase light sensitivity. Come to your appointment with clean skin, free of make-up, moisturiser, deodorant or perfume on the treatment area. If you have any doubts about a medicine or skin condition, check with your GP or prescriber first.

You will usually be asked to confirm there have been no changes to your health, medicines or sun exposure since your consultation. The area is cleansed and often a cool gel is applied, and both you and the practitioner wear protective eyewear, as IPL light can damage the eyes. A handpiece is placed against the skin and delivers pulses of light, typically felt as a warm flick or the snap of an elastic band, with a burst of brightness through the goggles. The practitioner works methodically across the area, checking your skin's reaction as they go and adjusting the energy if needed. A small area such as the upper lip may take only a few minutes, while larger areas or full-face rejuvenation can take twenty to forty-five minutes. Afterwards the skin is cooled and soothed. For pigmentation, treated spots may look darker at first before flaking away over the following days.

Expect the treated skin to feel warm and look pink for a few hours, similar to mild sunburn. Cool the area gently and apply any soothing product your practitioner recommends; avoid rubbing, picking or scratching. For at least a week or two, keep away from heat that raises the skin's temperature, including hot baths and showers, saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools, intense exercise and very hot drinks against the skin. Do not use perfumed products, exfoliating acids, retinoids or make-up on the area until any redness has settled. Where pigment has been treated, let the darkened spots and crusts flake off naturally rather than scrubbing them. Protect the area from the sun completely and use a high-factor broad-spectrum SPF every day, as skin is more vulnerable to pigment changes afterwards. Follow the interval your practitioner advises between sessions, and contact them promptly if you notice blistering, unusual pain or signs of infection.

IPL is an energy-based device treatment, so the biggest safety factors are the practitioner's competence and the settings they use. Choose someone properly trained and qualified in IPL specifically, insured for it and working in a clean, professional setting with well-maintained, calibrated equipment. The most common problems reported are burns, so correct energy settings matched to your skin tone, together with an honest assessment of whether IPL suits you at all, are essential. Accurate Fitzpatrick skin typing, protective eyewear for everyone in the room, and a fresh patch test whenever the area, device head or settings change all reduce risk. IPL is generally higher risk on darker or tanned skin, where burns and pigment changes are more likely, and a good practitioner will decline or adapt treatment rather than press ahead. In some parts of the UK, such as London and parts of Wales and Scotland, laser and IPL premises must be registered or licensed with the local authority, so it is reasonable to ask about this.

IPL is not suitable for everyone, so a full medical history matters. It is generally avoided in pregnancy, on tanned or very dark skin, and over moles, undiagnosed lesions, tattoos or areas of active infection, eczema, psoriasis or cold sores. Several medicines and conditions increase light sensitivity or the risk of pigment problems, including recent isotretinoin (Roaccutane), certain antibiotics, St John's Wort, some acne and photosensitising medications, and conditions such as epilepsy triggered by light or a history of keloid scarring. IPL can worsen melasma and may activate cold sores or other latent infections. If you have a history of skin cancer, a bleeding disorder, are taking blood thinners, or have any concern that has not been checked, speak to your GP or a suitably qualified medical practitioner before booking. IPL is a cosmetic treatment, not a medical diagnosis or cure, and any new, changing or suspicious skin lesion should be assessed by a doctor rather than treated.

Yes. A patch test on a small area of the intended site is standard good practice for IPL and should be done at consultation, usually at least 24 to 48 hours before your first full session. It checks how your skin reacts to the light and energy and helps the practitioner set a safe starting point, reducing the risk of burns and pigment changes. A fresh patch test is also sensible whenever you move to a new body area, or the device, headpiece or settings change, as reactions can differ. A patch test is not a guarantee, and sensitivity can still vary with sun exposure, medicines or hormonal changes, so honest disclosure at every visit matters. From a UK liability point of view, skipping the patch test and consultation can leave a practitioner exposed if a claim arises, which is why reputable providers insist on it.

Be cautious if a provider skips the consultation, medical history or patch test, or is willing to treat tanned skin or press ahead on darker skin without discussing the higher burn and pigment risks. Vague answers about their IPL training, qualifications or insurance, or reluctance to say what device and settings they use, are warning signs, as is equipment that looks poorly maintained or is not calibrated. No protective eyewear, no cooling, or a practitioner who cannot explain contraindications should give you pause. Promises of permanent removal, guaranteed results, or a cure for a skin condition are not credible. High-pressure sales, discounts for booking a big course on the spot, and dismissing your questions about medicines or skin conditions are all reasons to walk away.

Good practice looks like a thorough face-to-face consultation, accurate skin typing, a documented medical history and a patch test before treatment. A trustworthy practitioner is specifically trained and qualified in IPL, insured for it, and happy to show evidence and explain the device, wavelength filter and settings they will use and why. They give protective eyewear to everyone in the room, keep clean and calibrated equipment, and record your settings and reactions each visit. They are honest about whether IPL suits your skin, set realistic expectations of gradual improvement over a course, and will decline or adapt treatment where risk is high rather than simply taking your money. Clear written aftercare, sensible session spacing, and awareness of any local authority registration requirements are further signs of a careful, professional service.

What are your specific qualifications and training in IPL, and are you insured for this treatment?
Is IPL suitable for my skin tone and the concern I want treated, and what are the realistic results?
Which device do you use, and how will you choose and record the settings for my skin?
Will you do a patch test and full consultation before my first session, and how far in advance?
What are the risks of burns or pigment changes for me, and how do you reduce them?
How many sessions am I likely to need, what is the total cost, and what aftercare do you recommend?

Most people describe IPL as a series of warm flicks or the snap of an elastic band against the skin, along with a bright flash of light seen through the protective goggles. The cooling gel and any chilled tip help take the edge off the heat. Bonier areas, thinner skin and denser or darker hair can feel sharper, while lower-energy settings feel milder. Sensitivity often varies with the area treated and, for some people, with the time of the month. Straight after treatment the skin usually feels hot and tight, much like mild sunburn, easing over the next few hours. Sharp, intense pain during a pulse is not normal and should be mentioned straight away, as it may mean the settings need adjusting.

IPL typically involves little downtime, and most people return to normal activities the same day. Redness and warmth usually settle within a few hours to a couple of days. For skin and pigmentation work, treated spots often darken and then flake over roughly one to two weeks, and some mild swelling can occur around the eyes or on delicate areas. Because a course is usually needed, sessions are commonly spaced a few weeks apart. Sun protection and heat avoidance during this period matter, as the skin is temporarily more reactive. Any blistering, prolonged redness or pigment change should be discussed with your practitioner.

IPL results build gradually rather than appearing overnight, and a course of sessions is usually needed. For hair, several treatments spaced a few weeks apart are typical, aiming for reduction and finer, sparser regrowth rather than guaranteed permanent removal; top-up sessions are often needed over time as some follicles recover, and hormonal changes can prompt new growth. For pigmentation and redness, spots may darken and flake before the skin looks clearer and more even, with maintenance sessions every several months to a year depending on your skin and sun habits. Daily broad-spectrum SPF and sensible sun avoidance protect your results and reduce the chance of pigment returning. Because IPL is tailored to your skin and response, your practitioner should review progress and adjust the plan as you go. Realistic, individual expectations and consistent aftercare give the best long-term outcome.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal uses a focused beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair, heating the follicle to reduce future growth. It is one of the most popular longer-term hair-reduction methods in the UK and is typically used on the legs, underarms, bikini area, face, back and chest. Because the light targets pigment, results and safety depend heavily on the match between your hair colour, skin tone and the type of laser used, which is why a proper consultation matters. It works best on dark hair and is less effective on very fair, grey, red or white hair, which hold little pigment. Modern devices such as Nd:YAG lasers have made treatment safer for darker skin tones, but settings must be chosen carefully to avoid burns or pigment changes. Laser hair removal reduces hair rather than removing it permanently in every case, so most people need a course of sessions followed by occasional maintenance. When carried out by a trained, competent practitioner using well-maintained equipment and correct settings for your skin, it is a well-established treatment with a good track record. This guide explains how to prepare, what to expect and how to choose a provider safely.

Service

Laser hair removal

Good preparation protects your skin and improves results. Shave the treatment area a day or two beforehand so the hair root remains in the follicle but the surface hair does not scorch; do not wax, pluck, thread or use epilators for around four to six weeks before, as these remove the root the laser needs to target. Avoid sun exposure, sunbeds and fake tan for at least two to four weeks before your appointment, because tanned or recently sun-exposed skin raises the risk of burns and pigment changes. Come to the treatment with clean skin, free of make-up, deodorant, creams or oils on the area. Tell your practitioner about any medicines you take, particularly anything that increases light sensitivity, and about recent or planned holidays in strong sun. If you have taken isotretinoin (Roaccutane), most UK clinics ask you to wait around six months after finishing. Discuss any skin conditions, cold-sore history or tattoos near the area so treatment can be planned safely.

At your first visit the practitioner should take a full history, assess your skin tone and hair, discuss expectations and carry out a patch test before any full treatment. During a session you and the practitioner wear protective goggles, as the light can damage eyes. A cool gel or a device with an integrated cooling system is often used to protect the skin surface and ease discomfort. The handpiece is placed against the skin and pulses of light are delivered across the area, section by section. Most people describe the sensation as a warm pinging or an elastic band snapping against the skin. Treatment time depends on the size of the area, ranging from a few minutes for the upper lip to around an hour for larger areas such as legs or back. A competent practitioner adjusts the settings to your skin type and hair, watches your skin's response closely and checks in with you throughout. Afterwards the area may look slightly pink with mild bumps around the follicles, which usually settles within hours.

Gentle aftercare helps your skin recover and lowers the risk of pigment changes. Some redness and mild swelling around the follicles is normal for a few hours and occasionally up to a day or two. Keep the area cool and avoid heat for around 24 to 48 hours, so no hot baths or showers, saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga or vigorous exercise that makes you sweat heavily. Avoid swimming pools and anything that might irritate the skin. Do not pick, scratch or exfoliate the area while it is sensitive, and skip perfumed products, deodorant on treated underarms and harsh actives such as retinoids or acids for a couple of days. Sun protection is essential: keep the area covered and apply a high-factor broad-spectrum SPF daily, avoiding direct sun and sunbeds throughout your course and for several weeks afterwards. You may notice hairs appearing to grow in the following one to three weeks; this is often the treated hairs shedding, so let them fall out naturally rather than plucking. Follow the specific advice your clinic gives you.

Laser hair removal is an energy-based treatment, so practitioner competence and correct settings are the heart of safe care. The light generates real heat, and settings that are too high, the wrong device for your skin tone, or poor technique can cause burns, blistering and long-lasting pigment changes, particularly on darker or tanned skin. Choose a practitioner who is properly trained in laser and IPL, understands different skin types and lasers, uses well-maintained, serviced equipment and always provides eye protection. In England, clinics providing laser hair removal for cosmetic purposes are generally expected to consider Care Quality Commission requirements where the treatment is medical in nature, and standards vary across the UK, so it is reasonable to ask how a provider is regulated and insured. A thorough consultation, an accurate assessment of your skin tone and a patch test before full treatment are non-negotiable safety steps. Never accept treatment on sunburnt, broken or actively tanned skin, and be wary of anyone who skips the patch test or cannot explain how they set the machine for you.

Some medical circumstances make laser hair removal unsuitable or mean it should be delayed, so an honest medical history matters. Treatment is usually avoided during pregnancy as a precaution, and while there is no evidence of harm, most clinics prefer to wait. Certain medicines increase light sensitivity, including some antibiotics, St John's Wort and other photosensitising drugs, and isotretinoin (Roaccutane) usually requires a wait of around six months after your last dose because the skin is more fragile. Conditions such as active eczema or psoriasis in the area, vitiligo, a tendency to keloid scarring, light-sensitive epilepsy, bleeding disorders or a history of cold sores near the treatment site all need discussion first. Hormone-related hair growth, for example with polycystic ovary syndrome, can affect results and may need more sessions. If you are unsure whether a health condition or medication affects your suitability, speak to your GP or a suitably qualified practitioner before booking. Laser hair removal is a cosmetic treatment and is not a diagnosis or cure for any underlying condition.

A patch test is standard and important for laser hair removal, and a responsible clinic will not skip it. A small area is treated at the proposed settings, then reviewed after around 24 to 48 hours to check how your skin reacts before committing to a full session or a course. This helps the practitioner confirm the right device and settings for your skin tone and hair, and reduces the risk of burns or pigment changes, which is especially valuable for darker, sensitive or recently sun-exposed skin. Alongside the patch test, a thorough consultation and medical history screen for contraindications such as photosensitising medicines, recent isotretinoin, tanning or skin conditions. From a UK liability standpoint, these checks protect you and evidence that the practitioner assessed your suitability, so a provider who offers to proceed with no patch test or consultation is a genuine warning sign.

Be cautious if a provider skips the consultation, patch test or medical history, or is happy to treat sunburnt, broken or freshly tanned skin. It is a warning sign if they cannot tell you which laser they use, why it suits your skin tone, or how they choose the settings for you. Other red flags include no eye protection offered, equipment that looks poorly maintained or is not regularly serviced, no proof of relevant laser training, no insurance, and pressure to buy large packages upfront before you have had a patch test. Promises of guaranteed permanent removal in a fixed number of sessions, dismissing your questions, or reluctance to explain how they are regulated should all make you pause and look elsewhere.

Good practice starts with a proper consultation that assesses your skin tone and hair, reviews your medical history and medicines, and sets realistic expectations. Look for a practitioner with recognised laser and IPL training who can clearly explain which device they use and why it suits you, and who always carries out a patch test 24 to 48 hours before your first full session. Well-maintained, serviced equipment, correct eye protection for you and the practitioner, and clear written before-and-after advice are all reassuring signs. A trustworthy provider is transparent about their qualifications, insurance and how they are regulated, tailors the settings and number of sessions to you, and is happy to answer questions without pressure or hard selling.

What training and qualifications do you hold in laser or IPL hair removal, and are you insured?
Which type of laser do you use, and why is it suitable for my skin tone and hair colour?
Will I have a patch test before my first full session, and how long before?
How are you regulated, and how is your equipment maintained and serviced?
How many sessions am I likely to need, and what results are realistic for me?
What are the possible side effects, and what should I do if I have a reaction such as blistering?

Most people find laser hair removal very tolerable rather than painful. The usual description is a warm, quick pinging or a light elastic band snapping against the skin as each pulse is delivered, followed by brief heat. Many modern devices have built-in cooling that makes this more comfortable, and a cool gel may also be used. Sensitive or bony areas such as the upper lip, bikini line and underarms tend to feel a little sharper, while larger areas like the legs are usually milder. Afterwards the skin often feels warm, like mild sunburn, with some tingling. The intensity can be tailored to your comfort and skin, so tell your practitioner if anything feels too hot or too strong.

Laser hair removal generally involves little to no downtime, and most people return to their normal day straight away. It is common to have some redness and small raised bumps around the hair follicles, similar to a mild heat rash, which typically fades within a few hours and sometimes over a day or two. Sensitivity to heat, exercise and sun is highest in the first 24 to 48 hours. More noticeable reactions such as blistering, crusting or lasting colour change are uncommon when settings are correct, but they are more likely with sun-exposed or tanned skin. If you notice blistering, significant pain or signs of a burn, contact your clinic promptly for advice.

Laser hair removal reduces hair gradually rather than removing every hair in one go, because it works best on follicles in their active growth phase and only a proportion are active at any time. Most people need a course of around six to eight sessions spaced several weeks apart, with the exact number depending on the area, your hair and skin, and hormonal factors. Over the course you should see hair becoming sparser, finer and slower to return. Results can be long-lasting, but they are best described as long-term hair reduction rather than guaranteed permanent removal, and many people benefit from occasional top-up or maintenance sessions once or twice a year. Hormonal changes, such as those linked to polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy or menopause, can trigger new growth over time. To protect your results and skin, keep using sun protection, avoid plucking or waxing between sessions and shave instead, and attend your maintenance appointments as advised. Your practitioner can tailor the plan to your goals and skin.

Tattoo Removal (Laser)

Tattoo removal most commonly uses a laser to fade or clear an unwanted tattoo. Short, high-energy pulses of light are absorbed by the ink and shatter it into tiny particles, which your body's immune system then gradually clears away over the following weeks. Because of how this works, removal is a course of treatment rather than a single visit: most tattoos need several sessions, typically spaced six to twelve weeks apart to let the skin recover and the ink disperse. Modern clinics use Q-switched or picosecond (Pico) lasers, and the type of device, the ink colours, the age and depth of the tattoo, its position on the body and your skin tone all affect how quickly it responds. Some colours and some skin tones are more challenging, and complete clearance cannot always be guaranteed. This is an energy-based treatment that carries real risks of burns, blistering and pigment change if performed incorrectly, so it should be carried out by a properly trained, insured practitioner after a face-to-face consultation. If in any doubt, speak to your GP or a dermatologist first.

Book a face-to-face consultation before your first session so the practitioner can assess your tattoo, your skin tone and your medical history, and set honest expectations about how many sessions you may need. Tell them about any medications, skin conditions or a history of keloid scarring or cold sores. Avoid sun exposure, sunbeds and fake tan for around four weeks beforehand, as tanned or sunburnt skin raises the risk of burns and pigment change. Keep the area well moisturised and unbroken in the run-up, and shave the site if asked rather than waxing. Certain medicines, including Roaccutane and some antibiotics, increase light sensitivity, so a clearance period is usually needed. Arrive with clean skin, free of make-up, lotions or sunscreen over the tattoo, and wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area.

You will usually be given protective eyewear, and the practitioner may cool the skin before starting. A test area or patch test is often done first to check how your skin reacts before treating the whole tattoo. The handpiece delivers rapid pulses of light over the tattoo, and you may notice a faint snapping sound and a whitening (frosting) of the skin as the ink absorbs the energy. Sessions are generally short, from a few minutes for a small tattoo to longer for larger designs, and settings are tailored to your ink colours, skin tone and how the tattoo has responded so far. The practitioner works methodically across the area and will check in with you throughout. Immediately afterwards the skin is typically red, slightly swollen and warm, and a cooling spray, gel or compress is usually applied before dressing.

Keep the treated area clean, dry and covered as advised, and apply any soothing product such as aloe vera or the ointment your clinic recommends. Blisters, scabs and mild crusting are common in the days after treatment; do not pick, scratch or burst them, as this is where scarring and infection are most likely to start. Wash gently with cool or warm (not hot) water, pat dry, and avoid swimming pools, saunas, hot baths, heavy exercise and tight clothing over the area until it has healed. Protect the site from the sun completely and use a high-factor SPF (30 or above) once healed, keeping it covered where possible, as sun exposure between sessions raises the risk of pigment change. Follow the interval your practitioner sets before the next session. Contact your clinic or GP if you notice spreading redness, increasing pain or yellow, honey-coloured discharge that persists.

Laser tattoo removal is an energy-based treatment, so the biggest safety factors are the practitioner's training and the correct laser settings. The right wavelength, energy and pulse for your ink colours and skin tone reduce the risk of burns, blistering, scarring and lasting pigment change, so competence matters more than price. Choose a practitioner with recognised laser training (Level 4 or above is commonly expected, with Core of Knowledge safety training), appropriate insurance, and well-maintained, correctly registered equipment. In parts of the country, notably many London boroughs, premises using lasers or IPL need a local authority special treatment licence, so ask whether one is held. Everyone in the room should use protective eyewear. Darker skin tones and certain colours carry a higher risk of pigment change or incomplete clearance, which a good practitioner will discuss honestly. If you have any concerns, ask your GP or a dermatologist before starting.

Share your full medical history at consultation, as several conditions make laser tattoo removal unsuitable or require caution. A history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, active eczema, psoriasis or infection over the tattoo, vitiligo, and autoimmune conditions such as lupus are commonly treated as contraindications. Bleeding disorders and blood-thinning medication may rule treatment out or need medical advice first. Photosensitising medicines, including Roaccutane (isotretinoin) and some antibiotics, usually require a clearance period before treatment. Treatment is generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution, since the effects of clearing fragmented ink are not well studied. If you are prone to cold sores and the tattoo is near the mouth, antiviral cover may be advised. This is a medical-adjacent procedure, not a beauty quick-fix, so where there is any doubt about your suitability, a good practitioner will ask you to check with your GP or a dermatologist before going ahead.

A patch or test-area on the tattoo is standard practice and is usually done at the first appointment, before the full tattoo is treated. Rather than checking for allergy, it lets the practitioner see how your skin and ink respond to a specific laser setting, so they can choose safe energy levels and reduce the risk of burns, blistering or pigment change. It also gives an early sense of how well the tattoo may clear. Alongside this, a thorough consultation and medical history are essential to screen for contraindications such as keloid scarring, photosensitising medication, pregnancy or skin conditions over the area. Skipping these checks is a genuine warning sign: proper records and testing protect you and are also central to a practitioner's insurance and UK liability if anything goes wrong.

Be cautious if a practitioner cannot show relevant laser training, insurance or, where required locally, a special treatment licence, or if the equipment looks poorly maintained or unbranded. No consultation, no medical history questions and no patch or test area before treating the whole tattoo are all warning signs. Promises of guaranteed complete removal, a fixed low number of sessions regardless of your tattoo, or pressure to pay upfront for a big course should make you pause. Protective eyewear not being offered, no aftercare guidance, and a practitioner who dismisses your questions about risks to darker skin tones or scarring are further red flags. If something feels rushed or unsafe, do not proceed.

Good signs include a proper face-to-face consultation, clear questions about your health and medication, and a patch or test area before your full tattoo is treated. A trustworthy practitioner has recognised laser training and Core of Knowledge safety training, carries appropriate insurance, and holds a local special treatment licence where the council requires one. They use well-maintained, correctly registered lasers, provide eye protection, and explain realistic expectations, including that several sessions are needed and that some colours and skin tones respond less predictably. They give written aftercare, set sensible intervals between sessions, keep records, and are happy for you to check with your GP if you have any medical concerns.

What laser training, qualifications and insurance do you hold, and do you have a special treatment licence if my local council requires one?
Will you carry out a patch or test area first, and how will you choose the settings for my ink colours and skin tone?
Realistically, how many sessions might my tattoo need, and can you be honest about whether full clearance is likely?
What are the risks of scarring, blistering or pigment change for my skin tone, and how do you reduce them?
Are there any reasons, based on my medical history or medication, that I should not have this treatment?
What aftercare will you give me, and who do I contact if I have a problem between sessions?

Most people describe the sensation as a sharp, hot, snapping feeling, often compared to an elastic band flicked repeatedly against the skin or a spray of tiny hot pinpricks. It can feel more intense over bony areas and on larger or darker tattoos that need more energy. Sessions are usually short, so the discomfort is brief, and many clinics cool the skin before and afterwards to make it more comfortable. Straight after, the area typically feels warm, tender and a little swollen, similar to sunburn, and may sting for a few hours. If the treatment ever feels unbearable, tell your practitioner, who can adjust cooling or pacing.

Most people carry on with everyday life straight away, though the area is usually red, tender and swollen for a few days and may blister or scab. Surface healing typically takes one to two weeks, while the deeper fading of ink continues for several weeks as your body clears the particles. This is why sessions are spaced six to twelve weeks apart. Recovery varies with the size and site of the tattoo and your own healing; areas further from the heart, such as ankles and feet, often take longer to settle and fade.

Laser tattoo removal works gradually over a course of sessions, with the tattoo fading in stages between appointments as your body clears the shattered ink. Many tattoos fade significantly or clear over roughly six to ten or more sessions, but this varies widely: older, faded, professional versus amateur, and single-colour black tattoos often respond best, while bright colours such as green, blue and yellow, dense ink, and certain skin tones can be more stubborn. Complete removal cannot always be guaranteed, and some faint shadowing or slight lightening of the skin may remain. Once a tattoo is cleared there is nothing to maintain, though protecting the healed skin from the sun helps it settle evenly. If you are considering a cover-up rather than full removal, fewer sessions to lighten the tattoo may be enough, which your practitioner can plan with you.