We know that laser hair removal is extremely effective on many hair types. But what about problem hair? We’re not talking about an out-of-control barnet, but unwanted body or facial hair that you’d rather not have.
Here we look at the different types of problem hair and discuss whether laser hair removal is the right treatment for you.
If you’ve got light, white, grey or red hairs that you want removed, we’re sorry but laser hair removal isn’t the right option for you. That’s because laser machines use the melanin inside the hair to absorb pulsed light, but with light, white, grey and red hairs there is either very little pigment or no pigment at all.
But there is hope! The best permanent treatment for white, grey and red hairs is electrolysis. It uses a tiny probe to penetrate the skin which heats up the hair follicle, emitting heat to individual hairs, damaging the follicle and preventing new growth. The colour of the hair doesn’t matter with this treatment.

Ingrown hairs are usually a side effect of some types of hair removal; most often they will appear in areas where you shave, although waxing, plucking, and threading can also lead to ingrown hairs. When a hair has been removed using these methods, it can sometimes curl around and grow back into the skin. The hair might get captured in the hair follicle, which can cause inflammation and even mild infection.
The good news is you can have laser hair removal even if you have active ingrown hairs. Because the laser goes directly into the hair follicle, it renders the follicle unable to produce hair and any affected area should begin to heal. Rest assured, having laser hair removal treatment does not cause ingrown hairs. After successful hair removal, the hair won’t grow back, so there is no risk of an ingrown hair in the area treated. You do need to shave prior to your laser treatment (find out why here), which may result in a few ingrown hairs, but this will lessen as you continue your series of treatments
Downy, vellus, baby hair – or peach fuzz as it’s often called – is the fine, ‘glistening’ hair that you can see on your face, especially when you turn to the light. The areas you’re likely to notice it are on your chin, upper lip, underside of your chin, your cheeks, and jawline. This type of hair actually helps you to regulate your body temperature and the amount you have will vary depending on genetics, ethnicity, as well as any hormonal imbalances and/or medical conditions.
If you have very light downy hair, the best advice we can give you is to leave well alone, particularly for younger skin. Because laser hair removal works on the pigment in hair, it won’t be very effective on downy hair which is hard to detect. However, if your downy hair starts manifesting itself as full facial hair, then a facial laser hair removal treatment could be your answer. This is a popular permanent hair reduction method, and we offer full body and facial coverage, including beard sculpting and bikini line to legs, back, chest, arms and more.
A good quality laser hair removal clinic with experienced, trained technicians will give you an honest and informed opinion about whether laser is the right option for your problem hair. Our technicians are trained weekly for the best results, and we’re the most highly rated medical skin and laser hair removal clinic in South London. Our treatments provide permanent hair reduction with minimal maintenance, allowing you to say goodbye to shaving, waxing, plucking, and threading for good.
At Numie, we believe in a personalised approach and holistic care. Your skin is unique, and we design a plan tailored specifically to you, ensuring you get the most effective and safe treatment. Our clinic is clinically led and medically rated, trusted by hundreds of happy clients. Here’s what sets us apart:
If you still have concerns about your problem hair or would like some friendly advice on which type of hair removal might be the best method for you, the experienced team at Numie Skin & Laser Clinic Centre will be pleased to provide as much information as you need. Most clinics, including ours, offer a free consultation so you can find out more and ask any questions you may have before you book a course of treatments. We want you to feel confident and informed, knowing you’re in the right hands.
Simply give us a call on 020 8683 6730 or click here to book your free consultation.
Enjoy completely pain-free laser hair removal using award-winning technology – all in a calm, comfortable South London clinic.
We’re the most highly rated medical skin and laser hair removal clinic in South London, trusted by hundreds of happy clients.
Whether your skin is fair, tanned, dark, Black or Asian – our advanced equipment and expert team personalise your treatment for the best results.
Noticeably less hair after every session. Say goodbye to shaving, waxing, plucking and threading for good.
We treat everything from face, beard sculpting, and bikini line to legs, back, chest, arms and more – safely and effectively.
We offer both industry-leading Soprano laser and IPL treatments. We’ll recommend the right approach for you during your free consultation.
We’re so confident in your results, we offer a 7-point guarantee – including a full refund if you’re not satisfied.
Your skin is unique. We take a holistic view of your needs and design a plan that’s tailored specifically to you.

Our doctor-led team offer personalised treatments tailored to your unique skin needs. We combine the latest techniques with a holistic approach to help you achieve healthy, radiant skin. Ready to transform your skin?
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