Is Soprano ICE Laser Worth It?

There are so many different options for removing unwanted hair – from shaving or waxing to electrolysis or laser hair removal. And with a myriad of implications from each of these options in terms of costs, time, potential side effects, and results, it can be difficult to decide which method is worth it. At The Skin to Love Clinic, we carry out laser hair removal using the Soprano ICE laser, which can be used on all skin and hair types (except white hair), all year round-even if you go on holiday. 

The Soprano ICE laser produces light that is absorbed by the hair’s melanin, the natural pigment in your hair that determines its colour. The energy from this light heats the hair, damaging or totally destroying the part of the hair follicle which supplies the blood and nourishment your hair needs for growth. This removal method is only effective on hair in the active ‘anagen’ phase of growth when the hair is actively growing and attached to said blood supply. As only approximately 10%-15% of your hair will be in this phase at any given time, at our clinic, a course of eight sessions is advised to achieve good results. 

So, now we know a little more about how it works, the key question is – is Soprano ICE worth it? Here’s why we think it is:

It can treat hair of any colour (except white hair) and any skin type

The Soprano ICE laser can be used on all hair and skin types. The only exception is white hairs – or extremely blond hairs – as these lack the pigment the laser targets, and we wouldn’t treat directly over tattooed skin. If there are a small number of white or pale hairs, patients often opt for Soprano ICE treatment on the entire area and then electrolysis to mop up any white hairs that remain. Soprano ICE is even suitable for tanned skin, which is often not the case with laser hair removal, so if you have a holiday planned this won’t be a problem. In fact, Soprano Ice can treat all skin types on the Fitzpatrick scale, so no skin tone is excluded from having treatment with this laser.

Remember that any type of laser hair removal isn’t a quick solution, but it can offer long-term results. So, if you’re opting for it in preparation for a holiday or event, make sure you factor in enough time for your course of treatments; as a general guide, you’ll have one treatment a month.  

You don’t need to let the hair grow before treatments

One of the key downsides of waxing, besides its short-term results, is that for the wax to stick to the hair, you need to let the hair grow before the treatment – to around a quarter to a half inch long. However, with Soprano ICE, you can shave or trim any hair that grows between treatments (preferably the day before your treatment to give skin time to recover). All we ask is that you do not use any kind of hair removal that pulls the hair out completely – such as plucking, waxing, threading or epilating – as this will mean there is no hair in the follicle for the laser to target which will mean that your session will be less effective.  

It saves time and money in the long-term

Laser hair removal may seem like an expensive option; however, it is a long-term solution, so when comparing it with a lifetime of, for example, waxing or threading, it still presents significant cost savings. Treatment costs will vary depending on the size of the area and the number of treatments needed, but the results often last for years, even decades. 

Removing hair by methods such as waxing, threading or shaving is also time-consuming, requiring regular maintenance. Soprano ICE might not be an overnight solution, the course of treatments takes around 6 to 8 months to complete, but again, laser hair removal results are long-term. One cautionary note here is that all hair responds differently to treatment, so extra or maintenance treatments are sometimes needed when hairs are particularly resistant or if there are hormonal factors affecting hair growth, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

It avoids side effects such as ingrown hairs, skin irritation or rashes

Ingrown hairs – hair which curls back into the follicle – are a common problem with shaving, plucking or waxing. They can lead to swollen bumps or whiteheads and irritated or sensitive skin. As the aim of Soprano ICE is to stop the growth of treated hairs, it effectively removes the cause of the problem. In fact, some of our patients seek laser hair removal to actually help in-grown hairs… no hair growth, no in-growing hair! Laser hair removal also avoids the possibility of cuts or frequent rashes caused by shaving or the potential for irritation caused by repeated waxing treatments.

It’s safe and clinically proven

Unfortunately, laser hair removal is unregulated – we regularly receive DMs from companies across the globe offering us cheap devices (and we’re not always sure of the legitimacy) and we see salons popping up promising the solution to all your hair woes, so we understand that choosing the right place to go for you can be quite the task! However, when you choose the Soprano ICE treatment at our CQC-registered clinic, you can rest assured you are receiving a legitimate treatment that’s FDA approved for all hair and skin types and has a proven safety record. Additionally, Jane, our MD and nurse, has been offering laser hair removal since it arrived in the UK in the early 1990s. She has a serious amount of knowledge and experience with lasers (not just those that target hair, skin concerns too); she’s constantly sharing knowledge and training the team to add to their own existing and growing experience. Our laser hair removal lead has a growing nine years of experience with hair removal, so you’ll know you’re in safe, trained, experienced hands with our practitioners. 

At your initial consultation, your practitioner will discuss the treatment with you to ensure you fully understand what it entails and answer any questions, and they’ll also take your medical history and perform a patch test to ensure we are safe to proceed. 

If you’d like to find out more, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Disclaimer: This blog is not to be used for diagnostic purposes. We are all unique which means that our results, recovery and suitability for any type of treatment will vary. Always seek the advice of a professional should you have any health or cosmetic concerns or to discuss treatments specifically for you.