What a patch test actually does

I know. You've decided you want laser hair removal, you're excited to get started, and now I'm telling you we need to do a consultation and patch test first.

But there's a very good reason for that.

A patch test isn't just a box to tick before your first appointment. It's an important part of making sure your treatment is appropriate for your skin.

What happens during your consultation?

Before we even switch the laser on, I want to understand a few things about you.

We'll discuss your medical history, medication, previous hair removal methods, skin concerns, hormonal influences and what you're hoping to achieve.

I'll also assess your skin and hair to see whether laser is likely to be suitable.

Not every hair type responds well to laser, and I'd much rather explain that honestly than recommend a course you're unlikely to benefit from.

What happens during the patch test?

I use an 810nm diode laser, which delivers controlled light energy into the skin to target pigment within the hair.

During your patch test, I'll treat a small area using carefully selected settings appropriate for your skin and hair.

This helps me assess your skin's immediate response and identify any obvious adverse reactions.

Depending on your skin and treatment area, I may need to assess more than one setting.

What am I looking for?

Some mild redness or small raised bumps around the follicles can be a normal immediate response.

What I don't want to see are signs of excessive skin injury, such as blistering or an unusually strong reaction.

I'll also explain what to look out for after you leave, because some reactions can develop later.

An important point: a successful patch test reduces uncertainty, but it cannot guarantee that a reaction will never occur during future treatments.

Does the patch test tell me which settings will work best?

It helps guide the starting settings, but it doesn't tell us everything.

Skin tolerance is only one part of the picture. Hair reduction takes time to assess, and settings may need adjusting as your course progresses.

Why does this matter for darker skin?

Skin contains melanin, the same pigment that gives hair its colour.

Because laser energy is absorbed by melanin, darker skin requires particularly careful consideration of settings, cooling and treatment technique.

This is one of the reasons I take time to assess each client individually.

What happens next?

After your patch test and the appropriate observation period, we can proceed with treatment if your skin response is satisfactory and there are no other concerns.

I'll explain how to prepare, what to expect during your sessions and how to care for your skin afterwards.

The consultation isn't a formality. It's where your treatment plan begins.