Laser and IPL (intense pulsed light) hair removal are among the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures in UK clinics today. In fact, according to research by Rare Consulting, laser hair removal has now overtaken botulinum toxin and dermal fillers to become the leading aesthetic treatment in the UK. Approximately 5.6 million people are now contemplating undergoing laser hair removal within the next year, and, according to market analysts at Grand View Research, the UK's laser hair removal industry is on track to reach a market value of US$ 93.2 million (£69.77 million) by 2030. That’s a lot of potential business for aesthetic clinics.
So, what’s driving this growth? As well as a growing consumer appetite for long-term, low-effort hair reduction solutions, hair removal attracts a wide-ranging client base. As well as being a popular treatment with male patients, younger clients often seek it as part of a grooming routine, while women, particularly those experiencing hormonal changes related to menopause or conditions like PCOS, view it as a solution to newly emerging or persistent hair growth concerns.
Here's a deeper dive into the demographics for laser hair removal:
Probably the most common reason people seek hair removal is for cosmetic and practical reasons. Shaving, waxing, and plucking can be time-consuming and costly over time. Studies suggest that women spend an average of eight weeks over a lifetime shaving, and around £23,000 on hair removal products and salon treatments if they wax and £6,500 if they shave. Laser and IPL offer a more permanent alternative, making them especially attractive for clients seeking to simplify their routines and reduce ongoing costs. The most commonly treated areas include the bikini line, legs, underarms, and face, where clients often seek smooth, hair-free skin with minimal upkeep.
Hormonal changes are playing an increasingly prominent role in driving demand for laser hair removal. Growing awareness of how conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affect hair patterns means more people are seeking laser solutions for persistent hair growth. Menopausal and perimenopausal women are another significant demographic. As oestrogen levels decline, coarse facial hair can appear, particularly on the upper lip, chin, and jawline. This can lead to feelings of embarrassment or low self-esteem.
Clinics offering these treatments are ideally placed to provide support. With the correct laser settings and patient education, practitioners can deliver safe, long-lasting results. However, it's important to manage expectations: hormonally driven hair may be more resistant and may require ongoing maintenance sessions.
The appeal of laser hair removal isn’t limited to women. Men are increasingly turning to this treatment, especially for areas such as the back or chest. Advances in laser technology, including larger treatment heads and enhanced comfort features, have made the process more accessible. Rare Consulting data shows that many male clients pursue aesthetic treatments primarily to enhance self-confidence, followed by motivations such as reducing signs of ageing, preparing for special events, or improving appearance ahead of holidays.
Laser and IPL hair removal can play a vital role in gender-affirming treatment plans for transgender and non-binary individuals. Clinics providing treatment to this group must foster a sensitive and inclusive environment, backed by strong consultation and treatment protocols. Important considerations include:
For more on this subject, you can read our article on gender identity and how to be more inclusive in aesthetics and listen to our podcast with Dr Vincent Wong.
From January 2020 to November 2024, Hamilton Fraser processed over 1,096 aesthetic malpractice claims. Out of these, 210 were linked to laser treatments, second only to dermal filler claims (245), and higher than those related to botulinum toxin (91). These figures highlight that while laser hair removal is popular and widely performed, it is not without risk.
Some of the most frequently reported laser-related incidents include:
Burns continue to be the most common issue cited in laser treatment claims. Contributing factors often include:
Hamilton Fraser Claims Handler Priya Chander notes, “Most of the claims we see come from hair removal and tattoo removal, often because settings are too high, or patch testing hasn’t been updated when treating a new area. Patch testing is sometimes missed when the clients service their laser, change the headpiece or when they are patch testing a new area of the body. E.g. the client has already had laser hair removal on the face but now wants their legs done. For this reason, I would stress the importance of servicing your lasers, maintaining them and patch testing again if there are any changes in equipment or the patient’s circumstances.”
Read our guide to the biggest insurance payouts and claims trends in 2024 for more. Our founder and CEO Eddie Hooker also wrote an article for Aesthetic Medicine on the topic.
To safeguard your practice and your clients, it’s essential to follow robust risk management protocols:
Practitioners should consult the British Medical Laser Association (BMLA) treatment guidelines for the use of laser and intense pulsed light devices for hair reduction and treatment of superficial vascular and benign pigmented lesions.
If a problem occurs, even if the patient does not indicate they will pursue a claim, notify your insurer right away. Aesthetic claims can be made up to three years post-treatment, making early notification a critical part of the claims process.
Hamilton Fraser's experienced claims team will gather the following documentation to assess liability:
You may also be asked to provide a narrative account of what occurred and whether you suspect any deviation from standard practice, such as incorrect settings. Transparency from the outset can significantly streamline the claims process.
Following document review, we will appoint a solicitor from our panel to investigate further. You may be contacted for additional information before a decision is made on admitting or denying liability.
Mistakes can happen – that’s what insurance is for. At Hamilton Fraser, we’re here to support you at every stage of the claims process.
Read more about the life cycle of a laser hair removal claim.
All insurance policies are not created equal. When choosing insurance for laser or IPL hair removal treatments, aesthetic practitioners should focus on coverage quality, scope, and support services, not just the premium.
Key features to prioritise:
As Hamilton Fraser CEO Eddie Hooker puts it: "Insurance is only as good as its response when you need it."
Hamilton Fraser offers a range of flexible insurance solutions tailored to your needs. Our Laser policy covers Laser/IPL/LHE treatments, excluding laser lipolysis.
Protect your business with confidence. Start your quote for laser and IPL treatment insurance with Hamilton Fraser today. For personalised advice, call us on 0800 63 43 881 or request a call back and speak to a member of our expert team.
Learn more on our laser treatments -page and on the treatments section of our website.
For further reading, the Hamilton Fraser guide to laser outlines the most popular treatment areas, guidance for safe integration of lasers into your clinic or salon and essential insights into insurance and risk management, including data-led trends from Hamilton Fraser claims.
