Laser Hair Removal Burns: What a Court Case Means for Clients

Laser hair removal is often framed as a quick, confidence-boosting beauty decision. But a recent court report highlights what can happen when treatment goes wrong. The Irish Times reported that a woman was awarded €80,000 in damages after laser hair removal left her with burns and scarring, with the court hearing that she gave up a modelling career as a result.

While most reputable clinics work to rigorous protocols, this case is a timely reminder that laser is a powerful, energy-based treatment—not a casual add-on appointment. For UK readers weighing up hair removal (or already booking sessions), understanding the safety fundamentals, informed consent, patch testing and practitioner competence can make all the difference.

What the court case highlights (and why it matters to clients)

According to the report, the claimant received damages following treatment that allegedly caused burns and scarring. Legal outcomes can vary by jurisdiction and circumstance, but the underlying consumer lesson travels well: if a procedure can change the skin, it can also injure it.

Laser hair removal works by delivering concentrated light energy that converts to heat, targeting pigment (melanin) within the hair. When settings, technique, skin preparation, or aftercare go wrong—or when a client’s skin and hair profile isn’t properly assessed—the heat can affect surrounding skin.

From a hair-and-beauty perspective (rather than a medical one), the practical implications are clear:

• Credentials and training matter because correct fluence (energy), pulse duration and cooling approach are not one-size-fits-all.
• Consultations aren’t paperwork theatre; they should meaningfully assess skin type, hair colour, prior removal methods and risk factors.
• Patch tests and test spots are an important safeguard, particularly for clients with higher melanin levels or a history of pigmentation changes.

How to choose a safer laser hair removal provider in the UK & Ireland

Laser and IPL demand a higher bar than many salon services. Many UK clinics follow established best practice such as detailed consultations, patch testing and documented protocols. As a client, you’re allowed to be discerning—especially when your skin barrier and long-term appearance are involved.

When comparing providers, look for a clinic that can clearly explain:

• Device type: whether it’s laser (e.g., Alexandrite, Diode, Nd:YAG) or IPL, and why that matters for your skin tone and hair colour.
• Who performs the treatment: their training, experience, and how they handle adverse reactions.
• Consultation process: including a proper assessment of your medical/skin history and a discussion of realistic outcomes.
• Patch testing policy: when it’s done, where, and how long they wait to assess the reaction.
• Aftercare guidance: including sun exposure rules and how to respond to irritation.

Real-world practicality: if a clinic can’t clearly answer these questions, or you feel rushed into paying for a course, pause and get a second opinion from another provider before proceeding.

Common risk moments: tanning, heat, active skincare and timing

Even with an excellent practitioner, laser results are influenced by what happens before and after your appointment. Many experienced therapists will flag these as common tripwires for irritation or unwanted pigment change:

• Recent sun exposure or tanning (including fake tan): higher melanin in the skin can increase the risk of burns or pigmentation changes. Many clinics advise avoiding sun exposure for a period before and after.
• Active skincare: stronger exfoliating acids and retinoids can make skin more reactive. Always disclose routine products and ask when to pause them.
• Heat and friction post-treatment: hot baths, saunas, intense workouts and tight clothing can aggravate freshly treated areas for some people.
• Wrong interval between sessions: treating too soon can increase sensitivity without improving results, because hair growth cycles matter.
• Waxing/threading/plucking: removing the hair root can reduce laser effectiveness; many clinics recommend shaving instead before sessions.

For textured hair and clients prone to ingrown hairs, laser can be appealing. But it’s still essential to approach it as a controlled clinical-style appointment with proper aftercare, rather than a quick beauty fix.

If something feels wrong: what to do after a bad reaction

Most mild post-treatment responses (temporary redness, warmth, perifollicular swelling around hair follicles) settle quickly. But if you experience blistering, severe pain, broken skin, or lasting marks, it’s important to escalate promptly.

• Stop further sessions until you’ve had the reaction properly assessed.
• Document everything: dates, settings if provided, photos in consistent lighting, and the aftercare advice you received.
• Contact the clinic in writing and request an incident report and a clear plan.
• Seek professional medical advice where symptoms are significant or worsening; burns and persistent pigment changes should not be ignored.
• Consider a second clinic opinion (for perspective on best practice and whether your treatment plan was appropriate).

At Hairporium, we often remind readers that “beauty” services involving heat, light or chemicals deserve the same level of diligence you’d apply to any high-impact change—especially if you’re treating visible areas like legs, underarms, bikini line, face or neck.

Key Takeaways

• Laser hair removal is an energy-based treatment; done incorrectly, it can cause burns, scarring, or pigmentation changes.
• A thorough consultation and patch test are core safety steps—particularly for deeper skin tones or anyone with a history of sensitivity.
• Choose clinics that can explain their device type, training, protocols and aftercare in plain language.
• Sun exposure, active skincare (like retinoids/acids), heat and friction can all increase the risk of irritation around appointments.
• If you suspect an injury, stop treatment, document the reaction and seek appropriate medical advice promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laser hair removal the same as IPL?
Not exactly. Both use light, but lasers typically use a specific wavelength, while IPL uses a broad spectrum. Suitability can differ depending on hair colour and skin tone.

Do I always need a patch test?
Many reputable clinics strongly recommend patch testing, especially if you’re new to a device, have a deeper skin tone, are treating a sensitive area, or have recently changed skincare or sun exposure habits. Ask for their policy and rationale.

What should I do before my appointment?
Follow your provider’s guidance, but commonly this includes avoiding tanning/sun exposure, disclosing skincare actives, and shaving the area (rather than waxing or plucking) shortly before treatment.

What are normal side effects after laser hair removal?
Temporary redness, warmth and slight swelling around follicles can be normal for a short time. Anything severe—blistering, intense pain, broken skin, or marks that persist—should be assessed promptly.

Can laser hair removal cause scarring?
Scarring is not a typical outcome from well-managed treatment, but burns and complications can lead to longer-lasting marks in some cases. That’s why practitioner skill, correct settings and aftercare are so important.

How do I know if a clinic is reputable?
Look for transparent consultations, written aftercare, clear explanations of the device and suitability for your skin/hair, documented patch testing, and practitioners who welcome questions rather than rushing you.