We’ve been busy working on something very special behind the scenes at LaserHQ, and we’re so excited to be officially launching it this month!
We’re delighted to announce our ‘Break The Taboo At LaserHQ’ campaign to break the taboo around excess hair. It’s been an incredible (and at times, emotional) journey launching this campaign because we’re doing it to raise awareness of Endometriosis – something very important to our founder, Helen Quayle.
After being diagnosed with Endometriosis POD and Adenomyosis last year, Helen has been passionate about making a change and raising awareness of the condition. She understands first-hand the impact the condition can have on someone’s life. It’s not often spoken about, but it’s a complex condition that affects an astonishing 1.5million women in the UK.
Helen said: “Everyone’s experience of Endometriosis is different. Painful flare-ups, bloating, mood swings, hot sweats and fatigue were just some of my symptoms that were wrongly diagnosed for many years – often being put down to stress. Until finally, a specialist linked them to my hormones.
“As LaserHQ continues to grow, we are committed to continuing to talk about Endometriosis and PCOS, to raise awareness and help more women overcome some of the challenges they’re facing. This November, we’re so proud to be launching our first ‘Break The Taboo At LaserHQ” campaign. It will focus on unwanted facial hair, how it’s nothing to be embarrassed by, and how laser hair removal has helped so many of our clients.“
An important element of this campaign is our partnership with Endometriosis UK – the UK’s largest charity supporting those affected by Endometriosis. The charity helps those diagnosed take back control by providing vital support services, reliable information and a supportive community.
“We are so lucky to be able to offer a treatment at LaserHQ where we can see different hormone imbalances in people and help them with their journey. Everyone’s experience is unique, with different symptoms and side effects. Still, we’ve found it strongly connected with excessive hair growth, especially on the face. Our aim is to help people get diagnosed as they might not be aware of it as a side effect and have to fight to be diagnosed.”
Helen Quayle, LaserHQ founder
To launch this campaign, we’ve created bespoke facial and body hair packages, which will be discounted throughout the campaign period (15th November – 5th December 2021). For every package purchased, we will donate £5 to Endometriosis UK (registered charity 1035810).
Helen said: “We want to do everything we can to spread awareness, and this campaign is just the start. One of our ultimate aims is to get better funding in the NHS. The word is slowly spreading, as MPs are now discussing research funding for Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Parliament, which is a great step forward. We want to do as much as we can to ensure the word is spread. We need to speak about it, step up, and all pull together.
“These women who come in to see us are a drop in the ocean. There will be so many women battling with the symptoms and not knowing what is causing them. The women we’ve spoken to have such amazing stories. They’ve been getting emotional telling us about how the laser treatment has changed their lives. It’s made a huge difference to the hormonal issues or side effects they were previously suffering with.
“Having listened to our customers’ heartfelt feedback, we know just how life-changing our treatments can be. It’s our aim to make people feel comfortable enough to have the confidence to visit LaserHQ. Regardless of their story, we don’t judge them; we welcome them. We want that girl who’s scrolling through Instagram and looking at these women who have amazing skin and no hair on their face to know it’s not realistic.”
According to Endometriosis UK, diagnosis can be difficult and often delayed because it manifests itself in various ways and shares symptoms with other conditions. Recent research shows that there is now an average of 7.5 years between women first seeing a doctor about their symptoms and receiving a firm diagnosis.
Helen said: “We want to start conversations about it, and that’s why our campaign is called Break The Taboo. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I want anyone who might feel scared or embarrassed to come forward and speak to us about it. We’re here to help in any way we can. The aim of this campaign is to let women know that they’re not alone. Nobody has done this before, and we’re proud that we’re not your average laser brand.
“We’re creating literature about Endometriosis and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), showcasing clients’ stories and experiences, running advertising campaigns and hosting live sessions on social media with hormone and skin specialists. We’re also unveiling our fantastic billboards, close to our clinics in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. We’ll be there for our clients, and we’re going to help guide anyone through the process because we don’t want anyone to feel like they’re going through this alone and don’t know where to turn.
“Our customers range from men and women who simply want hair removal for convenience, to trans women, to women with hormonal issues, where excess hair has had a real impact on their quality of life. Our team often hear stories from women who were previously too self-conscious to enjoy even the simplest of everyday activities and who, since coming to LaserHQ, now live a happier and more fulfilled life. These women and their stories have inspired us to want to help as many women as possible, as well as raise awareness of how laser hair removal might help them on their journey.”
Disclaimer: It’s important to say that this blog is not official medical advice – this is based on our experiences of Endometriosis and our clients’ experiences. Please seek medical advice or speak to your GP if you are concerned about any health issues. There are also many resources on our charity partner’s website: Endometriosis UK.
LaserHQ charity fundraising: £5 from every package purchased as part of the campaign will be donated to Endometriosis UK, registered charity 1035810.
