“It did seem too good to be true.” That’s how salon owner Perry Walker described her first thoughts about the trial offer from SkinBase. Twelve years on, Perry is still a proud SkinBase partner and now has all three SkinBase machines in her salon. Proof that her initial leap of faith was more than worthwhile. Hear what Perry has to say about working with SkinBase in the video below and read our interview with Perry as we talk to her about her about using IPL to help clients.
What began as curiosity has grown into a long-standing relationship built on trust, support, and results. Perry has seen first-hand how SkinBase systems deliver exceptional treatments that transform skin and keep clients coming back.
From resurfacing and brightening with MD, to rejuvenation and lifting with advanced technologies, her salon menu has grown stronger than ever. But beyond the machines, Perry highlights something even more important: the partnership. With SkinBase, she’s never been left on her own. From training and marketing support to ongoing guidance, she knows she has a team behind her. That confidence has allowed her to expand services, increase bookings, and enjoy consistent success.
The free trial offered by SkinBase gives you the opportunity to try it out in your business, before you pay a penny, experiencing the support you can expect and trust when you partner with SkinBase. Book your free trial today and see for yourself.
Interview with SkinBase Partner Perry Walker
Thank you for talking to us today Perry, it’s great to talk to someone with such a wealth of Industry experience!
Unwanted hair can be a deeply personal concern, and for many people, it’s something they’ve hidden or felt ashamed of for years. At SkinBase, we understand how vulnerable it can feel to talk about this, which is why our therapists go above and beyond to create a private, relaxed, and non-judgemental environment.
Q: How do you conduct consultations with clients who may feel self-conscious about unwanted hair, to help them feel safe and welcome?
“I’m really lucky that my salon is at home, so from the minute my client arrives it’s just me and them. There’s no one around, and no one knows what they’re coming for, so they have this complete anonymity. I think the key is to be in a safe, quiet, secure environment. With my home cabin, I find face-to-face works really well. I can start off with breaking the ice a little bit, by talking to them, offering them a glass of water. Then I can get them to open up about their concerns and put their mind at rest.”
A consultation isn’t just about assessing your skin, it’s a safe space to speak freely, feel understood, and begin a journey towards freedom from the cycle of shaving, waxing, or hiding. If you’ve ever felt nervous about asking for help, you’re not alone. But one calm, supportive consultation could be the start of a whole new level of confidence.
Q: How do you manage client expectations, especially if they’ve already tried many hair removal methods without lasting results?
“It’s a tricky one. I tend to say to clients to expect the worst and hope for the best. This is because I’ve had amazing results with the IPL, so I know it works and I know it works incredibly well, but every person is so different. I explain to people it is a reduction, as opposed to a full removal, because I think sometimes people come in with an expectation of being bald. I go into depth about hair growth cycles, and why you don’t get 100% removal. Generally, people are really happy with that, as they tend to be looking for more of a reduction than a complete disappearance of hair. I think people appreciate the honesty, instead of telling them that I can work miracles.”
Empower: Managing Expectations
At SkinBase, we believe that honesty and education are key to a positive treatment journey. There’s no such thing as an overnight result, especially when it comes to hair reduction, but there are effective, long-lasting solutions that work with time and consistency. Setting clear, realistic expectations from the start helps ensure you feel informed, not frustrated.
Your SkinBase therapist will explain how the treatment works, what results to expect, and how long it takes to get there. With this kind of support, you can feel confident and empowered in your progress and fully committed to seeing your transformation through.
Q: How do you empower clients to stay committed to their IPL journey, knowing that results take time and consistency?
“I do that from the first consultation by making it very very clear that due to the three stages of hair growth, there’s no way you can work on hair in one or two sessions. I explain it’s something they need to be prepared to commit to. They might need more sessions than they think they will, and they might need yearly top ups. It’s a whole process, it’s not just a one treatment fix. I tend to use the analogy of the gym. You don’t go to the gym once and expect to see massive results. It’s something you have to commit to. It isn’t just something that’s gonna happen overnight. But, if you are committed, the treatment works. I believe in it 100%, but it isn’t a miracle cure.”
Staying committed to any skin or hair reduction journey takes patience, but the right support makes all the difference. At SkinBase, we know that results don’t always happen overnight, which is why your therapist will guide you every step of the way.
By tracking progress, celebrating the small wins, and showing visible improvements through before-and-after photos, your therapist helps keep you motivated and focused on the end goal. When you understand how each session is moving you closer to smoother, longer-lasting results, it’s easier to stay consistent, and consistency is where the magic happens.
Q: At SkinBase, we always highlight the importance of lifestyle and skin prep in supporting treatment results. Do you discuss this with your clients? Are there any key skincare or pre/post-treatment tips you recommend alongside IPL?
“Lifestyle is huge for me. I always say that everything is a 360 approach. I can’t, in the salon, offer a treatment that is going to solve all their problems. They have to be willing to adjust their lifestyle at home. Luckily for me, everyone is generally very committed. They work on their diet, their exercise, their sleep etc.”
The Importance of Lifestyle
Great results don’t just come from the treatment itself, they come from the care you take before and after each session too. That’s why our therapists always share simple but essential tips to help you get the most from your IPL journey.
From avoiding sun exposure to using gentle skincare and wearing daily SPF, these small steps make a big difference in how your skin responds. It’s not about overhauling your entire routine, it’s about making smart choices that support and protect your results. When you follow your therapist’s guidance, you’re giving your skin the best possible chance to thrive.
Q: Once a client has completed their IPL course, what do you advise for maintaining results?
“When the client has completed their course I tend to say to them that they may be looking at one or two top ups a year, depending on how they feel about their hair, and if any of the hair has gone into shock and potentially come back. Generally, most people are really content with the result they get and don’t feel like they need to have lots of top ups.”
Once you’ve done the hard work, it’s all about simply preserving that amazing feeling of confidence. Remember, your skin deserves continued care, not just a quick fix.
Finishing a course of IPL is a major milestone, but maintaining those results is just as important. That’s why SkinBase therapists recommend a simple, ongoing routine to keep your skin smooth and hair-free in the long term. This usually includes occasional top-up sessions, typically just once or twice a year, depending on your individual hair growth and the area treated. Just as importantly, continuing to care for your skin with a consistent routine will protect your results.
Think of maintenance as the final step in your journey, not an end, but a way to keep enjoying the confidence you’ve gained.
Q: What are your top aftercare or skincare tips for clients undergoing IPL hair reduction?
“My top tips for skincare with IPL is just maintaining the skin’s health. So, if it’s the face, making sure that they exfoliate regularly, moisturise regularly, use SPF, and basically wear a hat at all times. With their body, it’s about keeping their skin out of the sun, exfoliation again, and using moisturisers that keep their skin hydrated.”
Q: What would you say to someone feeling unsure or hesitant about starting professional hair reduction treatments like IPL?
“If anyone’s hesitant I try and put their mind at rest. It can be a little bit embarrassing depending on how they feel about their body, and having to get into different positions, but ultimately it is worth any discomfort they feel to get the results that they’re likely to get. I find the patch testing really useful. They get a chance to experience all of the sensations, and feel the device, and see how big the device is. I can discuss the positions they may need to get into, and that often just puts their mind at ease.”
If you’re feeling unsure about starting IPL, you’re not alone. Many clients feel exactly the same before their first session. Taking that first step might feel daunting, but it could be the start of a transformation that makes you feel more confident in your skin, every single day.
Q: Are there any common myths or misunderstandings about IPL that you often correct during consultations?
“I think the common myth is a lot of people seem to think that IPL doesn’t work and that laser does. So, I try to explain the electromagnetic spectrum and the differences between IPL and Laser. Ultimately, I emphasise that it is down to the therapist getting the right parameters, and the client being able to gauge the heat correctly. Most people, once you start explaining the science behind it, do seem to understand. They realise that sometimes people’s poor results are down to the fact they didn’t maintain them. I say to people, you’ve got to ask when they’re saying it doesn’t work, why didn’t it work for them? And the chances are, they probably didn’t complete their course, or do what they were told or have the right frequency or intervals between the sessions.”
Busting IPL Myths
It’s completely normal to have questions, or even doubts, before starting something new, especially with treatments like IPL. That’s why one of the most valuable parts of a consultation is the chance to clear up the myths that might be holding you back.
Q: How does it feel to know you’ve helped a client regain confidence through smoother, hair-free skin?
“That’s why I love what I do. It’s incredible when I’ve got clients that are so self-conscious of the hair, especially those with darkest hair, and they get such a good result and you can see that confidence. Then they haven’t got to keep coming for their waxing, and they can spend their money on having the lovely facials!”
Empowering Clients with Confidence
Confidence isn’t just about appearance, it’s about how you feel in your own skin. For SkinBase therapists, it’s not just about removing hair, it’s about helping you feel more like yourself again.
Q: How do you encourage clients to feel confident enough to share their results or enter transformation competitions?
“With the competition entries, I’m quite lucky because I was a finalist with my acne result, so people do believe that they can win. With most people in the consultation I discuss the competition and say to let me know, and they can enter if they want. There’s no pressure to enter, but there is that chance of winning.”
SkinBase Transformation of the Year 2025
Every year we search to find the ‘SkinBase Transformation of the Year’. The very best transformation from completing a course of SkinBase treatments. Book your course of SkinBase Microdermabrasion, Hydro, IPL or Collagen Lift treatments in 2025 with a SkinBase therapist and it could be you jetting off on a Caribbean Holiday next year!
Q: Finally, how does it feel to be in the final this year?
“I am absolutely thrilled and my client is absolutely thrilled. I feel such confidence. I do often question my own abilities and if I’m good enough, so to get that validation by the judges is amazing. My expertise has led to the fantastic results, so it does feel really empowering. Even if we don’t win, it’s pretty amazing to know that I’ve got through to the final again. It makes me feel really good about doing what I do. I feel like I’m making a real difference.”
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