There are many different methods of hair removal, the most popular of which relate to the various types of epilation. To find out more about them and their effectiveness, we at laser centre At Body Aesthetics, we’ve brought together all the information you need in one place. The pros and cons of each hair removal method are also listed here, to help you make the best possible choice. Silky-smooth skin is a source of high self-esteem, and lasting results in this long-term battle against unwanted hair are now entirely possible. In this article, you’ll learn how to achieve them.
Let’s start at the very beginning, though, and answer the fundamental question about hair removal.
HAIR REMOVAL AND HAIR REDUCTION – WHAT EXACTLY ARE THEY?
When we talk about epilation, we are referring to mechanical hair removal methods. Essentially, it involves pulling out the hair along with its root using modern technology. Otherwise, by „hair removal“ we mean all the various types and methods of removing unwanted hair. Let’s take a look at them.
Hair removal by shaving and trimming with scissors or clippers
Using a razor, scissors or an electric shaver to remove hair is one of the most popular methods. Its main advantages are that it is:
- cheapest;
- the most affordable.
Shaving, however, also has its major drawbacks:
- not effective enough – after just a few days or hours, the hairs grow back, and they are thicker and darker;
- carries the risk of ingrown hairs – particularly if you shave incorrectly (dry shaving, without shaving foam, using blunt razors, or against the grain).
Hair removal using henna, sugaring, tweezers or thread
Here, the hairs are removed from the root using resins or highly sticky substances, a mixture of sugar and water, tweezers or a twisted thread. With kolamaska (usually cold or warm), the hair is removed after the mixture has been applied to the hairy area. With sugaring, this is done by pulling in the direction of hair growth, as is the case with tweezing. With the fourth method, the hairs are grasped using a twisted thread drawn across the skin.
Pros:
- inexpensive methods;
- a relatively positive result compared with shaving;
- They are not carried out every day, but every 1–3 weeks.
Cons:
- painful;
- Between treatments, you should wait until the hair has grown to a visible length – This causes considerable discomfort and prevents one from spontaneously choosing an outfit, going to the beach or engaging in intimate moments;
- time-consuming;
- require effort;
- very frequent recurrence;
- do not have a long-lasting effect;
- unhygienic – Each of these methods uses consumables, which can often be contaminated and lead to unpleasant skin infections;
- After each treatment, the hair ends become thinner, whilst the skin becomes rougher due to the regular removal of its outermost layer – As a result, the hairs are unable to break through the skin, leading to numerous subcutaneous, inverted or ingrown hairs, which develop into sores and scars.
Hair removal
With this method, the outer part of the hair is broken down, mainly using creams containing nitric acid. The cream is applied topically to the desired area of the body and, after a few minutes, the hairs in that area fall out once the cream has been washed off. The products vary, so there are, for example, some specifically for the body and others for the face. Here are the advantages of depilation:
- a thoroughly budget-friendly method;
- you can practise it yourself at home;
- almost no pain.
However, hair removal does have its drawbacks:
- short-lived effect – because it does not treat the hair deeply and does not affect the follicle;
- possible skin irritation and inflammation;
- the possible occurrence of ingrown hairs and abnormal hair growth;
- possible allergic reactions to ingredients in the creams;
- possible premature ageing of the skin due to the harsh ingredients in the products.
Hair removal
Epilating is a hair removal method that can be described as relatively effective. It is not carried out in a professional setting (in reputable beauty salons), but is intended for home use. Otherwise, there are devices available on the market – epilators – which work using multiple disc-shaped tweezers. Here are the advantages of epilation:
- a relatively long-lasting effect after a certain number of treatments;
- potentially avoiding problems with ingrown hairs.
If you decide to go for hair removal, however, you should also be aware of its drawbacks:
- a possible sensation of moderate to severe pain;
- possible folliculitis – inflammation or infection of one or more hair follicles;
- possible skin inflammation if the device is not kept clean.
Photoepilation
This is the second most popular method of hair removal after laser hair removal. In photoepilation, intense pulsed light (IPL) causes the hair follicle to heat up within the subcutaneous tissue. Find out what the advantages of this method are:
- suitable for all hair colours and types;
- treatment of large areas of the body;
- maximum reduction of any pain associated with DPC hair removal – the hair is cooled further;
- You can find it in lots of places, even in local hairdressers.
The disadvantages of choosing photoepilation are as follows:
- Light energy tends to cause the follicle to „go dormant“ temporarily – numerous treatments are required at intervals of 25–30 days;
- skin damage caused by the use of pulsed light;
- prices that are far too high;
- very slow procedures;
- a sensation of intense heat on the skin.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is undoubtedly the most popular method of hair removal, and for a whole host of reasons. In this procedure, the hair follicle is destroyed by heat energy released when a laser beam is directed at the hair to absorb the melanin. In practice, Consequently, it is almost impossible for a new hair to grow in place of the destroyed follicle. There are three types of lasers when it comes to searching for laser hair removal device:
- diode – wavelength 810 nm;
- ND: YAG – wavelength 1064 nm;
- alexandrite – wavelength 755 nm.
Laser hair removal is a favourite with both women and men for several key reasons:
- the most durable and best value for money – with the right equipment and a team of experts, you can achieve a lasting reduction in hair growth after around 6 treatments;
- much less painful and without skin irritation – traditional methods lag far behind in this respect;
- does not cause follicular inflammation or spots;
- removes ingrown and subcutaneous hairs;
- rejuvenates the skin.
As you have already seen, the benefits of this hair removal method are numerous and all significant. Of course, there are also quite a few risks involved in carrying out laser hair removal. However, the majority of the negative comments relate to:
- higher costs compared with all other methods;
- Risk of burns if safety instructions are not followed, if the therapist is unqualified, or if a non-genuine device is used.
This means that if you choose the right place and the right experts, you’ll enjoy nothing but the many benefits of laser hair removal.
WHY CHOOSE BODY AESTHETICS FOR HAIR REMOVAL?
There are six key reasons to choose Body Aesthetics when you’re looking for the perfect hair removal treatment. Here they are:
- We use Candela’s Gentle Pro range – the gold standard in laser hair removal – GentleLase Pro is the gold standard for laser hair removal. It has an optimal wavelength of 755 nm, ensuring maximum absorption by the melanin in the hair and reaching right down to the root. This alexandrite laser, from the top price range of a renowned US company, Syneron Candela It has all the necessary safety certificates.
- We have the necessary expertise and experience to work with him – Such a powerful device with unlimited possibilities also requires the appropriate knowledge and training. High-end medical alexandrite lasers, such as the GentleLase Pro, should be operated by a qualified medical professional. They must have a detailed understanding of the parameters of this complex device in order to know exactly which ones to use.
- Our laser is the only one that removes light-coloured and fine hairs, even on the face – The GentleLase Pro operates with a 3-millisecond pulse. The short pulse delivers the energy quickly enough to affect even finer hairs, provided they contain sufficient pigment. A fine, light-coloured hair containing very little melanin will heat up very quickly and dissipate the absorbed energy. To destroy it, we need to apply a lightning-fast pulse.
- Laser hair removal is one of the most painless methods and has no unwanted side effects – The patented cryojet cooling system in the GentleLase Pro makes our laser hair removal one of the most pain-free methods compared to all others. With us, you also avoid unwanted side effects: skin irritation and redness, inflammation of the hair follicle and/or spots, etc.
- A personalised approach and close monitoring of each individual case – The personalised client profile we maintain helps to ensure optimal results in every single case, guaranteeing consistency in the parameters used. It encourages you to meet deadlines by sending reminders about your appointments via email or text message. You also have your own treatment record card, and we record everything you share with us about your body and skincare routine in your file.
- Lifetime warranty with a bulk purchase and a free consultation – We offer completely free in-person and online consultations, with no obligation to purchase. Furthermore, before every first treatment, our experts carry out a detailed assessment, examine the area and perform the necessary tests. We also offer a lifetime guarantee on laser hair removal. Once you have completed the sixth treatment in your purchased package, you will receive entitlement to maintenance procedures with a 25% discount on the current list price. This right may be exercised for an indefinite period and for an unlimited number of procedures per year.
IN CONCLUSION
Now that you’ve learnt about the pros and cons of all the hair removal methods, it’s easy to choose the right type of treatment for you. We hope we’ve convinced you that at the Body Aesthetics laser centre, you can achieve the smooth, silky skin of your dreams, allowing you to shine in front of the whole world. So take a look at our laser hair removal prices and book your detailed, free consultation today. Let us help you see for yourself that self-confidence changes everything.
The material Hair removal – types of hair removal and their effectiveness was first published on Body Aesthetics.
