Anna reveals all about a super-effective, pain-free, long-term hair removal system
You can bid farewell to waxing, shaving and other hair removal methods plus any issues you associate with them – shaving rash, ingrown hairs or just the inconvenience of having to do them frequently. We’re converts to this type of permanent hair removal – more time to devote to the more rewarding things in life!
In the Western world women are becoming devotees of torture routines to remove unwanted facial, underarm, bikini and leg hairs. This “hair phobia” evolved and we even imported Brazilian Waxing, the almost complete removal of hair in the pubic region, which meant bold bikinis could be worn with confidence.
But it is not just women fighting the battle against unwanted hair. Lately, more and more men are opting for have soft chests, backs and legs. Once a sign of masculinity, the hairy chest begins to give way to smooth skin, revealing and framing defined muscles.Luckily, technology has kept up with this trend and today the painful sessions of waxing and the old razor blade can be replaced by laser hair removal (or “epilation”, the medical term).
The most exciting thing is that the sessions, which previously required financial planning, are being offered at prices increasingly more attractive by painful laser techniques but only a few are being upgraded to virtually pain-free technologies.
But before deciding on the best method for you, it’s important to address the common misconceptions and the truths that surround hair removal and know what precautions to take to avoid a disaster.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
The result of the sessions depends on the skin type of each person; the hair colour and the skin tone being two important characteristics. This is because the type of light used in most lasers is absorbed by the brown pigment found in the hair. The heat generated by the light “heats” the follicle, causing great damage (that may be permanent or not, depending on the intensity of the energy used).
People with light skin and dark hairs usually have the best results since light tends to be absorbed exclusively by the follicles. In individuals with dark skin, the treatment needs to be performed with more caution as the skin can also absorb the light energy – as a result, older laser technologies can cause burns and in some cases the appearance of skin depigmentation.
How many treatments will I need?
At least six sessions are usually required for the results to be significant, but the total amount can vary from person to person and different body areas.
Not all cases get the “definitive” effect, but in general there is a good reduction of hair when the client is selected well for the procedure. Extra sessions are often necessary at intervals of eight to 12 months – to hold the results, treating any new hair follicles that decide to appear.
Is laser hair removal painful?
The older technologies used in IPL and lasers used to be quite uncomfortable and seen as a “necessary evil”, but luckily science (and the support of a booming beauty industry) is on our side and the Soprano Lasers were developed to deliver maximum results with minimal (or no) pain.
I will explain more about the newest addition to our clinic, Soprano Ice, in a minute.
Do men have laser hair removal treatments?
Initially men were ashamed to opt for the procedure. However, the technique can be a great solution for beard folliculitis – inflammation due to the use of razor blades.
Some men prefer to keep the facial hair as an option and have only the neck area treated, also hair removal on shoulders backs and buttocks is on the increase.
How is the skin after the session?
With most lasers, the treated skin may become red and sensitive after each session. This is important to know this if you using your lunch break to have treatments done, especially on the face!
This problem doesn’t happen with the super hair removal technology of Soprano Ice. Due to its cooling tip; the area treated is immediately soothed so you can go back to work and social activities with no “giveaways” whatsoever.
Remember:
- Research the clinic and the machine for your laser hair removal. Safety first.
- Ask the professional doing your treatment about their knowledge and experience with the machine.
- Ask about possible complications and side effects.
- Avoid sun exposure after lasers treatments, most of the time 4 weeks are necessary, with Soprano Ice only two, and remember to use sunblock after each session (indeed, even when not in treatment … but that’s another story).
Now let’s talk about Soprano ICE:
Alma Lasers’ latest evolution of the world-leading Soprano is the Soprano ICE system, which eliminates unwanted hair quickly, effectively and with minimal discomfort is available at Waterhouse Young.
This is the technology in-MotionTM SHR (Super Hair Removal) in which the procedure is performed in a gradual movement promoting heating of hair follicles until they undergo thermal damage leading to their destruction.
In order to protect the skin, Soprano ICE is equipped with a cooling tip that soothes the skin making the treatment very comfortable and safe.
Because of this differentiated technology, it is the first laser hair removal system to treat all skin types (light and dark), even the newly tanned skin, safely, without side effects and with little discomfort.
Add to that the improvement on the skin texture and reduction of ingrowing hairs and we can see why laser hair removal is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments of all time.
If you’re considering longer-term hair removal, contact us with any questions and we’ll be happy to discuss them with you.
