Device-Based Hair Removal

In the field of self-care, there are truly inexhaustible topics that are constantly discussed yet never lose their relevance. Among them are excess weight, the pros and cons of sun exposure, and, of course, the removal of unwanted hair. On the eve of vacation season, discussing epilation and the variety of hardware hair removal methods is more than appropriate.

But let’s clarify right away: despite the tempting promises coming at us from all sides, scientists have not proven the possibility that hair will disappear forever. It is possible to significantly slow down hair growth, to achieve smoother skin in certain areas, but complete and permanent removal should not be expected – this is nothing more than a marketing trick.

Types of Hardware Hair Removal Methods

ELECTROEPILATION

Let’s talk about hardware-based techniques, and by the principle of seniority, let’s start with electroepilation – after all, this method has been around for more than 100 years. There are several variations of this technology.

Thermolysis, which uses high-frequency current, is characterized by the fact that hair removal takes only about 2 seconds, and in one session it is possible to eliminate up to 30% of the required amount of hair. However, thermolysis is ineffective against hairs with curved roots; moreover, the procedure is quite painful and often carries the risk of burns.

Electrolysis – another type of electroepilation – uses a low-voltage direct current. Electrolysis is effective but labor-intensive, and a session lasts very long. Therefore, it is recommended only for the removal of a very small amount of hair. After the procedure, redness may occur, and the process itself is painful.

The third method is called flash, which uses an impulse lasting only thousandths of a second. Flash is not as painful as the two previous methods, but some discomfort is still present. In general, the tolerance of electroepilation primarily depends on a person’s individual pain threshold.

Another technique is called blend, which is a combination of thermolysis and electrolysis. Hair removal lasts up to 10 seconds, and the pain is minimal.

There is also tweezer epilation, in which hair is removed using high-frequency current and a tweezer-electrode. This is a painless method that does not cause burns, but its drawback is that the follicle is only partially destroyed – to remove it completely, at least 8 sessions are required. The method is recommended for sensitive areas.

And finally, scan treatment. Preparations that reduce hair growth are introduced into the hair channels, reaching the root with the help of electric current. The hair becomes thinner, and some disappear completely. However, this method cannot be considered full-fledged epilation.

Needles for Electroepilation

As for electroepilation needles, there are three types – insulated, medical, and gold. The choice should be entrusted to a specialist, who will determine the skin’s sensitivity level and condition, and accordingly select the optimal tool.

Required Number of Sessions

It is impossible to predict the exact number of sessions needed to achieve the desired result. In any case, this is a rather time-consuming method. Much depends on skin color and hair characteristics, but the key point is that the technique is suitable for all hair types. After the first session, two-thirds of the removed hairs grow back; after a month, the procedure is repeated, and only one-third of the removed hairs return. To get rid of all hair, at least 10 courses are required, each consisting of several sessions with varying time intervals in between. Clearly, this method cannot be described as an express solution. In addition, traces often remain on the skin for some time after the procedure, which makes it far from ideal as a treatment right before vacation.

Contraindications

Electroepilation should not be performed in cases of cancer, pregnancy, varicose veins, diabetes, in people with a pacemaker, or in those who have poor blood clotting. It is also contraindicated if the treated area has purulent inflammations or even simple skin irritations.

PHOTOEPILATION

This method appeared more than 10 years ago and quickly gained many followers. Its principle is based on the use of pulsed light that penetrates the skin at various depths. The follicles accumulate the thermal energy of the beam and are destroyed. At the same time, the epidermis remains undamaged thanks to the device’s cooling system and a filter that blocks the ultraviolet part of the spectrum.

Today, specialists use improved third-generation epilators. This is an important point, as older devices often left burns and scars on the skin. Latest-generation photoepilators produce a continuous pulse that heats the hair up to 70 degrees, making the procedure less painful. (It is worth recalling that previously the temperature could reach 140 degrees).

Who is Photoepilation Suitable For?

Photoepilation is suitable for all areas, even the most sensitive ones, but this method works only on dark hair. No system based on light exposure can remove blond, red, or gray hair, because these hairs lack melanin, which absorbs the light pulse and destroys the hair structure.

Preparation for the Procedure

It is important to remember that photoepilation requires advance preparation. For one month prior to the treatment, it is advisable to avoid tanning, since tanned skin will require a greater number of sessions. Tanning is also not allowed for two weeks after the session. Additionally, for two weeks before the procedure, you should avoid medications that increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, specifically tetracycline antibiotics and sulfonamides. Hair length should be 1–3 mm. When preparing for photoepilation, it is best to remove hair with a razor, as this makes it coarser and easier to eliminate.

Before the procedure, you must provide the specialist with a detailed report about your health, your body’s reaction to medications, and your sensitivity to sunlight. Photoepilation is often referred to as a painless procedure, but this is not entirely true, since the hair and the surrounding skin heat up significantly. Many people experience discomfort or even pain, especially when sensitive areas are treated. Local anesthesia can be used at the client’s request.

Required Number of Sessions

The number of sessions needed to achieve a lasting result depends on the treatment area and the density of the hair. The range is wide – some people may need only 5 sessions, while others may require up to 12. Intervals between sessions are 4–6 weeks. The treatment area of a photoepilator is quite large, allowing both large and small areas of skin to be covered. Any remaining individual hairs will fall out within 10–14 days after the procedure. Hair grows at different rates in different areas: on the face – about once a month, and on the legs – up to two months.

Side Effects

Sometimes, within 24 hours after the procedure, the skin becomes red and swollen, which can be relieved with a cooling gel. Less commonly, skin darkening or hyperpigmentation may occur. This is more likely to affect people with very dark skin. Typically, the problem resolves within a few months. However, everyone who undergoes the procedure must use a protective cream with a factor of at least 40 when exposed to the sun, although in general it is not recommended to stay under active sunlight for a month to a month and a half.

Contraindications

Contraindications include: psoriasis, eczema, diabetes, varicose veins, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding period, keloid scars, acute herpes, infectious diseases, light allergy, malignant skin tumors, and age under 18.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Laser hair removal is no less popular, although its main drawback is the same as that of photoepilation – it is not suitable for blondes. It is also ineffective against vellus and gray hair.

The laser beam is directed at the hair root, resulting in the follicle being destroyed. There are several types of laser beams: ruby, alexandrite, diode, neodymium, and aluminum-garnet. They are used for different skin types.

Preparation for the Procedure

Hair should be 1–2 mm long before the procedure. Waxing or tweezing should be avoided when preparing for laser hair removal – the hair should be shaved instead. Tanning is not allowed for at least two weeks before and after the session. In addition to antibiotics and sulfonamides, as with photoepilation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, iron and magnesium supplements, and antidepressants should also be avoided for two weeks.

A test is performed first – possible complications include the appearance of blisters or scabs on the skin. If no adverse reaction occurs, the hair removal can be performed within an hour. During the procedure, many people report moderate burning sensations, but pain, as in all other cases, is individual. This type of hair removal cannot be called completely painless, as advertising often claims. After the procedure, the treated areas often swell, and they should be treated with soothing creams and cooled with ice packs.

Side Effects

It sometimes happens that no effect is observed after the first procedure. The only way to remove all hair would be through X-ray irradiation, which carries risks of skin atrophy, dermatitis, or even skin cancer. Therefore, the process must be approached slowly and gradually. Most follicles are located in the dermis, where the beam can reach. However, some may lie in the subcutaneous fat layer, where the laser cannot penetrate. Such hairs will need to be removed by other methods.

More often, though, hair growth slows after the first procedure. The number of sessions varies individually, but never fewer than 3. Much depends on the level of male sex hormones (androgens). If their level is normal, up to 8 sessions can keep the skin smooth for about two years. The interval between sessions is 1–3 months. Remaining hairs will fall out within one to two weeks. The full course takes at least six months. Among the undeniable advantages of all light-based methods is that they do not cause ingrown hairs, unlike bioepilation.

Contraindications

Pregnancy and breastfeeding, diabetes, acute infectious and chronic diseases during exacerbation, dark skin, light allergy, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, varicose veins.

QOOL EPILATION

A new method of laser hair removal has recently appeared – QOOL. Manufacturers claim that its main distinguishing feature is selectivity – the effect targets only the hair, not the skin, which means there is no risk of pigmentation spots or skin darkening. According to equipment manufacturers, this is the least painful method, making it preferable for treating sensitive areas. The skin temperature remains unchanged at 36.6°C. During the procedure, only a tingling sensation is felt at the site of hair growth.

Another important characteristic of the method is that it is suitable for any skin type and hair color. In addition, it can be used on tanned skin, both after and before sunbathing or visiting a solarium. The QOOL laser hair removal method, due to mechanical vibrations at the molecular level, destroys the hair formation center without risk to the skin.

Preparation for the Procedure

The optimal hair length is 1 mm; before the procedure, hair should be shaved and allowed to grow to this length. Creams should not be used, as the skin must remain dry. At least 5 sessions are required. Typically, three sessions are scheduled with two-week intervals, and further visits are arranged as needed.

Contraindications are the same as for standard laser hair removal.

ELOS EPILATION

There is another method – elos, which emerged as a combination of electro- and photoepilation. This technology destroys the hair by acting on it with both light energy and high-frequency current. The advantages of elos epilation are that it works on any hair type, regardless of color. Moreover, tanning after the procedure is allowed, making it quite suitable for the vacation season. It is considered to be less painful than electroepilation, and it leaves fewer marks and redness on the skin.

Preparation for the Procedure

Preparation is the same as for photo- and laser hair removal – shave the hair and let it grow to 1 mm. The hairs will disappear about a week after the procedure. Tanning is not allowed for the first 24 hours. After that, it is permitted, but only with a high-SPF protective cream. Occasional hairs that regrow after the procedure should be removed with cream or a razor.

If tweezers or an epilator are used, the effectiveness of the procedure may decrease in the future.

Required Number of Sessions

Sessions are usually performed once every month to month and a half. Dark hair responds better to epilation due to the presence of pigment. Eliminating light hair takes more time, but typically at least 5–7 sessions are required. The most difficult areas are the upper lip and the bikini line, where treatment takes the longest.

Contraindications

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, hyperthermia, cancer, diabetes, severe internal organ diseases, lupus, epilepsy, poor blood clotting, weakened immunity, light allergy, herpes and other viral diseases, keloid scars, the presence of metal implants or a pacemaker, and the use of tetracycline antibiotics. The procedure should also not be performed on heavily tanned skin or after facial rejuvenation treatments.

It should be noted that when taking thyroid medications and other hormonal drugs, the effectiveness of the procedure may be reduced.

Victoria KOZYR

Based on materials from Portal 1nep