With summer approaching, many people are concerned about unwanted hair removal. However, many questions still remain about how to remove hair and how often to do so.
Here we will explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of self hair removal and hair removal at salons, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each and the optimal frequency of medical hair removal. From self-removal using a home-use hair removal device to professional hair removal at a beauty clinic, we will help you find the best hair removal method for you. Please read to the end and make your hair removal plan for the summer.
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, National Kumamoto University. After serving as the director of major beauty clinics in Japan, etc., he opened Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic in 2023. He is a professional in aesthetic medicine with a doctorate in anti-aging research and many years of experience. With the motto of "Toward the realization of cosmetic medicine without lies," he aims to be the "Only One" together with his patients.
Background, types and effects of hair removal needs for summer
As summer approaches, many people are concerned about unwanted hair removal because of the increased exposure of skin. Taking care of unwanted hair is especially important during the season when there are more opportunities to wear swimsuits, such as at the beach or pool.
There are three main hair removal methods: self-removal, beauty clinic hair removal, and beauty salon hair removal. By understanding the characteristics of each, you can choose the method that is best suited for you. Let us take a closer look at the characteristics of each method.
| structure | cost | effect | feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| medical hair removal | 200,000 to 500,000 | removing hair permanently | Specialized medical instruments are used. Although painful, it is highly effective and safe. |
| Home Depilator | 1 to 100,000 | degree of depopulation | Self-performed partial hair removal with home optical hair removal. It is quick and inexpensive, but not as effective as it should be. |
| sarong | 50,000 to 300,000 | degree of depopulation | Hair removal at specialized salons is available for the entire body. The cost is lower than medical hair removal, but professional treatment using medical equipment is not expected. |
self-removal of hair
Self-removal is an easy method of hair removal that can be easily performed at home, mainly using home hair removal devices. Home-use epilators are mainly of the optical hair removal type. Home-use epilators are popular because they are easily available online and can be used at home.
Its Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) method promotes hair removal by irradiating light over a wide area and damaging the hair follicles. This method is a technique widely used in beauty salons.
As a feature, IPL can treat a wide area of unwanted hair at once, thus reducing treatment time. It is also less stressful on the skin and relatively painless.
Regular irradiation gradually suppresses hair growth. Usually used once every two weeks. After a few times of use, you will notice that the hair becomes thinner and slows down the rate of hair growth. However, complete hair removal takes time.
While there appear to be many advantages to its self-removal, several disadvantages also exist. First, as advantages,The point is that you can do it at home at your favorite time. It eliminates the hassle of commuting somewhere, allows you to perform hair removal at your own pace, and is easy to do at home in the midst of your busy daily life, which is a major attraction.
It may also be more economical in the long run because once the equipment is purchased, there are no additional treatment costs. It is true that the total cost is lower than going to a salon or clinic.
On the other hand, there are many disadvantages. The first is that it takes time to realize the effects. Compared to treatment at a salon or clinic, self-removal hair removal may take longer to show results or may not be effective due to incorrect methods. Of course, it depends on the equipment you purchase.
Even if a layman reads the instruction manual carefully, it is impossible to guarantee that it will be effective, because it cannot be expected to be effective unless it is used correctly. In fact, it may cause skin problems.
Hair Removal at Beauty Salons
Hair removal in beauty salons is generally done by optical hair removal, which is performed in esthetic and specialized salons. Optical hair removal is a method that damages hair follicles by using IPL and other methods, and is used in many beauty salons. Many other hair removal methods, such as SSC and SHR, are also used.
Optical hair removal performed at esthetic salons uses more powerful machines than home-use hair removal machines and can be expected to be more effective. Optical hair removal can efficiently treat a wide area of unwanted hair, and the treatment time is relatively short.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is characterized by its ability to irradiate light over a wide area, allowing for the treatment of many hairs at once. This shortens the treatment time. In addition, it is gentle on the skin surface and causes little pain, so even people with sensitive skin can undergo the treatment without anxiety.
On the other hand, SSC (Smooth Skin Control) is characterized by applying a gel containing treasure beans, which contain ingredients that inhibit hair growth, to the skin and irradiating kryptonite light over it. The treasure beans break open and the active ingredients dissolve, penetrating the skin through the pores opened by the thermal effect of the irradiation and promoting an off-hair control effect.
The treatment is less irritating and gentle on the skin, so you will hardly feel any pain. In addition, it can be expected to have a skin beautifying effect at the same time. Although it is only effective on growing hairs, it is an easy method of hair removal that is also effective on fine hairs such as baby hairs.
Furthermore, SHR (Super Hair Removal) is characterized by a hair removal method that weak light is irradiated over a wide area and heat of 60-70°C is accumulated throughout the hair follicle to weaken the bulge area (the area responsible for hair growth), which is called heat storage type hair removal.
Because this method works directly on the hair follicle, it does not depend on melanin pigment as IPL hair removal does, and can be performed regardless of the hair cycle, hair color, or skin color. Because the hair is heated gradually at a low temperature, it is characterized by less pain and is less likely to cause burns or other skin problems. For this reason, this hair removal method is currently being introduced in an increasing number of salons.
Hair removal in beauty salons usually requires 6-8 treatments, which may vary depending on individual hair and skin type. Frequency is usually once every 1-3 months.
Optical hair removal is not permanent, and unwanted hair can grow back. However, with regular treatments, it is possible to remain hair-free for a long period of time, but maintenance treatments must be performed several times a year.
As mentioned above, hair removal at beauty salons appears to be full of advantages, but it also has many disadvantages. As already mentioned above, it requires several treatments and maintenance, which may even result in higher costs than medical hair removal.
In addition, there are differences in the quality of techniques and equipment used by different beauty salons. Depending on how you choose a salon, you may not get the desired effect. Of course, there may also be differences in the person performing the treatment.
Furthermore, since beauty salons are not medical institutions, they may not be able to provide immediate medical care in the event of skin problems.
medical hair removal
Medical hair removal is most commonly performed using medical lasers. Because it is performed at a medical institution, it is considered to be highly safe and extremely effective. This method of hair removal uses high-power laser equipment that is only licensed for use at medical institutions.
| Types of Lasers | wavelength | How far can you reach? | Reaction to black color |
|---|---|---|---|
| alexandrite | 755nm | Intermediate between epidermis and dermis | strong |
| diode | 800 to 940nm | Epidermis to all dermis | about medium |
| Yag. | 1064nm | To subcutaneous fat | weak |
Depending on the type of laser as described above, medical laser hair removal destroys the tissue that regenerates hair by irradiating a powerful laser beam directly to the hair root. This makes it a very effective method that can be expected to permanently remove hair after only a few treatments.
Medical laser hair removal is, above all, a short term process, so it is easy to feel the effects of a single treatment, and usually 5 to 8 treatments are needed to achieve almost permanent hair removal. In addition, many specialized medical devices make hair removal more personalized and less confusing.
Another method is needle hair removal. This method achieves hair removal by applying electricity to the pores of the hair using a special needle to damage the hair-growing tissue. This method is also called "electric hair removal" because of the use of electricity.
However, permanent hair removal does not mean the complete absence of hair growth, but rather a significant reduction in the number of hairs that grow back after the treatment and the ability to maintain that condition for a long period of time.
Laser hair removal reacts to the black melanin pigment inside the skin, so it is ineffective on gray hair and may not work on darker skin tones or on hardened hair that becomes thicker and harder after repeated laser hair removal, but needle hair removal (medical needle hair removal) can cover them.
Thus, medical hair removal is basically performed by a qualified professional such as a doctor or nurse. This increases safety and allows for prompt and appropriate treatment in the event of problems. Staff members have in-depth knowledge of the skin and hair structure, and perform the most appropriate treatment for each individual skin type and hair type.
The aftercare service is well-developed, and appropriate aftercare is available for skin problems after the treatment, as only a medical institution can provide.
On the other hand, the disadvantage is that some types of lasers may cause pain because they effectively work on hair follicles in the deep layers at high power. Also, the cost is a little higher than in salons or self-serve.
However, counseling is always provided prior to treatment, and many people choose this service because the best plan for their individual needs is proposed based on a detailed review of their skin type, hair quality, past hair removal experience, and history of allergies.
What is the appropriate frequency of hair removal?
The frequency of hair removal depends on the method you choose. Appropriate frequency will maximize the effectiveness of the treatment and help maintain hair-free skin for a long period of time. The appropriate frequency for each hair removal method is detailed below.
| Hair Removal Method | Frequency of treatment | Number of treatments | after-sales service |
|---|---|---|---|
| self-removal of hair | Once every 2~4 weeks | Requires continuous use | Need to take care of skin before and after use by yourself |
| medical hair removal | Once every 2~3 months | 5-8 times | Follow-up by doctors and nurses |
| Beauty Salon Hair Removal | Once every 1-3 months | 6-8 times | Follow-up by esthetician |
self-removal of hair
Self-removal of hair is mainly done using home-use hair removal devices. Most home-use epilators use mainly optical hair removal (IPL) and require regular use; it is recommended that they be used every 2~4 weeks. This is to increase the effectiveness of hair removal in accordance with the hair growth cycle.
The key is to clean the skin before use and moisturize the skin after use. Efforts should be made to prevent skin problems and to maintain the effect of hair removal.
Frequency of hair removal at beauty salons
Hair removal in beauty salons is also common, mainly using optical hair removal, but recently new hair removal techniques such as SSC and SHR have been adopted.
Optical hair removal at beauty salons is usually performed once every one to three months. Regular visits in accordance with the hair cycle will maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.
Since the skin after the procedure is in a delicate state, proper aftercare is important. Moisturizing care and sun protection after the treatment can prevent skin problems and maintain the effects of the treatment. I have the impression that many plans include these care services together.
Frequency of Medical Hair Removal
Medical hair removal is mainly performed using medical lasers and other methods, and because it is performed at a medical institution, it is highly safe and extremely effective.
For medical hair removal, it is usually recommended to have a treatment every 2-3 months. The frequency of treatment should be adjusted to the hair cycle to obtain the best results; however, it is important to note that a short treatment period, such as 1~2 months, may cause skin problems.
Since the skin is in a delicate state after the procedure, it is important to keep it well moisturized and avoid sun exposure. Appropriate aftercare methods and follow-up of the process are provided by doctors and nurses to prevent skin problems and enhance and sustain the effects of the procedure.
summary
Each type of hair removal has its own characteristics: self-removal, medical hair removal, and salon hair removal. Self-removal hair removal is easy and inexpensive, but has limitations in the durability of its effects and may cause skin problems. Salon hair removal, on the other hand, uses optical hair removal and is less painful while still providing a certain level of effectiveness. Medical hair removal may not be inexpensive, but it is highly effective and safe. It is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each method and choose the hair removal method best suited for you. In addition, consulting with a specialist will help you to develop a hair removal plan that is more effective and safer.
At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.
Feel free to use our official LINE account for 24-hour counseling and reservations. Please feel free to contact us for free counseling for the first time or if you have any concerns.
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