Question to expert: How to choose the best type of hair removal
We are launching a series of materials for which professionals in the field of self-care, from dermatologists to massage therapists, tell us about everything you need to know to take care of yourself correctly.
Today, more than ever, there is every opportunity to decide whether you want to leave your legs and armpits intact, or it is more comfortable for you to remove body hair. There are a lot of methods, from a daily razor and depilation (that is, not waxing, wax or sugar), to procedures with a long-term effect. True, the latter will certainly steal from you something from important resources: either money or time, or both. The search for a suitable option should be based not only on the capabilities of your budget, but also on the capabilities of your body - otherwise there is a risk of finding out what useless spending is, literally in your own skin. Fortunately, the lists of contraindications to modern procedures are not that big.
Usually in the salons offer laser, photo and electrolysis. Electrolysis, in which a needle is inserted into the hair follicle, which delivers an electrical discharge, is relatively inexpensive, but takes a lot of time and brings torment. Photoepilation is much faster than electro-and less contraindicated than laser, but it is performed only with sufficient contrast between hair color and skin color.
Most of the problems with laser hair removal, which today remains the most optimal method. On modern devices are used three types of lasers: neodymium, alexandrite and diode. The effectiveness of the application depends on the length of the light wave - the deeper the wave penetrates, the wider the possibilities of using a laser - and the skin phototype. Neodymium and diode laser can be used on tanned and dark skin due to their sufficient power. Irina Ivanova, cosmetologist and dermatologist, tells you about what other features of popular procedures you need to be ready for in the first place.
Irina Ivanova
doctor of the highest category, cosmetologist-dermatologist of the clinic "Doctorplastik"
There is a difference between depilation and epilation. Epilation is hair removal with destruction of the hair follicle. That is, hair removal for a long time or forever. There are no ways suitable for everyone. Then there would be no other methods, one would be - perfect.
The most popular light types of hair removal - photo, ELOS, laser. They are practically safe, non-traumatic and convenient. The latest development of our Israeli colleagues is a "cold" laser hair removal. It is practically painless, easily tolerated by patients, the most safe in terms of burns. However, all these methods have one common and significant minus. They do not remove red, blond and gray hair. For light hair removal to be effective, the hair must be darker than the skin. By the way, it makes no sense to paint them: it is necessary that the dark, that is, containing a lot of melanin, be the intracutaneous part, and not the outer part. Perfectly cleaned black hair with white skin. Also, all light methods of hair removal are successfully used for hirsutism.
Ginger and natural blondes are either depilation (wax, shugaring and other short-lived methods), or electrolysis. Its plus is that for the quality of the procedure does not matter the color of the hair. Minus - its trauma, because the hair follicle is destroyed by electricity - this is a controlled burn. In addition, scars may remain, which in itself is a serious contraindication.
It is also worth noting that all hardware methods of hair removal are related to physiotherapeutic effects: these are medical procedures. Consequently, there are also contraindications: pregnancy, lactation, oncology, tumors in the treatment area, skin diseases, some somatic diseases. Be sure to tell your doctor about your health, drugs, dietary supplements and vitamins that you are taking or have recently taken.
Photo: Philips Lumea Prestige, Rio Salon Laser LAHS 3000