Waxing and sugaring
The method of hair removal using cosmetic wax and a mixture of sugar and water has existed since the time of Cleopatra. The principle is the same — the elimination of hair from its follicle. But there is a fundamental difference between waxing and sugaring—wax is applied during the growth of hair and removed against its growth, whereas the sugar mixture is applied the other way around, which makes it less painful.
- Length of hair before the procedure: 4–5 mm
- Number of treatments for one zone: 1
- Effect duration: 3 weeks on average
Pros:
- Instant effect
- Suitable for all hair types
- Availability
- With regular hair removal, the hair becomes thinner and less frequent
- Suitable for pregnant and nursing women
Cons:
- Irritation and even suppuration of the hair follicle may appear
- As a result of the “reversal” of hair follicles, hairs tend to grow into the skin and form painful, inflamed seals
- There is a risk of skin burns if the wax temperature is exceeded
- Soreness of the procedure
Contraindications: damage to the skin, with caution during pregnancy.
Electrolysis
This is the only method that can radically and permanently solve the issue of unnecessary growth. Hair removal takes place with the help of small electric discharges, which are transmitted through a thin needle into the hair follicle. The follicles are destroyed (often irreversibly), regardless of the thickness and color of the hair. The course of electrolysis usually lasts several sessions, since not all hairs come out of the follicles during the first procedure.
- Hair length before the procedure: 3 mm
- Number of procedures for one zone: 6–8 (depending on the hair)
- Interval between procedures: 1.5–2 months
- Effect duration: 3–6 years
Pros:
- Suitable for any type of hair
- Can be done on any area of the face and body
- Often follicles die irreversibly, new hair does not grow
Cons:
- A painful method (but quite tolerable when using an anesthetic
- The duration of each session is several hours
- The skin gets injured, traces of injections may remain
Contraindications: herpes, eczema, acne vulgaris, fungal skin lesions, birthmarks, moles, warts in the epilation area, scars and cuts, varicose veins, hepatitis, HIV infection, diseases of the cardiovascular system, asthma, diabetes mellitus, hemophilia, oncology, epilepsy, mental disorder, pregnancy.
Laser hair removal
The laser beam destroys the melanin in the hair and bulb and blocks the follicle's blood circulation. The hair stops receiving nutrition and falls out. It is necessary to undergo several sessions since the laser affects only the hairs, follicles, and surfaces filled with melanin. Before the actual removal, it is best to undergo a trial session where the specialist selects the parameters of the light beam in advance.
There are four types of lasers:
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Ruby—outdated technology
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Alexandrite—better suited for dark hair, light skin
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Diode—the safest, allows you to shorten the intervals between procedures, not suitable for grey hair
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Neodymium (Qool-technology)—more often used for the treatment of blood vessels, ideal for hair removal on dark skin
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Hair length before the procedure: 1–2 mm
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Number of procedures for one zone: 4–10
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Interval between procedures: 1.5–2 months
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Effect duration: up to 3–5 years
Pros:
- Long-term effect
- Painless
- Suitable for all areas
- No risk of infection, since the skin is not damaged
Cons:
- Do not operate on tanned skin
Contraindications: hypertension, epilepsy, oncology, scleroderma, problems with the endocrine system, diabetes mellitus, infectious diseases, immune diseases (including HIV), varicose veins, a tendency to keloid scars, photosensitivity, damage to the skin in the epilation zone, pregnancy.
Photo epilation
The principle of operation is the same as laser hair removal. The difference is that a beam of pulsed light, consisting of waves of different lengths, acts on the selected area. The flash covers a larger area than the laser beam, but the effect on the hair follicle is less intense. The effectiveness of the procedure depends on the amount of melanin in the hair—the darker the hair, the better the result. However, this method is not suitable for dark and tanned skin, as unwanted side effects may occur due to melanin.
- Hair length before the procedure: 1–2 mm
- Number of procedures for one zone: 4–10
- Interval between procedures: 1–1.5 months
- Effect duration: up to 5 years
Pros:
- Long-term effect
- Suitable for all areas
- No risk of infection
Cons:
- Not suitable for very light and gray hair
- Not suitable for tanned skin
- A long and painful process (several sessions with an interval of a month between sessions)
- Many contraindications
Contraindications: acute and chronic inflammation of the skin, allergies, varicose veins, diabetes mellitus, problems with blood clotting, cardiovascular, infectious, oncological diseases, a tendency to keloid scars, photosensitivity, mental disorders, gynecological problems (when epilation of the bikini area), pregnancy, lactation, as well as taking certain medications: anti-inflammatory, diuretic, tranquilizers, antidepressants.
ELOS epilation
A mix of electro and photo epilation. The hair follicle is immediately affected by both a light pulse and a current. This method works more precisely and does not heat the skin around the hair. It is suitable for all hair and skin types. Before the course, you must consult with an endocrinologist, gynecologist, and mammologist.
- Hair length before the procedure: 1–2 mm
- Number of procedures for one zone: 6–10
- Interval between procedures: 1–1.5 months
- Effect duration: up to 2–5 years
Pros:
- Painless
- Effective for all types of hair and skin, including tanned skin
Contraindications: varicose veins, the presence of metal implants in the body or a pacemaker, hypertension, epilepsy, infectious and oncological diseases, a tendency to keloid scars, photosensitivity, blood clotting disorders, diabetes mellitus, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation.
AFT epilation
A mix of laser and photoepilation. The method is based on high-pulse light flashes that destroy follicles. At the exit, the maximum effect is formed, which allows you to reduce the number of procedures.
- Hair length before the procedure: no more than 1 mm
- Number of procedures for one zone: 4–8
- Interval between procedures: 1–1.5 months
- Effect duration: 2–4 years
Pros:
- Painless
- Effective for all types of hair and skin
- Resolved with varicose veins
Cons:
- Not effective against gray hair
Contraindications: oncological diseases, skin disorders, infectious diseases, problems with the endocrine system, diabetes mellitus, sunburn (received less than 2 weeks ago), pregnancy, lactation.
Qool technologies
Method of selective laser exposure. The rays do not affect the skin—they are directed exactly to the follicle. That’s why it is suitable for dark skin, as well as for light and gray hair.
- Hair length before the procedure: 1–2 mm
- Number of procedures for one zone: 8–10
- Interval between procedures: 2 weeks
- Effect duration: 4–5 years
Pros:
- Absolutely painless
- Effective for all types of hair and skin, including tanned
- There is no risk of age spots and skin irritation
- Suitable for all areas
Cons:
- Most expensive
- Course duration 10 sessions
Contraindications: chronic diseases in the stage of exacerbation, damage to the skin, allergy to light radiation, oncology, pregnancy, lactation.
