When it comes to making a decision about whether you would prefer to get rid of excess hair by using an epilator or laser hair removal, there are pros and cons to both methods.
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Epilation is similar to waxing in that it removes hair from the root, delaying the regrowth of each hair so it takes longer for the stubble to start showing. As treatments with similar effects, both are equally painful, although with both methods, the more you do it, the less painful it usually becomes.
An epilator is a device that pinches, then plucks the hairs. To give the device a chance to grip the hair firmly enough, you must move it slowly over each area, meaning it is a slower process than shaving.
Like waxing, hairs must be long enough for the device to be able to pick them up, although, with epilators, the hair can be shorter than it needs to be for waxing.
Care must be taken when using an epilator in order to get the best results:
Laser hair removal uses light energy to heat the hair to destroy the root and prevent the hair from growing back, sometimes for years, if at all. However, in order to be effective, each hair has to be in its active growth phase (the ‘Anagen’ phase) – around 10-15% of hairs will be in this phase at any one time, which is why you will need around eight sessions to remove the majority of hair from that particular area. Please note that this is true for the average patient, laser hair removal is not an exact science.
Unlike epilation, you do not need to grow the hair before you remove it. Indeed, you can continue shaving throughout the course of treatments until it has taken effect and you no longer need to.
One of the advantages of laser hair removal is that you are far less likely to have ingrown hairs after treatment. And shaving cuts and rashes will be a thing of the past because the hair may no longer grow therefore you don’t need to worry about at-home removal.
The main disadvantage of laser hair removal is the initial cost. A course of treatment will be more expensive than the cost of buying an at-home epilator. However, once the course of treatments is over, you can enjoy years of hair-free skin without the need to spend time and money epilating, shaving, waxing or on any other form of hair removal. In terms of convenience and time, you don’t have to spend on removing hair in the future, this is a huge advantage.
As with epilation, laser hair removal will not be entirely pain-free. The Soprano Ice treatment we offer is one of the least painful treatments available, but you will probably feel a sensation similar to being flicked with an elastic band. It can be uncomfortable, but for most people, it’s not painful.
In short, no. Laser hair removal works by heating the hair follicles to stop new hairs from growing. Although the procedure is often touted as a form of “permanent” hair removal, laser treatment only reduces the number of unwanted hairs in a given area. It doesn’t get rid of unwanted hair completely.
Yes, you can shave in between each session of laser hair removal. During your course of treatment, you can shave any hairs that may regrow. After your first laser hair removal session, you will notice that you won’t need to shave as much as before and that your body hair will thin.
We also suggest avoiding sun exposure between your treatments, even on areas like your upper lip, as your skin is more sensitive to the suns rays between treatments.
Laser hair removal practitioners are almost always asked this big question of permanent hair reduction. Laser hair removal can yield long-term permanent hair removal and reduce hair growth. But, it is not permanent. It does reduce hair growth over a period of time with regular laser treatments. You can get maintenance laser treatments to ensure you have hairless smooth skin.
Depending on the client’s skin and hair type, results are typically seen after a complete course of 8-12 treatments. In some instances, individuals may require more than 12 laser treatments or sessions for a complete result and a reduction in hair growth.
Shaving is allowed prior to laser treatments and laser hair removal appointments. Think again before waxing or tweezing, as by doing this you’d be pulling out the hair root, which is what the laser needs to target.
For now, the bad news is that laser hair removal or laser treatments cannot be done over tattoos. Only the surrounding areas around the tattoo itself. The larger the tattoo, the greater the problem of removing hair by laser. This affects all skin tones and skin types.
In short, yes. Because lasers are attracted to pigment, they work best on hair that’s brunette or darker. Laser currently does not work as well on hair that has no pigment, i.e. light-coloured hair like light blonde, light red, and white hair. And it’s also ideal if your hair is coarse.
You will find that if you have darker, coarser hair, your hair regrowth will diminish substantially after your first or second treatment. You will also find that your hair growth cycle will become longer and longer as you progress with your treatments.
In most cases, laser hair removal causes minimal pain, especially when you compare it to other treatments like waxing. Many patients state that it feels like being snapped by a rubber band.
Of course, the area being lasered and your personal pain tolerance will dictate the pain level associated with laser hair removal. Some find their upper lip and bikini line to be more sensitive areas.
Laser hair removal prices vary. But, here at the skin to love clinic, we offer treatments From £30. We offer a bespoke approach to treatment, tailored entirely to your needs and desires, therefore the cost of your individual laser hair removal treatment will be confirmed during your consultation following a thorough assessment.
Disclaimer: This blog is not to be used for diagnostic purposes. We are all unique which means that our results, recovery and suitability for any type of treatment will vary. Always seek the advice of a professional should you have any health or cosmetic concerns or to discuss treatments specifically for you.
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