Hair removal… Now that we have the opportunity to renew our skin, there are various techniques available to get rid of unwanted hair: the most common ones such as razors and depilatory creams, the most effective ones such as electric epilators and wax, or the most « long-lasting » ones that combine perfection and peace of mind over the long term, such as thermolysis, pulsed light and laser. All techniques are very different. Which one works best and lasts the longest? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method? Today, Maison Magnifisens offers you an overview to help you make the right choice!
To find your way around
- Permanent hair removal = laser.
- Semi-permanent hair removal = pulsed light.
- Long-lasting hair removal = electrolysis.
- Short-term hair removal = other techniques.
With the first three hair removal methods, you can enjoy permanently smooth and clean legs and a flawless bikini line…
These techniques take some time, and the best time to start is now! That way, you’ll be hair-free by the time the warm weather returns next spring.
And the laser
Laser hair removal is now very widespread. This technique has become more accessible and prices have fallen. The devices have diversified, become more sophisticated and improved.
Permanent laser hair removal remains a cosmetic medical procedure and should only be performed by competent, qualified individuals. This is the only way to guarantee that the laser is used in accordance with the conditions of use.
The laser uses a powerful beam of light with a single wavelength to destroy the hair root in a targeted manner.
→ The advantages
– Laser treatment can be performed on all skin types from 1 to 6.
– It can be done on lightly tanned skin.
– Process safety.
– Highly effective on light to dark hair (not effective on white hair or downy hair).
– Laser treatment is the solution for permanently resolving ingrown hair problems.
– Speed! Today, you can treat your lower legs in 20 minutes or your underarms in 5 minutes, for example.
– Comfort. The technique has evolved considerably. The sessions are painless (although they are still less comfortable on sensitive areas).
→ The results
– Skin feels softer immediately.
– Hair is thinner in record time.
– It takes approximately 6 to 8 sessions to permanently remove your hair.
→ The disadvantages
– Not effective on white hairs and downy hair.
– Pain sensitivity in certain sensitive areas (varies from person to person and may require the application of anaesthetic cream to the area to be waxed before treatment).
– Laser treatment cannot be performed on tattoos, skin lesions, or scars.
– Laser treatment is not possible if you are pregnant.
– Photosensitising drug treatments are not compatible.
– It is important to follow the recommendations for sun exposure in order to avoid pigmentation spots.
→ Choosing the right centre
Permanent laser hair removal must be performed under the supervision of a doctor. Before any treatment, a medical consultation must be carried out to answer all your questions, check for any contraindications, explain the procedure and perform a test on a small area to assess your tolerance.
During sessions, you must wear protective eyewear.
→ In summary: Permanent laser hair removal = effectiveness + safety + comfort
The future belongs to lasers. The latest generation of devices allows for better management, both in terms of skin phototype and tolerance threshold. Today’s lasers are not what they used to be; they are much less painful (even virtually painless).
The cost remains high compared to other techniques, even though it has already fallen significantly. But above all, in the long term, laser hair removal is a worthwhile investment. It is the only technique that can truly be described as permanent hair removal.
PULSED LIGHT
The pulsed light device emits a beam of several wavelengths of low-intensity energy with varying powers. Some devices simply weaken the hair, while others are capable of destroying it.
This technique can be performed either by a beautician or by a doctor. There are pulsed light devices available on the market that are very practical and easy to use for hair removal at home.
→ The advantages
– Pulsed light is a non-invasive technique that is well tolerated provided that safety instructions are followed correctly.
– This technique is virtually painless. You may feel a slight stinging sensation, but it is much less painful than waxing or using an electric epilator.
– The price. Even though pulsed light is more expensive than traditional non-permanent hair removal, it is still less expensive than laser treatment.
– Effectiveness. With pulsed light, you get very good results, although it is more accurate to describe it as semi-permanent hair removal (you will need to have one or two « maintenance » sessions per year).
→ The results
With pulsed light, expect one session every 15 days for the first two or three months, followed by one session every two months for 6 to 12 months. The recommended number of sessions is generally more than 10.
→ The disadvantages
– Pulsed light is ineffective on downy hair, white hair and very light hair (pulsed light is truly effective when the skin is light and the hair is dark).
– Avoid exposure to sunlight during treatment and for 15 days after the last session.
– Even though the device is easy to use, it is essential to follow the safety instructions and adjust the light energy intensity according to your skin tone to avoid burns or even hyperpigmentation of the skin.
– Pulsed light cannot be used on dark skin.
– This technique is not recommended for adolescents (it is recommended for those aged 20 and above).
– It is prohibited to use this technique while taking certain light-sensitive medications.
– Pulsed light is also not compatible with anticoagulant treatment.
– It is not possible to use pulsed light on recent scars or varicose veins.
– Pulsed light treatment cannot be performed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
ELECTROLYSIS HAIR REMOVAL
The principle of electrolysis hair removal involves destroying the hair by passing a low-intensity electric current through its bulb. This method must be performed by an experienced doctor. By inserting a fine needle into the bulb, the professional burns the hair bulb by applying an electric shock.
→ The advantages
– This technique is effective on white hair and very dark skin.
– It is ideal for small areas such as the face.
– It is an old method that we have experience with.
– It is final.
→The disadvantages
– This method is time-consuming, as each hair is burned individually. A session can last up to 2 hours!
– Everything that comes into contact with the tip of the needle is burned. It is therefore essential that this technique be performed by an experienced doctor.
– Pain also remains an obstacle to this method.
THE ELECTRIC HAIR REMOVER
The electric epilator occupies an interesting place among the tools used to remove hair. It remains a good compromise between long-lasting results, ease of use (can be done at home) and price.
The principle is simple: extract the hair along with its root.
→ The advantages
– More effective over time than a razor.
– Effective even on short, fine hair, unlike wax, which requires a certain length.
– Ease of use: can be done at home with an electrical socket.
→ The disadvantages
– Pain, especially in certain sensitive areas (varies depending on the individual).
– Not all areas are easily accessible.
– Risk of area not completed.
– There is also a risk of ingrown hairs.
COLD WAX
Cold wax comes in strips with wax stuck to them. The strips should be warmed between your hands, then applied to the area to be waxed and pulled off in the opposite direction to the hair growth.
→ The advantages
– Accessible and can be done at home.
– Effective for 15 days to three weeks
→ The disadvantages
– Pain, especially in certain sensitive areas (varies depending on the individual).
– Poor hair removal, resulting in many broken and ingrown hairs.
– The sticky nature of the wax, which can leave marks (it is important to clean thoroughly after the session).
– It is ineffective on fine hair (a minimum length of 7 to 8 mm is required).
– The difficulty in reaching the back areas. Sometimes you have to contort yourself to remove the hair and ensure that the strips are pulled off correctly.
HOT WAX
Hot wax is the most widely used technique, both by individuals and beauticians. It is a refined, clean method of hair removal that lasts a good three weeks.
The heat from the wax causes the pores to dilate, allowing for high-quality extraction. It can be used on all areas of the body.
It is advisable to have this hair removal done by a professional, especially for areas that are difficult to reach (back of the legs) or delicate to do yourself (bikini line or face).
→ The advantages
– Effective for three to four weeks.
– Hair regrowth is weakened, and hair becomes finer and softer.
– The heat from the wax softens the skin, and when the strips are pulled off, this causes exfoliation. (Moisturising at home is recommended to keep the skin soft).
→ The disadvantages
– If the hair removal is not done properly, bruising or redness may appear after hair removal.
– Pain, especially in certain sensitive areas (varies depending on the individual).
– Risk of ingrown hairs with or without inflammation.
– Can be used on hair lengths of 5 millimetres.
– Although this technique remains affordable, it represents a significant long-term investment.
HAIR REMOVAL CREAM
Depilatory cream is a chemical cosmetic process that breaks down hair. Depilatory creams are very popular with people who want quick and easy results without shaving.
The hair is broken down while the cream is left on. All you need to do is rinse it off in the shower. The hair will grow back more slowly than with a razor, and your skin will remain soft and silky for around 24 to 48 hours.
→ The advantages
– The price and its ease of use.
→ The disadvantages
– Risk of reaction or allergy (test on a small area before applying to a larger area).
– Risk of irritation or even burns if the application time is not observed.
– The unpleasant sulphurous smell that lingers.
– Avoid exposure to sunlight after hair removal.
– Do not use alcohol-based products on treated areas.
– Do not use depilatory cream on damaged, inflamed or infected skin.
THE RAZOR
The razor is still the most widely used tool today, despite its age! It has evolved in line with female demand. And it has become more feminine!
We have gone from razors with one blade, or even two, to five blades with a pivoting head and systems that prevent cuts.
The fact remains that shaving is not strictly speaking a hair removal technique, since a razor does not remove hair, but rather… shaves it. It is better to use it as a temporary solution rather than on a regular basis.
→ The advantages
– Speed.
– Ease.
– It is painless.
→ The disadvantages
– Strengthens hair and promotes regrowth, as the razor does not remove hair, but rather shaves it.
– To achieve clear skin, shave the area every other day, or even every day.
– Risk of cuts.
– Risk of infection.
– Razor blades wear out quickly and need to be changed regularly.
