IPL, laser, waxing or shaving – what’s the best form of hair removal?

Finding the hair removal solution that suits your body and your budget can be a minefield. From waxing to IPL hair reduction, we have options and experience to help you find the right solution for your unique requirements.

Shaving

The busy girl’s best friend – we can’t deny the convenience and cost-effectiveness of the humble razor. Shaving is easy to do, painless (if done right) and perfect for on-the-go hair removal. Razors are widely available, easily accessible and definitely a fuss-free option.

Removing hair from the skin level, shaving works best if you use sharp, clean blades with shaving cream and repeat every two to three days.

But who really loves shaving? Those silky-smooth legs never last long, and then you’re left with razor burn, ingrown hairs and a prickly feeling just three days later. People with sensitive skin can also experience irritation and redness since shaving removes a very thin layer of skin along the process.

Waxing

If you’re a thrill-seeker, waxing might be the ideal form of hair removal for you!

Eliminating hair from the root, the waxing process involves applying hot wax to the skin and removing it with a strip in one swift pull.

Hair becomes finer and smoother if waxed regularly and can rejuvenate the skin – with dead skin cells removed in the process. Quick, effective and providing long-lasting results for 2-6 weeks, waxing can be great for those seeking effective hair eradication – if you’re game enough for the pain.

Along with the pain, some people are put off by the risk of irritation and the potential for pesky, painful ingrown hairs. It’s also important to tell your therapist if you have any allergies to check for risks prior to your session.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a particularly hot topic at the moment, with its main point of popularity being its long-lasting results.

During laser hair removal, a concentrated beam of light is emitted and absorbed by the hair pigment (melanin). This light converts into hair-follicle-destroying-heat, which damages the follicle and delays future hair growth.

Laser removal can be done to most of the body, so for those looking to say goodbye to unwanted hair on their face, legs, underarms or bikini line, it’s precise and reliable. After laser treatment, the skin is little vulnerable, so avoiding prolonged sun exposure is a must.

Hair colour and skin type do impact laser treatment success; however, laser removal is the recommended option for darker skin tones that may not be suited to IPL. This is because laser treatments focus light straight into the hair follicle and not the skin’s pigment.

Although laser hair removal is highly sought after for its success in delaying hair growth for long periods, permanent hair removal is often not achieved. Some find the process expensive and frustrating, as it can take up to 8-15 treatments and maintenance sessions are often needed.

IPL Permanent Hair Reduction

If you’re looking for the best way to say goodbye to stubbly legs for good, look no further than IPL permanent hair reduction, more formally known as “Intense Pulsed Light” hair reduction.

Breaking down the hair growth cycle with light energy bursts, IPL permanent hair reduction provides long-lasting and effective results. Laser treatments use a single spectrum of light and IPL’s light bursts have a much broader spectrum, with various colours and wavelengths.

If you’re squirming at the thought of feeling bursts of light on your skin – don’t stress. IPL targets only the hair follicle, avoiding any damage to the skin itself, and is considered the most skin-friendly option of hair reduction. Most people find IPL less painful than laser treatments and without a doubt, less painful than waxing!

You’ll need to come to your session with the treatment area shaved and after treatment, the hairs will fall out over the course of a few days to two weeks.

As the light is absorbed by the hair pigment and not the skin, the contrast between hair colour and skin type impacts the success of IPL. The greater the difference between hair and skin colour (i.e. darker hair and lighter skin), the more the hair pigment will absorb light and the better the results.

With a few maintenance treatments here and there, you’ll be able to put the razor and wax strips down for quite a while!

Skintique will help to find the best solution for you.

With over 80 years’ collective experience and knowledge in the cosmetic treatment industry, Skintique offers waxing or IPL hair reduction treatments specially tailored to your unique needs, budget and skin type.

We know these treatments aren’t one-size-fits-all, which is why our team of IPL specialists will take you through your medical history and discuss any concerns or queries at your complimentary consultation, which also includes a patch test.

To request a booking or to discuss what might be best for you, give us a ring – we’d love to have a chat!