5 best professional hair removal devices

Shaving, waxing strips and home epilators are good and proven ways to get smooth legs or armpits. Compared to a laser, which is “tied” to the hair growth cycle and gives a delayed effect, smoothness is achieved instantly. But the effect disappears just as quickly: after shaving, the hair grows back on the second day, if you do this regularly, it becomes stiffer; after wax strips, new hair will appear within 3-5 days, and after an epilator, you can forget about your hair for a week and a half at most.

Lasers are valued for their long-lasting and, for some, permanent effects. But it is not achieved immediately and requires at least 3-4 visits to the doctor once every 3 weeks a month, but the effect is worth it.

The whole truth about laser procedures: what should you be afraid of?

When thinking about laser hair removal and which laser is better, keep in mind that you need to start the course at least 3-4 months before the moment when you want to conquer everyone with your perfect legs. This is related to the phases of hair growth, and each procedure is planned taking into account the most optimal phase.

For the same reason, it is undesirable to skip registration for procedures and postpone them to a later date: you will no longer get to the desired phase, and you yourself will reduce the effect to nothing. Therefore, when time is running out before the opening of the beach season and winter is ahead, it makes sense to get a laser done, starting sessions, for example, in February or March. Different types of lasers for hair removal allow you to choose the one most suitable for your skin: its type, natural shade.

The principle of hair removal using laser

Operating principle of laser equipment

The laser beam destroys the hair follicle and the smallest blood vessels and nerve endings approaching it. Directed thermal exposure destroys the hair itself and its root. It cannot be said unequivocally that this destruction is completely safe for the body.

A certain frequency and temperature of the beam is designed to destroy melanin, the coloring substance of hair. That is why this hair removal technique has proven to be excellent for removing dark and coarse hair.

Important. Some types of removal, no matter what type of laser hair removal device is used, are completely useless for destroying light and gray hairs.

Complex and functional system

The human body is a unique product of nature and all its components work in interaction. Although even today, when science has risen to unprecedented heights, experts cannot answer the question of why body hair grows.

A number of assumptions have been put forward, including:

hair protects the skin from insects, hypothermia and infections;
hairs on the body are one of the components of the complex process of thermoregulation of the body; they signal the body about changes in temperature and help, in case of hypothermia or overheating, to normalize blood flow;
The smallest nerve endings approach the bulb, so we instantly feel the lightest touch. Why do we need body hair? Scientists are still studying this feature of the human body and have not come to final conclusions. Naturally, our origin from monkeys, an explanation from the beginning of the 20th century, does not explain this feature of humans;

Complex structure of hair and scalp

Not only nerve and tiny blood endings approach the follicle, but also ducts of the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for normalizing the fat balance of the skin. This is a natural, well-designed barrier and natural fatty lubricant that protects against any aggressive environmental influences. Therefore, it is quite risky to destroy it forever with your own hands;
The skin's water balance is ensured by the sweat glands, which are also located close to the hair follicle and can be damaged by the beam.

Interesting. Hairs sleep, are awake and are replaced during a lifetime a large number of cycles (at least 40). Sometimes they stop growing involuntarily, and sometimes they can cause a lot of problems.

How does a laser beam work?

Depth of occurrence affects the choice of technology

This technique is based on the properties of the beam, the laser penetrates deep into the skin and the heat-light wave acts directly on the hair follicle. Naturally, all clinics position this technique as completely safe for health. But no matter what the most advanced equipment for laser hair removal is used, there is no guarantee that the areas located next to the bulb will not be damaged.

Hair and skin contain a pigment responsible for their color - melanin. The heat-light wave is designed to destroy it; when heated, this pigment is neutralized and the bulb dies. It is this fact that underlies any laser hair removal technology, except neodymium.

Visually it looks like this. Everyone knows that dark clothes heat up faster when exposed to sunlight than light ones. Dark colors attract heat, while white, on the contrary, reflects. Therefore, the laser beam heats and destroys primarily melanin-colored hairs, causing little damage to surrounding tissues, but this is far from a fact.

Penetration of the beam deep into the skin

The process of dissolving a hair and bulb with a beam is complex and multi-stage.

Several reactions occur in the skin under the influence of a laser:

photothermal effect - the beam energy heats the tissue of melanin-dyed hair;
photochemical effects – chemical destructive reactions caused by a directed beam of light occur in tissues;
cavitation effect - acoustic vibration in a very high frequency range, also designed to destroy the hair shaft.

Important. Even with a targeted point effect on the hair and follicle, there is no guarantee that the beam does not damage nearby tissues. After all, melanin is also present in the skin, giving it a natural tone determined by the genotype.

A little history

Progressive techniques in cosmetology

Laser hair removal techniques have been used for a long time. The first experiments in this area of cosmetology date back to the end of the nineteenth century in the USA. But the imperfection of the equipment led to disastrous consequences - extensive burns. Therefore, instructions from leading doctors and scientists completely stopped the development of this area of cosmetology for a long time.

Only in the early seventies of the twentieth century cosmetologists returned to these technologies again. Business dictates its own rules, and the new is the well forgotten old. Therefore, large cosmetology and medical concerns began to conduct expensive research and experiments on hair destruction using targeted laser beams and achieved success.

Judging by the photo, it doesn’t hurt at all, but is that true?

Now it was necessary to recoup the investment, and a massive marketing and advertising campaign began, covering the whole world. Haven’t you noticed that a certain stereotype of beauty and success is being imposed on us? Take a closer look.

Any advertisement for a cosmetic company guarantees success, love and prosperity only under certain conditions - perfectly smooth legs and a pristine bikini area free of hair. But the price paid for the advertising ideal can be very high.

Estimated cost of the procedure

Today it is simply unthinkable and indecent to have hair under the arms, and it is indecent to appear on the beach and in the pool with an untreated bikini. Of course, aesthetics are great, but it’s probably better without fanaticism.

Although this is already part of the culture of society, which is sometimes elevated to a cult and reaches the point of outright insanity - the skin is like that of a baby, smooth everywhere and without vegetation. Although babies are often born completely covered with soft, long hairs.

Which company's epilator is better?

There are not many manufacturers of epilators, and buyers prefer to choose trusted companies rather than take risks with unknown brands. There are three “pillars” in the field of epilator production - Braun, Philips and Panasonic - buyers most often choose models from these companies. Rowenta is another contender for the title of successful epilator brand . Each of these brands has an impressive range of epilators, from the simplest to the most innovative. From year to year, the characteristics of these products are improving, making hair removal more gentle and effective. Let's tell you a secret, there are still a lot of devices from lesser-known companies, but judging by the reviews, they are not even suitable for the leaders. Therefore, today's competition will take place exclusively between representatives of famous brands.

We present to your attention a rating of high-quality, durable, effective and functional epilators, created based on customer reviews and expert ratings.

Variety of laser equipment - comparative analysis

Beam depth

There are cases when excessive hair growth is really a big cosmetic problem, then the use of modern technologies cannot be avoided. Clinics and salons offer a large selection of laser hair removal options, what are the fundamental differences between the methods and what types of lasers exist for laser hair removal.

The differences between the technological features of the equipment are mainly based on the wavelength that the device produces.

Types of lasers	Wavelength	Advantages	Flaws
Ruby	694 nM	This is the maximum wavelength for neutralizing melanin. In this case, the hemoglobin located in the cells is not destroyed. Used to destroy single dark hairs on the face, but nothing more.	The pulse frequency is only one per second, which is very slow for effective and not tiring hair removal. Experts consider this equipment to be obsolete and it is impossible to find such equipment in a good salon or clinic. There is a high risk of burns and serious extensive injuries.
Alexandrite	725 nM	The pulse frequency is from 2 to 5 per second, depending on the equipment, which significantly speeds up the process. Candela laser hair removal involves 5 to 8 procedures with maximum effect, unlike equipment from other manufacturers.	Not useful for destroying blonde hair. Ineffective on dark or tanned skin, as it is designed to destroy melanin.
Diode	800 nM	The single-pulse frequency also makes the removal procedure tedious, but the beam is able to cover a larger area than with a ruby laser. The result is one hundred percent for a long time.	Does not damage red, blond and gray hairs.
Neodymium	1064nM	A new generation ray that penetrates into the deep layers of the skin, affecting not melanin, but hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin of the hair follicle, destroying it from the inside. Effective for all skin types and for destroying hair of any color, thickness and hardness. By choosing a neodymium laser, hair removal will be 100% successful on tanned and dark skin, as well as when removing gray hair.	Deep penetration of the beam can injure the skin and cause irreversible processes, so before using this type of laser it is necessary to undergo a thorough medical examination and find out contraindications.

Important. All types of lasers for hair removal have their advantages and disadvantages, so the choice should be based on the individual characteristics of the skin and hair structure.

Why neodymium laser is the most popular

What to expect from the procedure

Laser hair removal with a neodymium laser is becoming increasingly popular.

Partly due to a good advertising campaign, but also because of its clear advantages over other methods.

allows you to remove hairs of any color, thickness and hardness. The beam partially affects melanin, but mainly it is aimed at the smallest blood capillaries that feed the hair follicle. Deprived of blood flow, the follicle is destroyed;
guaranteed to destroy deep-seated bulbs in the skin;
effective for hair of any color, unlike other types of lasers;
truly laser turbo hair removal, since the session time is no more than 40 minutes, even on large areas of skin. The pulse speed per second can reach one hundred flashes, and this speeds up the unpleasant process;
the scanning system helps to treat large areas of skin;
the risk of burns and irreversible skin damage is minimal.

Absorption of energy of different types of beam by cells

But there are also disadvantages that are important to know about:

The neodymium beam does not remove thin and light hairs well;
there are painful sensations, no matter what all the advertising posters say. During the procedure, most often there is a burning sensation and an unpleasant smell;
the cost of the service is from 1,500 to 2,000 rubles, depending on the image of the clinic and the region (armpit hair removal).

Conclusion. You should not unconditionally believe advertising. It will be better to find a clinic with recommendations and a professional team that will focus on all individual characteristics, and not on the cost of services.

Advantages of hair removal with an alexandrite laser

The Alexandrite laser is the most common. Its effectiveness is sufficient compared to other types. The device operates at a light wavelength of 755 nm. This is enough to destroy dark and light brown hair.

The Alexandrite laser has more power than the ruby laser, so it removes hair more deeply and has a stronger effect on the tissue. To minimize the impact, the skin is pre-cooled and coated with special solutions.

The Alexandrite laser has significant advantages over the ruby laser in terms of speed of hair removal.
For example, a leg hair removal procedure will last about an hour. The duration of the procedure with a ruby laser increases approximately tenfold. Important!
All types of laser devices differ in the length of the emitted wave, radiation energy and the number of pulses per unit time. Let us list the existing types of lasers in order to increase their characteristics: ruby laser, alexandrite laser, diode laser, neodymium laser.

Should you be afraid of a laser beam?

I really want to believe the promises of cosmetologists about achieving unearthly beauty

If unwanted hair is a serious cosmetic defect, then, of course, you cannot do without new effective technologies. But before you injure the skin by burning out vegetation, it is worth finding out the cause of excess growth.

There are many such reasons and they lie not outside, but inside the body:

hormonal imbalance, which can be caused by both diseases of the endocrine system and the wrong choice of hormonal contraceptives;
metabolic disorders associated with thyroid diseases;
inflammatory processes (acute and chronic) of the genitourinary system;
banal stress and, as a result, hormonal imbalances.

But there are also such troubles as in the photo

In any case, before laser hair removal, you must undergo a medical examination.

First of all, find out if there are any of the following problems:

diabetes;
tumors of any etiology;
disorders of the thyroid gland;
any viral and infectious diseases;
disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
varicose veins;
the presence of birthmarks and even small moles;
allergy;
any pathologies associated with the nervous system.

Important. It has not been fully studied how exposure to the beam can affect cells and the body as a whole. Exacerbations of many chronic diseases can be triggered.

Peculiarities

The procedure is painful . The degree of sensitivity during hair removal with an alexandrite laser depends on many factors.

Firstly, from the venue. For example, in the bikini area and underarms, the skin is more delicate, and therefore sensitivity is higher. The most pain-free area is the legs.
Secondly, pain depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. It is better to carry out the procedure in the middle of the cycle. Then the perception will be more tolerant.
Thirdly, individual sensitivity. It all depends on the human body and its pain threshold. Cooling with air, water, or cryogenic spray may be used to reduce pain during the procedure.

The Candela alexandrite laser is the most modern modification of lasers of this type.
It differs from others in the speed of the procedure, a large number of options and a long pulse duration. This device has two types of cooling to protect the epidermis - refrigerant or air, which is its distinctive feature. For more information about the Candela alexandrite laser, watch the video:

Using an alexandrite laser for hair removal is very effective and has many positive reviews. Among the advantages, patients highlight:

speed of the procedure;
smoothness of the skin;
getting rid of ingrown hairs;
no irritation.

However, the disadvantages of the procedure are:

painful sensations;
high cost due to an unexpected number of sessions;
possible ineffectiveness as a result of hormonal fluctuations.

Did you know?
In addition to hair removal, laser devices are used to remove pigmentation, treat acne, and remove vascular tissue.

When hair removal with an alexandrite laser cannot be performed

Laser light affects the melanin pigment. This pigment is most present in dark hair and tanned skin. Therefore, when exposed to the hair follicle, laser light simultaneously affects melanin in nearby areas of the skin. This causes a burn. Therefore, hair removal with an alexandrite laser on dark skin is prohibited.

Blonde hair has little melanin, so the destructive effect of laser light is very weak.
Hair removal using an alexandrite laser is also not carried out on blond and red hair .
To do this, hair removal is used with a neodymium laser, which has a longer wavelength, allowing it to influence the blood vessels that feed the hair follicles. Contraindications for the procedure are various skin diseases (psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, etc.), cancer, blood diseases, pregnancy and lactation, diabetes mellitus, varicose veins, tuberculosis, etc. Before performing hair removal with an alexandrite laser, it is better to consult with your family doctor. doctor

Indications for use

Hair removal using an alexandrite laser is indicated in the following cases:

increased amount of facial hair in females;
impossibility of depilation, sugaring or hair removal using a machine, due to the presence of contraindications or increased sensitivity of the skin;
when hair grows under the skin;
presence of light skin and dark hair. Which worsens the appearance even with a small amount of vegetation;
increased hair growth due to hormonal imbalance;

Removal of not only hair on the skin is required, but also removal of pigmentation.

Additionally, this procedure is used if it is impossible to visit salons frequently. Hair removal using an alexandrite laser eliminates hair growth for at least 30 days.

Procedures before hair removal

Before hair removal, you should consult an endocrinologist. Hormonal changes in the body are a serious contraindication for hair removal. Since the procedure has a thermal effect on the skin, it is recommended to carry it out in the cool season.

Three months before the procedure, it is necessary to exclude all types of hair removal, the use of wax and depilator.
You can only use a razor. You should not sunbathe for two weeks before the procedure. Try to whiten your skin using creams if necessary. Before starting the procedure, you need to shave the hair in the epilation area about a day before. In general, general recommendations apply before laser hair removal, which will allow you to carry out the procedure more effectively. Important!
When using an alexandrite laser on dark skin, many pinpoint scabs may form. After they fall off, light spots form with independent color restoration within six months.

How does laser hair removal work?

Epilation takes place in 3 stages. The final result depends on the correct preparation for the procedure, the doctor’s manipulations and skin care during the recovery period.

Preparation

The preparatory stage for the procedure begins with choosing a clinic with qualified specialists and high-quality equipment.

Step-by-step preparation:

Visiting a therapist and dermatologist to exclude the presence of hidden contraindications.
Passing diagnostics in the salon to determine the type of skin, determining the darkness of the hair and the depth of the bulb. Additionally, a specialist conducts a laser reaction test for a possible allergic reaction (use of one-time irradiation).
4 weeks before the manipulation, avoid visiting the solarium and sunbathing. They are contraindicated throughout the course. In the presence of bright sun, it is necessary to use creams with protection from ultraviolet rays. It is recommended to start the procedure in late autumn, when the summer tan has faded. According to average indicators, the course is completed by the summer season.
For a month, manipulations to remove hair along with the bulb are excluded. Otherwise, the follicle is injured, which will affect the effectiveness of the procedure and increase the likelihood of side effects.
Avoid aggressive cosmetics 3 weeks before hair removal, especially at the treatment site.
Depending on the area of hair removal, it may be necessary to remove hair in 7-10 days using a razor (other methods are prohibited). Their length at the moment of the procedure should be 3-5 mm. More often, hair removal is required, also using a razor, 24 hours before the procedure. This nuance needs to be discussed during the initial visit to the salon.

Avoid procedures that increase the likelihood of injury to the skin in the treatment area.
Stop using cosmetics for 3 days to keep your pores free.

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages 48 hours before going to the salon. If you have had a cold or taken antibiotics. Then the break from recovery to hair removal should be at least 10 days.

Progress of the procedure

The procedure is carried out in the salon by a specialist and consists of the following steps:

The client sits down or lies down in a chair.
You need to wear specialized glasses on your eyes. This will protect the melanin in the iris from damage if accidentally hit by a laser beam.
The specialist treats the area with a disinfectant and anesthetic composition. If necessary, a gel with an anesthetic effect is used.
Based on preliminary diagnostics, the equipment is configured to the required parameters.
The area is being processed. Depending on the area, the procedure can take from 15 to 90 minutes. The process may be accompanied by a slight burning or tingling sensation.
Finally, a protective moisturizer is applied to the skin.

During the manipulation, the patient is required to remain calm and not make movements. Hairs on the treated area fall out 7-10 days after the procedure. Hair removal is repeated 30-40 days after the appearance of new vegetation from the awakened bulbs.

Skin care after the procedure

After the procedure, it is important to properly care for the treated area. Otherwise, the effectiveness of hair removal will decrease and side effects may occur.

The duration of the recovery period is 10-14 days.

Care tips:

water procedures are prohibited for up to 36 hours (even wiping);
physical activity is limited due to the risk of increased sweat production. It may irritate the follicles;
swimming, baths and saunas are excluded for up to 14 days;
If there is bright sun, use a cream that protects against UV rays;
Do not pull out any remaining hair. They will fall out on their own. Otherwise, damage to the skin with subsequent tissue inflammation is possible;
Remove new vegetation in the treated area only with a razor. Other procedures are contraindicated. Repeating manipulations earlier than after 30-40 days is prohibited;
avoid tight clothing (except if facial hair was removed) as it can injure the treated area;
if there is irritation on the skin, use bepanthen or its analogues.

After the procedure, you should not take antibiotics or hormonal medications for 14 days. To moisturize the skin, use moisturizing cosmetics prescribed in the salon and drink more clean water.