Light hair removal is one of the most popular procedures in beauty salons because... only they are able to remove excess vegetation for a long period of time. Both procedures are painless, simple, effective and similar in nature: removal of unwanted hair using light radiation. In the article we will tell you which method is better to choose, how photoepilation differs from laser hair removal, their pros and cons.
The difference between laser hair removal and photoepilation
Photoepilation or laser hair removal have a similar basis, but there are still differences and differences between these manipulations:
- method of influence. Laser hair removal destroys the follicle taking into account the color type of skin and hair structure, and photoepilation is universal;
- duration of the procedure. Photoepilation takes less time because... capable of treating a large area of skin with one flash, unlike laser exposure;
- number of procedures. The laser method requires more sessions than photoepilation.
- photoepilation is less painful and ideal for people with sensitive skin;
- zone of the treated area - with laser hair removal, the area covered is limited, but with photoepilation, the flash spectrum is wide.
- cost of sessions - the price of photoepilation procedures is higher than for the laser method.
What is safer: photoepilation or laser hair removal?
Clients often ask the question about which hair removal is more effective: photo hair removal or laser hair removal. The difference between photoepilation and laser hair removal is approximately the same. The beam during laser hair removal acts on the skin of the face and body gently, as it affects only the bulb and does not affect nearby places on the skin. But still, modern photoepilators have a wide spectrum of radiation, which use various attachments and filters. They help protect the patient from the negative effects of harmful flashes, and their functions allow you to adjust the required length of light energy. After both procedures, the skin acquires slight redness and swelling, which indicates the correctness of the technique. The pain sensations of both procedures are at the same level. This is the difference between photoepilation and laser hair removal.
Photoepilation procedure
The peculiarities of the photoepilation procedure are the effect on the skin using a beam.
Not so long ago, this procedure was performed only in cosmetic clinics; today, household models of photoepilators have appeared. Using photoepilation at home can save time and money. Carrying out photo and laser hair removal is an expensive pleasure, but the results will last a long time.
Hair root removal
Laser hair removal
The principle of operation of a laser epilator is that a heating beam is applied to the skin, which destroys the hair roots. The procedure removes those hairs whose length is three to five millimeters. With this method, it is possible to obtain smooth skin on different parts of the body in several steps.
Laser hair removal is an effective and modern method of hair removal that can completely prevent hair growth.
Skin treatment with device
The mechanism of action of the device is similar to photoepilation and involves the use of flashes of light. The results of these hair removal methods are largely similar, but there are still some differences.
The light pulses emitted by the devices during laser use are based on beams of different spectra. The principle of action of these rays is photothermolysis. It represents the acceptance of light by the cells of organic tissue. When exposed to light, the pigment begins to transfer energy under the skin, the skin heats up, and the hair root dies from such exposure.
Operating principle
What is better and more effective: laser or photoepilation, we suggest comparing and identifying the differences between the two methods below:
Laser hair removal involves heating the hair follicle through exposure to a beating light beam. After several laser sessions, the high-molecular pigment - melanin (contained in the hair follicle) is destroyed. The light beam emits one wavelength and is focused in one zone because The beam area covered is limited and a small part is processed in one session. The maximum permissible hair length should be no more than 0.2 cm.
Today, lasers are divided into several types, which differ in content, in terms of impact efficiency and in the length of the laser beam:
- Diode-based laser - removes fluffy hairs and makes coarse hairs thinner, but does not cope with gray hair;
- Alexandrite laser - used for red and blond hair; for sensitive skin, a cooling coolant is used.
- Neodymium laser - used for coarse and dark hair. After treatment, hair falls out almost immediately.
Photoepilation - light flashes based on IPL high-intensity pulsed light, krypton lamps contained in the device heat the surface of the skin relatively strongly, which leads to the death of the hair, and it eventually falls out with the bulb and hair growth stops.
Flashes of rays emit different lengths (up to 1200 nm), they are able to process not only one follicle, but the area around it. Photoepilation is actively practiced not only to combat excess hair, but also to rejuvenate the skin and get rid of pigmentation on the body. According to cosmetologists, the safest photoepilator technologies are:
- The Super Hair Removal (SHR) system allows you to most gently remove excess hair without causing unpleasant and painful sensations. Treats the area with light wavelengths up to 800 nm. - this is a comfortable temperature that does not allow the skin to overheat. The feeding frequency is 10 Hz, thanks to this it is possible to remove even the lightest hair.
- Elos hair removal (E-light) affects the skin using light and electric current in one flash. Elos heats the area of the hair follicles that are in the active phase and then destroys it. They went on sale not long ago.
Only you can decide whether laser hair removal or photoepilation will better rid you of excess hair for a long time, although both techniques are harmless.
Contraindications and possible consequences
Contraindications for photo and laser hair removal are the same, since the manipulations are similar in principle:
- tanned skin
- tattoos;
- diabetes;
- oncology;
- moles on the treated area;
- any dermatological skin diseases;
- varicose veins;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- venereal diseases;
- genitourinary infections;
- any damage to the skin in the bikini area.
In order for the photoepilation or laser hair removal procedure to be as safe as possible and without negative consequences, you must follow contraindications and preparation for the procedure, otherwise negative complications may arise, such as:
- Burns – most often appear on tanned skin and when the hair length is not maintained;
- Acne-like rashes;
- Swelling;
- Redness;
- Hyperpigmentation – can be experienced by patients with both dark and fair skin
- Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicle.
- Impaired sweating due to incorrect settings of the device.
Attention! If any symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Light hair removal: photo and laser
When it comes to radical hair removal, beauty salons usually offer two types of hair removal: photo and laser. These modern technologies are based on light treatment and destruction of the hair follicle. The result of the course of procedures is, if not complete, then at least significant removal of hair from a certain area of the skin.
Despite their external similarity, the two hair removal techniques have both their own characteristics and nuances of application.
Both laser and photoepilation are done using special equipment and only if you have certain work skills. The two methods have much in common and also differ in many respects. To choose one of them, get maximum efficiency and minimize negative consequences, you should carefully understand the application features and nuances of both methods of hair removal.
Operating principles
When a hair follicle is exposed to light energy, this active growth site dies and the hair falls out along with it. Most often, the hair follicle in the treated area is never restored.
An important point on which the result directly depends is the presence of melanin in the root part of the hair - it is this that, in fact, attracts light radiation. For red, very light or gray hair, both types of hair removal do not work.
For owners of blond and natural red hair, light hair removal methods do not work well
Photoepilation equipment works immediately on a specific area of the skin and in each case is adjusted individually to the characteristics of the client and the area being treated. During laser hair removal, the effect is targeted at the hair follicles and is adjusted automatically.
Efficiency
All types of hardware hair removal are being actively improved, so the effectiveness of the procedure largely depends on the class of equipment used. Of course, the professionalism of the master also plays a big role. Consider both of these factors when choosing the salon where you will undergo the procedure.
The type of laser device is also important - the technique uses several main types of laser:
- Alexandrian;
- diode;
- ruby;
- neodymium.
Their difference lies primarily in the power and direction of the radiation, on which the effectiveness of the procedures depends. For example, when using the Alexandria laser, hair removal occurs almost instantly, and after treatment with a diode laser, hairs fall out on average within a week.
Entrust an experienced specialist with light hair removal - this guarantees its effectiveness
The result of photoepilation does not become noticeable immediately after the procedure - after its completion, at least a week must pass before hair loss, and in some cases this interval can last up to twenty days.
The maximum efficiency of hardware hair removal can be achieved when the length of the hairs being removed is one or two millimeters - then the energy of the devices will be concentrated on the hair follicles and the result will be better. Therefore, on the eve of going to the salon, it is recommended to shave off long hairs, and, on the contrary, let too short ones grow a little. But between sessions you should not shave your hair - this will strengthen the hair follicles.
Speed and application areas
The use of any hardware hair removal is unable to rid you of unwanted hair once and for all - with any method, several sessions will be required to obtain a lasting effect. After the first procedure, some hairs will disappear, while others will grow again, although they will become thinner and sparse.
Laser pulses act on each bulb separately, and broadband photoradiation acts simultaneously on an entire area of skin, the size of which depends on the type of device used. Therefore, a photoepilation session takes place several times faster, and the technique is more convenient for removing hair on large skin surfaces - for example, on the legs. Laser techniques are more successful in small and uneven areas:
- above the upper lip;
- on the chin;
- in the axillary region;
- in intimate areas.
The photo method is not suitable for eyebrow hair removal due to the risk of corneal burns
It is better not to use the photo method when removing hairs under the eyebrows and on the face in general - there is a risk of getting a burn to the cornea of the eye.
Laser treatment of a deep bikini can last up to two hours, while a photoepilation session in this case will not take even a quarter of an hour. The full course of hair removal usually does not depend on the treatment area - with the photo method it consists of five procedures; up to seven sessions are required for those who use the laser method.
An individual hair removal schedule for any technique should be prescribed by a qualified specialist, but you need to prepare for the fact that the overall course of procedures will stretch for about six months to a year. Then you will need to continue skin care and periodically do hair removal - from one to three times a year.
Painful sensations
Advertising promises complete painlessness of hardware hair removal, but in reality it is unlikely to be able to avoid painful sensations. Their degree depends on many factors:
- individual level of sensitivity of the client;
- treated area;
- experience and work style of the master.
- level of equipment used.
This kind of trouble depends little on what particular hair removal method you have chosen for yourself. But the laser method has a more gentle, non-aggressive effect on the skin. Swelling and redness go away much faster during laser treatment, and the risk of burns is reduced to a minimum. Unfortunately, during photoepilation, burns and subsequent pigmentation are quite common complications, especially if the equipment is in the hands of an inexperienced technician.
To be on the safe side, experts recommend drinking at least a light painkiller shortly before the session and using special cosmetics that mitigate unpleasant side effects (for example, Lidocaine, Emla cream).
Use painkillers - this will relieve discomfort during hair removal.
Price
Beauty salons offer different price lists, but in general the prices for both types of hardware hair removal are comparable. Typically, laser hair removal is still a little cheaper, but since more sessions are required, the total costs eventually equalize. The cost of hair removal differs significantly only in some areas.
For example, the price of bikini photoepilation can be one and a half times higher than the cost of laser treatment of the same area of skin. The same difference exists in prices for removing mustaches above the upper lip.
Advantages and disadvantages
If we briefly summarize the features of photo and laser hair removal, then each of these methods has both its own advantages and disadvantages. Analyze them before making your final choice. You need to realize that both methods do not provide a complete guarantee that after some time new hair will not appear in place of the removed hair.
Photoepilation
What is good about photoepilation? This is a modern, fairly fast method for radical hair removal on large areas of the body, allowing you to keep the skin smooth for a long time or even forever. But the technique has many significant disadvantages:
- not suitable for gray, blond and red hair;
- prohibited for use on freshly tanned and very dark skin;
- after the first session, hair regrowth accelerates;
- possible pain;
- Eye protection with special dark glasses is required;
- there is a risk of local burns, which may leave scars and difficult-to-remove pigmentation.
Epilation on large surfaces is best done using a photo method.
Laser hair removal
An actively developing and improving area of hair removal; Laser hair removal is quite comfortable. The laser method has a minimum of complications and side effects, but it also has its disadvantages:
- relatively long procedure time;
- ineffective on hair lacking melanin and skin with a fresh tan;
- when used on wound surfaces, it leaves scars;
- application on sensitive skin causes pain;
- There are known cases of individual intolerance.
Comparisons of photoepilation and laser hair removal techniques - video
Number of sessions
With any laser-based or light-based hair removal, you will need to undergo several procedures to achieve the desired result. One session is not able to get rid of hairs completely; they will grow back, but will become sparser and thinner.
The effect of laser on the skin takes longer than hair removal by photoepilation. For comparison, we will consider several epilation zones and their duration during photoepilation and laser hair removal.
| Zones | Photoepilation | Laser hair removal | ||
| Deep bikini | 20 minutes. | 11 sessions | 60 min. | 9 sessions |
| Upper lip | 7 min. | 5 sessions | 20 minutes. | 4 sessions |
| Armpit | 10 minutes | 8 sessions | 25 minutes | 7 sessions |
| Legs (shin) | 15 minutes. | 6 sessions | 30 min. | 7 sessions |
Attention! These indicators indicate the average duration of sessions and the duration of procedures.
The minimum interval between the first and second procedures is 30 days , photoepilation 20 days. After the main 5 sessions, most clients experience complete hair removal.
The full course is individual for each girl; procedures are carried out over six months. To maintain smoothness, it is necessary to undergo repeated correction once a year with a course of two procedures.
Advantages and disadvantages
Photoepilator or laser epilator - which of these devices is better? A detailed comparison of them will help you decide which method is better. Let's start with photoepilation.
Pros:
- no skin exposure, the skin is not damaged;
- low time investment. The effect is achieved immediately and lasts for a long time;
- duration of action. If everything is done correctly, the hairs will not grow for several years;
- the skin becomes younger and tighter.
Minuses:
- considerable cost. To noticeably get rid of hair, you need to undergo several procedures;
- has little effect on blond and gray hair;
- with increased sensitivity there is pain;
- possible negative consequences;
- there is a possibility of getting burned. An incorrectly configured device, low quality gel, procedures on thin skin can cause negative effects. An allergic reaction may occur.
Find out the differences between an epilator and a depilator and which one is better.
Negative effects after the procedure
The advantages of laser hair removal are:
- speed of the procedure;
- no contact of instruments with skin;
- short recovery time for the body;
- absence of blood, scars, skin damage;
- low threshold of possible complications.
Flaws:
- high cost of equipment;
- temporary effect.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the consequences of using a home photoepilator.
Photo – or laser hair removal at home
You can carry out light depilation at home using portable devices that are sold specifically for home use. If you choose lasers for the home, it is best to opt for a modern diode-based model; only they allow you to deal with coarse and light hairs at home without negative consequences on the body. A significant advantage of the diode laser is that there is almost no pain. But take note that home appliances have low power compared to salon appliances, therefore, the effect will be short-lived. The technique can be seen in the public videos. Photoepilators have double filters that prevent the epilated area from intense irradiation. The light flashes from home appliances are small, but still easily and simply treat areas, even separately growing stubble. The depilation process is less labor-intensive compared to other types.
Home photoepilator or laser epilator?
Now both devices can be used independently. Manufacturers install a cheap emitter lamp in home photoepilators, so the effectiveness of such a device is questionable. As for security, this also has its drawbacks. A cheap photoepilator is equipped with the same cheap filters, which should cut off harmful radiation. They don't do their job well, so flashes can cause irreparable damage to both skin and vision.
Source: fb.ru
Preparation for the salon procedure
Hair removal with a laser can be done regardless of the season, but photoepilation has limitations; it is recommended to use it with the onset of cold weather. The courses are quite long, so if the manipulation is prescribed in the spring, the course will not be completed by summer, and since during this season the skin is exposed to sun tanning, you can get a burn by combining both methods.
You should always start preparing for manipulation in advance and correctly. A month before the session, you must visit a dermatologist to completely rule out any dermatological skin diseases and identify malignant moles with a special dermatoscopy device at the treatment site (otherwise the moles may develop into a tumor). If light influence is planned in the bikini area, you must visit a gynecologist so that the doctor can conduct a preventive examination and rule out infectious diseases of the genital tract, otherwise irritation may occur in this area.
If doctors have not identified any violations, then 2 weeks before hair removal you should completely avoid tanning under the sun or in a solarium, and 7 days before, shave the regrown hairs with a razor, as longer hairs can cause burns, and short hairs do not have flashes. will have an impact.
Attention! Before the procedure, you should avoid using cosmetics that contain alcohol or oils.
Skin care after procedures
The skin recovers within five days after the manipulation, so you should refrain from visiting the pool, do not take hot baths and saunas, and rubbing the area with a hard washcloth is prohibited.
Immediately after the session, you need to apply a softening and restorative body cream to the skin; good for burns, you can treat them with Panthenol or Bepanten, the composition is no different and they are often compared. Before going out into the sun, it is recommended to apply SPF-40 sunscreen to the epilation area.
Between sessions, hair can be removed with a razor; sugaring and waxing should be forgotten so that the manipulations give the desired result.
Cost of services
The cost of procedures is determined by each beauty salon or clinic individually. This is influenced by the price of the equipment used for manipulation, auxiliary drugs, the qualifications of the specialist and the region.
As mentioned above, photoepilation is a universal device, therefore it is in great demand in the beauty services market and this is influenced by the price per session. The cost of one photo procedure is much higher than laser hair removal. We will conduct a comparative analysis of the prices of photoepilation and laser hair removal in different areas. To undergo one session of photo-epilation in the deep bikini area, the amount differs significantly and will average 4,500 rubles, and with the help of a laser 2,800 rubles. To treat the armpits with a light laser will cost 1000 rubles, a photo with a flash will cost 2500 rubles. The legs will cost 9,000 rubles. for photoepilation, and 4300 rubles. with laser.
Advantages and disadvantages
The most important advantage of a laser epilator is that there is no need to change lamps. This must be done when using a photoepilator. However, models with a lamp life of up to 120,000 flashes have already appeared on the market, which is a lot. Therefore, this advantage of the laser epilator is gradually leveled out.
The advantage of the photoepilator is the large area of the lamp window. Moreover, the larger it is, the faster the hair removal is performed. The difference is approximately as follows: for laser epilators, the area of the lamp window is 0.6 cm2, for photoepilators this parameter reaches 6 cm2. That is, theoretically, this allows the procedure to be completed 10 times faster.
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Each quick removal method is used for one purpose, but they work differently - this may depend on the color of the skin, the presence of a tan, and the individual character of the body. The optimal length for these hair removals should be no less than 0.1 cm, and no more than 0.2 cm. Correctly selected size is the key to the effectiveness of the procedure. Otherwise, the hairs will need to be shaved with a machine 2 days before light manipulations.
Both procedures do not guarantee that hair will disappear forever after completing the full course. After a certain time, dormant hairs can become active again and begin to grow, but they become thinner and softer. In this case, to maintain smoothness, it is necessary to undergo repeated correction once a year with a course of two procedures.
