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.
How does a session work for a patient?
Using a laser, you can remove hair from any part of the body and on the face - everywhere except the eyebrow area. Infrared radiation is dangerous to the eyes, and during any laser treatment session - no matter what area you are treating - you will be asked to wear protective glasses. For photoepilation the same restrictions: the working surface area of the photoepilator is about 5 cm2 - they cannot correct the shape of the eyebrows. In addition, exposure to radiation near the eyes is dangerous to health.
Before starting the hair removal session, the cosmetologist thoroughly cleanses the skin and covers the area with a cooling gel. For modern laser models, an anesthetic is not necessary - a cooling system is built into the head of the device, and its effect is sufficient, the patient only feels a slight tingling sensation. Photoepilation devices do not yet have a cooling system, so the use of a cream or gel with an analgesic effect is mandatory.
The difference in how you will feel during a photo or laser hair removal session is determined only by the capabilities of the salon, including technical ones
During the procedure, both the client and the master wear protective glasses. Laser hair removal involves targeted irradiation of follicles with a light beam. During photoepilation, the problem area is illuminated with an intense light flux - like a photo flash. The readings of all devices are adjusted individually: the frequency and strength of the flashes is selected for each individual patient. In terms of time, one hair removal session can last up to 40 minutes (time indicated for legs). During outbreaks, a burning and tingling sensation is felt, for some it is mild, for others it is stronger. If the pain is unbearable, do not hesitate to tell the master about it. A girl online recently told how after one session of photoepilation she received a scar and age spots on her legs. She remembers how severe the pain was during the procedure and how the master told her that this was how it should be. The girl then underwent treatment for several months, but traces remained.
Hair falls out not during the session, but within 2-3 weeks after it.
Hair removal in the salon: doctors talk and show - video
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.
Comparison of pain sensations
If you are a physicist, you immediately guessed that it is useless to compare the pain of photoepilation and laser hair removal, since they are the same.
And all due to the fact that both methods are based on light beam therapy, and only a slight difference in the intensity of radiation can add discomfort when epilating with one method or another. Advice !
During menstruation, the skin becomes more sensitive, so you should not do hair removal during this period. But before the session begins, the cosmetologist applies a special anesthetic gel to the treated area. It reduces discomfort when directly exposed to light.
Powerful cold air flows are
also All this reduces pain to a minimum.
Patients with dark hair color are more likely to complain of pain. This is due to the fact that when removing such hair, more intense radiation is required, which is generated by a diode or neodymium laser.
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.
How to make the right choice
Hair removal can be done at home using a portable epilator. If you are afraid of harming yourself, it is better not to doubt it, but to consult a cosmetologist. If there is a need to purchase a device for home use, it is necessary to compare the initial data (hair color and thickness), as well as financial capabilities.
- The budget but good model Rio Dezac Salon Laser allows you to use a laser beam on each hair separately. This option can be convenient for targeted hair removal from a small area of skin with sparse vegetation.
Laser epilator Rio Dezac Salon Laser
Laser epilator Rio Dezac x60
The photoepilator has a wider coverage area and processes more hair in one action. The power of the heat beam can be adjusted in the device. If the skin is dark, the power must be reduced. A problem may arise with gray hairs: hair removal with such a device will not be very effective. In this case, when choosing a laser or photoepilator, you should lean towards the first option.
The difference with a laser device is the regular replacement of the lamp. It needs to be changed every 2-3 sessions.
A photoepilator differs in its action from a laser in that it is equally effective for blondes and brunettes, and there is no difference what color the skin is, and this is its great advantage. Considering the fact that hair removal is carried out faster due to a larger hair coverage area in one flash, the device can be considered almost universal. The most popular models among users are HPLight and Sensepil.
Photoepilator Silk'n SENSEPIL XL 65
Thus, it is obvious that laser and photoepilation are highly effective methods for combating unwanted hair. Which epilator is better to choose is up to you to decide, guided by your own preferences and the specifics of your body.
There are conventional mechanical epilators that are equipped with tweezers that pull hairs from the skin. There are laser epilators, and there are photoepilators. They are all different, and each has its own characteristics, pros and cons.
Everything is clear with a conventional mechanical hair removal device, so we will not touch on it in this article. Let's move straight to laser epilators.
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.
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.
Photoepilation
Operating principle
Flashes of light are applied to the hair. When light is absorbed, thermal energy is released, which destroys the hair shaft and hair follicle. The integrity of the surrounding tissues is not compromised thanks to filters that cut off the ultraviolet part of the light spectrum.
How does the procedure work?
Before photoepilation begins, a special gel is applied to the skin, which absorbs the thermal energy released during a light flash. Then a manipulator is passed over the skin. After photoepilation is completed, a soothing cream is applied.
Feel
Typically, a “hot” tingling sensation is felt during the session. But it happens that quite strong painful sensations arise, so local anesthesia can be used at the client’s request.
Effect
Hair falls out within a few weeks after exposure to light. After the first photoepilation procedure, no more than 25% of hair is removed from the treated area. The rest are “sleeping,” as we wrote above. Therefore, the following photoepilation procedures should be carried out after 4-8 weeks. Typically, 5 to 7 sessions are required.
Price
In Moscow salons, photoepilation of the legs costs 5,000-10,000 rubles, in St. Petersburg - from 3,500 rubles.
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.
Reviews
I took photos of my legs for 4 sessions.
I’ll say: the effect is no more than 10% of the hair, and you still have to shave, it’s just that some of the hairs don’t grow back, so I didn’t go broke further. Before that, I did laser on my bikini, albeit once, but the effect was within a week (until the scab came off) and lasted about 3 months. And you need from 3 to 6 sessions. There are no guarantees, they warn you about this right away. Get ready to spend a tidy sum. And yet, after the photo, I started to develop stage 1 of varicose veins - heaviness in my legs and swelling. All this is not without a trace. Ufimka005 https://club.passion.ru/krasivoe-telo/lazernaya-ili-fotoepilyatsiya-t62760.html
I tried laser and electrolysis, bikini hair removal and on my legs.
Absolutely everything grew back + it was very painful. Era https://forum.awd.ru/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=66757
Photo: in my opinion, there are some restrictions on tanning, etc. I saw pigment spots after such hair removal, well, not very beautiful, let’s say.
Pros: it is average in price, and much faster than laser. Laser: I haven’t heard anything bad, it seems, except for those very scary stories about the effect of a laser on blood and something else. Well, and the price... Ada https://forum.svadba.kharkov.ua/showthread.php?t=5021
If you want to get rid of, really GET RID of hair.
And you’re thinking about doing laser or photography—then, OF COURSE, PHOTO! I explain: if the laser doesn’t remove it (and the chances are great), then the photo may simply not capture the hair, because after the laser it becomes lighter. ivory https://club.passion.ru/krasivoe-telo/lazernaya-ili-fotoepilyatsiya-t62760.html
Photoepilation in the West, particularly in Germany, is a thing of the past.
they abandoned it 10 years ago. Due to complications. Here hair removal is done only with laser. Usually 6–8 sessions are needed. Dmitry Batyukov https://consulting.diva.by/showthread.php?t=211
A month ago I took a photo, compared to wax, it practically didn’t hurt.
It took 15 minutes to do everything. After a week, the hair fell out on its own, although in some places)))) apparently, when the device was rearranged, stripes of mm2 width were missed. In any case, where the hair has fallen out, the skin is smooth and as if there had never been hair there at all. After suffering with ingrown hairs and irritation, I can’t even believe that this can happen. I won’t say anything about laser, but from what I read, I realized that there is a possibility of burns, so I cut off this option for myself. SKYBLUE https://forum.awd.ru/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=66757&start=40
I had laser hair removal and am incredibly happy!
I actually forgot what growing hair is. Well, let me grow 5 hairs in a year, carefully remove them with tweezers and that’s it. Varvara https://www.woman.ru/beauty/body/thread/4268628/
The choice of one or another method of hair removal is a purely individual matter. Some people alternately use different methods, others settle on one of them. Regardless of which method, theoretical or practical, you select the most suitable technology, carefully study in advance the advantages and disadvantages of both hardware methods. then hair removal will give you perfectly smooth skin and will not leave any unpleasant memories.
- Author: woman
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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.
Recommendations
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.
