There is a difference! Although most of us are used to saying “laser hair depilation”, this is not correct. The correct term is “laser hair epilation”. Depilation is the basic and temporary plucking, shaving or “taking off” of hair with a depilatory cream. Epilation, on the other hand, involves the gradual and irreversible destruction of the hair follicle. Which procedure is more effective? Well, in depilation, you’ll be waxing and investing in it for life, whereas epilatiion only lasts a certain amount of time. Then you’ll enjoy smooth and irritation-free skin.
Laser hair removal
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DEPILATION AND EPILATION?
These two procedures differ from each other, not only in the way they are carried out, but also in the results. Depilation is the temporary plucking, shaving or short-term removal of hair with a depilatory cream. In contrast, epilation permanently destroys the hair follicle. Which procedure is more effective? Both are popular and widely used, but depilation entails a higher ongoing investment and side effects, whereas epilation requires only a certain amount of time and has no side effects. With a course of diode laser hair removal, you will enjoy truly long-lasting results and smooth, irritation-free skin.
HAIR REMOVAL USING SAPPHIRE SMART EPI DIODE LASER
We use the innovative SAPHIRE SMART EPI diode laser to remove up to 95% of all unwanted hair in your desired areas. If you have already experienced conventional hair removal, you have probably already experienced the unpleasant sensations associated with it. Laser hair removal procedures, on the other hand, are completely painless and incomparably more effective. It is an advanced technique that is increasingly used today, as everyone wants to feel comfortable during and after the procedure and achieve the results they want. Our experienced specialists will advise you individually on the number and frequency of procedures you need, as these aspects are highly dependent on the characteristics of your body. Try this procedure with us and we guarantee you will be delighted with the results.
HAIR ANATOMY AND THE EFFECTS OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL
There can be up to 3 times more living follicles under the skin than the hairs you see on your body, and you can only see a fraction of them with the naked eye. Hairs have a life cycle: some are destroyed, but it’s difficult to know when new ones will appear on the surface. It has been scientifically proven that lasers can remove up to 95% of all hairs, but the remaining 5% can suddenly “wake up” over time. There is no way to prevent this from happening, as the follicles are produced by hair stem cells, a process that cannot be controlled, at least not yet.
HOW DOES THE HAIR GROWTH CYCLE AFFECT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A DIODE LASER PROCEDURE?
To achieve a quality result, several epilation procedures should be performed, spaced at intervals. Why? Because of the physiological characteristics of the body, as hair has 3 stages of growth:
- Anagen phase. During this phase, the hair is actively growing and accumulating melanin, which makes it the best time for laser hair removal. The device reacts to the pigment melanin and affects the hair follicle – the laser beam penetrates deep into the follicle and is instantly converted into heat energy. The follicle is destroyed by the high temperature, which is most effective when the special melanocyte cells produce sufficient melanin. Although the laser beam is responsive to the amount of melanin, even in the anagen stage not all hair is removed in one session.
- Catagen phase. This is a transitional phase, a gradual cessation of hair growth. The hair follicle cells stop dividing and the melanin stops – Because the laser beam reacts to melanin, the procedure is not effective. The hair is “asleep” and must wait until it “wakes up”.
- Telogen phase. In this phase, the hair is finally detached from the power source and prepares for shedding. In this case, no more destruction is needed, the hair will go away on its own.
NUMBER OF PROCEDURES REQUIRED
Scientists say that only 30-40% of body hair is in the anagen stage at any given time. A single hair removal procedure only destroys the follicles of growing, mature hair that contains sufficient melanin. This effect can be verified after the first or repeated procedure, but laser hair removal must be repeated after a break of 4-6 weeks. After this period, a second phase of hair growth begins in the affected areas.
After the procedure, the hair stays in place. The follicle is affected, but the hair itself is not affected for approximately 10-14 days. At least 6-8 epilation sessions are needed to get rid of unwanted hair completely. The exact number of laser hair removal sessions depends on your skin type, blood circulation patterns, previous hair removal methods and other individual parameters. It is also influenced by your habits, the tools you use and the medical products you take. Typically, 10 or 12 procedures may be needed.
EFFECT OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL
The laser beam of epilation destroys the follicle (bulb) already present, so you can rest assured that the hair will not grow in that particular place. As far as the effects of laser procedures are concerned, after the first session you will have about 30% less hair, and after a year or a year and a half you will be able to forget about it completely. Since hair has its own unique life cycle and some of it has not yet appeared at the time of the epilation treatment, you may notice a few new hairs over time.
But don’t worry, they won’t be bothersome and can be easily removed with a regular shaving tool. If these hairs do start to bother you, another visit to the epilation centre will only enhance the desired effect. Despite the aspects of hair anatomy and growth that are not yet under your control, laser hair removal can help you achieve an effective and long-lasting hair removal result.
RECOMMENDATIONS DURING EPILATION
- Your skin must be intact and not irritated during the treatment.
- The day before your appointment, the hairs in the areas to be epilated must be removed with a razor.
- At least four weeks must have elapsed between the last hair removal procedure of any type and the day of shaving.
- Do not take a hot bath, use saunas, solariums, or apply oily or particularly acid-active cosmetics for at least 72 hours after laser hair removal.
- Use UV protection and especially avoid direct sunlight.
- The use of hormonal and contraceptive drugs and the non-compliance with the instructions listed above will not guarantee an optimal and 100% effective hair removal process.
DEPILATION AND EPILATION
