Summer is getting closer and closer and as the temperatures rise, so does the desire for permanently smooth skin. Who doesn't know it: daily shaving is strenuous, time-consuming and a thankless task - before you know it, the first stubble appears.
We all dream of long-lasting hair-free legs and a bikini area without stubbly hairs Razor burn, ideally without much effort. More and more women and men are therefore opting for a permanent solution: There are now numerous methods for permanent hair removal that make razors and epilators look old.
But: Not every variant is for all skin and skin types Hair types suitable - here the chances of success can vary greatly. In our article you will find out which hair removal is best for you and which treatment will keep your skin smooth for the longest time. We will also introduce you to the advantages and disadvantages of five different methods of permanent hair removal and tell you what you need to pay attention to when choosing.
Permanent hair removal methods: Enjoy smooth skin thanks to laser
With the help of the classic permanent hair removal method Laser treatment, also for men, your unwanted hairs are literally fought at the root: The laser beam sends a precisely dosed light pulse onto the skin, which is transmitted via the hair to the hair root (follicles). Melanin (the dye of your natural hair color) absorbs the light energy and converts it into heat, which in turn permanently destroys the surrounding hair-producing cells so that no hair grows back. The laser is guided centimeter by centimeter over the shaved skin.
This treatment must be carried out professionally, because depending on your skin and hair type, the impulse strength and energy strength are individually adjusted in advance to your hair and skin type.
At Sanft und Schön in Berlin Mitte we work with a special one diode laser-Technology that reaches three different wavelengths (755 nm, 808 nm, 1064 nm) with one handpiece. In contrast to classic laser treatments, which only work smoothly on dark hair on light skin, the high-performance laser modules of diode laser technology guarantee an effective, gentle treatment that can be used on all skin and hair types. Thanks to the variable wavelength Hair follicles in different skin depths as well as different Skin types can be reached and permanently destroyed without affecting the surrounding tissue.
The 755 nm wavelength (also Alexandrite laser called) has a strong melanin absorption and is therefore particularly suitable for superficial, light or thin hairs.
The Speed Hair Removal with a wavelength of 808 nm, on the other hand, has a moderate melanin absorption, but penetrates very deeply into the hair follicles - ideal for darker skin types. By the way, the name says it all: If you want quick and effective permanent hair removal, you can't go wrong with this laser gold standard.
We recommend this for particularly dark skin types Nd:YAG lasers with a wavelength of 1064 nm, which only absorbs melanin in small quantities. This laser reaches even the deepest hair follicles, meaning that even deep, firmly anchored hairs can be removed without any problem. Determine your skin type in this article.
Advantages and disadvantages of laser treatment
Who is laser treatment suitable for?
In general, the darker the hair is when lasered, the better, because the laser needs contrast. Dark hair on light skin is ideal for laser treatment. Laser hair removal is also suitable for any part of the body – provided the area is not tattooed. This would not only destroy the hair roots, but also the tattoo.
Risks you should know about laser hair removal you can find it here.
Permanent hair removal with IPL: The solution for at home?
Similar to laser treatment, IPL-Hair removal (Intense Pulsed Light) Light pulses are sent to the hair root and converted into heat there, causing the hair root to become desolate and the hair to fall out. The biggest difference between the two methods for permanent hair removal lies in the type of light used: IPL uses intense pulsed light: Here, the hair is exposed over a large area to a wide spectrum of rays of different wavelengths. The pulsed light is absorbed by melanin and directed to the hair root, which heats up as a result. In most cases, however, the hair does not fall out immediately, but is only shed by the body after about one to two weeks.
For some time now, IPL devices have also been available for self-use. However, many users complain that the hair does not completely disappear despite regular, correct use. This is simply because the IPL home devices work with a significantly lower light intensity in order to prevent burns.
Advantages and disadvantages of IPL treatment
Who is IPL treatment suitable for?
The deciding factor in the effectiveness of IPL use – as with laser – is the hair color. As a result, IPL is particularly suitable for dark hair types, as the higher proportion of melanin makes it possible for the hair roots to be heated by light. Above all, the hair must be darker than the skin, as is the case with lasers. The greater the color contrast, the better.
But be careful: your skin is relatively dark? Then you should opt for professional laser hair removal, as it is more selective. The energy is focused exclusively on the hair follicle and not on the surrounding skin. For dark skin types, laser treatment is the safer choice.
Permanent hair removal methods – SHR for silky smooth skin
The abbreviation SHR stands for Great hair removal and is a further development of the IPL treatment. This new technology for permanent hair removal uses the 'in-motion method'. This means that the area of skin to be treated is repeatedly scanned and heated with the laser head - similar to an iron. Light pulses are continuously delivered to the skin, which are absorbed by the surrounding tissue and passed on to the hair root. The heat energy changes the root's growth proteins, making it unable to produce new hair. Unlike the IPL technique, not one strong impulse, but rather several small impulses are given to the skin. The SHR method works with low energy and a higher repetition rate.
Advantages and disadvantages of SHR treatment
Who is SHR treatment suitable for?
The SHR treatment offers a wide range of applications: Since the technology requires less energy and heat, this permanent hair removal method is suitable for all patients - regardless of age, hair color and skin type. Light skin types and people with light hair can also enjoy permanently smooth skin thanks to the SHR process. However, if you have dark skin or dark hair, make sure that little energy is used, as the larger proportion of melanin absorbs the energy of light particularly well.
Needle epilation: Permanent hair removal using electricity
The Needle epilation - also called electroepilation - is a method of permanent hair removal in which each hair is removed individually at the root. A fine probe, tailored to the respective hair thickness and follicle depth, is inserted along the hair into each hair canal individually up to the hair root. A precisely measured shock of electricity sent directly into the hair follicle destroys it and prevents new hairs from growing back. Finally, the hair is removed with tweezers.
There are three different types of needle epilation: Electrolysis uses direct current, which destroys the follicle using a chemical reaction. The second method – this Thermolysis – destroys the hair root using high-frequency alternating current through heat. The third method, the so-called 'blending method', is a combination of the first two forms, in which alternating current is used for acceleration. The hair removal process is the same for all methods, they just differ in how they work.
Advantages and disadvantages of needle epilation
Who is needle epilation suitable for?
Needle epilation promises success for every skin and hair type – whether light or dark. In contrast to other permanent hair removal methods, you don't necessarily have to have a specific hair type. But here too, dark hair is a little easier to remove than light hair, as the latter is usually finer and therefore more difficult to destroy. However, even patients with fair skin and light hair can achieve good results after a few sessions. In addition, electroepilation is particularly suitable for small and tattooed areas of the body.
Old but Gold: hair removal with wax
Actually, that is Waxing of course not a method of permanent hair removal. However, it still offers an optimal alternative for anyone who is still undecided as to whether they actually want to say goodbye to unwanted hairs completely. Thanks to hair removal with wax, you can enjoy smooth skin for up to four weeks and can safely leave the razor or epilator in the bathroom cupboard for now. In our cosmetic studio Sanft & Schön in Berlin Mitte you can have your hair professionally treated Warm wax have removed. To do this, the warmed, liquid wax is first applied to the area of the body to be treated using a wooden spatula. After a few seconds, in which the wax hardens, it is suddenly removed along with the hair root - against the direction of hair growth. By the way: Waxing not only removes annoying hairs from the face, but also dead skin cells and blackheads and is therefore ideal if you shrink large pores want.
Advantages and disadvantages of waxing
Who is waxing suitable for?
(Semi-permanent) hair removal using wax is suitable for almost everyone. Even for light hair and skin types, waxing is an effortless way to get rid of unwanted hair in the long term and without spending a lot of time. You can use it on all parts of the body and hairs that bother you. However, the waxing method is not suitable for people who suffer from sensitive skin or who struggle with allergies and skin diseases.
Permanent hair removal methods: The right treatment for you
Silky smooth and radiant skin – long-lasting without any effort: There are numerous methods for permanent hair removal that will make your dream come true and banish annoying hairs for (almost) forever. Each procedure has its own advantages and disadvantages and is not suitable for everyone. No matter which method you choose: In any case, you should consult a specialist and have the treatment carried out professionally, because they will provide you with detailed and individual advice. In a preliminary discussion, all of your open questions will be answered and your concerns will be addressed. At Sanft & Schön in Berlin Mitte, we see it as our job to ensure that you feel completely comfortable. Because permanent hair removal can be an intimate moment - it's all the more important that you have a professional at your side that you can trust.
Always remember: Permanent is relative and hair growth differs from person to person. Hair growth can of course change again due to hormonal changes or genetic predisposition. Permanent hair removal does not work overnight, but is a longer process that often requires several treatments. You also need to be particularly careful after each session so as not to put additional strain on your already irritated skin. Healthy skin care is therefore essential after hair removal!
We are also happy to be in Berlin for facial treatments like this Microneedling, one Aquafacial as well as Microdermabrasion/-or Acne treatments there for her.