Getting rid of unwanted hair can be done in various ways. You can do it personally at home using tools and hair removal products used for tweezing, shaving, or waxing. However, if you are getting tired of having to regularly maintain certain parts of your body hair-free, you may want to consider removing them permanently. There are a lot of permanent hair removal options in Singapore available now and you can certainly find one that best fits you. Read more in this article.
What are the options for permanent hair removal in Singapore?
Electrolysis. This hair removal method uses shortwave radio frequencies that are dispersed through thin needles and directed into the hair follicles. The goal is to damage the hair follicle completely to stop hair growth permanently.
Electrolysis can be done on these areas of the body:
- Abdomen
- Back
- Bikini line
- Breast
- Chin
- Eyebrows
- Face
- Fingers
- Lips
- Toes
- Underarms
An epilator is used to perform this permanent hair removal procedure. This medical electrolysis device should be operated by a trained electrologist as it uses electric current during the treatment.
The procedure is done by inserting a fine needle into the hair follicle’s opening and generating small amounts of electric current enough to destroy the cells that promote hair growth. During the procedure, the target area may feel a bit of discomfort, such as pricking or a very warm sensation, which are temporary.
The number of sessions that is needed to permanently achieve hair-free skin through electrolysis vary from one person to another. This is influenced by factors such as the area of the body which the treatment is needed and the kind of hair growth in that area. Coarser hair may need more treatments.
Electrolysis treatments may be done in as fast as 15 minutes or a bit longer for larger treatment areas. The sessions are usually scheduled in an interval of two weeks and can last up to more than a year.
If you are worried about complications, risks, and safety, these are very low with electrolysis as long as you choose a medical provider that has the right certifications in performing this type of permanent hair removal procedure.
Among all the permanent hair removal techniques, only electrolysis has gained the approval from the FDA. It is also safe to use on any skin tone.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). This type of hair removal method uses a medical device that emits multiple wavelengths of light energy into the skin targeting the pigments in the hair follicle. The light energy then heats up the pigments and destroys the follicle, impeding hair growth.
IPL has some limitations when it is used for getting rid of body hair permanently. For example, this procedure is best recommended for individuals whose skin tones are light to medium. Due to its nature of using energy-charged light that is spread across a wide area of skin to heat and destroy pigments, the risk for discoloration, pigmentation, or getting burned is high for darker coloured skin.
Discomfort during an IPL hair removal procedure is minimal. You may feel some warmth or pricking on the treatment area. Many IPL devices produced today come with a cooling system, which makes the procedure more comfortable as it is being carried out.
Performing IPL to remove hair may take a long time each session, especially when done on a large area of the body, because the procedure is done in pulses which can be laborious and very slow. A small area can be done within 15 minutes, but larger ones can go between 45 minutes to an hour. This method can be used on these areas of the body:
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Back
- Bikini line
- Cheeks
- Chest
- Chin
- Face
- Legs
- Lip
Achieving permanent hair removal with IPL may need more than six sessions and each is done in an interval of at least a month. The number of recurring IPL sessions required is typically influenced by several factors, such as the colour and coarseness of the hair as well as the cycle of hair growth in the treatment area.
Lasers. Just like IPL, lasers also use heat converted from light energy to target the pigment in the hair follicle, eventually destroying it completely and stopping hair growth. The only difference is laser works by using single wavelengths of light energy that is concentrated on a target area instead of being spread out. The heat energy from the laser light is directly absorbed by the hair follicle’s pigment and breaks it down, therefore reducing the chance of hair growth. Because the light and heat energy is directed into the follicles, the surrounding tissues or skin are not affected and left undamaged.
The common parts of the body that laser can treat are:
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Back
- Bikini line
- Cheeks
- Chest
- Chin
- Face
- Legs
- Lip
Laser can permanently remove hair after several sessions. Typically around two to six laser treatments are needed to get the best results. You can enjoy being hair-free for a long period of time. If some hair does grow back, it will be barely noticeable as it is thinner and lighter.
The efficiency of providing optimum results highly depends on the type of laser device used for permanently removing hair. Older laser versions are best used for people with darker hair and light skin, but there are also laser devices available now which are equipped with advanced technology that can work on lighter-coloured hair and skin and those with dark skin.
In addition to hair and skin types, not everyone is a suitable candidate for laser hair removal due to other reasons. It is best that you should get a consultation with your medical provider first to ensure your safety before undergoing this type of hair removal procedure.
Laser procedures are usually not recommended for these individuals:
- Those who are taking medications that may have an adverse reaction to the treatment
- Those who are or may be pregnant
- Those who are prone to developing cold sores
- Those who have been diagnosed with genital gerpes (HSV-2)
- Those who have raised scars or keloids
- Those who are at high risk of developing/have or have had skin cancer
Hair removal using laser is generally safe and has minimal risks and complications as long as your treatment is done by a qualified medical practitioner.
–
Supersmooth
Far East Square
32 Perkin Street #03-01
S(048762) Lift Lobby C,
Metal Gate
Robinson Road
144 Robinson Road, #02-01
Robinson Square
S(068908)
Orchard Road
Orchard Centrepoint
Level 5 Main Atrium
