what is the difference what to choose

Laser and photoepilation are the most popular and modern methods of hair removal. Despite the fact that the mechanism of action is similar, each method has its own specifics. Both in the first and in the second case, the melanin contained in the hair is heated, which leads to its destruction. It is necessary to approach the issue of vegetation removal by such methods selectively. To understand what is best for each individual person — a laser epilator or a photoepilator, it is necessary to take into account some factors and skin features.

The principle of hair removal technique

To understand what is better suited, laser or photoepilation, it is worth understanding how these methods work in principle.

Laser hair removal

During laser hair removal, the device acts on the hair follicle with a light (laser) beam, transfers a significant dose of energy to it, thereby warming it up. For several pulses, the color pigment melanin (it is contained in the hair follicle) absorbs such an amount of energy that it is destroyed. Laser ray acts locally. It has a constant wavelength, which passes through a small zone in one session. For the procedure, the hairs should be no more than 2 mm.

To date, several types of lasers are used in cosmetology, which technically differ in the wavelength of the emitted wave, and as a result, have different effects and efficiency.

1. diode laser removes soft hair, hard become thinner. Gray hair, devoid of melanin, is not amenable to this device and remains in place.
2. Alexandrite laser Works well with red and blonde hair. Its effect is gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
3. neodymium laser. This is the best way to remove dark dense hair. The skin becomes perfectly smooth after the first session.

Photoepilation

During photoepilation, the hair is exposed to high-pulse flashes of impulsive light (IPL). Krypton lamps do the work. They locally significantly heat the skin during exposure, warming up and removing the hair. In the process, the internal structure of the hair — the follicle — is also damaged.

Due to the fact that light pulses have different wavelengths (up to 1.2 thousand nm), the photoepilator works not just one hair, but also some location around the zone of direct impact. Fluoroepilators not only remove unwanted vegetation, but also have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, help get rid of pigmentation. There are many photoepilation technologies. Beauticians’ favorites, they are also the safest, are given below.

1. SHR (Super Hair Removal) technology the most delicate. Hair is removed gently and painlessly. The operating wavelength for this technology is 800 nm (with an exposure frequency of 10 Hz). It warms the skin to a pleasant warmth, without busting. Such parameters allow you to remove even light hair, almost without melanin.
2. E-light technology (Elos epilation) has a combined effect of light and electric current discharge (simultaneously, in one pulse). Such a device destroys active bulbs by heating them. This is a new technology that has recently been actively used in salons.

See also: contraindications for photoepilation.

What are the differences between the methods

The device for photoepilation has an extensive area of ​​influence, in parallel with the removal of hairs, it processes a certain part of the body, also removing pigmentation and stimulating metabolic processes. The laser epilator acts pointwise. The session of laser hair removal lasts longer, as the beautician works on one hair at a time.

The laser beam acts locally, while a larger area is treated during photoepilation

Photoepilation works well on dark, pigment-rich hair, but on fair skin. Dark skin and / or blond hair is not the best option for photoepilation. In such a situation, overheating of the skin to burns can occur. Or the procedure simply won’t work.

Due to the fact that the photoepilator has a wide area of ​​influence, energy losses occur, and the effectiveness of the procedure decreases. In order to completely (or almost completely) the skin becomes smooth, the hair does not grow back, 10 or more procedures are required. Laser hair removal copes with the task in 4-9 sessions.

Photoepilation is inferior in its effectiveness to laser. According to studies, the difference is up to 20%.

Laser hair removal equipment is more expensive. The procedures themselves are also expensive. But if you count for the entire course, which gives a lasting effect (10 photoepilations versus 5 laser ones), then the final cost of beautiful well-groomed skin is about the same.

Which hair removal method to choose

The choice of hair removal method should be determined not only by the financial aspect, but also by the type, properties of the skin, hair color and other individual factors. Let’s go through some of the characteristics of the procedures to understand what will be better.

1. The duration of the procedure. Photoepilation is faster, as the radiation captures a large area of ​​the skin. The laser epilator acts pointwise, it takes a long time.
2. Number of sessions. Laser hair removal requires an average of 5 sessions, photo — up to 10.
3. The laser procedure is more painful.
4. During the course of laser exposure, 90% of vegetation is permanently removed, with photoepilation — 70%.
5. Photoepilation is not suitable for all types of hair and skin, and the laser is effective even on fair hair and skin.
6. Photoepilation is not carried out in the summer when the skin is tanning. The laser has no such contraindications.
7. One session of laser hair removal is more expensive than photoepilation. But the number of sessions in the course is less. As a result, the cost of the final result is approximately the same.
8. Photoepilation is not suitable for the treatment of the bikini area and face. Laser hair removal has a larger and longer-term effect.

With the seemingly indisputable advantage of laser hair removal, there are situations when it is more appropriate to use the photomethod. In any case, it is better not to make a decision on your own, but to contact a certified cosmetologist who will assess the condition of the skin and hair, be able to take into account all contraindications and, based on this, select the best method of hair removal.

Hair removal devices

The hair removal procedure can be performed at home with a portable epilator. If you are afraid of harming yourself, it is better not to doubt, but to contact a beautician. If there is a need to purchase a device for home use, it is necessary to compare the initial data (hair color and density), as well as financial capabilities.

1. 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 spot hair removal from a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bskin with sparse vegetation.
   

   Laser epilator Rio Dezac Salon Laser

2. More expensive model Rio Dezac x60 differs by the presence of a scanner. The built-in scanning device allows you to capture a segment of the skin and determine the number and location of hairs. This method allows you to have a complex effect on the hair area.
   

   Laser epilator Rio Dezac x60

The photoepilator has a wider area of ​​action and processes more hair in one action. In the device, you can adjust the power of the heat beam. If the skin is dark, the power must be reduced. The problem may arise with gray hairs: hair removal with such a device will not have a very high efficiency. In this case, when choosing a laser or photoepilator, you should lean towards the first option.

The difference with a laser machine is the regular replacement of the lamp. It needs to be changed every 2-3 sessions.

See also: how to choose a home photoepilator.

FThe otoepilator in its action differs from the 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. Given the fact that hair removal is faster due to the 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 to combat unwanted hair. And which of the epilators is better to choose, it’s up to you, guided by your own preferences and the specifics of the body.