Photoepilation: take your doubts about the method that conquered women and men

Photoepilation has already conquered many women and also some men. With lasting results, it has gained more and more space in the most modern hair removal institutes.

Despite this popularization, the method still raises some doubts. Many people do not know, for example, what are the differences between photoepilation and laser hair removal. Others are afraid of the procedure because they think the sessions should be painful. There are still doubts about how long the results take to appear, among others.

What is photoepilation?

Janete Cozer, master franchisee of the Não+Pêlo chain in Rio de Janeiro, explains that photoepilation is a hair removal procedure using intense pulsed light (IPL). “The method is painless, non-invasive and very effective when it comes to the lasting elimination of unwanted hair”, she says.

Some people believe that photoepilation sessions are painful, but this is just a myth, as explained by dermatofunctional physiotherapist Danielle Caetano, from Nâo+Pêlo. “IPL equipment has different light and intensity settings and, by having the tip of the device frozen, the nuisance of pulsed light is reduced”, she says.

In most cases, the results of photoepilation are noticed from the first session. But, as Danielle points out, that depends on each person. “The IPL technique can make the growth decrease be noticed from the first session. This depends on how much hair each person has,” she explains.

Main questions about photoepilation

Below you can find clarification on the main issues surrounding the subject:

1. Can’t hair be removed between photoepilation sessions?

Danielle explains that with wax (hot or cold), no. “But it is recommended that the hair be removed with a razor, depilatory cream, or any method that trims, such as a machine,” she says.

“However, on the day of epilation, the hair cannot be too long, because otherwise it will not be removed by the device”, emphasizes the dermatofunctional physiotherapist.

2. Is photoepilation a permanent treatment?

Not. “Although it is a longer-lasting treatment and makes them grow increasingly weaker, the method does not promise the end of hair. No treatment ends with all the hair”, highlights Danielle.

3. Does IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) only work on people with fair skin and dark hair?

Danielle explains that the method works by removing the melanin-stimulated hair bulb. “Because of this, hairs with little melanin are more difficult to pull out, but this is not impossible. For those with dark skin, there are up to 6 phototypes that this form of hair removal affects”, she highlights.

Photoepilation X laser hair removal

But what are the differences between photoepilation and laser hair removal?

Janete explains that both are based on light for hair destruction, in addition to being long-lasting methods, which is an advantage over the wax procedure.

“The ILP (Intense Pulsed Light) technology still treats the skin, stimulating the collagen layer and improving folliculitis”, adds Janete.

The main differences between the procedures, according to the professional, are: the area of ​​contact of light with the skin and the length of the waves. “IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) covers a larger area, making application faster. In addition, unlike the laser, which has only one wavelength, it emits mixed light with several wavelengths, which can range from 590 to 1,200 nanometers, allowing the treatment to be customized according to the characteristics of each client”, it says.

Also according to Janete, one of the main advantages of photoepilation by pulsed light is the fact that it is a painless treatment, because it uses an integrated “intense subzero” cooling system, which minimizes the sensation of heat in the area to be treated.

The cost of a photoepilation session is also lower compared to laser hair removal.

However, compared to photoepilation, laser hair removal usually presents better results with a smaller number of sessions.

Both methods are indicated for cases of folliculitis and for people who suffer from unwanted hair in any region of the body.

How many sessions are needed?

How many photoepilation sessions are needed (on average) to ensure good results? This is a common question among most people who are thinking about joining the method.

Janet points out, however, that it is not possible to define in advance the number of sessions required. “That’s because several factors influence the response, such as skin characteristics and hormonal factors,” she says.

The professional highlights that photoepilation can be treated in almost all areas of the body, except mucous membranes, scrotum, or those where the trigger can directly reach the eyes, eyebrows and nose. “In the case of the breast areola, the procedure can be done around the area,” she adds.

The cost of the session ranges from R$60 to R$70, but varies greatly according to the location and city where the treatment will be performed. Price may vary depending on the area of ​​the body that will be treated.

“The Não+Pêlo network works with a single price per area/session. The value is R$69.00”, adds Janete.

Check out how photoepilation is done

In the videos below you can see how photoepilation is done:

Testimonials from those who have done it

Cristina Ramalho, 32 years old, manicurist, says that she has already had some photoepilation sessions in her armpits. “I really liked the results. My hairs got ingrown a lot in this region and, with photoepilation, it got better. Of course, they still grow hair, but less and they no longer get ingrown,” she says.

Sabrina Lima, 28, a teacher, also reports that she approved of the photoepilation results. “I did about 8 sessions on the groin and I already had an improvement. As for the pain, I felt practically nothing, it’s very calm. It’s worth it, as the amount of hair has decreased well,” she says.

Home photoepilation: is it safe?

Currently, photoepilation equipment for home use is already available on the market. “However, they have less power than the equipment used in photoepilation centers”, highlights Janete.

In addition, adds the professional, the risks are greater to perform the procedure at home, as there is no qualified professional operating the equipment.

The main risks, according to Janete, consist of burns and light spots on the skin, a feeling of dryness, hyperpigmentation and crusting or eye damage if goggles are not used properly.

Now you’ve probably clarified your main doubts about photoepilation. If you decide to bet on the method, look for a hair removal institute in your city and make an evaluation.