Pulsed light hair removal: all you need to know about this technique

 Getting rid of your hair once and for all, without going through the dermato box, is the promise of pulsed light hair removal. We take stock. techwadia

WHAT IS PULSED LIGHT HAIR REMOVAL USED FOR?

To destroy more than 80% of the hair on the legs, armpits, bikini line or face. With her, we say stop to close hair removal sessions!

We apply, at home, an epilator in the shape of a gun on each square centimeter of skin to be treated. The device sends out flashes of light that target melanin, the pigment that colors our hair. The light dissolves the hair bulbs during the regrowth phase. It's painful ? Not at all. Of the three devices tested, only the one used on dark skin caused a "slight sensation of heat". howtoincreasedomainauthority

PULSED LIGHT, IS IT RESTRICTIVE?

Yes, because you have to shave two days before each session so that the hairs are in the regrowth phase. Close to the face and under the arms, wearing protective glasses is recommended. And on the agenda, that's no joke: you have to "flash" every 2 weeks for 2 to 3 months, then once a month for 2 to 4 sessions, depending on the regrowth. And avoid exposure to the sun during the treatment, then during the 15 days following the last session.

WHY SHAVE BEFORE HAIR REMOVAL WITH PULSED LIGHT?

As you will have understood, pulsed light hair removal at home does not signify the definitive stopping of the razor. Indeed, it is important to shave its visible hairs so that the tool can reach the root of the hair without hindrance. Yes, when the hairs are in the regrowth phase, pulsed light is more effective.

THE CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR PULSED LIGHT HAIR REMOVAL?

Black or tanned skin, even in UV light, does not present enough contrast with the color of the hair. No results either on blond, red or white hair! Pulsed light is contraindicated on moles, tattoos, in cases of eczema, chemotherapy, pregnant or breastfeeding women ... in short, it is better to read the instructions before starting or even consult a doctor!

THE PRICE OF A DEVICE FOR HAIR REMOVAL WITH PULSED LIGHT?

For a CE certified device, with accessories for the face and bikini line, count between 300 and 500 €.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE WITH THE LASER USED BY DERMATOLOGISTS?

The laser is more powerful, more precise and more efficient: the effect is long-lasting, even after stopping the sessions. But laser hair removal is also much more expensive.

PULSED LIGHT, IS IT REALLY EFFECTIVE?

Ultimately, pulsed light hair removal promises 80% less hair. Far from being permanent, this hair removal has the advantage of lasting over the long term. However, hair regrowth is inevitable. It is therefore necessary to carry out regular touch-ups. On average every two or three months (once the process has started). The lucky ones can go up to 6 months or even a year. It all depends on your hairiness.

HOW MANY SESSIONS BEFORE THE FIRST RESULTS?

The stronger the contrast between the color of the skin and that of the hair, the faster and more efficient the technique. The manufacturers announce "results sometimes visible from the 4th session". An achievement that none of the three volunteers testing the pulsed light for this article saw.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THIS METHOD?

Many dermatos use pulsed light to reduce wrinkles and age spots . For them, no worries. "Skin burns can appear, but, handled with care, it is not more dangerous than the laser", explains Hugues Cartier, president of the Laser Group of the French Dermatology Society. On the manufacturer side, we want to be reassuring, with scientific safety tests in support. But the technique is less than fifteen years old, which seems short for measuring long-term side effects. Is hair removal permanent? These devices micronize the hair without destroying it completely. It will be weakened, will grow more slowly, but retouching will be essential. How to slow down hair growth?

The devices tested

Homelight 930, from Babyliss.

Lumea Precision Plus, from Philips.

Derma Perfect, by Calor.