Hair removal can be bothersome – unless you find a method you’re comfortable with. So, we’ve scoped out the best treatments available, from traditional waxing and sugaring to IPL and laser, as well as asking beauty experts for their do’s and don’ts. Consider this your go-to guide for baring it all!
#1 Laser
The Aesthetics Centre
Apart from an array of non-surgical treatments for the face and body, this aesthetics clinic – led by experienced practitioner Dr Anita Soosay – is also known for laser hair removal treatments that suit a wide range of skin and hair types.
Medical grade lasers work by emitting a single wavelength of light, which results in maximised laser penetration to the targeted area. Your doctor will select the laser spectrum (755nm, 800nm or 1064nm) that best suits your skin type and hair texture. The light emitted is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, and the hair is then eliminated without harming the skin or follicle. In most cases you’ll notice a visible reduction of around 15 to 20 percent of your hair after the first session; an average of six sessions is required, depending on the individual. Psst… If you have tanned or dark skin, laser hair removal is considered safer than IPL. It’s used only in licensed medical clinics in Singapore!
“Before going for your first session of laser treatment, don’t pluck, wax or thread for at least four weeks. Also, don’t sunbathe for at least 48 hours before and after the session.” – Dr Soosay, Medical Director
#01-33 Great World City (Office Tower)
1 Kim Seng Promenade
6820 3308 | theaestheticscentre.com
#2 IPL
Estheclinic
Widely recognised in France, Estheclinic has three locations in Singapore – one in the CBD (72 Tras Street), one on the East Coast (424 Joo Chiat Road) and one in the west (44 Rochester Park). Apart from anti-ageing and body shaping treatments, the aesthetics centre also offers the exclusive MacPeel’s No Pain System IPL treatment.
IPL permanent hair removal at EstheClinic is totally painless thanks to the MacPeel’s No Pain System technology. Unlike the static nature of the traditional IPL system, which delivers intense pulsed light in one sudden zap, this treatment uses a hand piece that is constantly swept across the skin, covering a larger surface area within a shorter amount of time. Moreover, it doesn’t cause trauma to skin with high melanin count, making it safe for all skin types, even for dark or tanned skin.
“The enemy of IPL permanent hair removal is the sun! So, avoid sun exposure on the area of the treatment a few days before and after the session.” – Manon Allano, Managing Director
The Sloane Clinic
With three outlets islandwide – two in the city (#03-01 Chevron House and #03-14A ION Orchard) and one in the west (#01-66 Chip Bee Gardens), this aesthetics clinic is a hotspot for treatments such as threadlifts, fillers and thermage. There’s also a range of FDA-approved laser and IPL hair removal devices that use deeply penetrating light wavelengths to zone in on the hair follicles for gentle yet effective hair removal.
Those with light skin can opt for IPL hair removal while those with dark or tanned skin can go for the GentleYag (laser treatment) for dark or tanned skin. GentleLase (laser treatment) is also great for treating light and fine hair while lightening skin that may have darkened due to repeated shaving.
“IPL is rapid and fuss-free. The hair removal is permanent, and with each session you will notice significantly fewer, finer and fairer hairs, which grow at a much slower rate. Most patients will need an average of four to six treatments, once every four to six weeks.” – Dr Low Chai Ling, Medical Director
#3 DPL
J Beauty House
If you’re living in the west, check out this cosy boutique spa, which offers DPL (dynamic pulsed light), a light-based treatment that targets and destroys the roots of the hair, eventually removing hair permanently. While the technology is similar to that of IPL, DPL is more advanced and effective in hair removal. It also has a cooling effect to make the treatment less uncomfortable.
Suitable for both the body and the face, DPL is often used in facial rejuvenation treatments to target acne, uneven pigmentation and enlarged pores, too. It cleanses your pores, improves blood circulation and even tightens and lifts ageing skin. As it takes only 15 minutes or less, it’s easy to fit in a session during your lunch hour, or when you’re in a hurry.
“Strictly avoid sun exposure on the area of the treatment for a few days before and after the session, and be sure to apply sunblock immediately after the session.” – J Beauty House team
#4 Waxing
Sylvia’s Secrets
Founded in 2004, this salon specialises in waxing, threading, personalised facial treatments and instant spray-tannings. Big plus – the waxing treatments are pretty affordable! Opt for the underarm waxing ($20).
As long hair can be more painful to wax, make sure to trim a little beforehand. First-timers should have a growth of around 1.5cm while regular waxers can trim slightly tighter. Before your appointment, take a shower to open up the pores so that your hair can come out more easily. Your therapist will appreciate it too!
“For two days following the treatment, avoid tight clothing, excessive perspiration and swimming to prevent bacteria from getting into the pores and causing an infection. Tanning lotions, after-shave products containing alcohol and soap bars can cause in-grown hair, so do try to avoid these as well for two days post-grooming.” – Sylvia Chew Haughey, trainer
#02-24B Bukit Timah Plaza
1 Jalan Anak Bukit
6465 5338 | sylviassecrets.sg
Also try…
Trimmings Salon & Spa
Tucked in the quiet Loewen neighbourhood and surrounded by lush greenery, this salon and spa in one offers a respite from busy city life. Apart from a whole list of hair treatments, deluxe facials and indulgent massages, there are also waxing treatments available for both ladies and men. Get smooth, fuzz-free legs with full legs waxing ($65), then extend the pampering with a massage.
75B Loewen Road
6471 1922 | trimmings.com.sg
Visage
Just a short walk from Orchard MRT station, Visage is known for both its hair treatments for blondes and waxing services. The soft wax used here is great as it contains chamomile for smoothing, but you can also opt for hard wax instead if you have extra sensitive skin.
#02-11/14, Delfi Orchard
402 Orchard Road
6733 0933 | visage.com.sg
We Need a Hero
Boys, listen up: this hip all-male grooming spot offers everything from haircuts and colouring, to brow threading, IPL and waxing (yes, Boyzilians included)! We Need a Hero is the one-stop shop if you need to spruce up your look before an important date, or if you just want to feel extra special.
#01-86, 57 Eng Hoon Street
6222 5590 | weneedahero.sg
Strip
A pioneer in Brazilian waxing in Singapore, this popular brand by the Spa Esprit group has been around for 15 years! There are 15 outlets islandwide, as well as international branches all around Asia – Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and more – and in major cities including New York and London.
#5 Sugaring
Sugar(ed)
Looking for an alternative to waxing? Anthia Chng test-drives a natural hair removal treatment at Singapore’s first professional body-sugaring studio.
The Treatment: Brazilian Virgin ($60)
Tucked along the quiet stretch of Second Avenue Junction, this boutique spa is cosy and charming. Sugaring, an alternative to waxing, is an epilation method using a 100 percent water-soluble sugar paste. Made from white sugar, water and lemon juice, the paste is completely safe for the skin. It’s even edible. In fact, it’s delicious – I got to sample some!
Jasmine Yong, the founder and owner of Sugar(ed), was fast, gentle and knew exactly what she was doing. First, she applied the paste, then she moulded it into my skin, and then she pulled it in the natural direction of hair growth to avoid subsequent ingrown hair. As this was my first Brazilian sugaring experience, she also gave me a free Hungarian Wellness Mud treatment ($18) to soothe the depilated area. While the session wasn’t entirely painless, it was significantly less painful than my previous waxing experiences. Since the paste is applied at body temperature, there isn’t any risk of scalding, either. I’m a convert!
#02-02 Second Avenue Junction,
733 Bukit Timah Road
6816 6288 | sugared.com.sg
This is an article that first appeared in the May 2017 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy for the full article, or subscribe now so you never miss an issue!
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