If you’re all for the pro-body hair movement, this probably isn’t the post for you. But if you’re thinking about a first-time wax or if you’ve been a loyal shaver since day one, read on, because it’s time to say bye to razor cuts, ingrown hair and stubborn stubble with these recommended hair removal treatments. We’ve got waxing, laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) experts answering all your burning questions!
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
The Sloane Clinic
A word with the medical director: Dr Low Chai Ling
Why IPL?
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.
What should one consider when choosing a treatment?
Everyone is unique, so your treatment should be too. At The Sloane Clinic, we are not limited by any one technology. We have a variety of FDA-approved hair removal lasers and lights to suit different skin and hair types, delivering the most effective, most comfortable treatments with your safety in mind.
Recommended treatments:
IPL for light skin or GentleYag (laser treatment) for dark or tanned skin. GentleLase (laser treatment) is also great for treating light and fine hair while lightening darkened skin due to repeated shaving. Prices start from $214 per session.
The Sloane Clinic
Three outlets islandwide
#03-14A ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
6509 8108 | sloaneclinic.com
Estheclinic
A word with the managing director: Manon Allano
Is IPL really pain-free?
Yes, 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, our treatment uses a hand piece that is constantly swept across the skin, covering a larger surface area within a shorter amount of time.
After care: What should one do or avoid doing?
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.
How long does it take before the hair grows back?
Typically we are able to target 10 to 15% of the hair within one session. So you’ll need to go through a course of eight to 12 sessions to remove 80 to 90% of your hair. The hair removed is permanently gone but you have to consider a couple of maintenance sessions to achieve a complete 100% hair removal.
Recommended treatment:
Underarm IPL treament, $150 per session.
Estheclinic
72 Tras Street
6221 4797 | estheclinic.com.sg
Laser
The Aesthetics Centre
A word with the physician: Dr. Anita Soosay
Why laser?
Laser hair removal causes a permanent reduction of the hair follicles. This results in much finer hair that grows at a very slow rate. If you shave your legs once a week, after a series of laser sessions you’ll find that you only have to shave once in three to four months. Some even report that they don’t need to shave for several years! Waxing and shaving can also discolour the skin (especially the underarm area) due to repeated irritation. Laser treatments reduce the need to wax or shave and hence over time the skin will lighten up to its original shade.
What should one do before going for a laser treatment?
Don’t pluck, wax or thread for at least four weeks prior to the first session and don’t sunbathe for at least 48 hours before and after the session.
Recommended treatment:
Soprano Diode laser hair removal for half legs ($750 per session). It is painless and fast with just four to six sessions needed for optimum results.
#01-33 Great World City (Office Tower)
1 Kim Seng Promenade
6820 3308 | theaestheticscentre.com
Waxing
Visage
A word with the salon staff
Is waxing is for everyone?
For the most part, yes. You can opt for hard wax (which costs more) if you have extra sensitive skin, but the soft wax we use here is great too as it contains chamomile for soothing. Waxing is also better than shaving because the hair growth is slower and it causes less in-grown hair. Also, the hair that regrows after waxing tends to be less rough and less thick.
How painful is waxing?
It depends on a number of factors, such as how skilled and experienced the therapist is. Also, first timers may find it more painful than those who wax regularly, but with each waxing session, it gets less painful. We pull the waxing strip in the direction of the hair growth and apply baby powder immediately after to make it less painful.
Recommended treatment:
Brazilian waxing, prices start from $67.
Visage
#02-11/14, Delfi Orchard
402 Orchard Road
6733 0933
Sylvia’s Secrets
A word with the trainer: Sylvia Chew Haughey
What should one do before the waxing session?
As long hair can be more painful to wax, try 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! Another tip is to wear loose and comfortable clothing to the salon to prevent irritation and allow the pores to breathe once the session is over.
What should one do after the waxing session?
For the next two days, 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.
Recommended treatment:
Underarm waxing, $20.
Sylvia’s Secrets
#02-24B Bukit Timah Plaza
1 Jalan Anak Bukit
6465 5338 | sylviassecrets.sg
Want in on more beauty articles like this? Check out our Style and Beauty!
