Whether you’re looking for an alternative to waxing or 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. From laser and IPL to age-old methods like sugaring, here’s all you need to know about getting smooth and fuzz-free!
Broadband Light (BBL)
How does it work?
The Aesthetic Studio offers BBL hair removal, which uses photo-epilation. While it’s still a light source, it works differently than conventional laser systems. Instead, BBL systems use a broad spectrum of light with wavelengths ranging from 590 to 1200nm. Light energy is absorbed into the targeted hair follicles without affecting the surrounding skin tissue. The wavelengths emit light energy in carefully timed pulses to maximise the effectiveness of the treatment. At the same time, pain is minimised and the risk of skin damage is reduced.
What’s involved?
A numbing cream is applied on the area and left on for around 10 minutes. Thereafter, it’s wiped off and a cooling gel is applied. The doctor frequently checks in with the patient on the pain level and adjusts the BBL settings accordingly, achieving the most effective results with the least amount of discomfort.
Hear from our reviewer:
“The treatment was largely painless; I felt a slight snapping sensation, which was absolutely tolerable. I almost dozed off during the 10-minute process! The number of sessions needed for each patient depends largely on the hair thickness and density. BBL works best for those with dark hair and light skin, so it’s perfect for me. For best results, I would need around three to five sessions for my underarm area, done once every four to six weeks. Two weeks after my first session, I’m already noticing that my hair is growing much slower than before!” – Anthia Chng
The Aesthetic Studio
3 Mount Elizabeth
6737 1100 | info@aestheticstudio.sg
aestheticstudio.com.sg
Laser
Why choose laser?
Privé Clinic uses the Motus AX laser device, the first high-speed Alexandrite laser that has fine-tuned its wavelengths so that it’s not only virtually painless, but also suitable for all skin shades and hair types. In addition, the speed of application is significantly faster, resulting in shorter sessions and less treatments required before you can see permanent results.
Hear from our reviewer:
“Despite past quotations of eight to ten sessions from other clinics, I am told just four to five sessions would be sufficient for my hair type, which is thick and dark brown, coupled with my olive skin tone. Once we get started, my doctor takes no longer than 20 minutes to cover both my armpits and bikini area and I’m amazed at just how painless it is; the sensation is warm and slightly prickly at moments, but the cooling gel and fluid motion of the hand-piece make it a soothing experience. The immediate effects of the treatment are pleasantly unnoticeable – zero discomfort, and no visible after-effects or skin irritations. Within four to five days, I notice the hair follicles start to fall on their own. My skin is left smooth with no signs of scarring or ingrown hairs in the following weeks and the returning hair is visibly finer and grows at a dramatically reduced rate.” – Leanda Rathmell
Privé Clinic
Two outlets: Palais Renaissance and Nex Serangoon
priveclinic.com
Super Hair Removal (SHR)
How does it work?
David Loh Surgery uses SHR technology from Alma Lasers. Low-intensity light and high-repetition pulses work to increase the temperature of both the hair follicle and the surrounding tissues to 45 degrees Celsius. The chromophores (pigment cells) in the hair shaft absorb heat, thus effectively heating up the follicle. This, along with the heat energy absorbed directly by the hair follicle, damages the follicle and prevents hair regrowth. Pain is minimised as the SHR mode protects and cools the epidermis throughout the process. Because it’s not an IPL treatment, it can be used on all skin types, even for those with darker skin. It also treats almost all hair types, except for white hairs.
How many sessions do I need?
SHR requires around six to eight sessions for complete hair removal. Most patients will see a reduction of hair growth within the first couple of treatments. Hair removal using laser, IPL or the SHR technology will typically need several sessions. The reason for this lies in the hair’s growth cycle. About one third of all the hairs in the skin are in the growing phase. The other two thirds are either “sleeping” or in between growing and sleeping. Lasers, IPLs or SHR, can only zap hairs in the growing phase. Hence, each time you do a hair removal treatment, you can only target a third of the hairs that are growing.
David Loh Surgery
#08-35 Novena Medical Centre
10 Sinaran Drive
6733 9114 | davidloh.sg
Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
Is IPL completely 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, EstheClinic’s treatment uses a hand piece that is constantly swept across the skin, covering a larger surface area within a shorter amount of time. Using the latest generation of IPL technology allows EstheClinic to administer a pain-free hair removal treatment without the need for numbing cream.
Why choose IPL?
Apart from being painless, EstheClinic’s patented IPL hair removal technology works twice as fast as traditional IPL technology. For example, a treatment comprising of half-legs, bikini and underarms is completed in only 30 minutes. Also, there’s no downtime involved. After each session, you can immediately resume all your normal activities, as there’s no downtime involved. Improvements are noticed by most clients after the first few treatments, with noticeably less hair and a slower rate of regrowth. Longer-lasting results become increasingly visible after each treatment. EstheClinic’s IPL hair removal is effective and safe for all skin types, with minimal risks even for the darkest skin tones. However, it’s not suitable for those with blonde, red or grey hair.
EstheClinic
Three locations islandwide: Tanjong Pagar, East Coast, Rochester
estheclinic.com.sg
Waxing
What’s used?
Skin Fitness uses Caron wax from Australia, a high-quality wax formulated with the finest natural resins, pure Australian bees wax and sensuous aromatherapy. This wax delivers superior results and can remove stubborn hair as short as one millimetre. The wax formulas are tailored to the individual’s hair type, which your certified therapist will identify to ensure the best results possible.
What happens before and after?
Each waxing session begins with a luxurious foot soak using a combination of jasmine- and chamomile-infused products to calm and soothe the mind. After your wax is complete, the treatment concludes with a hydrating and soothing serum that replenishes the skin and assists with the reduction of ingrown hairs and any skin redness. Skin Fitness also emphasises hygienic practices, which means you won’t see double dipping, ever.
Psst… This beautiful salon in Shenton Way also offers IPL hair reduction for both men and women, on top of other treatments like facials and tanning. The latest technology, which includes cooling and super hair removal (SHR), is used to ensure that the treatments are as painless and quick as possible. Don’t miss out on the affordable package promotions, priced from $89 for six sessions of underarm IPL!
SkinFitness
#01-03, One Shenton Way
8809 0848 | skinfitness.com.sg
Why should I wax?
Brazilian waxing will never be a pleasant experience, but when you’re in the hands of the waxing guru, the pain ends quicker than expected and you’re smooth and fuzz-free before you know it. Armed with 17 years of experience in the beauty industry, Diana King has a loyal clientele who swear by her lightning-speed waxing. Diana also uses honey wax flown in from the US, which is suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Soft wax is used on flatter surfaces, while hard wax is moulded onto the softer, more rounded areas like the labia.
Hear from our reviewer:
“Located on the first floor of Sin Ming Centre, this cosy boutique salon is where founder and owner Diana offers a variety of beauty treatments – waxing, threading, facials, massages and more. Diana does every treatment herself, so book beforehand to avoid disappointment. As a beauty editor, I’ve had my fair share of waxing experiences, but this one was unforgettable! It was also a pleasure chatting to Diana, whose affable personality will put nervous first-timers at ease. True to the slew of positive reviews I’ve seen online, this Brazilian waxing ($60) was the quickest I’ve ever had – it took only five minutes from start to end. Afterwards, she applies a mix of sweet almond oil and aloe vera – her tried-and-true concoction after years of experimenting – to soothe the skin. Needless to say, I’ll be back!” – Anthia Chng
Diana King – The Waxing Guru
#01-02 Sin Ming Centre
8 Sin Ming Road
9001 0274 | facebook.com/dianakingthewaxingguru/
Sugaring
What’s sugaring?
Sugaring, a waxing alternative, 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 also less painful than common waxing methods and helps to remove dead skin cells at the same time.
Hear from our reviewer:
“It was my first time getting sugared, so I was naturally nervous before my appointment. My therapist was very gentle and patient with me. She made me feel comfortable and not at all self-conscious. She started the treatment with my lower legs ($50). The sugar paste was applied warm and smoothed onto the skin, against the direction of the hair growth. The paste is then removed in the same direction of the hair growth. Because of the all-natural ingredients, the process can be repeated several times on the same patch of skin without causing any irritation. This sensation is unusually soothing; I found myself dozing off a little!
After she was done with my right leg, I could immediately see a visible difference in the colour of my legs. The treated leg looks so much brighter and the skin felt incredibly smooth and soft. Sugaring not only removes hair, but it also helps to exfoliate the skin. When it came to the Brazilian area ($65), my therapist worked in small patches. The pain level was surprisingly bearable. Unlike my experience with waxing in the past, there was no tenderness or redness on my skin this time.” – Liana Talib
Sugar(ed)
Three locations islandwide: Bukit Timah, Downtown and Katong
sugared.com.sg
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