Laser Hair Removal review - 07/2019

In the run-up to the test, we defined practical requirements and the following test criteria:

• Result
• handling
• Safety and security
• volume
• design

In order to evaluate these criteria, we have defined several tests for the laser hair removal devices. First, the scope of delivery and functions are checked. In the test runs, the upper and lower legs as well as the armpits are treated. The settings are always adapted to the tester (light skin, dark hair).

The test runs check whether the procedure is painless on the one hand and on the other hand evaluate handling, user-friendliness and ergonomics. In addition, the time required is stopped and the volume measured.

After the first sessions, it is checked whether skin irritations occur as a result of the treatments. The applications are carried out as recommended by the manufacturer and it is checked when the first results are visible. Finally, it is tested after which period of time a new treatment is necessary. The test period is several months.

In order to rule out mistakes and to ensure the strain of everyday use, each test takes place in several rounds.

The test criteria receive percentages depending on their importance. The final score is then objectively calculated from the test criteria using an algorithm.

Product selection
Our product selection is based on observation of the current market. In addition to popular branded products, we also include insider tips in our selection. Criteria such as price and range of functions are an important factor for us. The test field is also determined by analysis and evaluation of customer reviews and external tests (e.g. Stiftung Warentest).

The devices are purchased anonymously or lent to us by the manufacturer. Dealers and manufacturers have no influence on the tests and our evaluation.

As soon as new relevant products come onto the market, our test field is extended by these. The new products go through the same test as the already tested devices.

Hair removal is an annoying topic that probably every woman, even at a very young age, has to deal with. In today's society, many people have the ideal image: the less hair on the body, the better. For some women there is hardly a part of the body covered with hair.

However, precise, clean results that last as long as possible after application have been difficult to achieve so far. Although there are various techniques on the market that can help with hair removal, the results leave a lot to be desired. Once you have started shaving, waxing or epilating, you will have to repeat it at regular intervals, often far too short, and you will quickly find yourself in a vicious circle.

Promising modern laser hair removal devices seem to be the solution to create a long-lasting and hair-free skin. In this article we would like to explain the innovative technology of laser hair removal to you in more detail, explain the functionality of laser hair removal devices in more detail and show you the advantages and disadvantages of such an application.

In addition, we would like to name other common methods for the removal of body hair and briefly explain these to you to present alternatives.

Who of you doesn't know it: You just spent a lot of time depilating all your body parts with the help of a razor and the first hairs are sprouting again. The whole procedure has to be repeated all the time and costs not only valuable time, but also nerves.

The most advanced method, namely a treatment with so-called laser hair removal devices, should finally counteract these problems and provide relief. Long-lasting results, with which you can obtain a silky smooth skin free of hair and stubble, are possible with this technique.

By emitting bright laser beams, the growing hair roots are completely painlessly inhibited during the treatment with the help of laser hair removal devices and the growth of the respective hair roots thus lastingly disturbed. An application usually takes place on already shaved skin, so that the rays can penetrate ideally into the skin and act there, without the hair or stubble can influence this process. Laser hair removal devices are available in different strengths. The particularly powerful devices (SHR) may only be used by doctors and specially trained cosmeticians.

Treatments with these laser hair removal devices are therefore more expensive than applications with slightly weaker lasers. Not only the costs, but also the correct handling of the devices are to be considered here, since these can cause side effects with wrong application up to lighter skin burns.

So-called IPL lasers are used in renowned, high-quality cosmetic studios and have a slightly lower intensity level than SHR devices. The different intensity levels determine the amount and frequency of light rays transmitted to the skin by the device.

Devices called IPL or HPL emit attenuated laser beams with a lower frequency, so that such devices are also available for home use in any well-stocked electrical market and can be used by laypersons. There is an enormous selection of different devices and models available in almost every price range. The products also have different qualities, so it is important to consider the following three aspects when buying your own device:

• Light pulses
• skin sensor
• UV protection

How does a laser hair removal device work?
With laser hair removal, the roots of hair are weakened and disturbed during growth by strong beams of light that penetrate the skin. This should prevent the hair from growing as usual. During the treatment of the affected parts of the body, the hair absorbs the bundled light rays and passes them on to the hair follicle. The light rays are redirected into heat, which eventually causes the hair roots to evaporate.

The entire treatment is completely painless and undetectable. In order to achieve permanent hair removal, several sessions are necessary.

Like any depilation technique, laser hair removal offers both advantages and disadvantages. Probably the most important advantage is the long durability of this treatment. After a certain number of treatments, the hair does not grow back at all, or only sporadically.

Other depilation techniques do not yet offer such lasting effectiveness. Another advantage of laser treatment is that it is painless, while epilating or waxing is often associated with severe pain. Also, such depilation cannot lead to ingrown or inflamed hairs, which can usually cause pain or an unpleasant feeling. In addition, the treatment can be performed on almost any part of the body.

Unfortunately, laser hair removal also has its disadvantages. The costs play a decisive role here. Since the laser treatment can only be carried out with high-tech equipment, the purchase of your own equipment as well as the session at the doctor or beautician is associated with high costs. A single session can cost a three-digit amount.

In order to achieve the best possible result, you need to plan for about 10-15 treatments. The already high expenses can quickly add up to a huge sum. A further disadvantage are the side effects, which can occur with an improper application. In the worst case, this can lead to skin burns or pigment disorders.

A correct, conscientious use of the laser hair removal devices is therefore absolutely necessary in order not to damage the skin. It should also be noted that laser treatment is not suitable for all skin types. An application on very dark skin or also on very light hair is very difficult due to the contrasts required by the laser hair removal devices. The desired results cannot be achieved to the full satisfaction of the patient, so treatments of such skin types are completely discouraged.

In addition to laser or IPL technology, you can of course also use other applications to remove annoying hair. The best known method is shaving. The hairs on the skin surface are shortened, which is why a shave cannot deliver a long-lasting result. Already after 2 days annoying stubbles form on the skin surface, so that a shave must be repeated in very short distances.

Another possibility for hair removal is the use of hair removal creams. These are applied to the areas to be depilated, must act there for some time and the hair can then be removed from the skin with a scraper. The disadvantage of this method is that various creams can cause skin irritation, which is why such an application is not suitable for every woman. In addition, only the hairs on the surface of the skin are removed from the cream. A renewed growth therefore takes place just as fast, as with a shave.

A longer lasting method of hair removal is waxing. In this application, warm wax is applied to the skin that surrounds the hair. With the help of strips provided for this purpose, which are applied to the corresponding skin area and removed again jerkily, the hair including roots are removed. Although this procedure promises smooth skin for a period of 3-6 weeks, it can be very painful. A waxing application can be done in a studio, or with the help of cold wax strips or wax to be warmed up independently at home.

Another method to remove the hair at the root and thus obtain a longer lasting result is epilation. This is done with the help of special epilators. These are applied to dry or wet skin, depending on the method of manufacture. The epilator has many small tweezers that can effectively pull the hair out at the root. The device is connected to the current and slowly guided over the corresponding part of the body. Such an application is also associated with unpleasant, noticeable pain, but lasts accordingly as long as the waxing method.

Suitable for hair removal and an inexpensive alternative to the laser hair removal device: epilator. We have also tested these extensively for you. You can find the complete review here.