SPL hair removal: shaving is so 2011!
There is an answer though… SPL hair removal, which is the very latest in laser technology.
So here’s the technical stuff…
Do not mistake this with IPL. SPL stands for Square Pulsed Light. It’s from the same family as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), but lasts a fraction of a second longer, and the light wavelength isn’t as intense, meaning it does the same job but your skin is less likely to be overheated.
These hand-held devices work by sending a pulse of light straight into hundreds of your hair follicles all at once. This particular wavelength of light specifically targets the pigment melanin. It passes through the rest of your skin without a problem.
When the SPL light hits the base of the hair, which is usually where the highest concentration of melanin is located, it is concentrated and turns into heat. The heat radiates around the base of the hair, and kills off the cells that produce the hair strand, leaving it to fall out over the next few weeks, without a successor.
All this happens in an instant. You’ll feel a hot, prickling sensation for a moment after the therapist’s SPL applicator pulses and then it will begin to fade.
I’ve tried IPL before.. I went for 9 (yes, NINE) sessions on my underarms and noticed zero hair reduction. The last thing I wanted to do was spend more money on gimmicks that don’t seem to work.
I went for one session of SPL on my underarms (about 3 months ago) and straight away I noticed that HALF the hair has disappeared. I waited 6 weeks and then did a session on my upper lip area. I also did my second session on my underarms, and saw that 3/4 of the hair was gone. The hair that does grow back is thin and hardly visible. I’ve been absolutely thrilled by the results after 2 sessions and can definitely believe that all the hair will be gone once I am done with the recommended 6 sessions.
The sessions are expensive, but it is an investment- once you’ve completed the treatment cycle (around 6 sessions, 1 session once every 6 weeks) you can look forward to a lifetime of smooth skin with only an occasional maintenance treatment (1 a year). Compare that to the cost and hassle of a lifetime of waxing or shaving.
I’ve just started with my legs, and eventually want to do my whole body 🙂 Even though it costs a lot, because the sessions are spread out over 6 weeks, you don’t really feel it.
The SPL machine is also used for skin rejuvenation, and can treat acne, blemishes and discolouration. Check out some of these before/after pictures.
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| Pigmentation before |
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| Pigmentation after |
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| Anti ageing before |
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| Anti ageing after |
For a price list: click here, or give them a call on 011 783 2732.
If you do end up trying it, I’m keen to know your thoughts!
xo
H
August 16, 2012 @ 12:36 pm
I have done IPL on my upper lip and side burns, the first time i got burnt, really badly. It was a nightmare, fortunately I didnt scar. Two years later, I plucked up the courage and attempted it again. After 9 treatments that was going really well, I burnt on the 10th one. Why? Well lord only knows. Fortunately I didnt scar again. I am so scared to go again. Perhaps my skin is just too sensitive. Its really a pity as hair is such a contention in my life! Glad you are benefiting from it.
August 16, 2012 @ 1:52 pm
I remember those burns… u were brave to go back. guess it’s a risk that happens with these things 🙁 Surely you have sufficiently good results from your 9 sessions?
August 17, 2012 @ 11:12 am
Been wanting to do this for ages but have to save up, I wonder if as most of my hair is blonde and fine it will take fewer sessions and hopefully be cheaper..
January 29, 2014 @ 2:41 pm
I have been to Goddessa for 3 treatments on my chin and I find that the hair is not only growing faster there is also more hair. I am completely freaking out as I am shaving my chin on a daily basis and even with the shaving by mid day the hair is very visible. I have paid for 6 sessions upfront and I am praying that it will work!!
January 30, 2014 @ 12:52 pm
Hey Roshi, it’s definitely unusual that the hair is growing faster. I noticed a steady reduction in hair growth from the first session. Perhaps discuss it with them and get their view?
February 11, 2014 @ 9:29 am
Hi Guys I hope you don’t mind Hasmita if I answer one or two of these ladies questions regarding ipl and laser hair removal.
The first thing is that IPL and Laser are two different kinds of treatments .
Lighter hair would take much longer as the light or laser is attracted to the melanin pigment in hair . It may not even be effective on blonde hair depending on the type of laser ( perhaps research a Qswitched Alexandrite Laser instead of IPL)
Why it worked so well for Hasmita is perhaps her skin type and that they squared the pulse (SPL) so it focuses the light on the hair. Also the type of machine and an excellent therapist who has had extensive training on the correct amount of light energy to use.
If you are darker skinned (especially Indian Ladies) I would suggest either a Diode or NdYag1604 laser. IPL is risky for darker skin types – different wavelengths of light hitting different tissues whereas a laser targets specifically the hair follicle. Always do a patch test before any new treatments.
Roshi – sometimes this happens – your hair has different growth phases and that could explain why sometimes your hair appears thicker – some hair follicles are dormant and some are in a growing phase and some are “dying – end of growing phase” – which is why you need more than one treatment. It’s only effective in the growth phase. I suggest you try a diode laser treatment – from personal experience it is the best.
If the therapist can’t tell what type of technology she is using , the difference between IPL and laser I suggest going elsewhere.