Rebecca Perry Blog

Loving laser

Just a few years ago, in-salon laser hair removal was so expensive that it was usually only the choice of the very rich and very high maintenance. But today the technology has significantly advanced, making it quicker, more effective and less painful. Laser hair removal works by selective photothermolysis –light energy from a laser is transferred into thermal energy in the hair follicle. When the heat is absorbed by the hair's melanin, the follicle is destroyed. This is different, and most experts say better, than IPL (intense pulsed light) because a laser's wavelength is more concentrated – it targets just the hair follicle, not the surrounding area.

Both are effective at reducing hair, but laser use seems to be on the upswing. As the machines become cheaper, laser treatment also has become more accessible. Nicky Shore from Off Wax and Laser has recently invested in several Candela Gentle Max Pro machines, which are not only highly effective, but also make the process less painful thanks to mini blasts of (ultra cold) cryogen spray before each pulse of heat.

You'll need about six sessions to see a complete result, so that hair in all its different growth phases can be treated. At Off Wax & Laser prices start at around $99 per 15-minute session (for example, armpits), with discounts for a full course. Sounds pricey – but consider this. According to a study by American Laser Centers, on average, women can save almost $10,000 over a lifetime by choosing laser hair removal on the areas of the body they typically shave. When compared to a lifetime of waxing, the savings are double that amount.

But when it comes to cutting costs, you don't want go super cheap. Laser services are not licenced in New Zealand and anyone can buy a cheap machine from China. If you end up with a disreputable operator you can get burned – literally.

DIY devices

At-home pulsed-light devices are another growth area, as technology improves and becomes more cost-effective. Remington has just launched the i-Light Pro Face & Body, $899, which features an infinity bulb (no replacements ever needed).

This uses the same IPL technology you'll find in salons and promises up to 94 per cent fewer hairs after four treatments.Homedics offers a similar IPL device. While both are still pricey, they're at stores such as Harvey Norman and Farmers, so discounts are often offered.

Hairy and proud

It may not be the most popular choice, but more and more women are renouncing the tyranny of hair removal norms. In the UK, doctors have called for a Brazilian ban because of constant injuries to pubic skin. But equal rights movements could prove even more compelling than health concerns. A protest against punishing beauty standards, the UK's Armpits4August encourages women to take a month off from their excessive grooming routines. Chinese women have also flooded social media with photos flaunting underarm hair, as a part of a protest for women's rights.

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