Permanent Hair Reduction: No More Waxing & Shaving with IPL or SHR

Are you tired of spending time and money shaving or waxing your unwanted hair? While both methods may seem quick and convenient initially, the cost of doing them regularly can easily add up. Their effects, moreover, don’t last long, as you have to shave every two to three days or wax every three to four weeks.

If you’re looking for a more permanent way to remove unwanted hair growth in areas you’re most concerned about, we at Sanctuary by Cutis have two options: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Super Hair Reduction (SHR). Continue reading as we explore what these methods can do and help you decide which is right for you.

IPL Hair Reduction

At Cutis, we use the ProWave LX system for IPL hair reduction. It uses a specially tailored light source that targets and heats the follicles, disabling future hair growth. It is an innovative design that improves on entry-level or traditional IPL technology; it operates at higher peak powers and shorter pulse widths. 

How it works: Our IPL hair reduction in Singapore uses infrared light above 770 nm, the wavelength considered optimal for hair removal. It targets hairs in the anagen stage (growing phase), zapping the pigment in the follicle bulb. This then destroys the pigment and helps to permanently reduce the amount of hair in the treatment area.

Why choose IPL hair reduction: The Prowave device offers a non-invasive and long-term hair reduction with minimal downtime or discomfort. Here are the reasons to consider this hair reduction method:

1. Can target fine and light hairs – the combination of high peak power and short pulse durations can effectively target lighter and finer hairs.
2. Can treat various skin types – the device can be used safely on skin types Fitzpatrick I to IV. It can treat men and women looking to achieve permanent hair reduction in different areas.
3. Effectively treats small and large areas – the device has a large spot size and fast repetition rate that makes it ideal for large areas. It can also be used for permanent hair reduction in smaller areas of concern. Treatment areas include

• Face
• Chest
• Arms
• Underarms
• Legs
• Back
• Bikini area

Lasting or more permanent results – As IPL targets the follicles, you can expect lasting results, especially when you complete the recommended number of sessions (3 to 6). You are likely to notice slower hair regrowth, as well as thinner, finer, and sparser hair. It can also lead to permanent hair reduction.

Super Hair Reduction (SHR)

SHR is a light-based technology that can safely and effectively reduce unwanted hair. It uses lower energy levels delivered in multiple pulses to gradually heat the follicles and eventually destroy them. Compared to older, conventional light-based treatments, SHR in Singapore is considered faster, gentler, and more effective. 

How it works: SHR uses 50% of light energy to target the hair’s pigment, while the other 50% targets the stem cells responsible for hair production. It enables gentle heating of the skin, instead of using high-intensity energy shots. It uses an In-Motion technique that lets the applicator be moved around the area, instead of being held still on the skin’s top surface. 

Why choose SHR: The device’s slow build of energy keeps skin trauma at a minimum and makes the overall procedure comfortable. This makes it ideal for patients with sensitive skin types or lower pain thresholds. 

1. Can treat different hair types – this method does not only target dark and coarse hairs, but also fine and light ones. Lighter-colored hairs, of course, will require more sessions.
2. Can be used on all skin colors – SHR is safe and effective on different skin colors and hair types, particularly Asian ones. It can treat tanned and dark skin types, but patients with this skin tone are not advised to undergo tanning before or at the time of the procedure.
3. Can treat almost any area – SHR can help reduce unwanted hair in nearly every area of the body, including the:

• Face (upper lip, beard)
• Arms
• Underarms
• Chest
• Back
• Legs
• Bikini area

Lasting results – As this method targets the hair follicles and disables future hair growth, you can expect the results to last long. And just like IPL, completing the recommended number of sessions (6 to 8) can help you achieve permanent hair reduction. 

Take note: While both methods can effectively treat hair follicles in the active growth stage, they cannot completely eliminate all unwanted hair. They can reduce hair growth by 80 to 90% and the hair that grows back is finer and sparser. Factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and medications can also affect hair growth. 

IPL and SHR, however, can permanently reduce hair. And since hair grows in different cycles, repeat treatments are necessary to effectively inhibit hair growth. The good news is you can always have maintenance sessions to maintain silky, smooth skin.

Book an appointment today

Tackle unwanted hair the smart way with IPL or SHR. Contact Sanctuary by Cutis via WhatsApp at +65 9780 2079 to learn more or schedule an appointment. We can free you from the hassles of shaving, waxing, and other conventional methods, while tailoring the treatment based on your needs and goals.