What is the difference between IPL and SHR?

When it comes to body hair removal, we’re familiar with shaving, tweezing, waxing and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment. IPL hair removal treatments are now considered to be the cream of the crop when talking about hair removal methods, because it cauterises the hair root so that the hair doesn’t grow back. But now, there’s a new kid on the block, Super Hair Removal (SHR), and it claims to be the better treatment option!

Laser hair removal treatments are now seen as the most effective method of hair removal. While IPL used to be the most popular form of permanent hair removal, many people are starting to pay attention to SHR (Super Hair Removal) as the better alternative to IPL.

If you are completely new to hair removal treatments, not to worry , in this article, we will explain why SHR is a better form of hair removal as compared to IPL. We will dive into the science behind IPL hair removal and SHR hair removal, and explain why SHR technology has many advantages over IPL for permanent hair removal.  At end you will be able to tell the difference between both in order to make the best decision!

WHAT IS IPL HAIR REMOVAL?

First and foremost, IPL (or intense pulse light) uses a single pulse of energy, at high intensity, which targets the customer’s hair follicles and melanin. IPL simply works by releasing light in multiple wavelengths directly into the dermis. Melanin is produced in specialised cells called melanocytes.  The intense light and energy from IPL is converted into heat energy and is able to cause damage to the hair follicles without causing too much damage to the skin. This makes IPL more suitable for people with darker and coarser hair. Establishments which offer IPL include Japan IPL, Musee Platinum as well as Lush Aesthetics.

​A person with fairer skin will likely require more sessions as the IPL hair removal technology is less effective on them. On the other hand, while IPL is effective for darker-skinned people, they may have more uncomfortable session (i.e. PAIN!) since their skin will be absorbing more heat energy which would then be translated into pain when the heat affects the nerves.

WHAT IS SHR OR SUPER HAIR REMOVAL?

SHR – What about SHR?

SHR or Super Hair Removal is a relatively newer technology which uses gentler pulses of energy but at a higher frequency. This laser hair removal technology allows the skin to be heated gently, but with the rapid pulses,the energy is then accumulated by the skin. While 50% of the energy is targeted at the melanin (similar to IPL), the other 50% targets the stem cells responsible for hair production.

This is a very important point to note as SHR thereby targets both fine and coarse hairs. Ultimately,this leads to less discomfort and pain, yet an improved efficacy.Because of the gradual accumulation of the energy into the skin, there is less trauma and irritation on the skin – making it ideal and suitable for everyone, regardless of skin tone and even for customers
with sensitive skin. In fact, SHR is often considered to be one of the best laser hair removal treatments given the various technologies. SHR hair removal is very ideal for Brazilian Hair Removal a it is more gentle on the skin.

Advantages of the SHR Technology:

With SHR technology the hair removal methodology that involves the hair pigment uses only 50 per cent of the energy for permanent hair removal. The remaining 50 per cent is absorbed into the stem cells responsible for hair production through the skin during
treatment with SHR technology.With SHR technology one does not need single pulses with high energy. The skin is massaged six to ten times using low energy but with high frequency. This procedure is referred to as the so-called “in-Motion” methodology, because the hand piece is moved over the treated area in sliding movements. (Unlike this, the IPL technology is
called “stamp technology”.) Using the SHR technology the skin is heated gently through the melanin and the stem cells with low energy (48 degrees) but with high frequency. In that way even lighter and finer hair can be treated and removed permanently in a better way. With IPL technology the skin is heated up to 70 degrees.

SHR HAIR REMOVAL – HOW MANY TREATMENTS FOR EFFECTIVE HAIR REMOVAL?

How Many SHR Treatments are Necessary for Effective Hair Removal? If the hair is in the anagen phase of growth during treatment, which refers to the active (hair) growth phase, it can be easily destroyed as in the case with IPL technology. The advantage of SHR hair removal in this case is that it can work with customers during both their anagen phase and non-anagen phase, as SHR can target the 50% of the stem cells. Nevertheless, a three-to-four week recovery or “down” time is required to meet this anagen phase as well as to give the skin a recovery time before the next treatment.

So what is the difference between IPL and SHR?

For starters, SHR is much safer and more effective as compared to IPL, due to the less intense heat used to target the hair follicles and discourage hair regrowth. For some customers, IPL treatments can actually be more uncomfortable and painful – with possible nasty side effects such as redness, spots and even hyperpigmentation if not done correctly by a professional! This is all minimized when you choose SHR hair removal instead.

While IPL is often recommended for people with dark and coarse hair due to its effectiveness in targeting melanin – it is not advised for those with darker skin tones due to their increased sensitivity to the heat produced by the laser.

This is where SHR completely outshines IPL – the treatment is great for all skin types, even for those with sensitive and tanned skin. Performed using gliding motions, SHR is able to cover larger areas and evenly spread out the heat energy emitted into the skin, keeping the skin’s surface cool throughout the procedure. At Datsumo Labo, we complement the procedure using our unique to further enhance the benefits of each session for flawless, smooth and brighter skin!  After all, we don’t call it our Smooth Skin Control (S.S.C.) technology for nothing!

Even though IPL is technically cheaper than SHR, the fact that SHR requires fewer sessions to complete means that you will be able to save more in the long-run. In fact, we offer SHR packages starting from as low as $99 per month – and the more areas you treat, the more you save!

SHR vs. IPL – which is better?

The truth is – both treatments are viable options for effective hair removal. However, if you want to reduce the risks involved, ensure minimal pain and achieve softer, fairer and hair-free skin all at the same time, then SHR is definitely the choice for you!

Still need a little more assurance? Check out our testimonials page to hear directly from our customers, or book your first FREE consultation with us so that we can come up with a treatment plan that is specially catered to your goals!

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