The innovation, AFT hair removal, proposed by cosmetologists from Israel, meets the standards of a well-groomed person, because he should have smooth skin and no excess hair on the body. This long-established norm forces many to pay attention to solving this problem. Cosmetologists do not stand aside either; they offer a significant selection of procedures for hair removal in different parts of the body and skin care.
What is the essence of the procedure, how does it differ from others?
At the moment, the procedure we are considering is the most advertised in the field of cosmetology. Clients are promised hair removal for life and without pain; original developments are used for this. AFT technology is several times superior to both laser and photoepilation. Let's try to understand what's special about this method, how it differs from other similar manipulations.
AFT hair removal is the result of the work of scientists from Israel representing the Alma Lasers company. The technology takes into account the weaknesses of its predecessors in the field of hair removal (photoepilation and laser hair removal) - namely, the effect on the skin and discomfort. There are no such unpleasant effects associated with this procedure.
This procedure usually takes place without any discomfort.
Note! The method involves the use of an improved photoepilation method. Scientists have worked hard on their development, significantly improving it compared to its predecessors.
AFT hair removal is a development in the field of pulsed and intense light, its implementation reduces the risk of injury, but here the fluence is greater. The essence of the procedure is to use a special filter that processes the unused part of the spectrum into near-infrared radiation. For example, the presence of a filter ensures that unused spectrum is converted into useful energy. Manipulations require the use of an attachment from the Harmony XL device.
Harmony XL
Today, it is advisable to use AFT technologies not only for the purpose of removing hair in various places. It is used for the treatment of rosacea, and for rejuvenation, and for the correction of age spots, acne marks, moles and other various neoplasms.
An Israeli manufacturer has developed a special device called Harmony XL. When the client wants to remove hair, the SHR head is needed.
If you have light, thin hair or dark and coarse hair, it can be removed using the Soprano Ice diode laser. As a result of the specific action of this technology, the hair follicle disintegrates, and the structure of the hairline itself undergoes changes. The skin becomes smooth and pleasant in appearance, there are no typical spots that appear during the growth of new hair.
Soprano ICE laser can be used
When laser energy and AFT light energy are combined, it is possible to remove hair of various types and colors; this combination is suitable for any skin and part of the body - for example, for the area above the lip, deep bikini, neck, face, back, armpits, arms, abdomen, legs and chest.
Note! By the way, when performing the procedure on delicate parts of the body, the client does not feel any discomfort or pain.
Principles of influence
The energy comes in separate bundles, captured in the epidermis using special “targets”. Next, the “targets” are heated up and destroyed. In this case, the procedure does not affect neighboring tissues at all.
The targets are:
- pigment responsible for skin color;
- blood protein containing iron;
- photosensitive pigments;
- oxyhemoglobin;
- the rest of the protein.
Much can be affected by a photorejuvenation device
In this case, light waves can be up to 1400 nm. This impulse is absorbed by the “targets”, and their temperature becomes higher. What happens next is:
- Melanin is destroyed in the skin, which brightens it. This eliminates pigmentation. Elastin and collagen are destroyed and their molecules are recycled. As a result, the pores become narrower, the color is healthier, the turgor is better;
- capillaries, with the exception of the larger ones, disappear, and even the latter become difficult to notice, and it becomes easier to cure vascular diseases. Connective tissue begins to grow at high speed, which leads to a higher rate of synthesis of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and also elastin.
Skin improves by destroying melanin and small capillaries
But IPL is not a cure for all age-related changes. To eliminate many, it is necessary to look for other means and techniques.
The procedure may not always be effective
The first IPL devices were released recently, only about 5 years ago. And in order to make an informed decision about whether to use this method of rejuvenation, you need to know about its effect on tissue. A beam of light enters the skin, is absorbed by its chromophores, they begin to produce oscillatory movements, this heats them up, and then:
- melanin is destroyed (improving skin tone);
- Collagen and elastin break down and are renewed (improved turgor, fresher complexion, narrowing pores);
- activation of fibroblasts;
- reduction or disappearance of capillaries depending on their size (therapy of certain diseases associated with blood vessels);
- getting rid of acne.
This procedure allows you to get rid of many problems.
It turns out that in order to achieve smoother and more elastic skin, lighten it, remove the capillary network, photorejuvenation will be a great idea. However, this technique is not able to cope with jowls, nasolacrimal grooves, or smooth out nasolabial folds.
To achieve the best effect, IPL must be combined with other hardware techniques. The cosmetologist decides which ones to choose. Here are examples of techniques:
- biorevitalization;
- contour plastic;
- mesotherapy;
- peeling;
- botulinum therapy.
You can combine several different techniques
AFT: what is this?
If you decipher the abbreviation “AFT”, you can learn a lot about this technology. So, the decoding is as follows – “fluorescent advanced technology”, in other words, this procedure is a more advanced version of photoepilation, which means that in terms of safety and effectiveness it is between laser hair removal and photoepilation itself.
AFT hair removal is an improved version of photo hair removal
The essence of the technology lies in the use of special filters that seem to cut off parts of the spectrum that are unsuitable for hair removal. Photoepilation technology involves exposing the hair follicle to light radiation; the beam size ranges from 600 to 1300 nm. Melanin most strongly perceives small waves, the beam size is from 400 to 650 nm, but this variety is not capable of reaching deep structures. So the hardware for the AFT procedure is designed to get rid of the left side of the spectrum, leaving a stream of light whose wavelengths range from 750 to 1300 nm.
Note! The follicle is exposed to high temperature - in fact, this is why hair falls out.
Advantages over similar procedures
Despite the fact that this type of getting rid of unnecessary hair arose not so long ago, its popularity is already quite high. The reason lies in the advantages of AFT therapy:
- The procedure is optimal for absolutely any skin. Plus, it doesn't matter how thick the hair is or what color it is. Of course, it is worth considering that each skin type has its own operating mode.
The procedure can be performed for people with different hair colors - Manipulations are suitable for any part of the body, including intimate places.
- During the manipulations, discomfort is minimal. Sometimes clients report a slight tingling or tingling sensation. By the way, if you were very painful or unpleasant during the first session, tell the cosmetologist about it, so that during further manipulations he will first numb the treatment area.
- Side effects occur extremely rarely. They are typical mainly for overly sensitive skin - then redness or swelling appears.
- Using a specialized nozzle allows you to treat the skin evenly.
During the procedure, a special nozzle is used - If you want to completely get rid of unwanted hair, you will need five to eight sessions. Laser hair removal requires about seven repetitions, and photoepilation requires ten.
- Hair removal is acceptable even if the client suffers from vascular problems. Even varicose veins are not a reason for prohibiting manipulation.
The special technology used during AFT hair removal is called inMotion. From the name it is clear that the procedure can be carried out while moving. That is, the cosmetologist will not have to keep the device in the same place for a long time.
Note! Even the “strongest” or small hairs are removed very easily.
During AFT hair removal, inMotion technology is used
Home AFT hair removal
In the salon, procedures are performed by qualified specialists who have undergone training and practical training. But a feature of AFT hair removal is the ability to conduct sessions at home with a professional device.
To carry out high-quality hair removal at home, you need to:
- check the device is fully charged and ready for the session;
- when moving the handpiece over the epilation area, it is forbidden to hold it for a long time in one place;
- be sure to use protective optics;
- the movement of the nozzle should be smooth;
- do not affect the area without applying contact gel;
- monitor the reaction of the skin; if there is redness, a burning sensation or a sharp tingling sensation, stop the session;
- After completing the procedure, remove any remaining gel from the skin, apply a soothing cream, and treat with an anti-ingrown hair product.
If the technology is strictly followed, there should be no pain or negative consequences. For home procedures, you can purchase a compact device, but the cost of such equipment is quite high.
In the development of the method, all the shortcomings of similar methods were taken into account, so this procedure is an improved version of photo and laser hair removal. AFT hair removal, based on patient reviews, is a guaranteed effective method of hair removal. The device allows you to treat problem areas in a comprehensive manner, solving several aesthetic problems at the same time.
Article design: Mila Friedan
Progress of the event
Before going to a cosmetologist, you need to carefully prepare. The client is required to comply with the following rules:
- For half a month before the manipulations, you should not sunbathe. It is better to generally minimize your time under the sun. If you can’t go outside, you should use sunscreen before every walk.
You should not sunbathe for some time before the procedure. - On the day on which you have planned hair removal, it is prohibited to treat the skin with any cosmetics.
- Before going to a cosmetologist, you need to shave your hair. There is no need to wait several days until they grow back. After all, the success of the procedure directly depends on the degree of shavenness of the skin at the moment. If everything is done correctly, the manipulations will be most effective and will not cause discomfort.
- During the manipulations, you cannot get rid of too long hair. If the client has previously used other methods of getting rid of excess hair, then the AFT procedure is allowed to be carried out when the hairs begin to grow back.
Before the procedure you need to shave your hair
Before starting the treatment, the cosmetologist is obliged to have a conversation with the person and examine him in order to determine the thickness of the hair and pigmentation. The client should be asked how much pain they feel. The price of the procedure is discussed before the procedure.
First, the skin is covered with a special gel. The cosmetologist takes the tool and moves the nozzle over it. Contact with the skin during manipulation is very light, almost weightless. The person may feel a slight tingling sensation.
Note! After this, the gel is removed with a damp cloth.
The skin is pre-coated with gel.
The time allotted for the procedure depends on the treatment area. For example, it will take half an hour for a deep bikini, 20 minutes for the armpits, and almost an hour to treat the thighs and legs.
No further care is needed for the treated area. If the client may have ingrown hairs, it is recommended to use products with a moisturizing effect between repeated procedures.
Note! But if the hair has never grown in, then it is not necessary to use such products.
Your doctor may recommend using moisturizers
Nuances of the procedure
On the eve of the manipulations you need:
- shave hair;
- Do not use cosmetics to treat the skin.
During the procedure, a person may feel a slight tingling or tingling sensation, but no severe discomfort occurs. All participants in the event must wear safety glasses. The cosmetologist will be able to choose the right course that will allow the client to get the desired effect, immediately after the initial examination and studying the result.
The cosmetologist must first examine the patient
There may be cases in which the number of repeated manipulations fluctuates. Sometimes the number reaches nine, although on average five or six procedures are enough (this is due to the type of hair and skin). The result appears in a week and a half. In order not to suffer from side effects, it is necessary to carefully study the contraindications. If you suddenly had hair removal on tanned skin, you may notice a change in the color of the skin or its redness. These defects are corrected using special products in the form of creams or ointments. It is not recommended to purchase medications on your own; it is better to ask a cosmetologist for advice.
IPL Use Cases
Now there are such rejuvenation options, determined by what needs to be corrected:
- reduction of pigmentation and treatment of vascular pathologies;
- smoothing wrinkles, improving skin tone and texture, narrowing pores.
All this is achieved due to the fact that photons act on the lower cell plates deep in the epidermis. This effect improves the synthesis of elastin and collagen. At the same time, tissue nutrition improves.
During therapy, the deep layer of the epidermis is treated
How many procedures are needed?
The required number of repetitions of the event is related to the specifics of the client’s body. When the hair is thick, grows quickly and in large quantities, you will have to visit a cosmetologist about eight times. For thin hair, five sessions are enough. Manipulations require regular implementation at intervals of a couple of months - this time is allotted for the growth of new hair.
Note! As soon as the hairs begin to peck, you should go to cosmetology.
The number of procedures depends on the hair color and the area of the treated area.
Statistics show that after the first event, hair thins by approximately 30%, and after the second it decreases by half. Subsequently, the density decreases by 10% each time, and then the hair stops growing altogether.
Contraindications and consequences
Before you decide to undergo AFT hair removal, seek advice from an experienced cosmetologist, since the procedure has its own contraindications. Let's list them:
- The client's age is under 18 years. Before adulthood, the skin is still too delicate and sensitive to various influences. That is, manipulation can provoke irritation.
- The period of bearing a baby. Hair removal can negatively affect the baby in the womb, as well as the well-being of the expectant mother.
During pregnancy AFT hair removal is not performed - Breastfeeding period. It is not uncommon for a woman to lose milk due to too much pain.
- Various types of skin damage. Wounds may be more difficult to heal if epilation is performed on the injured area.
- Infectious skin diseases. As a result of such a procedure, local immunity may deteriorate, and because of this, problems with recovery are noted.
- Recent tan. In this case, hair removal may burn the skin.
It is important to consider contraindications to the procedure
In general, the procedure does not provoke pain, complications and side effects are extremely rare. In some cases, the skin becomes slightly red, but this goes away after a few hours. If the hair removal technology was followed in full, then no burns or scars will occur.
Of course, everything depends on the experience of the cosmetologist and his skills. Therefore, you need to study reviews about the cosmetology center and the specific specialist. If the cosmetologist is not decent enough and ignores the standards for carrying out the procedure, the client may encounter various troubles - in some cases, pathogens of infectious diseases are even introduced under the skin.
To avoid complications and side effects, you should contact experienced specialists.
You should also take the contraindications listed above responsibly. They should never be ignored. If you have anything on this list, refrain from hair removal or you will suffer from serious complications.
Note! You shouldn't expect an immediate effect. You will be able to notice changes in about a week and a half to two weeks, so don’t worry.
AFT hair removal is extremely effective. There are tons of photos online showing skin before and after the procedure - and it's truly impressive. After the first procedure, very little hair remains, which thins out.
This procedure is considered extremely effective
The manipulation is also suitable for men. Although they usually require more sessions than women. They, too, need to shave the hair in the treatment area before going to a cosmetologist.
Preparing for the session
Preparing for such hair removal is not difficult. You need to follow a few tips:
- Two weeks before the session, do not sunbathe and avoid visiting the solarium;
- For a week - avoid thermal procedures and do not go to the bathhouse or sauna;
- One day - stop using creams, perfume, decorative cosmetics, etc.;
- 12 hours in advance, you should take care to remove all hairs in the area of intended treatment and apply a healing cream to the skin.
How does AFT hair removal differ from laser and photo hair removal?
It is no secret that photoepilation involves a deep impact when using a strong stream of light. The manipulations are quite painful, and they show results only for dark hair. If the hair is gray or blond, then the effectiveness of this procedure is extremely low.
Laser hair removal is also deep, and it can cause discomfort or pain. Because of this, it is not often used on the area above the lip or intimate parts of the body. It is worth remembering that laser generally has a negative effect on sensitive skin, causing burns, redness and much more.
AFT therapy has advantages over other hair removal methods
The advantage of AFT technology over those listed above is the absence of pain and various side effects. The procedure is suitable for any skin or hair type. Thus, most experts consider this technique to be very promising, since it combines all the strengths of laser and photoepilation.
When does IPL fail?
It makes no sense to use this technique in the following cases:
- sagging skin;
- deformation of the oval of the face due to subcutaneous fat;
- insufficient body fat and poor muscle tone;
- pronounced deep wrinkles in the nasolabial triangle.
For the greatest effectiveness of the technique, the doctor may recommend additional use of others. For example, contour plastic surgery or biorevitalization.
It is worth combining photorejuvenation and another cosmetic procedure
Popular questions
Is it allowed to do AFT of the deep bikini area if there are uterine fibroids?
If you have growing uterine fibroids, hair removal using any of the methods listed above is contraindicated for you. Alas, experts have not yet conducted studies that would allow us to talk about the impact of these methods of hair removal on this disease. Bioepilation is suitable for you.
This procedure is not performed for uterine fibroids.
Is AFT hair removal allowed for pregnant women?
It is impossible to give a definite answer to this question, because clinical trials have not been conducted on pregnant women. It follows from this that it is not worth the risk.
Now I’m at sea, but when I arrive, I want to go for AFT hair removal. Is this possible?
As we said earlier in this article, this type of hair removal imposes a two-week ban on tanning. By the way, tanning is also a contraindication for laser or photoepilation. Consider other options or just wait a little.
The procedure is not carried out immediately after tanning
Myths and truth
The effectiveness of AFT in the words of sellers . This is an advanced light technology that involves converting a previously unnecessary light stream of short wavelengths into a portion of the light stream that is useful. Thus, the penetration of light into tissue structures improves. To remove hair, you need to use a wavelength from 700 to 1000 nm. When photoepilation is performed, some of the waves are not used, so the effect is somewhat blurred. Some of the unused short waves are absorbed by melanin, but in AFT technology this disadvantage is eliminated.
In fact. During photoepilation, the hair root disintegrates due to the absorption of light rays by melanin. In general, melanin absorbs rays ranging from 500 to 1200 nm, although the maximum effect is achieved at 450-600 nm. Photoepilation assumes a spectrum from 500 to 1200 nm, and the cosmetologist uses a device to set the desired number.
Note! In other words, AFT technology has no advantage in this regard.
Both photoepilation and AFT therapy have their advantages
Painless . A special “in motion” technology involves additional cooling of the skin, so the procedure does not cause pain. The skin does not overheat. You can also treat the entire desired area, without gaps.
In fact . Modern hair removal devices often require additional cooling of the skin to reduce discomfort. So there’s nothing new here, the developers just gave a nice name to something that has been open for a long time.
Note! Cooling the skin actually reduces pain and discomfort, so the treatment options are greatly expanded.
Cooling the skin during the procedure avoids discomfort
The essence of phototherapy technology
A lot of people are not aware of the essence of photorejuvenation. Many people know that prolonged exposure to the sun is fraught with accelerated aging and other problems. This type of aging is called photoaging, and it can be reversed. But what does rejuvenation with the help of light waves have to do with it? There seems to be a contradiction. But sunlight consists of the following types of radiation:
- ultraviolet - 10%;
- visible light - 40%;
- infrared light - 50%.
Sunlight combines different types of radiation
For photorejuvenation, broadband intense pulsed light (IPL) is used. There is no UV. IPL is a quantum flux that is supplied in separate beams - 2-6 per flash. Wavelengths of 400-1400 nm are used here.
Here are the general components of an IPL device:
- a handpiece containing a xenon lamp;
- sapphire or quartz filter;
- digital display;
- cooling system.
Phototherapy apparatus
Reviews
It is quite logical that as soon as a new service becomes popular in cosmetology centers, there will be many reviews from clients who decide to try it. There are also opinions about AFT hair removal.
People say that manipulations do not cause pain or discomfort, do not injure the skin, and their health remains at the same level. It can be easily tolerated. The device moves carefully, without detaching from the skin, without overheating it. Some say that they found the procedure comfortable.
Note! Thermal effect on the follicles allows you to effectively destroy the hair without burning the skin.
A large number of clients speak about the effectiveness and painlessness of AFT hair removal
Hair can be easily removed from any part of the body. The cosmetologist acts quickly, the procedure does not seem complicated. And the effect is very pleasing. For many women, the issue of getting rid of facial hair is relevant, and AFT does an excellent job with this task. Clients note that the skin really becomes smooth and beautiful.
People also like that they don’t have to go through a long recovery. The procedure can also be carried out in the summer, since after it exposure to the sun is not contraindicated.
Note! In other words, such manipulations were previously discouraged due to the pain, but AFT hair removal is a real breakthrough in this area, since it allows you to remove hair without pain and discomfort.
The procedure can be carried out in summer
Marina , Moscow
“I thought for a long time what to do with the annoying hairs. AFT hair removal is a real find! I’m glad that a cosmetologist once offered me this option for getting rid of unwanted hair. Just 5 procedures – and I forgot about the hair in my armpits!”
Natalia , Novgorod
“I have already had AFT hair removal 4 times. At first it hurt, of course, but then I got used to it, and all that was left was a slight tingling sensation. The cosmetologist immediately told me that for my hair type - it’s quite coarse - it would take about 7 sessions. But now the effect is pleasing - the number of hairs has decreased significantly. I’ll definitely take the full course!”
Irina, Surgut
“I tried many methods of hair removal - both with sugar and with wax. I used different creams. All this, of course, gives an effect, but it is short-lived, and the discomfort is sometimes very strong. I got tired of enduring this and decided to have AFT hair removal. I understand that the cost of the procedures is rather high, but I decided that if the effect is achieved, then it will be worth it. And I'm glad that I wasn't mistaken! The hair has really started to fall out rapidly, but new ones are still not visible. I hope that they will not appear, at least in the next few years.
To everyone who is worried about pain, I want to say: I personally did not experience any discomfort, although I have a low pain threshold. I heard from others that there was a tingling sensation, but in my case it was okay. One way or another, you definitely won’t experience pain, so don’t be afraid! But contact only those cosmetologists you are confident in.”
There are a lot of positive reviews about this procedure.
Experts' opinion
According to doctors, IPL is a very effective technique without serious flaws. According to them, photorejuvenation allows you to avoid plastic surgery, while obtaining excellent results. However, more than half of the doctors add that it is better not to do IPL for a woman under 35 years of age.
According to some experts, the operating principle of IPL is based on a special type of non-polarized light radiation, with which it is possible to influence a considerable number of skin problems at a lower cost, and therefore a lower price for the patient, which, for example, laser therapy does not allow.
Experts believe that this procedure has many advantages.
Anna Avaliani, cosmetologist
“Before committing to the IPL, one must prepare. Thirty days before the procedure and fourteen after it, you need to spend as little time in the sun and heat as possible. For another month before the session, you should not use antibacterial drugs, retinoids and medications like Aspirin and Ibuprofen. Otherwise, complications are possible.
Experts agree with the benefits of the procedure
Alison Pontius, plastic surgeon
“It is commonplace for a person, having become a victim of the media, which advertised “magical rejuvenation,” to expect the IPL to throw off decades of their life. But this is impossible. This technique heals the skin, corrects it “little by little”, but does not give such a strong effect as many expect. To improve the result, it is necessary to combine IPL with other techniques at the discretion of the cosmetologist. But if this method is completely unsuccessful, you can go under the knife of a plastic surgeon.”
Diana, Norilsk
Elena, Moscow
Galina, Ivanovo
Photos before and after
Photos before and after the course of AFT hair removal procedures No. 1
Photos before and after the course of AFT hair removal procedures No. 2
Photos before and after the course of AFT hair removal procedures No. 3
Average price per procedure
The final price depends on the specifics of the procedure: how thick your hair is, how coarse it is, and also depends on what part of the body needs to be rid of unnecessary hair. For fingers, for example, the price is about a thousand rubles, and for legs - about 15. For men, the procedure will cost more, since their hair is coarser - this is natural.
The cost of the procedure depends on the area of treatment
It is highly recommended not to visit cosmetologists who perform AFT hair removal at home. Of course, the price will be lower, but the results will not be impressive at all. And the consequences may not be the most pleasant. So don't skimp on your beauty.
The procedure we are considering is an excellent alternative to other long-term hair removal methods. AFT technology has a lot of advantages and very few disadvantages. As a result, the procedure became popular in a short time.
This procedure is very popular
We will indicate the cost of such a procedure in different cities of Russia.
City | Average cost of one procedure (treatment of one area) |
Moscow | 13000 rub. |
Saint Petersburg | 12000 rub. |
Murmansk | 12800 rub. |
Volgograd | 11000 rub. |
Belgorod | 8900 rub. |
Kemerovo | 10900 rub. |
Omsk | 11700 rub. |
Ufa | 12800 rub. |
Vladivostok | 10,000 rub. |
Nizhny Novgorod | 11200 rub. |
Let's sum it up
AFT hair removal allows you to quickly, painlessly and effectively get rid of unwanted hair on any part of the body. Thanks to the improved effect, results can be achieved faster than with other hair removal methods, without experiencing any discomfort. For these reasons, AFT hair removal has become the most popular method for long-term removal of unwanted hair. Remember that before the procedure, consultation and examination by a specialist is necessary. Following his recommendations will allow you to achieve the desired effect.