In the past, hair removal was done using either the long pulse laser (Alexandrite) or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). This process involves the application of a strong beam of light energy to the pigment-containing hair follicles. This energy would be absorbed by the hair follicles, causing them to heat up and subsequently destroying them. This method of hair removal provided a fairly comfortable experience for lighter skin types.
In 2006, Dr. Ziv Karni and Dr. Jospeh Lepselter, the founders of Alma, changed the way laser hair removal is performed. They introduced the Super Hair Removal Technology (SHR) to the world through the creation of the Alma hair removal lasers—including the Alma Soprano, which we have in-office—which utilize lower energy combined with high repetition pulses to achieve maximum results. With this new advancement in laser hair removal, we are now able to safely treat a wider variety of skin types with fewer side effects.
SHR offers an excellent option for those with darker skin types. With the old conventional laser hair removal techniques, the pain was almost unbearable, and the risk for burns was too high. Melanin-rich skin types absorbed too much of the laser energy and heated up considerably with traditional hair removal techniques. SHR lasers have special, cooling hand pieces that prevent patients from absorbing excessive heat, making for a more comfortable treatment session.
IPL hair removal technology has had many coverage issues caused by the stamping technique used by single-pulse lasers. This less optimal coverage created ‘Zebra stripes’ in the treated areas resulting in areas of visible hair reduction interrupted by areas of untreated hair. To make things worse, overlapping the treatment coverage zones has the potential risk of causing severe burns, especially in darker skin tones. SHR’s in-motion technique ensures better and more uniform coverage while minimizing the risk of burns.
