“Does hair really stop growing with light-based hair removal?” Many people may have this doubt in mind. In this article, we will explain in detail how light-based hair removal suppresses hair regrowth and achieves the desired hair removal effect. If you want to know more about the effectiveness of light-based hair removal, please read on.

 

Basic Knowledge of Light-Based Hair Removal

Light-based hair removal is a method that targets the hair follicles with a specific wavelength of light to affect the hair growth cycle. Compared to conventional hair removal methods, it significantly reduces pain and can treat a wide area in a short period, making it highly appealing.

 

Principles of Light-Based Hair Removal and Technological Evolution

Light-based hair removal delivers light energy, which is absorbed by the melanin pigment, to the hair follicle and converts it into heat energy, damaging the hair cells. Early light-based hair removal devices had challenges balancing effectiveness and pain, but recent technological innovations have allowed for precise adjustments in output and wavelength, making treatments safer and more effective.

 

The latest light-based hair removal devices provide targeted damage to the hair follicles with minimal necessary impact while delivering a high level of hair removal effectiveness. In addition, because these devices can optimize output according to various hair and skin types, customized treatment is possible for each individual, clearly demonstrating the benefits of technological advances.

 

Differences from Conventional Hair Removal Methods

Compared to other hair removal methods such as laser hair removal, waxing, and shaving, light-based hair removal exhibits significant differences in its approach and the final result.

 

Laser hair removal directly destroys the hair follicles, offering a high level of effectiveness in a shorter time, but it tends to involve more pain. On the other hand, light-based hair removal uses gentle light over a broad area, significantly reducing discomfort during the procedure.

 

Hair Removal Method	Level of Effectiveness	Degree of Pain	Area That Can Be Treated
Light-based Hair Removal	Medium to High	Low to Moderate	Wide Areas
Laser Hair Removal	Very High	High	Targeted Areas
Waxing	Temporary	Moderate	Limited
Shaving	Very Low	Almost None	Surface Only

 

Why Hair Stops Growing with Light-Based Hair Removal

The reason many people feel that hair “no longer grows” after light-based hair removal is not merely temporary—it’s due to technology that deeply damages the hair follicles. Appropriate energy is applied to the hair follicle during treatment, fundamentally suppressing hair regrowth, which results in long-lasting hair removal effects.

 

Damage to Hair Follicles and Suppression of Regrowth

The light energy delivered during treatment acts directly on the hair follicle, thermally destroying the hair cells. Through this process, the hair follicle can no longer maintain a normal regrowth cycle, resulting in a significant suppression of hair growth.

 

Pinpoint damage to the hair follicle is the most crucial element for achieving lasting hair removal effects.

 

The Role of New Technologies like SHR Method

The latest light-based hair removal devices adopt new technologies such as the SHR (Super Hair Removal) method, further reducing stress on the skin while effectively damaging the hair follicles compared to traditional methods.

 

Because the SHR method repeatedly applies low-energy output, it can effectively target fine hairs, such as vellus hair, and suppress regrowth uniformly.

 

This new technology achieves both hair removal effectiveness and safety that were not possible with older devices.

 

▼Click here if you want to learn more about the SHR method

At Epilage, we use LUMIX-TWIN SHR (Lumix Twin SHR) for our treatments

 

Individual Differences and the Optimal Treatment Plan

The effectiveness of light-based hair removal is significantly influenced by individual factors such as hair type, skin type, and even hormone balance. Therefore, you can’t apply the same treatment plan to everyone; personal counseling and creating the optimal plan are essential.

 

Constructing the optimal treatment plan is the key step to truly experiencing how hair “stops growing” with light-based hair removal. Fine-tuned adjustments based on individual conditions are crucial to provide both ideal hair removal results and peace of mind.

 

▼For more detailed information about the effects of light-based hair removal, click here

Effects of Light-Based Hair Removal | Explaining the Differences from Laser Hair Removal

A Thorough Comparison with Other Hair Removal Methods

With various hair removal methods available, accurately understanding the unique advantages and disadvantages of light-based hair removal is critical for users to make the best choice for themselves. Comparing the differences among each method clarifies the advantages of light-based hair removal.

 

Comparing Effectiveness and Pain with Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal uses high-output lasers targeted at specific areas to directly destroy hair follicles. This yields noticeable results in a short time, but it also comes with the drawback of intense pain.

 

In contrast, light-based hair removal uses low-output light over a broad area, greatly reducing pain and improving comfort during the procedure. When it comes to balancing effectiveness and pain, light-based hair removal is often the most attractive option for many people.

 

Hair Removal Method	Effectiveness Level	Pain Level	Approx. Number of Sessions
Laser Hair Removal	Very High	Strong	5–8 times
Light-based Hair Removal	High	Low to Moderate	6–12 times

 

Differences from Waxing and Shaving

Waxing and shaving are methods that physically remove hair and do not affect the hair follicles themselves, so their effects are temporary. Light-based hair removal, which directly targets the hair follicles to suppress regrowth, offers long-term benefits that set it apart.

 

Hair Removal Method	Duration of Effect	Impact on Hair Follicles	Need for Re-Treatment
Waxing	2–6 weeks	Almost none	Frequent
Shaving	Several days to 1 week	None	Always needed
Light-based Hair Removal	Long-term	Clear damage	Maintenance for upkeep

 

Comparison of Duration of Effect

Light-based hair removal is characterized by the lasting damage it inflicts on the hair follicles, which prevents regrowth over an extended period. Laser hair removal also provides a certain level of longevity, but it can be burdensome due to the number of sessions and associated pain.

 

From a longevity perspective, light-based hair removal can help maintain an ideal hair-free state for a long period with regular care.

 

Hair Removal Method	Duration of Effect	Maintenance Frequency
Laser Hair Removal	Several years to semi-permanent	Requires fewer sessions
Light-based Hair Removal	Long-term (maintained with regular care)	Regular maintenance needed
Waxing	Short-term (2–6 weeks)	Frequent sessions required

 

Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance

Proper post-treatment care and regular maintenance are extremely important for maximizing and sustaining the effects of light-based hair removal. Immediately after treatment, the skin is in a sensitive state, and implementing appropriate aftercare helps prevent skin troubles and maintain stable hair removal results.

 

Correct Post-Treatment Care

After treatment, the skin requires basic care such as moisturizing, cooling, and sun protection. Using specialized moisturizers or cooling gels can help the skin recover and prevent redness or inflammation. By thoroughly following the correct care methods, you can maintain comfort between sessions until your next treatment.

 

Care Item	Method	Effect
Moisturizing	Use of dedicated moisturizing cream	Prevents dryness, aids recovery
Cooling	Use of cooling gel or cold packs	Reduces redness and heat
Sun Protection	Use of UV-blocking products	Prevents skin trouble, lowers risk of pigmentation
Rest	Adequate rest	Improves skin’s healing ability

 

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is extremely important for sustained hair removal effects and healthy skin, given the nature of the hair growth cycle where new hairs may appear. Hair removal does not permanently destroy all hair follicles in one session; hair continuously goes through cycles of growth, resting, and shedding.

 

Therefore, the initial treatment alone cannot address newly growing hair, making periodic follow-up sessions essential. By timing additional treatments appropriately, you can minimize hair follicle reactivation and effectively manage regrowth in already-treated areas.

 

Additionally, routine care helps prevent potential skin issues or inflammation after treatment. Combined with adequate moisturizing and sun protection, it maintains healthy skin. Further, many people find that, over continued sessions, their hair becomes finer and grows more slowly, leading to longer-lasting hair removal results.

 

In this way, achieving ideal results in hair removal requires not a one-time approach but rather planned and continuous regular maintenance.

 

Approx. Number of Sessions	Recommended Interval	Key Points
1–3 sessions	Once every 2–4 months	・In the initial stage, scheduling sessions in line with the hair growth cycle is effective ・Focus on targeting hair in its growth phase ・Relatively short intervals help reduce hair volume more quickly
4th session	Once every 6–9 months	・As you increase the number of treatments, hair regrowth slows ・Slightly longer intervals reduce skin stress and ensure efficient care ・Decide the next appointment in consultation with the salon, based on results from the previous session
5 sessions or more	Up to once every 12 months	・At this stage, hair volume is further reduced and results are stabilizing ・Some salons recommend annual maintenance ・Monitor the hair’s condition to determine the best timing
Adjust to a manageable pace	Match your lifestyle	・These intervals are guidelines only ・Adjust according to skin type, hair type, and personal schedule ・Review the treatment plan with regular counseling to find a sustainable pace

 

Summary

We’ve discussed everything from the basic principles of light-based hair removal to why hair stops growing, how it compares to other hair removal methods, and the importance of post-treatment care. By incorporating the latest technologies, light-based hair removal can provide long-lasting results and a less painful path to smoother skin.

 

■Consult with Arai, Who Has Treated 20,000 Clients, If You’re Concerned About Hair Removal

“I’m interested in salon hair removal, but I’m worried about pain and cost,” or “I don’t know which place to choose.” If this sounds like you, please feel free to consult us.

Our salon, backed by 12 years of experience and over 20,000 clients, offers unique “one-on-one hair removal plans” tailored to each client’s skin and hair type.

 

▼Recommended for those who

• Don’t want to choose the wrong salon and want a clear idea of cost and timeline
• Are worried about pain or skin trouble and wish to consult an experienced professional
• Have a preference for male or female staff and want privacy considerations
• Have a wedding or event coming up and want to start hair removal

 

If your skin condition is suitable, you can even try a “trial treatment” on the same day as your consultation.

We welcome those who “just want to hear more first.” Rest assured, there is no aggressive sales talk.

Let’s solve your concerns together and help you start your ideal hair removal journey at your own pace. Feel free to reach out to us.

Click here to book a consultation with our representative, Arai