AFT hair removal - how it's done, when it's effective and contraindications + reviews, before and after photos

Fashion is developing so rapidly that it is now difficult to say where such a love for smooth skin without a single hair came from. But the reason is actually very simple - in the 60s, open swimsuits and very short skirts came into fashion. This is where the trend towards removing unwanted hair comes from, because hair in exposed areas looks completely ugly. Such trends have already caused the problem of getting rid of this hair, since shaving and plucking are not very comfortable. Women, and men too, wanted effective hair removal, so beauty researchers began to think about appropriate technologies. One of them is laser AFT hair removal.

AFT hair removal

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.

Features of the method

AFT stands for Advanced Fluorescence Technology, that is, advanced fluorescent technology. This procedure is often mistakenly called laser, whereas in terms of the method of influencing the hair follicles it is closer to photoepilation and is close to them in terms of effectiveness.

AFT hair removal is one of the most modern developments for removing unwanted hair, the principle of operation of which is similar to the laser method, but at the same time the danger of skin burns is reduced, and the effectiveness also extends to thin, light hairs that are not amenable to conventional lasers.

The technology was invented by the Israeli corporation Alma Lasers, a pioneer in the field of medical and cosmetology developments. Scientists were prompted to create this method by the imperfection of existing hair removal methods. During photo and laser treatments, there is a possibility of skin injury, and they are not effective on all skin types and types of hair.

AFT facial hair removal is suitable for women with problem skin.
The procedure can be done even if you have acne or rosacea in the treatment area. It should be borne in mind that to achieve a therapeutic effect, at least 5 procedures will be required at intervals of a week.
Recommended interval for hair removal procedures: - month. It is worth discussing an individual course schedule with a cosmetologist.

Cosmetologist, dermatovenerologist, laser therapist.

Nachoeva Irina Nasredinovna

7 years experience

The special HarmonyXL attachment, used for AFT hair removal, allows you to cut off and transform that part of the spectrum that does not affect the hairs, but causes burns on the skin. Also, other methods are carried out using sharp flashes of light, as a result of which individual hairs may be missed. The HarmonyXL nozzle removes them in motion, completely covering the surface. The result is absolutely smooth skin.

In addition to hair removal, the AFT method is used in the treatment of rosacea, to rejuvenate the skin, eliminate age spots and scars, moles, warts and solve other cosmetic problems.

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.

The most effective methods of hair removal: mechanical and laser

Today, mechanical and laser methods of hair correction are most in demand. In this case, the choice of your individual procedure should be preceded by an assessment of the possibility of its use in certain conditions, the general state of health and skin.

waxing
- removal of hair rods with a molten wax mass: a time-tested, affordable method, but there is a risk of burns and improper hair growth after the procedure;
sugaring
- depilation with sugar-based paste: universal for all skin types, can be done at home, but the effect is short-term and the length of the hairs before the procedure must be at least 4 mm. By the way, after the procedure the hair becomes lighter, but some of it continues to grow;
removal of the rod from the root is also possible with a special portable device - a mechanical epilator
, on the working surface of which there are tweezers and silk threads that remove hairs: convenient in “camping conditions”, but the pain is so strong that sometimes it requires the use of local anesthetics;
Enzyme hair removal
is a biomethod based on natural enzymes that can destroy the peptides of growing and even dormant hairs: without keratin, hair on the skin is easily removed. The gel is applied to skin previously cleaned of hairs (wax or sugar paste) under a film and the composition is heated with infrared rays or a thermal bandage to transport it to the hair follicle. Among the disadvantages are the instability of the result and the impossibility of processing the face;
photoepilation
- hair removal with light flashes, which simultaneously improves the condition of the dermis due to the synthesis of collagen and elastin. The light is generated by a special device (photoepilator) and destroys the structure of the rod along its entire length. There are two options for the procedure - IPL - the classic broadband photoepilation or LHE - a combination of light and heat with limited work on dark skin. The main advantage is versatility in treating areas of the body;
Electrolysis
is considered by many to be the only method that permanently removes hair. There is an option using needles through which an electric current is applied pointwise to the follicle with coagulation of proteins and capillaries that feed it, or using tweezers that grab the hair while simultaneously passing an electric current (used on sensitive areas of the skin);
laser hair removal
- acts with focused heat on melanin, which transfers thermal energy to the hairs, destroying them along with the hair follicle. The epidermis is inert. The procedure is universal, accurate, fast, and absolutely safe. Today this is the best thing you can imagine;
We should also mention vacuum laser hair removal
. This is a completely new technique, which is carried out with a vacuum nozzle (handle) and makes it possible to glue the capillaries that feed the hair. It works on vellus and gray hair, at any time of the year, and has a rejuvenating and lifting effect.

What are the benefits of laser hair removal, why is it called the best? Long-term observations have enabled doctors to make a clear choice in favor of the laser procedure for the vast majority of parameters:
it reduces hair growth by up to 90%;
does not cause skin irritation;
makes the dermis smooth naturally (neocollagenesis, self-reproduction of the skin’s own collagen);
does not cause ingrown hairs;
economically loyal.

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

AFT at home

It is advisable to carry out AFT hair removal in a salon under the supervision of a specialist. In addition, the master gives specific individual recommendations to the consumer.

Manufacturers provide consumers with the opportunity to purchase home, household, compact devices for conducting sessions. Their prices vary and there is a choice.

The home appliance resembles a hair dryer. It can operate autonomously from a battery or be connected to a standard 220 V electrical network. No special conditions are required for the epilator to operate.

The procedure for processing at home is the same as in the salon. The device has a special sensor that allows testing on the consumer’s body. The sensor is simply brought to the body and the data is read into the device automatically.

Some hard-to-reach areas may require a mirror or assistance from a third party.

The device allows the consumer to independently select the power of the treatment: there is a corresponding light indicator on the surface.

In any case, the consumer should carry out the treatment in motion to avoid skin burns and monitor the device readings.

At the end of the session, simply wipe the epilator with a napkin to remove any remaining gel and charge it if necessary.

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.

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.

Possible complications

It should be remembered that the pronounced effect of the procedure occurs after 7-10 days from the date of implementation. If the procedure is not carried out in the presence of the contraindications listed above, no side effects are observed. If AFT hair removal was performed on a tanned area of skin, red spots and minor burns may occur, which can be easily eliminated with ointments; however, you should consult a dermatologist.

If you are distrustful and wary of hardware technologies, then a cosmetologist will most likely recommend one of the types of bioepilation. The most common among them: waxing or sugaring.

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.

ELOS hair removal

Electro-Optical Synergy, or ELOS hair removal, is a method of combating unwanted hair that combines two types of energy - radio frequency and high-frequency light pulse. However, the effectiveness of radiofrequency radiation for additional heating of the hair is questionable. The procedure is quite sensitive, and the effectiveness does not exceed classic IPL photoepilation. The risk of burns due to heat is present for dark and tanned skin. For elos-hair removal, devices such as eLaser (Syneron, Israel), E-Style (Israel), LIGHTWAVE (Estetic Italia, Italy), E-max (E-Light, AURORA DS) and others are currently used.

Flaws

The disadvantages of the AFT technique include:

gray hair is not removed;
before the procedure, you should not sunbathe or be exposed to other sun exposure for 2 weeks, otherwise you may get injured during hair removal;
AFT-methodology is a relatively new service and equipment for its implementation is not yet widespread;
the cost of one session is slightly higher than with other types. However, this is offset by fewer sessions.

For example: the destruction procedure on the legs will cost the client from 15 thousand rubles, the price for a deep bikini is from 8500 rubles. In big cities there is higher competition, a greater flow of customers, so prices are lower with proper quality. In small and peripheral settlements the price is higher, since the cost of the salon device itself is quite high.

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

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.

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.

Recommendations

To ensure that there are no unpleasant consequences from the procedure performed, it is worth considering some recommendations:

the procedure must be performed only in specialized clinics (cosmetology);
the clinic must be equipped in accordance with modern technologies;
observance of necessary hygiene by both the cosmetologist and the patient is mandatory;
The cosmetologist must be a certified doctor with thorough training in performing such hair removal.

By following all these rules, you can with a high degree of probability be confident of a successful outcome and obtaining the expected result.