Summer means beach grooming: more crunches and stair-mastery at the gym, a new bikini and some much needed attention to the hairy bits.
Shaving and waxing are all fine and good in a hurry. But for those ready to free themselves from the endless cycle of short-term hair removal, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment is said to be the name of the game.
IPL treatment is the emission of a broad-based light with multiple wavelengths. This targets the melanin in the hair shaft and the hair follicle to injure and destroy the hair. Recently, Strip: Ministry of Waxing has been touting its 'Ferrari of all IPL machines'. Strip's IPL uses motion-pulsed light, beaming a lower dosage of energy repeatedly on the target area for more comfort and near painless treatment, as well as a reduced risk of hyper pigmentation or burn.
We decided to take it for a test drive. For one session of upper lip hair removal, we were in and out in 15 minutes flat. In fact, after settling down with cold gel on the skin and shades for the eyes, we counted a total of nine rounds of bursts in just 45 seconds. The only sensation from the light wand was a touch of heat as it was pressed against the skin.
We were told Strip's IPL treats light hair more effectively because it targets melanin less specifically than traditional IPL hair removal. For the best results for body hair removal, six sessions over six months are recommended, and 10 sessions over 10 months for facial hair. A single upper lip session costs HK$420. For the underarm area, it's HK$1,680 and a full Brazilian costs HK$3,380. Prices for the same treatments are a little higher for the hairier sex - at last, something men pay more for.
Strip 17 Lyndhurst is at G/F, 17 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, tel: 2845 0838.