No matter how much my body hair used to bug me (and it did), the alternative of ingrown hairs from shaving or enduring the agony of waxing always seemed far worse. Then came laser hair removal, and all my problems were solved — or so I thought. It turned out that having pale skin and fair hair made the machine less effective, as fair hair lacks the dark pigment required for the laser to penetrate.
On top of that, as an avid spray tanner and someone who likes to spend time in the sun, the parameters of not being able to participate in either were further reasons as to why laser hair removal wasn’t so groundbreaking for me. Oh, and did I mention that it hurt?
So when an email landed in my inbox about a new laser hair removal technology that was the suitable for all hair types and skin tones, effective on tanned skin (fake or otherwise), virtually pain-free and reduced the appointment time by 70 per cent, you can imagine my rush to secure an appointment and see if the treatment was too good to be true. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
Keep reading for my breakdown on Alma’s Soprano Titanium laser hair removal…
What is the Soprano Titanium? And how is it different to traditional laser hair removal?
This latest advancement in hair removal is being dubbed a ‘breakthrough’, and for good reason. Traditional laser hair removal machines use one wavelength to target the hair follicle (typically 755nm, 808nm, and 1064nm), each with different absorption levels of melanin. The Soprano device, however, combines all three laser wavelengths into one, damaging the hair follicle and delaying regrowth without causing injury to surrounding tissue. Because of this, it can be used on anyone no matter their skin type or hair colour.
Additionally, traditional laser hair removal requires reduced sun exposure, meaning those with tanned skin (from either the sun or self-tan) were unable to have treatment. In contrast, the Soprano can be performed at any time of the year and will not be impacted by sun exposure or tanned skin.
“You can have laser hair removal all year round,” explains Tal Uzan, general manager of Alma. “There is no negative reactions from being tanned artificially or from the sun. The Soprano can be used on all skin types including all Fitzpatrick skin types ranging from one through to six.”
So, can you roll off the beach into your laser appointment and head straight back after? Yes, you can. Crazy, we know.
How long is the treatment?
Honestly, blink and you’ll miss it. Among Soprano’s benefits is its extra-large Quattro applicator, which reduces treatment time by 70 per cent, as it has the capacity to cover a wider area.
I was in and out in 20 minutes, and that included a pre-session consultation. It is so quick that you could almost justify double parking out front, but don’t.
Is it painful?
Of course, pain is subjective, but the Soprano’s SHR technology is the only clinically proven laser hair removal method that is virtually painless, and my own personal experience can attest to this.
The Soprano has a built-in, patented cooling system called the ICE Plus which works to keep skin cool during the session. But before you think you’ve traded your pain for a chilly ice bath, don’t be alarmed. Despite its name, there was no spine-chilling icy feeling when it was applied to my bare skin. If anything, it felt on the warmer side.
Where is it available?
The Alma Soprano technology is currently available Australia-wide. Find your closest salon, here.
And speaking of the technology, the salon’s founder, Sia Hendry said: “They say, if it ain’t broke, dont fix it, but what if there was a better way? And then I came across Alma’s Soprano Titanium. Hence to say, I have never looked back. The technology offers faster treatments, the ability to treat ALL skin types, virtually painless and we can treat ALL year round!”
What’s the verdict?
After hearing that fans of the Soprano technology include Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham and Coleen Rooney, I thought to myself, “I have a lot in common with those guys, so I owe it to myself to give this a whirl.”
When I arrived at You by Sia, the ladies described the treatment to me as being “similar to a hot stone massage”. Laser hair removal? Comparable to a relaxing massage? Believe it or not, yes.
After finally untensing my body and realising I didn’t need to brace for the pain that comes with those hot zaps, I relaxed into the treatment (all 5 seconds of it) and actually enjoyed myself.
The results? I’m one session down for my lower legs, so it’s too soon to speak on the effectiveness. My interest in the treatment was not to exclusively test its hair removal capabilities (I am confident in its results), but instead to see for myself whether I would actually experience no pain and be allowed to proceed with my appointment with visible fake tan on my legs. And for that criteria, I score it an A+.
Do I recommend this treatment? Yes, absolutely yes. Even for those who haven’t experienced the same hurdles, the pain-free element alone is enough to make the switch from traditional laser machines to the Soprano Titanium. It’s kind of a no-brainer right?
It’s a little pricier than your regular laser treatments, (especially when competitors are so frequently offering 70 per cent off deals), however, depending on your lifestyle, skin tone and pain threshold, it might be your only option. Plus, salons often offer discounts when you pre-pay for four or more sessions, so it’s worth asking if they’re running any deals. If you want my opinion? It’s worth it.
Have you tried laser hair removal before? Would you be interested in trying the Soprano Titanium?
