SHR hair removal in Heidelberg
SHR is a light based method designed to reduce hair growth over the long term. SHR stands for “Super Hair Removal”. The method uses repeated light pulses while the applicator is moved across the skin during treatment.
At Haarfreiheit Heidelberg, you can learn more about how SHR works and what needs to be considered before treatment. Whether the method is suitable for you depends on several factors, including your skin tone and hair characteristics.
SHR technology for hair removal
What is SHR?
SHR is a development of light based hair removal technology. Unlike conventional applications that use individual light pulses, the SHR applicator is moved continuously across the treatment area while delivering repeated pulses of light.
The treatment uses comparatively low energy per pulse. Repeated applications allow heat to build up in the treated area. The aim is to affect structures in the hair follicle that are involved in hair growth.
SHR is primarily used for larger areas of the body. The settings depend on the device being used and the individual characteristics of the skin and hair.
How SHR technology works
SHR uses broad spectrum light. It is therefore not a laser that emits light at one specific wavelength. The melanin in the hair absorbs the light energy and converts it into heat. This heat can act on the area around the hair follicle.
During treatment, the applicator is moved repeatedly across the skin. Rather than treating isolated points one at a time, the method works progressively across a larger area. Energy is delivered through multiple pulses while the applicator remains in motion.
The technical properties of the applicator also play a role in the SHR system used at our institute in Heidelberg. The sapphire glass supports light transmission and provides the contact surface during treatment. The settings are adjusted to the treatment area and the individual requirements.
The aim is to heat the relevant hair structures sufficiently without placing unnecessary stress on the skin. Correct application and appropriate device settings are important factors.
What happens during SHR treatment in Heidelberg?
Before the first session, we assess whether the treatment is suitable for you. This includes looking at your skin tone, hair characteristics and the area you would like to have treated. Existing skin conditions and any previous reactions to light based treatments should also be discussed.
The treatment area is then prepared. The SHR applicator is moved across the skin while delivering repeated light pulses. You may feel warmth during the procedure. How intense the sensation is varies from person to person.
Because not all hairs are in the same growth phase at the same time, several sessions are necessary. The intervals between appointments depend on the treatment area and your individual hair growth cycle.
Which hair colours are suitable for SHR?
The suitability of SHR depends partly on the amount of melanin in the hair. This natural pigment absorbs the light energy and plays an important role in the treatment process.
Darker hair generally contains more melanin than very light hair. The conditions for treatment can therefore vary. Skin tone must also be taken into account because melanin in the skin can absorb light energy as well.
A careful assessment is particularly important for darker skin tones. Device settings need to be selected with the individual skin characteristics in mind.
White and very light hair contains little or no melanin. This limits the suitability of SHR for these hair colours. In such cases, electrolysis, also known as needle epilation, may be an alternative. This method is also available at Haarfreiheit Heidelberg and does not rely on melanin in the hair.
Preparing for SHR treatment and aftercare
A few precautions can help ensure that the treatment is carried out appropriately. Specific recommendations depend on the area being treated and your individual skin condition.
Avoid waxing, epilating and plucking
Before SHR treatment, avoid removing hair with wax or an epilator, and do not pluck the hairs. These methods remove the hair from the follicle, which can interfere with the conditions needed for light based treatment.
If you have recently removed hair in this way, you may need to allow sufficient time for it to grow back before your appointment. The appropriate waiting period depends on your individual circumstances. Our team in Heidelberg can advise you on when to schedule your treatment.
Shaving before treatment
Shaving is generally possible before light based treatments and is often recommended. It shortens the hair at the skin surface while leaving the connection to the hair follicle in place.
Unless you have been given different instructions, you can usually shave the treatment area the day before your appointment. If your skin is sensitive, allowing a little more time for it to settle may be helpful.
Skin care before and after treatment
Please arrive with clean skin. The treatment area should be free from residue left by creams, oils or other skin care products. If your underarms are being treated, avoid applying deodorant to the area beforehand.
After treatment, the skin may be temporarily red or feel warm. We will explain how to care for your skin afterwards, taking the technology used and your individual skin response into account.
What about tattoos and moles?
SHR treatment over tattoos
Tattooed areas are excluded from treatment. Tattoo pigments can absorb light energy, potentially causing unwanted skin reactions or changes to the tattoo.
Please tell our team about any tattoos in or near the treatment area before your appointment. We can then determine which areas may be treated and which need to be avoided.
Moles and pigmented skin areas
Moles and other heavily pigmented areas can also absorb light differently from the surrounding skin. These areas need to be assessed and taken into account before treatment.
Depending on their characteristics, they may need to be avoided. If you have unusual or unexplained skin changes, seek medical advice before undergoing treatment.
SHR or another technology?
SHR is one of several options for light based hair removal. Haarfreiheit Heidelberg also offers IPL, XENOgel® Technology and various laser systems. These methods differ in their technical design and potential applications. It is therefore not possible to say that SHR is suitable for every skin type and hair colour or that it is always better than other methods.
The choice of technology takes your individual skin and hair characteristics into account. If SHR is not suitable, another technology may be considered. For very light hair, electrolysis may be an alternative. You can find more information about the individual methods in our overview of hair removal technologies.
SHR hair removal at Haarfreiheit Heidelberg
Would you like to find out whether SHR is suitable for your skin and hair? At our institute at Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 1 in Heidelberg, you can arrange a free, no obligation consultation.
During the consultation, we will answer your questions about the technology and discuss which treatment options may be suitable for your individual circumstances. We will also explain the requirements for treatment and the likely number of sessions.
