Published: Wednesday, 2nd December, 2009 4:30pm

Sound technology, the new innovation in hair removal

Hair removal is the bane of most women's lives - the time, the cost, the yuck factor but it's a necessary evil part of every grooming regime, like or not.

Who can forget some years ago, Julia Roberts sashaying down the red carpet at a premiere in a gorgeous Gucci frock, only to wave to the crowd to reveal a tuft of underarm hair, every woman's nightmare. But what if you never had to worry about it again. Well, a first in Athlone could do just that in Geraldine's Health Beauty salon in Castlemaine Street.

"It's a totally new concept, it mixes laser with sound waves. After just two sessions you would notice a big improvement with around 38% hair reduction," owner Geraldine Harte enthused recently of the new Applisonix Selectif Pro Hair removal machine, only the third in Ireland and the first in the entire Midlands region.

"We can't believe the results, eight to ten sessions will complete the programme. It is safe for all skin tones and hair colours including blonde and grey and it is clinically proven," she added, something that certainly marks it out from laser, which works best on darker hair.

I've never had laser but I've heard from those who have of the good results but there can be quite a bit of discomfort during the sessions and possible side effects to the skin, something you don't have to worry about with Applisonix Selectif Pro Hair removal machine. During my trial I chatted away to Geraldine as she used a small wand like device to literally pluck each hair out individually at the root, with absolutely no pain or discomfort at all during the 30 minute session. And, a week later I can notice substantially less hair to get rid of!

"A lot of people are very self conscious about unwanted hair but this is very suitable for use on the face, underarms, bikini line or legs," according to Geraldine. "It also enables precise eye brow contouring and there are no side effects at all," she explained, adding that is very suitable for those with a hormonal imbalance causing excess hair growth on the body.

Beauty made by sound is the motto of the machine, made by an Israeli company, which tells us that it uses ultrasound waves channelled through the hair shaft, it's then transformed to thermal energy that heats at the root to remove the hair. Unlike the laser or light based technology, it is not limited to the dark hair or skin and is very effective on blonde or grey hair.

"Anyone that has used it so far have been delighted with the results. We are very convinced by the outcomes, even more so that the laser or electrolysis. An extra bonus is that it's clinically proven and medically approved," Geraldine highlighted, concluding that even after two sessions the skin is smoother with less growth and after eight to ten sessions worries about hair removal will no longer exist!

For further information call Geraldine's Hair and Beauty Salon, Castlemaine Street, Athlone 090 6474127. At present, the salon is offering €10 off facials up until December 31 next and vouchers are available for anyone looking for the perfect Christmas present!