What are the differences between IPL, SHR, and N-AHR? A beauty equipment manufacturer explains the methods used in professional hair removal machines

Hello. This is Nishida and Shimizu, representatives of JENIMO Co., Ltd.

We are a beauty equipment manufacturer that plans, sells, rents, and provides implementation support for professional hair removal machines and light-based beauty devices.

When researching professional hair removal machines, you may find yourself wondering:

"What is the difference between IPL and SHR?"

"Which method is suitable for rapid firing on arms and legs?"

"What kind of hair removal method is N-AHR?"

Many people likely have these questions.

Professional hair removal machines differ in irradiation methods, treatment speed, and the types of hair they can easily handle, depending on the technology they are equipped with.

Furthermore, even for machines capable of rapid firing over large areas, the treatment time, number of shots used, and staff workload will vary depending on whether sufficient power output can be maintained during continuous irradiation.

In this article, we will explain the typical IPL and SHR methods, as well as the N-AHR method featured in the ESSENT Premium, in an easy-to-understand manner from the perspective of a beauty equipment manufacturer.

What you will learn in this article

・Differences between IPL and SHR methods ・Features of the N-AHR method ・How to use different irradiation methods according to body parts and hair types ・Common issues with machines that lack sufficient power output ・The impact of output performance on treatment time and costs ・Why the ESSENT Premium is capable of handling a wide range of hair types

Explaining the differences between IPL, SHR, and N-AHR first

IPL Method

The IPL method is suitable for carefully irradiating areas with thick, dark hair, such as the beard, VIO, and underarms, one spot at a time.

・Main irradiation method: Single-shot irradiation ・Main treatment areas: Beard, VIO, underarms ・Handling of fine hair: Depends on the model and settings ・Handling of thick, dark hair: Excellent ・Treatment method: Carefully irradiate while checking the area

SHR Method

The SHR method is a technique where the handpiece is glided over large areas such as the arms, legs, and back while performing continuous irradiation.

It is characterized by its ability to handle relatively fine hair and perform treatments on large areas, such as full-body hair removal, in a speedy manner.

・Main irradiation method: Continuous irradiation ・Main treatment areas: Arms, legs, back ・Handling of fine hair: Easy to handle ・Handling of thick, dark hair: May be difficult ・Treatment method: Irradiate while gliding over large areas

N-AHR Method

The N-AHR method is a high-output continuous irradiation method equipped in the ESSENT Premium.

It is characterized by its ability to approach not only fine hair but also thick, dark hair that is difficult to handle with standard SHR methods, while continuously irradiating large areas such as the arms, legs, abdomen, and back.

・Main irradiation method: High-output continuous irradiation
・Main treatment areas: Arms, legs, abdomen, back
・Handling of fine hair: Easy to handle
・Handling of thick, dark hair: Easy to handle even with continuous irradiation
・Output performance: 3300W
・Cooling performance: -15°C
・Equipped models: ESSENT Premium

From here, we will explain each method in detail.

What is the IPL method?

IPL is an abbreviation for "Intense Pulsed Light."

It is adopted by many professional hair removal machines as a method that approaches unwanted hair by irradiating light that reacts easily to the black pigment of the hair.

Main features of the IPL method

The IPL method mainly uses a single-shot irradiation method for each spot.

Because it allows for careful treatment while checking the area being irradiated, it is a method often used for areas with many thick, dark hairs, such as men's beards, VIO, and underarms.

The main features are as follows:

・Suitable for treatment of thick, dark hair
・Easy to irradiate carefully for each area
・Often used for beards, VIO, and underarms
・Output can be adjusted according to hair type and area
・Can also support photo facials depending on the model

However, even with the same IPL method, output performance, cooling performance, usable wavelengths, and irradiation speed differ depending on the device.

It is important not to judge solely on the point that it is "equipped with the IPL method," but to check the actual output, cooling, and operability.

Salons for which the IPL method is suitable

The IPL method is suitable for salons such as the following:

・Want to offer men's beard hair removal
・Want to handle thick hair such as VIO and underarms
・Want to perform careful treatment for each area
・Want to emphasize single-shot irradiation
・Want to offer both hair removal and photo facials

What is the SHR method?

SHR is a hair removal method often used as an abbreviation for "Super Hair Removal."

The treatment is performed by delivering relatively gentle energy in continuous pulses while sliding the handpiece over the skin.

Key features of the SHR method

The SHR method is characterized by its ability to easily treat large areas through continuous irradiation.

For areas with large treatment surfaces such as the arms, legs, and back, it is easier to shorten treatment time compared to single-shot irradiation.

The main features are as follows:

・Supports continuous irradiation
・Easy to treat large areas speedily
・Well-suited for treatments on the arms, legs, and back
・Irradiation is performed while sliding the handpiece
・Easily accommodates fine hair

On the other hand, because general SHR methods perform continuous irradiation with relatively gentle output, there may be challenges in approaching thick, dark hair.

Additionally, even with machines capable of rapid firing, if the output drops during continuous irradiation, there are cases where you must go over the same area multiple times.

When comparing SHR methods, it is important to check not only the rapid-fire speed but also whether the machine can stably supply sufficient output during continuous irradiation.

Salons for which the SHR method is suitable

The SHR method is suitable for salons such as the following:

・Those wanting to offer full-body hair removal for women
・Those wanting to treat large areas such as arms and legs
・Those wanting to shorten treatment times
・Those wanting to accommodate fine hair
・Those wanting to incorporate sliding-style continuous irradiation

What is the N-AHR method?

N-AHR is an abbreviation for "Next-Advanced Hair Removal."

It is a hair removal method equipped in the ESSENT Premium, designed for continuous irradiation of large areas such as the arms, legs, abdomen, and back.

While the general SHR method makes it easy to speedily treat fine hair and large areas through continuous irradiation, it can sometimes be difficult to approach thick, dark hair.

The N-AHR method is designed to handle a wide range of hair from fine to thick and dark while maintaining rapid-fire speed by combining a high output of 3300W with powerful -15°C cooling.

Key features of the N-AHR method

Allows for rapid-fire treatment of the arms, legs, abdomen, and back

The N-AHR method is suitable for continuous irradiation on areas with large treatment surfaces, such as the arms, legs, abdomen, and back.

Because the handpiece can be glided over the skin while flashing, it is characterized by the ability to easily shorten treatment time even for full-body hair removal.

Compared to methods that flash once at a time on each spot, it can treat wide areas efficiently.

Easily handles fine hair

Relatively fine hair grows in many areas such as the arms, back, and abdomen.

The N-AHR method is designed to easily approach fine hair by flashing continuously over a wide area.

It is a method suitable for salons that perform full-body hair removal for women or want to treat areas with relatively fine hair.

Handles thick, dark hair that is difficult for general SHR to address

A major feature of the N-AHR method is that, despite being a continuous flash method, it is easy to handle thick, dark hair.

With the general SHR method, because the output is relatively gentle, it may be difficult to provide a sufficient approach to thick, dark hair.

The N-AHR method is designed to be able to handle not only fine hair but also areas where thick, dark hair is mixed in by utilizing its 3300W high output.

For example, on the legs and arms, even if there is a lot of fine hair overall, thick, dark hair may remain around the knees and elbows.

With the N-AHR method, it becomes easier to approach areas with different hair types while treating wide areas with continuous flashes.

Stable output supply even during continuous flashing

Even with machines that can flash continuously, if the power drops while continuing to flash, treatment efficiency decreases.

The ESSENT Premium, equipped with the N-AHR method, is designed to suppress energy loss during continuous flashing and supply stable output.

Being able to maintain output during treatment, rather than just being able to flash continuously, is one of the reasons it is easy to handle a wide range of hair from fine to thick and dark.

Powerful cooling at minus 15°C

Cooling performance is also important for performing continuous flashes at high output.

The ESSENT Premium is equipped with powerful cooling at minus 15°C.

By thoroughly cooling the flash surface, you can aim for comfortable treatments that consider heat and irritation even when treating wide areas continuously.

The N-AHR method is characterized by having both high output and cooling performance.

Three common issues with hair removal machines that lack sufficient output

For professional hair removal machines, it is important not only whether they can perform rapid firing, but also whether they can stably supply sufficient output even during continuous irradiation.

If the output is insufficient, it may become necessary to irradiate the same area multiple times when treating large areas.

An increase in overlapping shots affects not only the treatment itself but also salon operations.

1. Overlapping shots increase running costs

If the output is insufficient and it is difficult to approach the hair with a single shot, it becomes common practice to irradiate the same area multiple times.

As the number of overlapping shots increases, the number of shots used per treatment also increases.

Professional hair removal machine lamps and handpieces have set limits for the number of possible shots and guidelines for replacement.

An increase in the number of shots leads to:

• Earlier lamp replacement timing • Faster wear and tear on handpieces • Higher cost per treatment • Increased long-term running costs

These factors lead to increased burdens.

When comparing professional hair removal machines, it is important to check not only the unit price but also how many shots are used per treatment.

2. Longer treatment times

When overlapping shots are required, you must go over the same treatment area multiple times.

Especially for large areas such as arms, legs, abdomen, and back, an increase in the number of shots directly leads to longer treatment times.

Longer treatment times lead to:

• Fewer customers that can be served in a day • The need to secure longer appointment slots • Difficulty in guiding the next customer • Longer customer stay times • Lower overall salon turnover rate

These are the types of issues that arise.

For full-body hair removal, even a difference of a few minutes per session becomes a significant difference when viewed on a daily or monthly basis.

To increase salon turnover, it is important not only to have a fast continuous firing speed but also to be able to perform treatments without going over the same area more than necessary.

3. Directly linked to staff fatigue

When treatment times become long and the same area is irradiated repeatedly, the physical burden on the staff also increases.

Especially with full-body hair removal, staff must hold the handpiece and keep moving their arms for long periods.

An increase in overlapping shots and the number of passes leads to:

・Wrists and arms becoming easily fatigued
・Increased strain on shoulders and lower back
・Difficulty maintaining concentration during long treatments
・A limit on the number of clients that can be handled in a day
・Easier for differences in treatment quality to emerge between staff members

These are the types of issues that arise.

Staff fatigue is not just a matter of ease of work.

It is an important factor in salon management as it relates to treatment quality, the number of appointments that can be handled, and staff retention.

The N-AHR method can address both treatment efficiency and costs

The N-AHR method of the ESSENT Premium is designed to supply stable output even during continuous irradiation by combining a high output of 3300W with powerful -15°C cooling.

It is characterized by the ability to perform speedy continuous shots on large areas such as arms, legs, abdomen, and back, while also being able to approach not only fine hair but also thick, dark hair that is difficult to handle with standard SHR methods.

By being able to supply sufficient output stably, it becomes easier to suppress unnecessary overlapping shots.

As a result, this leads to the reduction of various issues related to salon operations, such as treatment efficiency, running costs, and staff burden.

Easy to reduce shot counts and running costs

Since there is no need to irradiate the same area multiple times more than necessary, it is easier to reduce the number of shots used in a single treatment.

Reducing the number of shots also leads to suppressing the wear and tear of lamps and handpieces.

In the long term, you can expect a reduction in lamp replacement costs and treatment costs.

Easy to shorten treatment times

The N-AHR method allows for efficient treatment of large areas such as arms, legs, abdomen, and back through continuous irradiation.

Because it is easier to avoid unnecessary overlapping or multiple passes, it leads to speedy treatments even for full-body hair removal.

If treatment time can be shortened,

・It becomes easier to schedule appointments
・It is easier to increase the number of customers served per day
・Customer stay time can be reduced
・It is easier to increase salon turnover rate

These are some of the benefits.

Easier to reduce staff burden

By reducing treatment time and the number of passes, the time staff spends moving the handpiece is also shortened.

This makes it easier to reduce the strain on wrists, arms, shoulders, and lower back, leading to a more comfortable working environment for staff.

By reducing staff fatigue, it becomes easier to maintain concentration even during long treatments, which also leads to consistent treatment quality.

Leads to comfortable treatments for customers as well

The N-AHR method features a high output of 3300W and a cooling performance of minus 15°C.

While performing speedy treatments on large areas, it also considers heat and irritation, allowing for consideration of both the customer's treatment time and their physical experience.

The strength of the N-AHR method lies in considering not only the salon's treatment efficiency but also the customer's comfort.

Differences between machines with insufficient output and the N-AHR method

In the case of machines with insufficient output

・Overlapping on the same area is more likely
・The number of shots used tends to increase
・Lamps and handpieces wear out faster
・Running costs tend to rise
・Treatment time tends to be longer
・Staff movement increases, which can easily lead to fatigue
・May be difficult to handle thick, dark hair

In the case of the N-AHR method

・Can perform continuous shots on large areas with a high output of 3300W
・Easier to provide stable output during continuous irradiation
・Easier to handle everything from fine hair to thick, dark hair
・Easier to avoid unnecessary overlapping
・Easier to reduce the number of shots used
・Leads to a reduction in running costs
・Easier to shorten treatment time
・Easier to reduce the physical burden on staff
・Can provide comfortable treatments with minus 15°C cooling

The N-AHR method is a hair removal system designed with consideration not only for hair removal performance but also for treatment time, running costs, staff ease of work, and customer comfort.

ESSENT Premium uses different irradiation methods depending on the area

With ESSENT Premium, single-shot and continuous-shot irradiation are used selectively according to hair type and treatment area.

For areas such as the beard, VIO, and underarms

For small areas where thick, dark hair is concentrated, such as the beard, VIO, and underarms, we use IPL single-shot irradiation.

We approach each area carefully while checking the spots to be irradiated.

For areas such as the arms, legs, abdomen, and back

For areas where you want to perform treatments efficiently over a wide range, such as the arms, legs, abdomen, and back, we use N-AHR continuous irradiation.

The N-AHR method is characterized by its ability to handle not only fine hair but also thick, dark hair mixed within wide areas.

In this way,

・IPL for thick, dark hair in small areas
・N-AHR for wide areas

The ability to use these methods selectively is the strength of the ESSENT Premium.

Which should you choose: IPL, SHR, or N-AHR?

When choosing a hair removal method, you should make your decision based not only on the name of the method but also on your salon's clientele and the menu you offer.

If you prioritize the beard and VIO

If you prioritize treatments for thick, dark hair, such as men's beards or VIO, single-shot irradiation with sufficient output performance is an option.

The IPL method, which allows for careful irradiation while checking the area, is suitable.

If you prioritize the arms, legs, abdomen, and back

For wide areas such as the arms, legs, abdomen, and back, a method that allows for efficient treatment through continuous irradiation is suitable.

If you want to handle areas where thick, dark hair is mixed in with fine hair, the N-AHR method is an option.

If you want to shorten the treatment time for full-body hair removal

For full-body hair removal, it is important not only to consider the continuous irradiation speed but also whether you can reduce the number of overlapping shots and back-and-forth passes.

If the equipment can supply stable output even during continuous irradiation, it becomes easier to reduce unnecessary overlapping shots and shorten treatment time.

If you want to keep running costs down

To keep the costs of replacing lamps and handpieces down, check the number of shots used per treatment.

Equipment that minimizes the need for overlapping shots helps reduce the number of shots and the amount of consumables used, leading to long-term cost savings.

If you prioritize staff ease of work

Equipment that requires less treatment time and fewer passes helps reduce the physical burden on staff.

In addition to machine performance, check the weight, grip, and ease of operation of the handpiece.

It is important not to choose equipment based solely on the hair removal method

IPL, SHR, and N-AHR each have different characteristics.

However, professional hair removal machines should not be chosen based on the name of the method alone.

Before introducing a machine, check the following items as well:

・Main unit output performance
・Output stability during continuous irradiation
・Cooling performance
・Compatible hair types and body areas
・Irradiation speed
・Number of overlaps and passes
・Number of shots used per treatment
・Guaranteed number of shots for the lamp
・Lamp replacement cost
・Warranty and repair system
・Availability of replacement machines during breakdowns
・Post-introduction training and support

Actual operability and the sensation during treatment are difficult to judge from a catalog alone.

We recommend using online demos or trial sessions to check the output during continuous irradiation, cooling, and operability.

The N-AHR method of ESSENT Premium

ESSENT Premium is a professional multi-functional beauty device that supports both hair removal and photo-facials.

With its unique N-AHR method, it combines a high output of 3300W with powerful cooling at -15°C, allowing for speedy treatment of large areas such as arms, legs, the abdomen, and the back.

It is characterized by its ability to approach not only fine hair but also thick, dark hair that is difficult to handle with standard SHR methods.

Also, because it is easy to suppress unnecessary overlapping shots, it leads to:

・Reduction in the number of shots
・Reduction in running costs
・Shortening of treatment time
・Reduction of staff fatigue
・Improvement in customer comfort

leads to.

Furthermore, the ESSENT Premium comes with 11 types of filters as standard.

Since it can handle not only hair removal but also photo-facial menus, you can expand the range of your salon's services with a single machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between N-AHR and SHR?

Both are methods used for continuous irradiation on large areas such as the arms, legs, and back.

While the general SHR method is easy to use for fine hair, it can sometimes be difficult to approach thick, dark hair.

The N-AHR method is designed to handle a wide range of hair, from fine to thick and dark, while maintaining the speed of continuous irradiation, thanks to its 3300W high output and powerful -15°C cooling.

Which areas is N-AHR used for?

It is mainly used for continuous irradiation on large areas such as the arms, legs, abdomen, and back.

It is characterized by its ability to perform treatments on large areas speedily while also being easy to use on areas where fine hair and thick, dark hair are mixed.

Is N-AHR also used for beards and VIO areas?

For small areas where thick, dark hair is concentrated, such as the beard or VIO, the IPL single-shot irradiation method is more suitable.

N-AHR is used when performing continuous irradiation treatments on large areas such as the arms, legs, abdomen, and back.

Why does low output lead to longer treatment times?

This is because if it is difficult to sufficiently approach the hair in a single irradiation, it is necessary to irradiate the same area multiple times.

As the number of passes increases, the treatment time, number of shots, and the burden on the staff also tend to increase.

Do running costs also increase if there is more overlapping irradiation?

If the number of shots used increases due to overlapping irradiation, the lamp and handpiece will tend to wear out faster.

Reducing the number of shots used in a single treatment leads to a reduction in long-term running costs.

Does high output also increase heat and irritation?

The sensation during treatment depends not only on the power output but also on the cooling performance, irradiation method, and settings.

ESSENT Premium combines a 3300W output with -15°C cooling, pursuing a balance between output performance and comfort during treatment.

Summary

The IPL, SHR, and N-AHR methods each have different characteristics.

・IPL method: Carefully treats thick, dark hair such as beard, VIO, and underarm hair with single shots.
・SHR method: Easily handles fine hair by using rapid shots on areas like arms, legs, and the back.
・N-AHR method: Handles everything from fine hair to thick, dark hair while using rapid shots on areas like arms, legs, abdomen, and the back.

With machines that do not have sufficient power, the need for overlapping shots increases, which raises the number of shots and running costs, and also tends to increase treatment time and staff burden.

The N-AHR method of the ESSENT Premium is designed to provide stable output even during continuous irradiation, thanks to its 3300W high output and powerful -15°C cooling.

By suppressing unnecessary overlapping shots, it leads to:

・Reduction of running costs
・Shortening of treatment time
・Reduction of staff fatigue
・Comfortable treatment for customers

leads to.

When choosing a professional hair removal machine, check not only the name of the method but also the output performance, cooling performance, stability during continuous irradiation, number of shots, and treatment time.

For those considering the introduction or replacement of professional hair removal machines

At JENIMO Co., Ltd., we propose professional beauty equipment tailored to your salon's scale, target clientele, desired menu offerings, and budget.

"I don't know whether IPL or SHR is better for my salon"

"I want to treat arms and legs speedily"

"I want to handle not only fine hair but also thick, dark hair"

"I want to shorten the treatment time for full-body hair removal"

"I want to reduce running costs and staff burden"

If you have such concerns, please feel free to consult with us even if you have not yet decided on a model.

We also accept online explanations and demonstrations.

▼Click here for inquiries and to request materials on professional hair removal machines
【https://jenimo-official.com/】

▼Click here for details on ESSENT Premium
【https://essent-premium.com/lp2】

▼Click here for easy consultation via our official LINE
【https://lin.ee/tGBF7rs】

JENIMO Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer of professional hair removal machines, light-based beauty equipment, and comprehensive professional beauty devices

*Equipment specifications, accessories, settings, warranties, pricing, and contract terms are subject to change. Please check for the latest information when considering implementation.

The N-AHR name, 3300W, -15°C cooling, and descriptions regarding stable power supply during continuous irradiation are based on the ESSENT Premium materials provided.