Alma (IPL + RF)

Alma is an Israeli aesthetic device manufacturer whose hair-removal systems are built around light energy delivered through interchangeable applicators. Its broadband applicators use what the manufacturer calls AFT (Advanced Fluorescence Technology), an intense pulsed light approach in which a wide band of light is shaped towards the wavelengths melanin absorbs most strongly, with the Speed AFT applicator described by the manufacturer as covering a 6.4cm² spot for larger areas. Because this is filtered broadband light rather than a single laser wavelength, one applicator can cover a wide range of hair types.

Where a radiofrequency element is combined with the light pulse, the radiofrequency contributes bulk heating of the surrounding dermis rather than being absorbed selectively by pigment. Less light energy is then needed to reach the temperature the follicle requires, which is why combined light-and-radiofrequency systems are generally described as more tolerant across hair colours and skin tones than light alone. Alma is used within Kaiteki's laser hair removal treatment, and which applicator and energy combination suits your hair and skin is decided by a doctor at an in-person consultation.

Light-based hair removal depends on delivering enough heat to the follicle to interrupt regrowth while leaving surrounding skin unharmed. Alma's approach to that balance is the technology it calls SHR (Super Hair Removal), which the manufacturer describes as delivering low-fluence energy at a high repetition rate while the practitioner glides the applicator over the skin (an in-motion technique), so heat accumulates gradually rather than arriving as one high-energy pulse. Alma states that the applicator's cooled tip protects the epidermis throughout.

That accumulative delivery is the main mechanical difference from conventional stamping IPL, where each pulse is placed shot by shot and gaps can leave uneven coverage. Alma describes the SHR approach as giving more uniform coverage and as being usable on darker, melanin-rich skin. Energy levels, applicator choice, number of passes and endpoint are selected by the treating doctor for your skin tone, hair type and the area treated. Hair reduction develops gradually across a course and varies between individuals.

A course is always needed, spaced according to the growth cycle for the area, often around four to eight weeks apart, because only follicles in their active growth phase respond to any one session. Multiple sessions are always needed because of the growth cycle, and occasional maintenance afterwards is normal rather than a sign something has gone wrong.

Alma is commonly considered for unwanted hair on the areas below, planned as a course of sessions rather than a single visit. It is not suitable for every hair type or every area, and a consultation determines whether it is appropriate for you.

Alma describes its hair-removal technologies as usable across a wide range of skin types, including darker skin, because low-fluence high-repetition delivery with a cooled tip reduces how much energy the surrounding skin absorbs at once. That makes it worth discussing if you have Asian or deeper skin and have been told elsewhere that hair removal carries more risk for you. It is still not appropriate for everyone, and very light, grey or white hair contains little pigment for light to target on any platform.

It may not be suitable during pregnancy, over tattoos or permanent makeup in the area, on recently tanned or sunburnt skin, where there is active infection, inflammation or open skin, with a history of light-sensitive conditions or keloid scarring, or while taking photosensitising medication. Hormonal causes of excess hair growth may need investigating alongside treatment. Please share your full medical, medication and hair-removal history at consultation, including recent waxing, plucking or threading, so the doctor can advise safely.

A visit begins with a doctor consultation and a skin and hair assessment, and a test area may be considered first. You will usually be asked to shave shortly beforehand rather than wax or pluck, because the hair above the skin should be short while the follicle below stays intact. On the day the area is cleansed, gel applied where required and eye protection fitted, and the doctor moves the cooled applicator over the area in repeated passes, building warmth gradually.

Most people describe the sensation as spreading warmth rather than the snap of a stamping device, and the manufacturer describes the technique as well tolerated. A small area such as the underarms may take only a few minutes; full legs or a back take considerably longer. Your doctor will explain the course they consider realistic and review it as your hair responds.

Downtime is usually minimal and most people return to normal activity the same day, though this varies between individuals. Mild redness and slight bumpiness around the treated follicles is common for a few hours, and treated hairs may appear to grow out for a week or two before shedding.

Sun protection on exposed areas, avoiding heat such as hot baths, saunas and vigorous exercise for the first day, and skipping deodorant or fragranced products on freshly treated skin are usually advised. Between sessions you can shave, but waxing, plucking, threading and depilatory creams are normally avoided because they remove the follicle contents the light needs to target. Your doctor will give aftercare guidance specific to the area treated.

As with any light-based medical treatment, hair removal carries risks, which are explained during consultation. Temporary effects can include redness, mild swelling around the follicles, a warm sunburnt feeling, and short-lived changes in pigmentation. Less common effects include blistering, burns, folliculitis and, rarely, paradoxical stimulation of fine hair in some areas. Serious effects are uncommon when settings are appropriately selected for your skin tone and the treatment is performed by a trained doctor.