Two young entrepreneurs address a demand for accessible and affordable body and face hair removal

A hairy situation

THE removal of body hair has long been a signifier of femininity. However, the rise of the body positivity movement in recent years has empowered women to embrace the hirsute state; what was once embarrassing is now a symbol of personal strength.

But if you do choose to remove your body fuzz, we say: your body, your choice. And that choice is very literally in your hands with SweetPeachier’s portable, long-term hair removal devices.

The brand was founded by Kon Fa Rong and Yap Yuen Yi, both 22, during the first Movement Control Order last year.

It was the realisation of an entrepreneurial dream for the partners in pursuit of financial freedom.

They spotted a market segment that seeks an accessible and affordable hair removal alternative to the traditional laser hair removal treatments, which are often expensive.

Removing body hair in beauty salons can also be an intimidating experience.

The hand-held device for body and face hair removal uses pain-free, intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to target the melanin in hair follicles and reduce hair growth to a minimum in a span of eight weeks.

Kon shared: “A lot of people were still using hair removal creams, wax and even blades. With SweetPeachier, we wanted to provide not only a safer and more convenient solution but one that will bear long-term results.”

The founders share their answers to some of the most asked questions about IPL hair removal.

$!With no former experience in e-commerce, Kon (left) and Yap taught themselves how to set up a business from scratch. – PICTURE COURTESY OF SWEET PEACHIER

How did the idea of starting SweetPeachier come about?

Fa Rong has always wanted to visit laser hair removal parlours but they are often too expensive and it was difficult to schedule an appointment amidst her busy schedule. She is also reserved about showing her imperfections. So we started SweetPeachier as an alternative, providing convenience and privacy for anyone who faces the same conundrum.

What’s the difference between laser hair removal and IPL hair removal?

Both laser and IPL hair removal methods use different light energy to heat the hair follicle and reduce hair growth.

In short, lasers produce a very specific type of light consisting of one wavelength or colour of light all going in one direction, which creates a single beam like a laser pointer.

IPL devices produce a broad spectrum of visible light wavelengths and can appear like orange-red light when flashed against the skin.

Does IPL work the same on all skin tones and hair colours?

People with darker hair will reap the best result.

Light hair shades including light blonde, white and grey hair have a low amount of melanin. Hence, they are not suitable for IPL hair removal treatment. Individuals with red hair are also not responsive to IPL.

That being said, the effectiveness is higher on lighter skin tones and darker hair colours.

What are some of the common mistakes when using the device and expecting noticeable results?

Patience is really everything.

We recommend consistent use once a week and waiting until the eighth-week mark to see complete results.

You should not wax, tweeze or pluck hair before the treatment. Doing so will render the treatment ineffective. Instead, you must shave prior to the treatment so that the pulsed light can target the hair roots.

Your skin needs time to heal after treatment so wearing sunscreen is a must. Avoid exercising, taking hot showers, wearing perfumes and deodorants for at least 24 hours. Also avoid using skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, retinol or glycolic acids.

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