The company Epilady, one of the global leaders in hair removal, has developed a revolutionary technological platform (patent registered) that combines a digital camera, image processing software, and a targeting system inside compact beauty devices.
The innovative platform, developed entirely in Israel with an investment of $13M and first implemented in the Epilaser hair removal device, paves the way for new avenues in home treatment.
“Epilaser is essentially a computer in every sense,” says the company’s CEO, Moshe Rosenthal. “It receives an image from the camera, detects the hair, and directs the laser system toward it. We call it the ‘Iron Dome of Hairs.’ It’s a huge innovation – there hasn’t been a real breakthrough in this field for 30 years.”
The use of an automatic targeting system that identifies the object and shoots exclusively at it is an international innovation. The system is based on the following elements: A high-resolution imaging system that performs an accurate scan of the skin surface and identifies hair follicles in real time; the camera operates at high speed and provides precise data on the location and density of hairs; an advanced visual processing unit analyzes the image in real time and creates an accuracy map of the hair roots.
The advanced algorithms distinguish between skin tissue and hair follicles, performing precise location calculations to direct the laser beam. The device uses a real laser with a very small beam diameter, automatically and accurately aimed solely at the hair roots. The targeting system prevents radiation in the areas between the hairs and on parts of the skin that do not require treatment. “The technology we developed allows the device to see the target and aim at it precisely,” emphasizes Rosenthal.
One of the significant advantages of using the Epilady device, beyond its proven efficiency, is the ability to be exposed to the sun during the treatment period, meaning there is no need to schedule treatments according to season. In addition, the device is suitable for permanent hair removal on dark skin tones, which constitutes a breakthrough since most existing devices, both home-use and professional, are unsuitable for dark skin treatment.
“In the industry, people are very cautious with laser treatments for individuals with dark skin, because the energy is absorbed in the skin’s melanin and causes irreversible spots,” explains Rosenthal. He added: “With us, thanks to the small size of the beam and because we work at a wavelength of 980 nanometers, we are able to treat dark skin without causing lightening. This is tremendous news for markets like the U.S., Brazil, India, and Africa.”
He also highlights the importance of eliminating the limitation on sun exposure: “With IPL treatment or regular laser, you’re told not to be exposed to the sun a week before and three to four weeks after. With us, almost none of the skin is exposed to energy – only the hair. You can sit on the beach and undergo treatment.” Of course, they clarify that it is important to avoid treatment on skin that has suffered burns.
In the first stage, this innovative platform was implemented in a home hair removal device – the Epilaser – and clinical trials are now being conducted on additional devices. “This is a technological platform,” says Rosenthal, “it has many applications. With L’Oréal, we are developing a device for pigmentation treatment – it identifies age spots or sun spots and targets them exclusively.”
In conclusion, he proudly stated: “There is also a project for the removal of black tattoos: The device identifies the specific part and shoots at it precisely, without unnecessary pain and without shadowing. This is an excellent solution for anyone who regretted a tattoo, and of course there will be more developments in the future. After years of stagnation in the field, we are bringing something that is true innovation.”