Test method
Tests are conducted with a panel of users, and of professional experts. Tests are then conducted in two parts. One where the test subjects undergo treatments with various devices. At each treatment occasion, the test subjects assess comfort and feeling during and immediately after treatment. One week after treatment, the laboratory's experts measure and assess the effect on hair regrowth.
In the second part, the experts assess the experience of the treatment, the design, and how the various products were handled. All devices have masked product names during tests.
Hair reduction
How much hair growth decreased is measured every week and after a total of five treatments. Tests are carried out on the subjects' legs, which were divided into three fields on each leg. One area is left untreated as a comparison area. Hair growth is assessed by the laboratory's experts, both visually and based on high-resolution images of the various test fields. When it comes to hair reduction effects, the greatest importance is placed on the result after five treatments.
User experience
All 20 panelists rate all six products after each treatment and indicate how the skin felt, how pleasant the treatment is, how easy it is to perform and how they experience the product's design.
Specialist assessment
The separate expert panel consisting of ten people with professional experience in the use of IPL devices test each product under the supervision of laboratory personnel. Here, the design, ease of use and how the skin feels both during and after the treatment are assessed. The test is performed on the inside and outside of the calves, the forearms and the armpits.
Selection principles for panel members:
- Healthy women between 18 and 65 years.
- No known allergies or hypersensitivity.
- Light brown to black hair color and skin tone II–IV on the Fitz-Patrick scale.
Exclusion criteria:
- Very light hair growth.
- White, gray or red hair.
- Dark or tanned skin.
- Pregnant
Grading
The results of the test are evaluated and graded in consultation with the laboratory. The rating has been made on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is very bad and 10 very good. In the overall result, the results from the various sub-moments are given the following weight:
- Hair reduction: 40 percent
- Comfort and feel: 30 percent
- Treatment: 20 percent
- Manageability: 10 percent
