What is IPL Hair Removal?
IPL offers a quick, effective and safe solution for long-term hair removal, suitable for men and women. It can be used to treat all areas of body hair.
With variable settings, your therapist is able to tailor the treatment to suit you.
Whether your concerns are facial hair or bikini hair, most hair types are able to be targeted with this treatment. Apart from very blonde or ginger.
Short, safe and controlled pulses of filtered light are emitted from the treatment head. The pigment in your hair is targeted by the red light pulses, heating the hair follicle and hindering its ability to regrow. Hundreds of follicles are targeted with each pulse, making this a highly effective treatment.
Hair Growth Cycle
Hair grows in a cycle consisting of three stages: anagen, catagen and telogen.
We can only treat the hair that is in the growing stage.
Treatment Expectations
During your consultation, your therapist will determine your hair type and give you an idea as to how many sessions could be needed to achieve a 70-90% reduction. We recommend a minimum of 6 sessions to begin with.
In treatment, a cooling gel will be applied to the area and the applicator will be placed onto your skin and flashed in a series of shots to treat the desired area. The treatment is not painless, however, it is quick and bearable.
Settings may be adjusted for your next session in order to ensure best results are achieved.
It will take 10-14 days post treatment for the hair to start falling out.
14 days after your hair has fallen out, your new growth will be showing and this is when you will come in for your next treatment.
Pre Care Instructions
- Avoid direct sunlight and sunbeds for a minimum of 6 weeks prior to your treatment.
- When outside, an SPF must be worn at all times in the treated area.
- Avoid tanning products 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
- Avoid waxing and other hair epilation techniques 4 weeks prior to your treatment.
- Do not use retinols, retinoids, AHA or glycolic acid for 5 days prior to your treatment.
- Please ensure the hair is approximately 1mm in length when you have your treatments.
Post Care Instructions
- A gentle cleanser must be used for 5 days.
- Do not use retinol, retinoids, AHA or glycolic acid products in the treated area for 5-7 days post procedure.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for a minimum of 6 weeks, always use a sunblock and a hat in bright sunlight.
- Avoid any heat for the following 48 hours. This includes hot showers, using steam rooms, saunas, and strenuous activity.
- Avoid applying makeup until the following day.
- Do not go swimming for 2 days.
- Do not apply ice or ice water on the treated area.
- You must not have any photofacials, chemical peels or microdermabrasion in the treated area for 14 days.
- You must not tan or use a tanning booth during the treatment.
You may experience a light sun-burn sensation for 2-5 hours post treatment.
You may experience some redness following the treatment, however this should subside in the following hours. If this does not subside, please contact the clinic immediately.
Expected Time Frame
Hair follicles are most receptive to IPL during the Anagen phase of hair growth, meaning that multiple treatments are required to effectively treat the entire area concerned.
Every person’s hair growth is different and time frames will vary among individuals and their desired outcome. It is therefore recommended that a course of at least 6 treatments are performed in order to achieve the desired result. However, some individuals may need up to 12 sessions, depending on their personal hair growth.
Although this is a leading treatment of its kind with long-lasting effects, it is recommended that clients return 2-3 times per year for maintenance of their results.
Contraindications
If you have any of the following you are not able to have an IPL Hair Removal Treatment:
- Recent sunburn
- Use of Roaccutane in the last 6 months.
- A cold sore in the treatment area on the day of your appointment.
- Waxing, threading or any other form of hair removal within the last 4 weeks
- Chemical peels, Laser/IPL, photofacials, microdermabrasion or radiofrequency in the treated area within the last 14 days
- Exposure to the sun or tanning beds within the last 4 weeks
- Dermatitis, Psoriasis or Eczema within the area
- Use of retinols or retinoids within the last 5 days in the treated area
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Use of St. John’s Wort Medication
*A patch test is required prior to treatment.