PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL

How does it work?

IPL or Intense-pulsed light technology uses a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths to target the pigment in hairs. The light energy is then absorbed and transferred as heat energy, which warms the hair and destroys the follicle. Meanwhile the surrounding tissue and skin is left undamaged; this process is known as photo thermal destruction.

​

What are the benefits to choosing IPL?

The coverage of IPL hair removal technology is greater than laser due to the way broad-spectrum light naturally spreads out.  Therefore, treatment times are usually quicker since larger areas can be treated at once. Also, treatment prices for IPL are usually more affordable than laser, but more sessions may be required to achieve the same results. The bonus of IPL is that it’s much safer to use as the light is less concentrated, while minor side effects are more likely to occur with laser. 

​

How many sessions will I need?

Since hair grows in different stages, multiple sessions are required to target the hair in its growth phase. The exact number of treatments varies by individual. IPL usually requires 3-6 treatments to see complete removal in an area, but the person’s skin color, hair color, and thickness of the hair are all factors to be considered.

​

When do I see results?

Neither IPL nor laser will grant immediate results but rather, the hairs will drop out as they die over the next few weeks, and those that weren’t affected the first time (because they were in different stage of the hair cycle) will require another session. Each session needs to be spaced out depending on the area being treated. The face (upper lip, chin hairs) take 2 weeks, underarms and bikini area are 4 weeks, and the back area is 8 weeks between each session. You will be able to shave between sessions, so it won’t require any grow-out times. The benefit of this over waxing and other temporary hair removal processes is that over time, you will achieve permanent reduction of hair growth.

​

How can I prepare?

Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and tanning creams/ lotions because the hair is better at absorbing the light energy if you have light skin and dark body hairs. Also, 4 weeks prior to your IPL treatment, stop any plucking, waxing, or electrolysis as these types of hair removal methods disturb the hair follicle. Shaving and trimming is fine and especially recommended the day before your IPL hair removal appointment.