Although it’s been around since the mid 1990’s, IPL hair removal has grown significantly in popularity, for women of all ages, as one of the most effective ways to remove unwanted hair and can be used on almost any area of the body. IPL hair removal is a relatively quick and easy procedure, but there are some things you need to know before you book in your hair removal appointments. Here are five important things to keep in mind before you undergo IPL hair removal.
What is IPL Hair removal, and how does it work?
IPL hair removal treatment uses concentrated light energy to laser target the melanin (or pigment) within the hair follicle and shaft. The laser light is then absorbed by the melanin and converted to heat. This thermal energy breaks down the structure that supports the hair, damaging and eventually destroying the hair follicle and bulb, inhibiting future hair growth.
The length of the treatment will depend on the size of the area being treated. Typically you can be in and out of your hair removal treatment within 15 to 30 minutes. Treatment time is less for smaller areas, such as hair removal on the face, and longer for hair removal on the larger areas of the body such as your legs or torso. These quick treatments can easily be scheduled within a lunch break or between appointments, and there is no downtime afterwards.
The number of treatments to achieve permanent hair removal will depend on the natural hair colour, coarseness, and growth cycle of the treatment area. Typically though, between 6 and 8 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, are necessary for permanent hair removal.
So if you have an upcoming event and wish to have silky smooth legs, no peek-a-boo pubic hairs or “hello there” underarm hairs, it is best to begin your IPL hair removal treatments around 3 or 4 months before the event date.
With Spring only a few weeks away, along with beach, wedding and the sunny warm season beginning here on the Gold Coast, we suggest booking any hair removal treatments now to avoid unsightly strands you don’t want seen, making their taboo debut.
What to expect during your first IPL hair removal treatment
Beginning any new treatment can sometimes give you those uncertain tummy swirls or “what’s it going to be like” nervous feelings. So before you book your first appointment, we want you to understand exactly how hair removal with IPL works!
Let’s start with the big question on everyone’s lips…Does IPL hair removal hurt?
The word ‘laser’ can conjure up all kinds of ill and worrisome feelings before an initial hair removal treatment. The truth? Most people report experiencing some minor discomfort while the laser is targeting the hair. This is temporary, mild and manageable. The best way to describe it, is to liken it to an elastic band snapped on the back of your hand. You may feel a slight tingling or stinging sensation that should dissipate quickly after each laser has targeted the hair removal area.
The good news is that laser hair removal hurts less the more sessions you have because with each hair removal treatment the amount of hair is becoming less and each individual hair lighter. However, if left too long between treatments some find that they are a little more sensitive.
All-in-all laser hair removal is a relatively painless process that provides long-lasting results. Unlike waxing where you need to brace yourself for extraction, which just hurts, or shaving that leaves you with grazes, nicks and hairy prickles.
To prepare for your first IPL treatment, you will need to shave the treatment area beforehand so that the hair follicles can adequately absorb the laser light. You should also avoid sun exposure, and the application of tanning products in the days leading up to your appointment, as this can make the skin more sensitive to the laser. It is also advisable to shower and make sure the area is clean prior to treatment. These simple tips will help you make the most of your IPL hair removal treatment.
After your treatment, you may notice some redness and in some cases slight swelling in the treated area, but this should not be painful and should go away within a few hours.
Here at Skin From Within, we’ll always equip you with proper post-care know-how and schedule your treatments, for maximum results.
How often should I get IPL treatments for optimal results?
Many people report they achieve permanent hair reduction after just a few treatments. However, some people may require touch-ups every few years to keep those hair bulbs from sprouting out new follicles.
IPL hair removal treatments are a great way to achieve long-lasting results without the hassle of shaving or waxing. But it can be hard to know how often you should get IPL treatments to achieve optimal results.
In the beginning of your treatments, we recommend getting an IPL treatment every 4-6 weeks. This interval allows the treatment to work its magic and ensures that new hair growth is effectively treated. However, some people may need to adjust their treatment schedule based on their hair growth rate. Those with very fast-growing hair may need to get treatments more frequently, while those with slower-growing hair may be able to extend the interval between treatments. This interval should never be greater than a 6 week period though.
After each treatment, you will notice that your hair becomes thinner and slower-growing. Eventually, you may only need treatments once every few months to maintain results. Of course, how well IPL works also depends on factors like skin type, hair colour, and the area being treated.
Some skin colours are best advised not to use IPL treatments as they may cause discolouration of the skin. While those with very light blonde or white hair don’t have enough melanin in their hair follicles to absorb the laser light, and often the treatment is not as effective.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out how often you should get IPL treatments is to consult your Skin From Within skin expert. They will assess your hair, skin type, and personal needs and can help you create a treatment plan that will give you the best possible results. Alternatively, if IPL hair removal is not a good fit for you and your skin then a better solution can be tailored to your needs, all is not lost when it comes to your hair removal needs, except for the hair itself. Something we all want and are looking to achieve.
How to care for your skin after an IPL treatment
You’ve had your treatment and hair-free, silky smooth skin is now part of your present and future, thanks to IPL hair removal treatments. However it’s very important to take care of your skin after the treatment to avoid any adverse side effects. To give your skin the best post treatment care, here are a few tips you should follow to give your skin time to heal and reduce any risk of irritation:
Step One:Avoid using any harsh soaps or exfoliants on your skin for at least 24 hours after the treatment. About 7 days after, is the best time to start exfoliating the treated area.
Step Two:Opt for cool or lukewarm showers instead of hot showers as these could aggravate the lasered area.
Step Three:Apply a soothing moisturiser to help calm the skin.
Step Four:Avoid using any other hair removal methods, such as shaving, waxing, or depilatory creams, for at least 72 hours after the treatment.
Step Five:Avoid direct sunlight exposure for at least 48 hours.
Step Six:Apply a generous amount of SPF 30+ sunscreen if you do go outside.
Step Seven:Drink plenty of water post treatment to stay hydrated and use an essential fatty acid supplement to support your skin health. We would say these two for just about every treatment anyway.
Step Eight:Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that will make you sweat for 24 hours following the treatment.
Following these simple tips can help ensure that your skin stays healthy and free of irritation after an IPL hair removal treatment.
What areas can you remove hair with IPL?
You can use IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal on any area of the body, including the face. In fact, many people choose to use IPL for permanent hair removal of the face, as it is a highly effective method and can target very small, delicate areas with precision. It also offers clients permanent solutions for unsightly hair in areas that may make one feel less feminine such as the upper lip, chin and sideburns.
If you are considering hair removal on your face, you should know that IPL is safe and effective for this purpose. However, it is essential to note that IPL is not suitable for everyone and as your face is your main feature, you should speak with a qualified skin technician to see if IPL is right for you before proceeding with treatment on this area of your body.
The most popular areas for hair removal include:
Legs
Pubic regions - Bikini, Brazilian and Speedo
Chest and stomach
Back
Arms and underarms
Lip and Chin
Necks and beards
Face and cheeks
However, laser hair removal also works well on areas of the body like toes, feet, anus and areolas, but it is not safe to use on eyebrows as this is too close to your eyes.
IPL hair removal: before and after results
If you're considering IPL hair removal, you're probably wondering what kind of results you can expect.
While there's no guarantee that it will work for everyone, most people will significantly reduce hair growth after just a few treatments. However, it's important to remember that everyone responds differently to IPL hair removal laser treatments. Some people may require more treatments than others to achieve desired results.
In addition to this, hair colour and skin tone can also affect the outcome of treatment. In general, people with dark hair and light skin tend to see the best results. IPL hair removal is generally safe for all skin types, but people with dark skin may be at risk of developing dark spots or burns.
Before treatment, your hair will be visible on the surface of your skin. After treatment, the hair will be much finer and less visible. You'll also notice that your hair grows back slower and is thinner than before.
Eventually, you may only need to get treatments once every few months to keep the hair growth under control.
If you are tired of relying on the razor or weary of the monthly wax, permanent hair removal is a very economical hair removal alternative.
Consider this:
An initial Brazilian wax is $79; if you were to come in every month for the same treatment, you would expect to pay $55 minimum. Your minimum total investment cost for the year would be $79 + $55 x 11 months = $675.
Your investment is only for one year. Over the course of five years, you would be looking to pay around $3375.00
Remember we are only comparing one Brazilian wax treatment to one Brazilian IPL laser hair removal treatment. When you add up the other areas of your body you wish were also hair free, the ongoing cost of maintenance is something to consider the long term.
On the other hand, investing in IPL laser hair removal is going to be $79 for the initial treatment and if you were to receive 7 sequential monthly treatments following your first, your investment would be $553. Taking your total maximum hair removal cost to only $632.
Not only is this a saving of $43 per year, but you might only need a touch up treatment every six to 12 months. Leaving you with only a maximum of $158 in ongoing treatment costs.
Think of what you could do with an extra $3217.00 per year…
Enzyme peels, and skin rejuvenation treatments. You could be not only hair-free, but pigmentation and acne-free too, with reduced signs of ageing and wrinkles. You could afford to give yourself more and spend less than your original outlay of only one treatment.
If you are keen to learn more or try an IPL laser hair removal treatment for yourself.
Book an appointment today and speak with one of our qualified IPL laser hair removal technicians.
