What is IPL?
IPL stands for “Intense Pulsed Light”. IPL hair reduction treatments use light to target melanin (colour) in the hair shaft and bulb. The light is converted into heat to damage the hair follicle.
IPL machines can also treat pigmentation, blood vessel destruction, acne and also rejuvenate skin by regenerating collagen.
How does IPL work?
The melanin (colour) present in the hair shaft, bulb and follicles of your skin absorbs the light and is converted into heat. This process disables the cells which are responsible for the growth of new hair.
What can I expect during an IPL treatment?
Hair reduction begins by shaving the hair above the skin. Then a cool gel is spread over the treatment area. The IPL hand piece is then applied to the skin and pulses of light are released which in turn heat the area and disable the unwanted hair. The gel is then removed and aloe vera gel is applied to the area. The hair that has been effectively treated will begin to fall out over the next week or two.
Are IPL treatments safe?
IPL treatments are extremely safe in the hands of a trained IPL Technician. IPL, being more advanced than other systems, has a separate cooling system around the treatment head and also has an inbuilt cooling system. These qualities make IPL treatments very effective and safe.
Some people may experience mild reddening of the treatment area for a day or so after treatment, but other complications are rare. IPL delivers energy to the skin in a very gentle manner. Most people immediately return to normal activities after a treatment.
How many IPL treatments will I need?
The number of IPL treatments required varies from person to person. Hair grows in cycles. IPL is effective on hair in its actively growing cycle (anagen). At any one time there will only be certain hairs in that growing phase. This means that consistent treatments at appropriate intervals are absolutely necessary for the best possible results. This varies anywhere from 4-8 treatments. That said though, some clients have been very happy with the result after just a few treatments and some require more treatments.
Is the hair removal permanent?
IPL offers the most advanced and permanent reduction of hair growth of all the treatments currently on the market. It is great at permanently destroying most of the targeted hair follicles.
Most people will get effective hair reduction with each treatment, with very little regrowth after the course of treatments is done. Some will get complete hair reduction with no regrowth, while others will require a yearly maintenance treatment. Any regrowth of hair will be weak, thin, and lighter in colour, due to the damaged hair follicles.
Hormones play a big part in hair growth. As we get older or during pregnancy the body goes through hormonal changes and often hair that lays dormant for long periods of time emerges for the first time.
What does the treatment feel like?
While you may feel a slight tingling or stinging sensation, it is usually no more painful than waxing or plucking a few hairs. Most people tolerate the procedure very well. The cooling hand piece also reduces the level of discomfort.
