IPL Hair Removal All you need to know.

What is IPL Hair Removal:

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is delivered to the skin to destroy the hair follicle. After one treatment, patients can expect a 10-25% decrease in hair. After a series of treatments, patients will notice a significant decrease in the amount of hair growth. Typically, 6-10 sessions are needed. Multiple sessions are essential because hair grows in cycles. The IPL targets the hair/hair follicle due to its pigment (color) during the “active growth” phase. For those hair follicles not growing hair at the time of treatment, the IPL will not be able to target the follicle. By administering a series of treatments, we ensure that we hit every follicle during its “active growth” cycle.

Who is it for:

This treatment typically works best on patients with light skin and dark hair. Because the color contrast between skin and hair is so important, we often recommend doing the treatments during the winter months when skin isn’t tanned and the hair hasn’t been lightened by the sun! If doing IPL Hair Reduction in the summer months it is necessary to avoid sun exposure (tanning) for TWO weeks prior to treatment.

Pre-Treatment Instructions:

• Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment
• Shave the area to be treated 2-3 days prior to treatment. That way the area will have short stubble for the appointment.

Post Treatment Care:

• Avoid sun exposure for minimum of 72 hours
• Mild tingling or burning sensation may be present for a few hours after treatment
• Apply sunscreen to protect the area after treatment.
• It is not advised to wax or tweeze the area being treated between treatments.

What To Expect After Treatment:

Within the first few days following your session, your hair may appear to have stopped growing. Your hair will resume growth by week 2 and at this point you might think your treatment was unsuccessful. Keep in mind that this resumed growth is a combination of active hair bulbs and inactive hair now shedding from its follicle post-treatment. Once the shedding process has ended, we are able to measure the effects of the treatment.

Although we would love to promise maximum results after 1 session, technology is not quite there yet! For now, expect to have up to 12 sessions over the span of 1-2 years. In the meantime, you can enjoy NOT having to deal with ingrown hairs, itchy razor bumps, embarrassing 5 o’clock shadows, daily shaving routine, or painful waxing!