IPL - The incredible technology getting you hair free

Hair - We all have it, and we love it (but only in certain places of course). We don’t love it, when it’s in places we don’t want it in and no matter how many times we get rid of it, it just keeps growing back!

 So, what can we do? Is there a way to remove hair once and for all? With IPL permanent hair removal, there is.

What is IPL?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It’s a technology used by cosmetic and medical practitioners to perform various skin treatments for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes, including hair removal, photo rejuvenation as well as to alleviate dermatological conditions such as acne.

The latest technology is IRPL (Intense Regulated Pulse Light), which is more effective than the old machines. Why? Because the pulse stays at a higher level longer so it works better than the old technology.

IPL is most commonly used for hair removal and can be done on the face for lip, chin, neck and cheeks, as well as legs, under-arms, arms, bikini line, back and shoulders. It cannot however, be used for your eyebrows. Why? Because the head of the IPL machine is just too big and it can be dangerous being so close to the eye. 

IPL is not Laser. They are two different machines that work differently but to the same effect. Lasers are medical machines that should only be used by a medically trained physician. Is a beauty salon saying they have a laser machine? I would question that. 

 

How does IPL work?

The light emitted during the flash is absorbed by the melanin, the pigment responsible for your hair colour, the light is then converted to thermal energy that destroys the hair by cauterising the vessels which nourish the hair follicle thereby stopping the hair growth.

Older machines were described as flicking an elastic band repeatedly at your skin which hurt, whereas these new machines are a lot less painful. Some areas you will feel more intensely, but nothing like the pain you used to have to put up with – hooray!

What’s more, this new machine can now get rid of blonde hair and be used on darker toned skins (it couldn’t before). It still however, won’t work on white or red hair because the hair has no pigment.

 

What type of IPL machine is used?

At Beauty at Ab Fab, I use the E>O75. It is made in France by a world leader in medical IPL machines and has a total of 12 stages of security measures to guarantee a purely professional treatment.

The device also adheres to the strictest regulations and has been certified with Medical CE as well as TGA registered.  

While still an expensive machine, an IPL machine isn’t as expensive as a laser machine, making treatment prices much more affordable.

When is the best time to have IPL done?

As it’s a light treatment, the best time of year to start is winter when you are less likely to be out in the sun. Yes, it’s particularly important to wear extra sunblock post IPL treatments as the area must not get burnt – another reason winter treatments are easier.

For IPL to work effectively, the hair has to be at “adult stage” of growth. This is when it’s about to fall out and regrow, which why you need to have treatments at regular intervals to be able to efficiently treat the hair.

6-8 treatments at 6 weekly intervals is recommended to get the hair at the correct stage of growth. This is the same for any hair removal treatments like electrolysis, for example.

You will see a decrease in the hair regrowth almost immediately. Then 8-21 days later the hair will fall out. As the sessions go on, you will see the hair become finer and less dense. 

How long does IPL take?

Usually, IPL takes about the same time as it would have the area waxed.

Do you have to do anything to prepare for IPL?

You have to shave the area to be treated on the morning you are having your IPL treatment. If you don’t want to shave, you can use a hair removal cream but do that the day before your IPL treatment.

At Beauty at Ab Fab in Maylands, Perth I provide professional IPL services for men and women. So, if you want to get rid of your unwanted hair, for good, come and visit my salon today.

Mention this blog when you book and purchase two IPL treatments and get your third treatment free! This special is only available until the 1st of June, so you’d better get in quick!

Book in at Beauty at Ab Fab Maylands today.