You’ve most probably heard about IPL hair removal but how much do you really know about this treatment? In this blog I’m going to share everything you need to know about hair removal treatments at Christchurch Derma Spa Skin Clinic, including what IPL is, how it works, why you might want to consider hair removal and more.
What is IPL Hair Removal?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal is a light-based treatment that reduces your hair growth over time. Traditional laser hair removal used just one wavelength of light, whereas IPL uses a broader spectrum of light, making it more effective.
The light emitted from the IPL machine targets the hair follicles, not the hairs themselves. This light is absorbed by the pigment in your hair follicles, damaging them and preventing hair from regrowing.
IPL hair removal is an effective way to discourage hair growth in many areas of the body, leaving you with hair free skin.
Reasons You Might Consider IPL Hair Removal
We regularly carry out IPL Hair Removal treatments for both men and women, and not just for aesthetics reasons. There are lots of reasons patients choose hair removal including:
Convenience and saving time
Other hair removal methods such as shaving require regular upkeep. Many clients have to shave daily or several times a week to be hair free. Imagine the time you can save without having to do that.
Boost in Confidence
Excessive hair growth can be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness for some clients. Particularly in areas like the face, arms, or back, where modern beauty standards make it harder to embrace excess hair. Having a more permanent hair removal treatment can boost your confidence by eliminating the hair you feel embarrassed by.
Minimises ingrown hairs
For people who are prone to painful or unsightly ingrown hairs, IPL can help reduce this issue as it targets the hair follicle directly, preventing regrowth in a way that minimises irritation.
Reduces Risk of Skin Irritation
Regular shaving or waxing can lead to skin irritation, razor bumps and even cuts. Going hair free with IPL can eliminate these problems, which can be particularly bad for those with sensitive skin.
Perfect for Those with Active Lifestyles
If you lead a busy, active lifestyle (whether that’s frequent gym sessions, swimming, or travelling), IPL can make your grooming routine much simpler, ensuring you’re always ready for action without the need to think about hair removal.
Medical Reasons
For some individuals, conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) cause excess hair growth, which can be distressing and really knock your confidence. Those with PCOS often carry tweezers with them and pluck hairs on their face throughout the day. IPL hair removal can help manage this hair over time, giving you your confidence back.
What to Expect During an IPL Hair Removal Treatment
When you come into Christchurch Derma Spa Skin Clinic for an IPL Hair Removal Treatment, you will be asked to shave the area to be treated, prior to your appointment. For IPL to work at it’s best, your hairs can be no longer than 1mm. This is so the light can travel cleanly down the hair shaft into the follicle.
You will be asked to remove your clothing in the area that you are being treated and then lay down on the treatment table. You’ll get to put on some funky “sunnies” to protect your eyes and I will apply a cooling gel to the treatment area.
I will test the treatment area with the laser and fine tune the settings to suit your skin and hair type. Once I am happy we have the optimum settings for your hair and skin, I will use the handheld laser device to deliver the pulses of light to the area we’re treating.
During the treatment your skin may feel warm, and you could experience a slight tingling sensation. Sometimes it can feel as much as the flick of an elastic band. This feeling doesn’t linger, and most patients feel not much more than a bit of heat. The sensation you feel when having this treatment can vary from area to area. Some clients find one area on their body totally fine with barely any sensation, and another area could be more sensitive. I will always check that you are ok with the treatment, and we can take a break if needed, however this is very rarely needed.
Depending on the size of the area we are treating, the session can take anywhere between a few minutes to an hour.
Once your treatment is complete, I will remove the gel and you’ll be ready to go. There is no downtime after this treatment, so you can resume daily activities straight away.
How Many Treatments Do I Need?
IPL Hair Removal isn’t a one and done treatment. Your hair grows in cycles and to target all the hair follicles in the treatment area, we need to repeat the treatment over time. I typically recommend six sessions of laser to get the best possible results.
If you have less than a consistent course of six sessions, it’s likely you will experience hair regrowth and need to start a course again in the future. So, once you start, it really is best to complete the course.
Post-Treatment Care and Side Effects
Post treatment you may experience some redness, swelling or tenderness in the area, like sunburn. This shouldn’t last more than 24 hours but if you are concerned, please contact the clinic.
You should avoid sun exposure on the treated area, as much as possible for at least two weeks following treatment because your skin will be more sensitive to UV light. This is why I recommend starting a course of laser treatments as we come into Autumn or early in the year. This allows you to have a full course of treatments before the sun becomes stronger and you start holidaying.
Is IPL Hair Removal Right for You?
IPL Hair Removal can be a great option for long term hair reduction in lots of people, but it isn’t suitable for everyone. IPL works best on people who have lighter skin tones and darker hair. This contrast allows the light to effectively target the pigment in your hair follicle, making it more successful.
We also wouldn’t recommend IPL for those with certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, or for people who are pregnant or taking medication that makes the skin sensitive to light.
The best way to find out if it’s right for you is to book a consultation in clinic so we can review your skin together.
Conclusion
IPL hair removal is a highly effective, long-term solution for unwanted hair, offering smoother skin and fewer ingrown hairs compared to traditional hair removal methods, such as shaving or waxing.
With the right number of sessions and proper aftercare, IPL can significantly reduce hair growth, making it a popular choice for those looking to simplify their lives.
If you’re considering IPL, please book a consultation so we can discuss your options.