The IPL device emits specific wavelengths of light when pressed against your skin. This light is attracted to a target in your skin which converts to heat to absorb the target – the dark pigment in your hair. This then damages the hair follicle & prevents future hair being produced. 

IPL hair reduction achieves the best results for people with fairer skin and darker hair. If the hair is significantly darker than your skin colour, you should be suitable for treatment. Remember if your naked eye cannot distinguish between the difference in colour, then a laser or IPL device cannot either.

Blonde, red, grey or white hair cannot be treated as it does not contain melanin or colour.

You will NOT be suitable for IPL Hair Reduction treatments if any of the following applies to you:

• Very dark skin
• Recent sunburn
• Unprotected sun exposure or solarium use 4 weeks prior to treatment
• Application of fake tan within 3 weeks of treatment
• Use of melanotan injection
• Pregnancy
• Epilepsy
• Weakened immune system
• Active infections
• Roaccutane use in the last 6 months
• Use of photo-sensitising medications.
• Pace maker, facial threads, surgical implant or metal implants
• Keloid or Hypertrophic scarring

We recommend planning for 6-10 treatments. The amount of treatments needed will vary client to client & is dependant on factors such as hair colour, skin colour, hormones, medications etc.

It is important to remember results will vary person to person & you must have realistic expectations. 

You will never be 100% hair free & no clinic or device can claim this either. You can expect a 70%-90% reduction in hair in the treated area after a course of treatments at the required intervals.

Some people may require an annual maintenance treatment

Hair grows in cycles so it is recommended that a treatment is completed every 4 – 6 weeks for facial areas and every 6-10 weeks for body areas, until the entire course is completed.

However your technician will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan if required.

We recommend clients adhere to their treatment plan, as a clients who miss an appointment or who leave a long period of time between treatments will not achieve optimum results.

We perform a Fitzpatrick skin assessment to ensure you are a suitable candidate for IPL Hair Reduction.

We will gather information about your skin, lifestyle, medications & health to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for IPL Hair Reduction.

You will also be given appropriate before & after care advice.

A test patch is also performed a minimum 48 hours prior to any treatment, this is to assess how your skin will respond to the IPL treatment & minimise the possibility of any adverse reaction – this is mandatory.

Your skin will be cleansed & gel will be applied to the skin. You will also need to wear the protective eye goggles supplied.

When you are ready, your therapist will count down and notify you when the gentle pulses of light are being performed. 

The IPL hand piece itself has an inbuilt chiller system to also keep your skin feeling cool & comfortable throughout the treatment.

During treatment you may feel a slight sting similar to that of a small elastic band to the treated area.

Treatments can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes depending on the area.

• Shave the hair the morning of your treatment using a clean razor for a close shave. 
• Do not wax or pluck hair 4 weeks prior to any IPL treatment as the hair follicle must be present.
• Keep out of the sun for 6 weeks before the treatment
• Wear a sunscreen (at least SPF30+) every day to protect your skin and to prevent any future UV damage.
• Avoid spray tanning 3 weeks prior to any IPL treatment.
• Avoid any irritating or fragranced products for 3 days before the treatment.
  
• You must advise your IPL technician of any medications you are using while undergoing IPL
  
• If you have a history of herpes in the area being treated, it is recommended that you take antiviral medication before IPL

Stubble will appear within 1-4 weeks of the IPL hair reduction treatment. This is not hair regrowth, rather, it is the treated hair being purged from the follicles.

You must allow this hair to fall out of the skin on its own.

Keep a mental note of how often you are shaving in between IPL treatments.

Redness and swelling of the skin & hair follicle is common and can last up to 48 hours after your treatment.

• Medi-Soothe should be applied for a minimum of 3 days after your treatment
• It is recommended that only mineral makeup is applied to the skin for the first 3 days after treatment.
• Avoid excessive physical activity, hot showers, pools, spas and saunas for up to 48 hours post treatment.
• When treating underarms, deodorant must not be applied for 12 hours post treatment.