Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) - Permanent Hair Reduction
What is IPL?
IPL is the process by which specific wavelengths of light are used to treat and remove, amongst others, unwanted hair, pigmented lesions and broken capillaries. The wavelengths of light convert to heat within the light absorbing target (hair/lesion) causing the structure to break down. Each wave length of light can target a specific structure thus preventing and damage to adjacent tissues and structures.
How does it work?
In order to remove hair effectively the hair needs to be in the active phase of growth, which is called the anagen phase.
Hair in this phase of growth contains the most melanin (colour) and are still attached to the dermal papilla.
Light absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle is heated until the proteins break down and the dermal papilla is destroyed, preventing the hair from growing back.
Only 30% of hairs are in the anagen phase at any one time, therefore a course of treatments are required to see a permanent reduction in hair.
What does it feel like?
IPL hair reduction treatment does not hurt. A cryo cooling handset is applied directly before IPL application and also directly afterwards, ensuring that comfort remains throughout the treatment.
The most you will feel, to my best description, is like the ping of an elastic band against your skin. Most people do not feel anything.
Who is IPL suitable for?
IPL works best on those with a skin type that is a Fitzpatrick scale 1-4 and has a hair that is darker than the skin tone. This is so that the melanin in the hair is easily determined over the melanin in the skin.
Patch test
Your first appointment with me will be for a patch test and consultation. During this appointment you will fill in forms that question you about your skin type and how it reacts to the sun/UV light, which will determine where your skin comes on the Fitzpatrick scale.
Your hair will be analysed for its colour and thickness.
You will then have your patch test, which will be two shots at different levels.
Full treatment will only go ahead if you have had a patch test and consultation.
Is IPL hair removal permanent?
You can expect between 75% and 90% permanent hair reduction.
We can, as therapists, never state permanent hair removal as there are always factors that come into play, such as hormones, that could cause your hair to grow back or new follicles to develop.
If you have a hormonal condition, it is recommended that you may need more maintenance than a client who has not.
Pre-treatment advice
It is important to follow strict pre-treatment advice to ensure that you get the best treatment possible.
8 weeks prior to treatment:
No waxing, plucking or threading for at least 8 weeks prior to treatment or during a course, this is to ensure all hairs are in the follicles.
4 weeks prior to treatment:
Do not expose the skin to UV light before or between treatments.
Do not use self tan before or between treatments, the skin has to be tan free.
1 week prior to treatment:
Avoid intense exfoliation, microdermabrasion or peels.
Please also:
Avoid swimming in strong chlorinated water immediately before or after treatment.
Avoid wearing tight clothing when attending treatment sessions.
Hydrate the body by drinking plenty of water
Protect the skin from sun exposure with suitable clothing and use sun block SPF 30+ before first treatment and between subsequent sessions but do not use sun blocking creams within 24 hours of scheduled treatments.
Aftercare
This will be discussed with you following your IPL treatment as it is important that you have an understanding of why you need to adhere to the advice. A sheet will also be given to you so that you can look back over the advice.
Would you love to book in for your patch test and consultation?
