What is IPL Hair Removal?

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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.

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Is IPL Hair Removal Right for You?

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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.

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Reasons You Might Consider IPL Hair Removal

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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.

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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.

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Minimises ingrown hairs

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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.

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What to Expect During an IPL Hair Removal Treatment

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When you come  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.

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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.

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How Many Treatments Do I Need?

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Patience is essential when it comes to IPL hair removal. Hair grows in cycles, so multiple sessions are required to achieve significant results. Optimal results are typically obtained after 6-10 sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Maintenance sessions may also be required to keep hair growth in check.

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.

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Does hair grow back if you stop IPL hair removal?

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 IPL hair removal damages hair follicles to reduce hair growth, but it requires multiple sessions. If you stop before completing the full course, some follicles may not be treated effectively, allowing hair to regrow. Hormonal changes and hair follicle resilience can also lead to regrowth over time. However, any new hair growth may be lighter and finer than before, and maintenance sessions can help manage it.

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Results: What to Expect

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While IPL can significantly reduce hair growth, it does NOT guarantee permanent hair removal. Many users notice a significant reduction in hair density and thickness, making regrowth finer and lighter. Complete hair removal is uncommon, but the convenience of shorter grooming times and smoother skin makes IPL a popular option. 

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Is IPL hair removal permanent after 10 sessions?

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 IPL hair removal results can vary from person to person. Although most people see a significant decrease in hair growth after 6-8 sessions, claiming it to be completely permanent is misleading. After 10 sessions, hair growth is often finer and lighter, but factors like hair colour, skin type, hormonal changes, and the treated area can influence results. Additional sessions and maintenance treatments may be required for optimal results.

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How long does IPL hair removal really last?

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IPL hair removal results vary among individuals. Typically, it reduces hair growth for months to years. Permanent hair removal doesn’t guarantee any hair growth again. Factors like hair colour, skin type, and hormones affect the results. Touch-up treatments may be needed due to hormonal changes. Maintenance sessions are recommended to manage new hair growth.

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Permanence of Laser Hair Removal

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The answer is both yes and no. While IPL  treatments significantly reduce hair growth to the extent that you may no longer need shaving it doesn’t guarantee permanent elimination of all hair. Some regrowth may occur over time; however, this new growth tends to be finer and lighter in colour.

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Factors Influencing Results

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1. Hair Colour and Skin Type

2. Hair Growth Cycle

3. Hormonal Changes​

Maintenance: Key to Lasting Results

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Though not permanent, on its own, ongoing maintenance treatments can assist in managing any new hair growth. These follow-up sessions are usually less frequent. It may be required once a year or less often, depending on individual circumstances.

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How Testosterone Impacts IPL Hair Removal

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So, does testosterone directly affect the efficacy of IPL hair removal? Not exactly. The laser works by targeting the hair follicle’s melanin, so testosterone doesn’t interfere with the laser’s ability to destroy those follicles. However, testosterone does affect how quickly hair grows back between sessions.

Individuals with higher testosterone levels, such as men or women with hormonal imbalances, may notice that their hair regrows faster after a IPL  session. Areas that are more hormone-driven, like the chest, back, and face, could require more frequent treatments or touch-ups to achieve and maintain smooth skin.

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IPL Hair Removal for Those with High Testosterone Levels

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Laser hair removal remains a great option for people with higher testosterone levels, though it’s essential to set realistic expectations. You may need more sessions to see the desired results, and even after completing the treatment plan, touch-up sessions might be necessary. It’s not that the treatment becomes less effective, but rather that hormonal hair growth can be more persistent.

For women dealing with conditions like PCOS, IPL  hair removal can still offer significant benefits. However, addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance may also help in reducing the rate of hair regrowth. In such cases, working with an endocrinologist alongside your cosmetic technician may be the most effective approach.

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Post-Treatment Care and Side Effects

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Post treatment you may experience some redness, swelling or tenderness in the area, like sunburn. This shouldn’t last more than 24 hours.

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.

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Safety and Side Effects

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IPL hair removal is generally considered safe .There may be some side effects, such as skin irritation or slight changes in pigmentation. These are usually mild and short-lived. It’s important to note that serious complications like scarring or blistering are extremely rare. 

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Conclusion

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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.

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