The TRUTH about IPL Hair Removal - The Beauty Clinic (2024)

FAQs

The TRUTH about IPL Hair Removal - The Beauty Clinic? ›

“I will NEVER EVER have any hair after IPL hair removal”

Other reported side effects include edema, bullae, hematoma, crusting, hyper- or hypopigmentation, leukotrichia, scarring, keloid formation, and infection.

IPL treatments, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology, show that people get 83.3% less hair growth after one month and 78.1% less after three months. Results can last for years or even permanently. This makes IPL an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy long-lasting smoothness.

The hair will grow back over a long period of time – so it's not 100% permanent, but the expensive, long-lasting hair removal treatment offers almost-permanent hair removal after a series of repeat visits.

Many people report they achieve permanent hair reduction after just a few treatments. However, some people may require touch-ups every few years to keep those hair bulbs from sprouting out new follicles. IPL hair removal treatments are a great way to achieve long-lasting results without the hassle of shaving or waxing.

IPL is safe for most people but is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women and people who are on blood thinners, for example, should avoid IPL. Other factors that make people unsuitable for IPL treatment include: currently or recently taking the acne drug Accutane.

One of the most significant concerns associated with IPL treatment is the risk of burns or skin discoloration, particularly in people with darker skin tones. This risk stems from the procedure's reliance on light absorption, which can lead to excessive heat in areas with higher melanin concentrations.

IPL hair removal is a progressive treatment that offers full body hair removal - but you can use IPL to treat separate areas, such as your arms, legs, or pubic area, depending on your individual needs.

In our experience we've found electrolysis produces much better results in these hormonal areas. Meanwhile, IPL/Laser treatment is highly effective for the right skin and hair type on non-hormonal areas such as legs, arms, underarms and bikini line.

If shaving, plucking or waxing just aren't cutting it when it comes to hair removal, then IPL — aka “intense pulsed light” — is worth considering. The most advanced hair removal method you can use from the comfort of your own home, it works by stopping the hair cycle in its tracks to prevent regrowth.

How does hair fall out after IPL? ›

After IPL hair removal

The hair will appear to grow (though very slowly) for 2 to 4 weeks and should then fall out; this is the treated hair being pushed out of the follicle, not new growth. Any hair that does not fall out was either too fine, too light, too deeply rooted or possibly wasn't treated.

Using IPL too often can be ineffective and painful. IPL is most effective while your hair is in the growth phase –if you treat your skin multiple times a week, your hair can become dormant and IPL treatment won't work as well. Additionally, while IPL is a gentle treatment, too much of it can be a bad thing.

IPL hair removal devices and in-clinic laser treatment will put your hair follicles in a state of dormancy, but eventually, hair will grow back finer and fewer, regardless of your choice of hair removal treatment.

When using IPL, you'll need to shave less and less as your treatments go on. As the hair follicles will be empty, you'll notice fewer ingrown hairs and less stubble 'shadow'. IPL treatment helps to smooth out the texture of your skin, whereas waxing or threading can cause inflammation.

After a single session of laser hair removal, some hair will grow back. However, it will be finer and lighter than before. For optimal results, patients usually undergo multiple sessions. Each session leads to a greater reduction in hair regrowth.

After about 6 sessions 70% of hair is usually permanently removed. We put a treatment plan in place for you and schedule a treatment every 4-8 weeks, depending on the area, until satisfactory results are achieved. However, you may need a maintenance treatment yearly, or every 3-5 years depending on your hair follicles.

One of the most common side effects of IPL treatments is a slight redness in the treated area. This is primarily due to the continuous exposure to heat during the procedure, which can cause minor skin damage similar to a light burn. However, this side effect is usually temporary and can be easily managed.

People with tanned or darker skin tones may not be good candidates for IPL procedures. Other treatments, such as RF microneedling, might provide a safer, more effective option. Patients with deep wrinkles, severe acne, or deep scars may find that laser treatments might produce better results.

Side effects of IPL hair removal

These include: Skin sensitivity. Mild discomfort or pain, such as stinging or feeling like you have a sunburn. Skin discoloration, such as slight redness.

Who Is Not a Candidate? People with tanned or naturally dark skin are not necessarily good candidates for IPL because there's a risk that the skin pigment could change after treatment. Anyone taking Accutane should not consider an IPL treatment until at least six months after they stop using the drug.