I see you coming: after your IPL session, you inspect your skin in search of results rather than noticeable hairs.
Disaster! The hair isn’t falling out. Worse still: new ones are appearing.
After spending time and money, you expect flawless results. After all, the internet and your friends have likely recommended this revolutionary hair removal method.
Don’t worry: IPL really is effective. You just have to do it correctly, use the best IPL devices, follow precautions, and understand how it works.
Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, this guide is for you. I’m going to answer your questions and provide not only answers but also effective tips to get those famous hairs to fall out after your IPL session!
Key Takeaways
For optimal results after your IPL hair removal:
- Planning is key: Schedule 6 to 10 sessions, or more, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, to see a significant reduction in hair.
- Exercise patience: Hairs typically begin falling out about 10 to 15 days after a session. This is mostly due to the hair growth cycle.
- Maintain your hair removal: Consider follow-up sessions to keep your skin smooth over the long term.
In short, consistency, patience, and careful adherence to your treatment plan are your best allies for successful hair removal!
Don’t miss this: Philips: My Review & Philips Lumea: my review of these IPL devices
How to make hair fall out after IPL?
IPL hair removal is a common treatment for reducing the growth of unwanted hair. Before undergoing this type of treatment, there are several guidelines you should follow before and after each session to ensure an effective pain-free IPL process.
1. Be Patient and Respect Your “Hair Cycle”
- Hair shedding after an IPL session is not instantaneous and can take between 1 and 3 weeks.
- Hairs will go through a phase where they seem to grow before falling out, known as the “shedding phase (telogen phase).”
2. Follow the Shaving Protocol
- Shaving 1 to 2 days before each IPL session is essential, as shorter hair is ideal for effective treatment.
- Resist the urge to shave between sessions and absolutely avoid other hair removal methods that pull hair at the root, such as waxing or tweezing, to avoid disrupting the hair cycle.
3. Stay Consistent with Your Sessions
- Be sure to follow a regular schedule of IPL hair removal sessions to target all hairs in their different stages of growth.
- Don’t skip follow-up sessions to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.
4. Optimize the Device Settings
- Make sure the device’s settings, like light intensity, are optimized for your skin and hair type.
- You may need a higher intensity if the hairs aren’t responding as expected, but always consult a professional to avoid any risk of burns.
5. Exfoliate Your Skin
- A gentle exfoliation can help release the treated hairs and encourage them to fall out.
- Use a gentle exfoliating sponge or body scrub 1-2 times a week to help hairs detach from the follicle.
- Tip: Wait a few days post-IPL before exfoliating to avoid irritation. Not only does exfoliation free trapped hairs, but it also leaves your skin soft and silky.
6. Prioritize Moisturizing the Skin and Hair
- Well-hydrated skin is more supple and facilitates the shedding of hairs after IPL.
- Choose a fragrance-free lotion or moisturizer post-treatment to keep the skin supple while avoiding possible irritation.
7. Avoid Pulling on the Hairs
- Avoid using tweezers or wax to pull out treated hairs.
- Let them fall out naturally to avoid irritating or disrupting the hair follicles.
8. Seek Professional Advice
- If you don’t see the expected results after multiple sessions, ask a professional or consult your IPL practitioner.
- They may offer additional advice or adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
9. Products That Help Hair Fall Out
- There are certain creams and topical solutions that may help slow hair growth between IPL sessions.
- Consult a dermatologist or hair removal professional before using these products to ensure they’re safe and compatible with IPL treatments.
- Read our article on which products to use after an IPL session
This may interest you: IPL during pregnancy, is it dangerous?
Why aren’t hairs falling out?
1. Skin and Hair Color
- Explanation: IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices target melanin, the pigment in the hair. Melanin absorbs light and converts it into heat, which then damages the hair follicle, inhibiting or delaying future hair regrowth.
- Effect & Impact: Darker hair and lighter skin tend to see the best results because the contrast allows the light to better target the hair. Those with darker skin or lighter hair may require adjusted settings to maximize effectiveness.
2. Type of IPL Device
- Explanation: Devices vary in terms of power, treatment window size, and available settings.
- Effect & Impact: Some devices are designed to adapt to a wider range of skin and hair types, while others may be less flexible or require extra caution for certain skin types.
3. Hair Density
- Explanation: Density refers to the number of hairs present in a given area.
- Effect & Impact: Areas with higher hair density may require more sessions or higher settings to effectively target all hair follicles.
4. Hair Thickness
- Explanation: Hair thickness determines how much melanin is available to absorb the IPL device’s light.
- Effect & Impact: Thicker hairs absorb more light, which may require adjustments to the treatment parameters and sometimes additional sessions to minimize regrowth.
5. Age
- Explanation: Age can influence hair density, color, and thickness, as well as skin sensitivity.
- Effect & Impact: Hormonal changes related to age can alter hair growth, potentially requiring adjustments in the treatment plan.
6. Sex
- Explanation: Hormonal differences between men and women affect hair growth, density, and location.
- Effect & Impact: Men often have thicker, denser hair than women, which may require different treatment settings and potentially more sessions.
7. Hormonal Fluctuations
- Explanation: Hormones influence hair growth, density, and texture.
- Effect & Impact: Hormonal changes during IPL—such as pregnancy or menopause—can affect hair regrowth, possibly requiring an adapted treatment plan.
8. Color of the Light Used
- Explanation: Different wavelengths of light are absorbed more effectively by different hair and skin colors.
- Effect & Impact: Some devices offer options to adjust the color/intensity of the light to optimize results for various skin and hair types.
9. Treatment Area
- Explanation: Some areas of the body may respond differently to IPL due to hair density or skin sensitivity.
- Effect & Impact: Sensitive or hard-to-reach areas might need specific settings or additional accessories.
10. Condition of the Skin
- Explanation: The skin’s health and condition can affect how it receives light and recovers post-treatment.
- Effect & Impact: Damaged or irritated skin may have an adverse reaction to treatment; it’s often recommended to wait until the skin is in good condition before starting your sessions.
12. Medications and Light Sensitivity
- Explanation: Certain medications can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light.
- Effect & Impact: People taking photosensitizing medications should discuss potential risks with a healthcare professional before beginning IPL treatment.
13. Hair Growth Cycle
- Explanation: Hairs go through different growth phases and are only susceptible to IPL treatment during the anagen phase.
- Effect & Impact: To catch all hairs in the anagen phase, multiple sessions spaced over time are typically required.
This may interest you: Is IPL carcinogenic?
How many sessions are needed for hair to fall out?
Generally speaking, the magic starts happening after multiple sessions:
- Plan on 6 to 10 sessions (sometimes more) to see a significant reduction in hair regrowth.
- Follow a treatment plan with sessions every 4 to 6 weeks. This allows us to target hair as it enters its active growth stage, working with its natural cycle.
Key points to remember:
- Expect to see hair fall out between 10 and 15 days after treatment. Be patient—it’s on its way!
- Understand that each hair has its own schedule. Some may be in a resting phase during your session and therefore won’t be affected by the treatment.
Article to read: Can you use IPL when you have rosacea?
A must-read: Braun: My Review & Braun Silk Expert Pro 5: My Opinion
Making hair fall out after IPL: not that complicated!
Each of your IPL appointments is a crucial step towards skin as smooth as a pebble! Remember: treatment success doesn’t lie solely in the technology, but also in your commitment and the care you give your skin between sessions.
Even if results aren’t immediate or as swift as we’d like, every session moves you closer to your goal. When hairs remain stubborn after multiple sessions, it’s a sign you need more in-depth knowledge and refined strategies—this article will be your guide.
Hair doesn’t fall out by magic, but with determination, regular upkeep, and professional advice, your skin will gradually become smoother and less hairy. If that’s not the case, click here: your hair is growing back after IPL.
FAQ
Several sessions are generally required to achieve optimal results, and maintenance sessions may be necessary to maintain these results over the long term.
The key here is to take care of your skin and hair in order to help the hair‑growth‑reduction process as much as possible.
Although IPL can reduce hair growth through a popular method that targets hair follicles with short bursts of light, it is generally not a permanent hair‑removal solution.
