Intense pulsed light hair removal is a popular and generally effective method for reducing the growth of unwanted hair.
It works by emitting multiple wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the melanin, the pigment present in the hair. The light energy is converted into heat, thus damaging the hair follicle and slowing down hair regrowth.
Unfortunately, this method does not work for everyone! To help you choose the right device, it may be helpful to consult a comparison of IPL hair removal devices.
It’s not effective for everyone
There are several factors that can affect the effectiveness of IPL hair removal, including skin color, hair color, and the correct intensity setting for the device.
Skin Color
IPL may be less effective on very dark or very light skin. Darker skin tones contain more melanin, which can cause the skin to absorb more light and risk burns or pigmentation changes. On the other hand, very light skin may not contain enough melanin for the device to work effectively.
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Hair Color
IPL hair removal may be less effective on blonde, white, or red hair. These hair colors contain less melanin than brown or black hair, meaning they absorb less light from the IPL device.
Less heat is generated to destroy the hair follicles, making the treatment less effective.
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Adjusting the Device’s Intensity
If your device’s intensity is not properly set according to your skin type, you could end up with zero results, hair that won’t fall out or worse, burns or marks if the intensity is too high.
But don’t worry, most modern IPL devices feature skin sensors or intensity-setting guides to help you select the right setting for your skin and hair type.
User Guide: How to Use It?
- Prepare your skin: Before starting the treatment, ensure your skin is clean, dry, and free from any skincare products (oil, gel, cream…). Shave the area to be treated so the IPL device can more effectively target the hair follicles.
- Adjust the device’s intensity: Depending on your skin type and hair color, choose the appropriate intensity level on your IPL device.
- Position the device vertically on the skin: The tip of the IPL device must be in direct contact with the skin.
- Select the “continuous flash” mode: Most IPL devices offer a “continuous flash” mode that emits light pulses continuously as long as you hold down the button. This can make the treatment faster and easier, especially on larger areas.
- Slide the epilator over the area to be treated: Start at the bottom of the area and slide the device upward, making sure to cover the entire zone. Try not to treat the same area more than once during a single session to avoid excessive exposure to pulsed light, which could cause burns or other issues…
- Moisturize your skin after the treatment: After the treatment, your skin may be slightly red or sensitive. Apply a soothing cream or aloe vera gel to calm the skin.
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Patience Is a Virtue
IPL hair removal is not a definitive and instantaneous treatment for hair removal. It damages the hair follicles, which slows regrowth and, over time, can cause hair to fall out.
The process relies on the cyclical nature of hair growth, targeting hairs when they are in the active growth phase. However, not all hairs are in this phase at the same time, which is why multiple treatment sessions are needed to achieve optimal results.
Results are typically not visible immediately after a treatment session, but appear gradually over the following weeks.
Conclusion
If you are considering an IPL hair removal treatment, please learn about the skin types compatible with the IPL device you have in mind.
We recommend choosing a device that automatically adjusts to your skin type to simplify the process and help avoid side effects.
FAQ
Yes, after an IPL hair removal session, hairs should gradually fall out.
You may start to notice hair shedding between 1 and 3 weeks after a session. This depends on your hair growth cycle as well as the area of the body being treated.
Not all hairs will fall out at the same time, as each hair is at a different stage of its growth cycle at any given moment.
That’s why multiple IPL sessions are necessary.
Keep in mind that this hair removal method is not permanent. IPL helps slow down hair growth.
IPL hair removal works by targeting the hair follicles beneath the skin.
After a treatment, it’s generally recommended to wait a few days before shaving. This allows your skin to recover from the procedure and helps prevent irritation.
