Common Questions Asked About IPL Hair Removal
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is increasingly becoming a preferred option for individuals seeking fast, practical solutions for various skin concerns and hair removal. If you are looking to undergo IPL hair removal, you may be curious to know how it works, whether it is right for you or not, what to expect, and so on. Below are some frequently asked questions about IPL and their answers for you so that you can make an informed decision.
How Does IPL Hair Removal Work?
IPL is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment that uses broad‑spectrum light to target and break down certain pigments in the skin. Remember that lasers emit light that is monochromatic - concentrated at a specific wavelength. On the other hand, IPL emits a broad spectrum of light, using multiple wavelengths simultaneously. Therefore, IPL is used to address various skin problems.
During the procedure, IPL emits pulses of broad-spectrum light that target the melanin in hair follicles, suppressing future hair growth. The melanin in the hair absorbs concentrated light. This intense heat destroys the hair follicle, leaving the surrounding skin unscathed.
Why is Plucking Deterred During IPL Hair Removal?
Plucking hair before or between IPL treatments is discouraged. This is because the light is absorbed by the hair’s melanin, acting as a passage that converts the energy into heat and directs it down to the follicle, destroying the hair-producing cells. Though plucking removes hair from the external layer of skin, the inner hair root remains intact underneath the surface. The IPL treatment can detect this.
IPL Hair Removal
Plucking often gets rid of the entire hair from its follicle, even within the skin. This implies that without the hair shaft, the light cannot channel its energy down to the follicle, preventing the removal of the follicle. Therefore, the hair will regrow.
Can IPL Hair Removal Reduce Ingrown Hair?
Ingrown hairs are painful and annoying little bumps which occur after hair removal techniques, such as tweezing, waxing, and shaving. Ingrown hairs occur when the hair breaks near the skin’s surface, causing the tip to curl back into the skin instead of growing outward.
While there is no proof that IPL therapy can completely eliminate existing ingrown hair, it can definitely prevent the growth of ingrown hair. The procedure targets the hair follicles, and the existing hair is entirely shed. Hence, there will be no presence of broken hair and ingrown hair.
Can a Man Have IPL Hair Removal?
IPL hair removal effectiveness relies mainly on the amount of melanin - color-producing pigment - in the body. The efficacy of this treatment is not influenced by gender, making it suitable for men and women. Men have large bodies with thick skin and hair, so they might require more sessions, but the procedure will work in the same manner for both men and women.
Is IPL Hair Removal Suited for All Hair Colors and Skin Tones?
The working mechanism of the IPL hair removal device is determined by the amount of melanin pigment present in the body (hair and skin). The effectiveness of the IPL device will be more on the treated area if the melanin concentration is high. If a person has dark skin, the IPL hair removal machine may produce more heat than needed and burn the skin. Thus, none of the IPL devices are considered suitable for dark skin, but some of the devices are available to use for up to Skin Tone 5. Moreover, IPL treatment is not effective on hair colors like blonde, gray, or ginger due to their low levels of melanin.
How Long Do the Results of IPL Hair Removal Last?
IPL procedure eliminates hair follicles present in the skin, but the hair can regrow as the follicles regenerate. Usually, hair starts to regrow between 6 and 12 months after IPL treatment, at which point a top‑up session might be required. For some individuals, the body stays smooth and hairless for a year or more. However, the hair will eventually regrow and a person will need a top-up session from time to time.
What Happens If I Quit IPL Treatment Early?
Stopping the IPL treatment after one or two sessions is certainly not desirable. Usually, the results become noticeable after the third session. If you are undergoing permanent hair removal, full treatment should be continued.
Is It Okay to Shave Between IPL Treatments?
Shaving between IPL therapies is a good way to manage the regrowth of hair and keep unwanted hair minimal during and after the treatments. This is beneficial than waxing or plucking, which would rather hurt the results. Though you should avoid shaving before the session, shaving a week before can be helpful to get rid of any longer hairs. This will also allow the hair follicles to be targeted in an effective way.
How Many IPL Treatment Sessions Do I Need?
It depends on the hair growth cycle. As per clinical studies, you may need 6 to 10 sessions, with two sessions conducted at a gap of 4 to 6 weeks. The results can vary depending on the hair type and skin type. People with thicker and coarser hair will need more sessions.
How Often Should I Utilize an IPL Hair Removal Device to Sustain Results?
When you begin with an IPL procedure, you may require 1 or 2 sessions every week. Finally, you will need one session every month. Once you have completed all your procedures, you might require a top-up every 3 to 6 months.
IPL Hair Removal for Men
