IPL FAQ
Intense Pulsed Light, also known as IPL.
HOW DOES IPL WORK?
Light energy from IPL is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, which then turns to heat and destroys the hair cells.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE I START TO SEE RESULTS?
Most customers begin to notice a reduction of hair after just 3-4 treatments, with complete results after 12 treatments. However, results vary from person to person.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO USE IT?
We recommend using your handset once a week for the first 12 weeks. After this period use your handset once a month, for 3 months or until satisfied. To maintain hairless smooth skin, use your handset once every 2 to 3 months, or as needed. There is no need to use it more than once a week, as IPL is only effective in the growing phase of your hair cycle.
WHICH AREAS OF THE BODY CAN I USE IT ON?
You can use your handset on your entire body, including your Brazilian and face (just be sure to not get too close to your eyes).
DOES IPL WORK ON ALL HAIR COLOURS?
IPL relies on melanin in the hair absorbing the light energy, and therefore IPL is not effective on very light blonde, red, or grey coloured hair.
IS IPL SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TONES?
IPL is suitable for all but the darkest skin tones. This is because the light energy may be more attracted to the pigments in the skin rather than the melanin in the hair. Refer to the skin tone chart below to see whether or not IPL is suitable for you.
DOES IPL REMOVE HAIR PERMANENTLY?
You actually have to be careful when anyone claims ‘permanent’ hair removal as all forms of IPL hair removal require some maintenance, or eventually the hair will start growing back. After completing your initial sessions with our handsets you will only have to use your handset once every 3 months to maintain smooth, hairless skin.
DOES IPL HURT?
One of the biggest advantages of IPL is that it is far less painful than alternative methods of hair removal. Most customers explain the feeling as a warm sensation on the skin
IS IPL SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
Our handsets have been designed to be suitable for at home use, so they are gentle on skin. This means that it is suitable for sensitive skin types!
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM IPL?
When using the handset as recommended, side effects are rare. Redness and swelling is the most common side effect from IPL, which will quickly subside after treatment.
I HAVE PCOS. WILL IPL BE SUITABLE FOR ME?
IPL can definitely be used on hormonal hair growth, and has proven to be quite effective. Most PCOS customers have said this makes the hormonal hair regrowth more manageable as it doesn’t regrow as quickly. It also assists with minimising the appearance of shaver rash as you will not need to shave as often.
I HAVE EPILEPSY. IS IPL SAFE FOR ME TO USE?
IPL will not be suitable for you if you have epilepsy.
I AM PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING. CAN I USE IPL?
Although there is no evidence showing that IPL has negative effects on pregnant or breastfeeding women, we still don’t recommend using our handset as a safety precaution
CAN I USE MY IPL HANDSET OVER FRECKLES OR MOLES?
You should not IPL over very dark freckles or moles, however light freckles are fine.
CAN I USE MY IPL HANDSET OVER TATTOOS?
You should not IPL over tattoos. The light energy will be more attracted to the pigments in the skin, rather than the melanin in the hair which can cause a reaction in the skin and blister. You should always go around your tattoos.
DO I NEED TO SHAVE BEFORE USING MY IPL HANDSET?
Yes, you should shave the desired areas before using your handset. A close to skin shave is best recommended. The goal is for the light energy to reach the hair follicle as quickly as possible, so shaving beforehand is essential to achieve the best results. The hair follicle does need to be intact for IPL to be effective. This means no waxing, plucking, threading, epilating etc.
WHAT HAIR REMOVAL METHODS CAN I USE BETWEEN TREATMENTS?
Between treatments you should only shave when required. You should never wax, pluck, or epilate as these hair removal methods remove the entire root, which is what absorbs the light during the treatment.
CAN I USE MY IPL BEFORE OR AFTER SUN TANNING?
No. For the safety of your skin you will need to wait at least 2 weeks after intentionally sun tanning to ensure that your skin has resumed back to a healthy state and is not sun damaged. If you are sunburnt, do not use your IPL handset as you may experience an adverse reaction.
CAN I USE MY IPL AFTER FAKE TANNING?
No. You will need to remove and exfoliate all fake tan before using your IPL handset.
CAN I SHARE MY HANDSET WITH ANOTHER PERSON?
Yes, you can. This may decrease the lifetime of the handset per user. You should also always thoroughly clean the handset after each use.
DO I NEED TO WEAR EYE PROTECTION?
No, it isn't necessary to wear eye protection while using our handset. Our handsets are fitted with a sensor and will not flash unless the entire window is pressed against your skin. That being said you should never try and look directly into the light as it flashes.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY HANDSET?
Cleaning of the handset is advised after each use. You can use an alcohol wipe, or any antibacterial product to clean down the handset and the light window after treatment. Ensure your handset is powered off, and not plugged in before doing so. You should then store the handset in a cool, dry place after use (once the handset is completely dry).
IS IT NORMAL FOR THERE TO BE A FAINT BURNING SMELL WHEN USING MY HANDSET?
Yes, this is completely normal. As the light energy is heating the hair, you may smell a slight burning but this just means there may be some hairs that have not been shaved. Please ensure that you have prepped the skin correctly, and that the skin is completely shaved before starting your session.
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED AGE FOR USING IPL?
We advise that users of our handsets are 16 and older.
DO I NEED TO USE SUNSCREEN?
After you laser hair removal treatment, it is recommended to stay out of the sun because of your skin’s increased vulnerability to UV rays.
You want your skin to be as light as possible during your treatments, so don’t go tanning or forget to wear sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with an SPF 50 or higher for two weeks before and after each treatment.
BLACKENING IN THE LIGHT WINDOW. IS IT NORMAL?
As there is heat involved, slight blackening on/around the light window is normal and will not affect your handset, how it works or the results at all.
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