IPL is short for intense pulsed light. This technology has been in the market for more than a decade and effective in directing targeted rays at hair growth. IPL utilizes light energy to heat the skin, specifically targeting the melanin. The hair's root absorbs this light, effectively removing the source of unwanted hair. After several sessions, hair becomes lighter and less noticeable, eliminating the need for traditional root hair removal methods like waxing.
Since many devices are marketed as “IPL” but may not utilise the trademark technology of IPL, which can lead to inconsistent results, it is important to do your research to ensure you are getting quality treatment rather than being swayed by low prices and misleading claims.
To prepare for the treatment, our therapist will clean and sanitize the area to be treated before taking care to shave the area. The IPL handpiece is then applied to the skin to begin the treatment. After the treatment, a light moisturizer will be applied.
Shaving prior to an IPL treatment is recommended to ensure a more comfortable experience. While you can shave yourself on the day of the treatment, it is preferable to have the therapist assist with shaving. This allows us to assess hair density and identify the areas that may require more focused IPL treatment.
Before undergoing IPL hair removal, avoid sun exposure or sunbeds and apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (preferably SPF 50) if sun exposure is unavoidable.
To maximize results, refrain from plucking or waxing for 2–4 weeks before treatment and do not bleach the hair. Plucking, waxing, or bleaching can reduce treatment efficacy as the hair bulb must remain intact in the follicle for IPL to work effectively.
Instead of you shaving the treated area before your appointment, it is preferred to allow our therapists to assist with shaving to assess hair density and identify the areas that may require more focused IPL treatment and thereby, ensuring a more thorough hair removal treatment.
The FDA approved IPL equipment used is designed for use on sensitive areas without the need of additional lotions or gels. Unlike older laser machines, this equipment is more advanced than other systems and built to provide comfortable yet effective and safe hair removal.
After treatment, hair follicles are damaged by heat but the hairs remain in the follicles. These hairs will fall out after 1 -3 weeks. During this time, they may appear to "grow" as they're pushed out by new skin. These hairs can be easily removed with tweezers or through exfoliation.
Most people experience mild redness and tenderness in the treated area, which typically subsides within a day. In some cases, redness may last a bit longer but is still mild and temporary, usually subsiding within 24-48 hours.
While you may feel a slight tingling or light flick during flashes, most people tolerate the procedure very well. Individuals with thicker and darker hair may feel the tingling sensation more but never anything close to the pain you would experience when waxing or threading. The advanced equipment we are using is designed to deliver safe and effective hair removal with minimal discomfort.
The amount of treatments required will vary from person and the treatment area. Also, not all IPL devices deliver the same results. Since many devices are marketed as “IPL” but may not utilise the trademark technology of IPL, which can lead to inconsistent results, it is important to do your research to ensure you are getting quality treatment rather than being swayed by low prices and misleading claims.
At Deden, most people notice visible results after three to four sessions after weekly sessions as per required protocol. You can then expect further reduction for up to one year of smooth skin with monthly maintenance.
Although IPL hair reduction does not eliminate every hair follicle simultaneously, it can provide noticeable hair reduction over the course of a year. Since hair grows in different stages, not all follicles will be fully active during a single IPL session. As only hairs in their growth phase respond to light treatment, multiple sessions are necessary to achieve long-lasting, smooth skin.
Before your treatment:
Avoid suntanning, tanning booths, sunbeds, spray tans and all types of creams and lotions
Ensure there are no open wounds, broken skin, or enflamed areas on the skin you’re planning to treat to ensure you avoid irritation
Avoid intense exfoliation treatments, such as microdermabrasion, as this increases the risk of inflammation and side effects after your IPL hair removal
After your treatment:
Wear sunscreen with a high SPF to keep the skin protected
Don’t wear tight-fitting clothes after treatment as this can irritate your skin
Don’t use skin products that may irritate your skin, such as perfume, cleansers or exfoliators, for 24 – 48 hours after treatment.
Avoid hot showers, steam rooms and saunas
When melanin levels in the skin are higher, the IPL must adjust its light intensity to ensure the beam targets the hair follicle rather than the skin itself. Early IPL hair removal devices were often unsafe or ineffective for individuals with darker skin tones due to the lack of technology that could adapt the light intensity to different skin types. However, the device we are using can automatically adjust the light intensity to suit your skin pigmentation, whether you have fair, olive, or darker skin tones.
Prior to any treatment, we will provide a full consultation. A patch test can be done at our beauty salon, please contact us for more information.