IPL is generally safe when performed by a trained professional and when proper precautions are taken. Precautions include the non exposure to sun and no active sun tan for at least 3-4 weeks before and after treatment. A consultation is needed prior to treatment to inform you of all safety precautions, possible adverse effects and rule out any contraindications. A patch test can be performed following the consultation if there is no contraindication.

The ideal patient is fair skinned with dark hair but there is much evidence to show that through carefully researched settings, results can be achieved for different hair and skin types. The darker the hair, the more easily it is treated, as darker hair contains more melanin and will heat up more easily. For grey or white hair, the treatment may not be as effective because grey/white hair has no melanin. For darker skin, it may take more sessions to achieve the desired result as the intensity of the beam will have to be reduced as the melanin in your skin will absorb more light energy and feel more heat.

The area to be treated is cleansed and shaved prior to the session. It is important to shave the area beforehand to ensure that the light energy is focused on the hair follicles rather than the surface hair. Protective eyewear is worn by the client and the therapist.A cooling gel is applied to protect the skin to enhance the contact and the transmission of light energy between the IPL device and the skin. The IPL device is then placed on the skin, and flashes of intense light are emitted. The light energy is absorbed by the melanin pigment present in the hair shaft. Our IPL device from AW3 has a built-in cooling system to minimise discomfort during the treatment. The process is repeated, moving the IPL device across the treatment area in a systematic manner. Multiple pulses of light are delivered to ensure thorough coverage of the desired area. After the session, any excess gel is wiped off, and a soothing lotion or cream may be applied to the treated area to minimise redness or discomfort.

As heat is produced in the hair follicles, you may feel a sensation similar to the snap of a rubber band from the IPL handset. As an indication, the level of sensation should be around a 6 to 7 on a scale of 0 to 10 to get the best results from your treatment, although some areas of the body are more sensitive than others. Patients with thicker and darker hair may feel the tingling sensation more, but The Crystal Freeze inbuilt cooling system on our IPL handset allows for a more comfortable treatment. Your therapist will adjust the settings according to your level of sensation.

It's important to note that multiple IPL sessions are typically required to achieve the desired results. Hair grows in cycles, and IPL is most effective during the active growth phase. Therefore, several sessions are usually scheduled a few weeks apart to target different hair follicles at various stages of growth. The amount of treatments required will vary from person to person and also the treatment area. For most people an average of eight to ten sessions are required to permanently reduce hair in the bikini or under arm area. Various factors that come into play with the number of treatments such as the colour of your hair and skin, as well as factors such as hormone levels, hair follicle size and hair cycles.

Depending on the individual, hair follicles are damaged by heat but the hairs remain in the follicles. The hairs will fall out after 1-3 weeks. During this period, the hairs will seem to “grow” as they are pushed out by the new epidermis. After treatment the hairs are loose in the follicle and can sometimes be easily pulled out with tweezers or by simply exfoliating. Most people experience some mild redness and tenderness in the treated area shortly after treatment. This does not interfere with normal activities and usually subsides within a day.

After treatment, prevent sun exposure by applying sun block SPF 30 or above. In the first few days after treatment, don’t scrub with abrasive skin cleansers or expose the treated areas to excessive heat; don’t use Vitamin A or glycolic acid products on the area for approx 48 hours. The Therapist will also advise you of any additional precautions and you will be given a post IPL care sheet.

As your hair grows between sessions, you will notice that the treated areas get patchier and that the hairs are thinner and lighter. The more sessions you get and the more you will see the results. Male clients typically need more sessions than females as male hormones are designed to promote hair growth. They might need maintenance sessions to treat potential regrowth.