How does it work?
There are a number of options for permanent hair-removal. Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, is a salon-based treatment using a high-energy beam of light to remove unwanted hair from pretty much any part of the body. The treatment involves use of a small hand-piece which emits brief flashes of a very powerful light. These light flashes are absorbed by the pigment in your hairs, where it’s converted to heat that then destroys the hair follicle. This means that w hair can grow from that follicle.
As the treatment is based upon the IPL being drawn to the dark pigment in the hair shaft itself, it’s not really suitable for very fair hair or for dark skin.
The treatment can take from 10 to 60 minutes depending on the area of skin being treated. A top lip for example would take only about 10 minutes, whereas having both full legs treated would take considerably longer.
Are there any side effects?
You may find that the area that has been treated is a little flushed, swollen or sore afterwards, but the degree of this sensation will depend on what area of your body you’ve had treated and usually disappears after a day or two. The person carrying out the treatment should be very careful to take you through all the possible side-effects before you start any treatment, so you are fully informed.
How long does it last?
Once a hair follicle is destroyed it cannot produce new hair. However, it is recommended that 6+ sessions are required to achieve a permanent reduction in hair growth, as not all follicles will be destroyed each time. Also, it may be that some follicles are in fact inactive at the time of the treatment and should these become active again you will see some new hair growth.
Does it hurt?
It can be a little uncomfortable, with a tingling or stinging sensation during the treatment. Again, this varies depending on what area of the body you’re having treated.
How much does it cost?
This varies from salon to salon, but on average treatment of a small area, such as a top lip, costs £60 and a larger area, such as a full leg, costs up to £400 per treatment.
Compare this to a lifetime of waxing or shaving however, plus the time you take out each day/week/month to de-hair yourself, and it’s not a bad investment!
For more information on Intense Pulsed Light in Cheshire
