IPL Laser Hair Removal
A broad-spectrum form of light-based hair removal
How laser hair removal works
IPL-based laser hair removal uses a light that heats the melanin in hair just enough to disable the follicle without leaving a burn.
The ideal target for laser hair removal is coarse, dark hair. Facial hair, especially fine hair, is more difficult to disable. Clients with gray, white, and blonde hair have no melanin in their hair follicles and are not good candidates for laser hair removal.
This treatment will disable a hair follicle that is in an active state of growth (see below). A good treatment will reduce 30% of the follicles. This is why a series of treatments (usually 8+) are required over a period of time, usually 4-10 weeks between treatments, depending on the area being treated.
Although the cost is different, IPL hair removal uses a very similar process to photorejuvenation. All information on what to do before, during, and after a photorejuvenation treatment also applies to a hair removal treatment.
The phases of hair growth
Hair growth involves three primary stages:
- Anagen (Growth Phase):
- Duration: 2-7 years
- Description: Hair is actively growing, firmly rooted in the follicle, receiving nutrients, and lengthening.
- Catagen (Transitional Phase):
- Duration: ~10 days
- Description: The follicle shrinks, and the hair bulb moves closer to the skin's surface.
- Telogen (Resting Phase):
- Duration: Several months
- Description: The hair eventually sheds, allowing new hair to grow in its place.
Laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen phase, when the hair contains the most melanin and has a strong connection to the follicle. Because only a portion of hair is in the anagen phase at any time, multiple treatment sessions are necessary.
Enhancing hair removal results
To maximize the effectiveness of laser hair removal:
- Adhere to your treatment schedule. Treating unwanted hair at a regular interval helps ensure it will be targeted as it enters the anagen phase.
- Minimize sun exposure. The closer the color of your hair and skin are to each other, the less effective the treatment will be; tanning and sunburn should be avoided.
- Avoid hair-removal methods that pluck hairs, including waxing and threading. You can't heat a hair that isn't in the follicle!
An IPL hair removal treatment usually costs:
It depends on the treatment area; $125 is the minimum. If several areas are treated during one appointment, the price drops based on area, time, and number of pulses used.
Hair removal can be performed on most areas of the body, including the legs, arms, bikini and back.
Individual results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before and After
