IPL Permanent Hair Reduction

Our permanent hair reduction system utilises the latest Intense Pulsed Light technology (IPL) to safely and effectively destroy hair follicles at the treatment site, providing a long-term solution to unwanted, excess facial and body hair.

Light is selectively absorbed by melanin, the pigment in the hair follicle. The light energy heats the pigment and effectively destroys the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding cells.

Prior to treatment, a consultation is conducted in which a medical history is taken to confirm suitability for treatment. There is also an opportunity for any questions you may have to be answered and time a for small patch test to be carried out*. During treatment the Intense Pulsed Light handpiece is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released, which targets many hair follicles simultaneously. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area of skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. A thin layer of chilled gel is applied to help guide the light. Treatments can take as little as 10 minutes for a small area such as the upper lip up to 2 hours for full body treatment.

*£20 charge for test patch, redeemable against any IPL treatment

Most people are suitable for treatment, with the best results often achieved by clients who have fair skin and dark hair. Dark hair is more easily treated as it has a high concentration of melanin, whereas fair hair contains less melanin and is therefore harder to treat. Grey and white hair has no melanin so is not suitable for treatment.

The hair follicles that are damaged by the heat shed 1-3 weeks after treatment, as the epidermis renews. During this period the hairs may appear to ‘grow’ as they are pushed out by the new dermis. After a course of treatment hair will be permanently reduced with little-to-no hair regrowth at the treatment site.

Only hair that is actively growing during treatment will be destroyed, therefore multiple treatments are necessary. Treatment is conducted every 4-8 weeks, depending on the area to be treated, until a satisfactory result is achieved. The required number of treatments varies, but typically 6 or more treatments are required for optimum results.

Treatment sensation varies but is often described as a “flick of an elastic band”. Typically no anaesthesia is required and most clients describe the discomfort as moderate and tolerable.

The skin may be red immediately after treatment and the hair follicles may be swollen and bumpy but this usually subsides within a few hours. Adverse reactions are rare but may include a small blister or temporary lightening or darkening of the skin.