IPL and Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal works by destroying the base of the hair follicle which is the source of new hair growth. A short burst of light energy is delivered onto the skin surface by the IPL beam. The melanin (colour pigment) in the hair absorbs the light and converts this energy into heat. If the hair is in it’s growth stage, the heat will travel down the hair follicle to the root and destroy the germination center preventing regrowth.

Hair grows in cycles, which means not all hair follicles are in the growth stage at the same time. It is essential that the hair shaft is present in the hair follicle for the treatment to be successful. A number of treatments are required to ensure that all hairs are treated effectively.

It is important that you cut or shave the area where you are having treatment for more effective results. Please do not wax, pluck or thread as this will remove the hair from the follicle that is being targeted.

An initial consultation is required and should take no longer than 30 minutes. In the consultation, the area of hair removal will be evaluated, the medical risks and benefits of IPL hair removal will be thoroughly explained to you. We will establish a price per treatment and will identify an approximate number of treatments necessary.

The IPL fires short pulses of light which can feel warm against the skin surface. We use a cooler prior to the treatment to lower the skin surface temperature ensuring that most of our clients experience no more than mild discomfort. After initial consultation and at your discretion we will require you to do a hair removal test patch, this is to check that the laser and your body will react in a positive way to the treatment – this will need to be carried out at least one week before the treatment starts. As long as there’s no adverse reaction after the test patch, then the hair removal treatment can continue.

IPL's work best on dark hairs on fair skin as the darker pigmentation in the hair absorbs the light more effectively. Unfortunately, light blonde, white and grey hair have little or no melanin and do not respond to an IPL treatment. Unlike laser treatments, which emit a specific wavelength, IPL works like a flash lamp sending out scattered wavelengths of light, making IPL very targeted. That also means it affects the pigment of your skin too so IPL only really works for those with fair skin and dark hair. 

Sessions can be anything between 10 minutes to 1 hour depending on the area(s) being treated.

On average 5-8 sessions which are needed every 4/6 weeks. The exact number of treatments will depend on hair colour, skin colour, hair density and hair growth cycle. Fairer hair or dark skin will require more treatments, your suitability will established during the consultation process. Top up treatments may be required each year following your completed course of treatments which is free of charge at Westend Laser Clinic. 

IPL hair removal is very safe as long as its performed by trained professionals on adequate machines. After the first session the treated area may feel hot and will probably be red or swollen. Do not use any perfumed products on the skin for 48 hours after treatment and when cleansing use a good antibacterial soap. Protect your skin from the sun for the first two weeks after treatment, then use sunblock for the following 6 weeks. Cold compresses or Aloe Vera gel will help to sooth the area, do not use ice packs direct to the skin.