Intense pulsed light (IPL) facial hair removal is a great option for many women, especially those who are tired of plucking, waxing and wincing their way through other treatments. Similar to laser, IPL hair removal emits short, hot pulses of light that filter through the skin and impair the hair-producing follicle. Typically after several treatments, the follicles in the treated area no longer produce any hair. The even better news is that many areas on the face can be treated in a matter of minutes, including the upper lip and eyebrows. Each IPL pulse takes less than a second and can treat many hairs at the same time, in an area approximately the size of a small coin.
It may sound a little scary, but IPL treatments are safe, precise, and at Hairfree completely painless! Intense pulsed light specifically targets hair without damaging any of the surrounding skin. Of course, these treatments should only be performed using quality equipment and by certified and experienced staff. Nonetheless, there are a few things you should prepare and expect for before, during and after your IPL facial treatment.
Preparation
Be certain to thoroughly check the credentials and qualifications of the therapist you decide on. IPL and laser treatments are classed as medical procedures, and should only ever be performed by a qualified professional. After you have confirmed this, stop all other hair removal on the area you are having treated for six weeks prior to your first appointment. This is especially important for plucking and waxing, which temporarily remove the hair roots that IPL treatments target. You should also limit sun exposure during those six weeks, as it can affect the efficacy of IPL treatments. This can be difficult for facial treatments, so be certain to apply plenty of sunscreen to your face and neck.
During Treatment
If it is your first session at Hairfree, you will have a short consultation beforehand during which your therapist will determine the number of sessions you will need in order to get the best results. You should also expect your hair to be trimmed to just a few short millimetres before your treatment begins, and your therapist will adjust the IPL equipment based on your hair colour, density and location, as well as your skin colour. A light cooling gel will also be applied to the area being treated. During the treatment, you will feel some mild warmth while the light pulses are applied to your skin. This is nothing to worry about, as Hairfree only uses pulsed light, not radiation, UV rays or anything else of the like. For most facial treatments, you should be finished within a matter of minutes.
After Treatment
Once your treatment is completed, you may experience some mild redness on the treated area, but this will quickly disappear. Cool packs and moisturisers can alleviate any other unlikely discomfort. You can book your next session for four to six weeks later, depending on the treatment plan your therapist recommends, but most people typically need between six and ten sessions to achieve permanent hair removal.
There is no recovery period necessary after your treatment, you can get right back to your day straight afterwards!