IPL Hair Removal

No, though the look of the devices and method of treatment look pretty much identical – the difference is in the actual way they work. Whilst the laser method fires a single beam of light at a specific wavelength, the IPL method flashes light of a wider range of wavelengths that penetrate the skin at different depths. The advantage of the IPL method is that as the heads on the IPL device are emitting light up to six times the size of the single laser light the treatments are typically much faster. Laser devices like those found in some salons can typically fire a more intense beam than some IPL devices and therefore may result in more permanent hair-loss in short-term.

IPL treatment is not effective for people with red, grey or light blonde hair and should not be used at all if you have black skin as it can actually cause skin damage.

IPL treatment shouldn’t hurt or be too uncomfortable if you use the skin / hair colour guide (or inbuilt automatic sensor) to select the suitable light intensity setting for you. Some people describe the sensation of their IPL treatment) as like an elastic band being gently flicked against the skin and others as very faint pinpricks.

IPL Hair removal is not just for women and is in fact a very popular and effective way for men to remove unwanted body or facial hair without having to worry about shaving rashes or getting ingrowing hairs. It is also popular for the transgender market where permanent hair removal can naturally play a key part of the transition process.

IPL can be used to remove hair anywhere below your cheekbones as pointing the light around your eyes could potentially damage your vision (You can buy IPL safety glasses if you have concerns) but the rest of your body is pretty much fair game. IPL users find it an effective way of removing hair on the face, arms and armpits, chest and abdomen, back, legs and the bikini area without any ill effects.

The short answer is no. You should not use laser hair removal on a tattoo as you will not only damage the colour of the tattoo but you will also also risk seriously burning your skin and causing blisters. If you want to treat the area around a tattoo then you need to do so very carefully.

Excessive treatments probably won’t do you any harm apart from possibly leading to irritated skin. Every IPL hair removal system is slightly different and you should read their instructions which will typically give you all the advice you need.