Hair removal is a common chore for men and women. Whether you choose to shave, pluck, wax, sugar or thread your unwanted hair, or use messy and smelly creams, its a time consuming and sometimes expensive routine that most people would happily do without! Occasionally excess hair can cause real issues with body image and confidence. We are now in a position to offer you a permanent solution.
The IPL machine generates white light at a very intense level in very short bursts (nano-seconds). Because the hair is darker than the surrounding skin tissue, the light it selectively absorbed into the hair shaft, heating the hair and this heat dissipates into the surrounding hair follicle at the root. The follicle is irreparably damaged and the hair will eventually shed and not grow back.
It is a complex price list because we can treat so many areas! If you treat more than one area at a time, by buying a package deal, you save money. Prices are listed here
The treatment only works on hair that is actively growing, which is about 40% of your hair at any one time. You need to leave 4-6 weeks between treating the same area again.
If at the end of the course there are some persistent hairs left, we will offer further sessions at a significantly reduced rate.
The area to be treated must show 1-2 mm of stubble, so do not shave for 48 hours before. If you normally wax, sugar, thread, etc - please leave enough time for the stubble to grow back before coming for treatment. We need to be able to see the hair colour.
IMPORTANT - you cannot be treated if you are suntanned or have used a self tanning cream. The increased melanin in your skin will make you liable to burns. Please stay out of the sun for at least 6 weeks prior to treatment. This is for your safety.
Assuming you have completed the consultation and had a satisfactory test patch results, the technician will review your notes to make sure nothing has changed before we start. The skin is covered in a gel like that used for ultrasonic scans. Any moles or tattoos will be covered to protect them from the light.
The IPL head is placed gently against the skin and the technician works methodically over the area to ensure good coverage. They may draw a grid on the skin (with white eyeliner) on areas like legs to make sure no areas are missed. You will then experience a series of short bursts of light that feel like an elastic band snapping against the skin. It's not painful but it can feel a little sharp and might make you jump! That's a normal reaction.
Immediately after treatment there may be localised redness and slight bumping of the hair follicles - this is normal and means the treatment is working. The area will feel warm and we will offer Aloe Vera gel which is soothing and cooling. The area will cool down quickly and you will be able to go back to work or carry on as normal, although there may be some redness.
Long-term risks are rare but may include hypo-pigmentation (loss of the original skin colour, which is occasionally permanent and more likely with darker skin tones). Scarring is very rare but possible, especially with poor aftercare or if you failed to disclose a medical condition or medication at the consultation.
The hair follicles are damaged permanently so the hair does not grow back. The only way hair can "regrow" is if new follicles are formed, which can happen with some hormonal imbalances. PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) is present in up to 25% of women and 70% of suffers will experience hursutism and acne problems. We will ask questions about this at your consultation and discuss hair management options if you find yourself in this situation.
