IPL Hair Reduction

Because the treatment relies on absorption of light by melanin, there needs to be more melanin in the hair than in the surrounding skin. This means that light blonde, red, grey or white hairs do not respond. IPL works best on brown hair. We are able to treat all colours of skin, as long as the hair is darker than the skin.

A large number of hairs can be targeted in one flash of light. Treatment of the upper lip takes approximately 1 minute, whereas a back may take up to 30 minutes.

Every hair has a life cycle; it grows for a period of time, falls out, rests and then starts to grow again. Only hairs that are growing can be treated – so you need to repeat the treatment at regular intervals until all the hair follicles in that area have been treated while growing. The length and timing of the growth cycles are affected by numerous factors such as body site, hormone levels and age. Clinical studies have shown that typically 3-6 treatments are needed, and the intervals between treatments are 1-3 months.

It is important not to pluck, tweeze, wax or use hair removal creams during the 4 weeks before treatment. This ensures as many hair follicles as possible contain a hair that can be destroyed. It is also important to avoid tanning (sun, solarium or self-tanning products) before and during the treatment period. Otherwise your tanned skin will absorb the light instead of your hair. It is also recommended to use sunscreen (SPF30 or higher) every day following your treatment.

While tolerance of pain is very individual, no anaesthetics are required. Most people describe the sensation as practically pain-free, similar to that of an elastic band snapping on to the skin. A cool airstream can be used to increase your comfort if required.

IPL treatments are generally perceived to be simple beauty treatments, however this is not the case and outcomes vary depending upon the quality of the IPL machine and the experience of the therapist. In addition, serious potential complications can arise if information is withheld at the time of consultation.

Here at SkinBox, our knowledgeable and experienced Dermal Therapists use a high quality Nordlys® Ellipse IPL machine. Prior to your first treatment, you will be offered a complimentary consultation, which may involve a patch-test to allow an accurate assessment of your skin’s response, even if you have previously had IPL elsewhere.

Potential complications of IPL treatment include:

• Prolonged redness and swelling.
• Darker patches of pigment on the skin (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), which can last for up to a year.
• Paler patches on the skin (hypo-pigmentation), which can last for up to a year or be permanent.
• Blistering of the skin.

• Recent sunburn or unprotected sun exposure
• Pregnancy
• Recent use of depilatory creams, waxing or tweezing (hair removal only)
• Epilepsy or seizures triggered by flashing light
• Infection, dermatitis, ezcema or cold sores within the treatment area
• Certain medications

Read the advice for consumers on the ARPANSA website.

The cost of IPL hair removal depends upon the surface area being treated. Please check our Price List for up to date costs.