Originally IPL Hair Removal, or Intense pulsed light hair removal came about through the development of a flash lamp that was approved by the Federal Drug Administration in 1997.
This was used as a treatment for certain medical conditions other than hair removal and one of the side effects of the procedure was hair loss. Even though both hair removal methods use light to kill the root system in hair that is treated, there are differences between laser hair removal and intense pulsed light hair removal. Intense pulsed light hair removal (IPL) uses specific wavelengths of light optimized for absorption by the pigmentation in the hair and minimizing damage to the skin.
Laser methods are ineffective if the hair has no pigment such as white and gray. Red hair is also not a color that will absorb laser light unless it has some brown in it. The laser technician may require a test pulse or two to determine the effectiveness of treatment for your particular color red. Light hair can be treated with IPL if enough pigment is in the follicles. IPL is effective when treating lighter hair colors than the other laser methods. White, gray and red hair will have to be treated with other methods, such as electrolysis or waxing. Dying light hair a darker color does not help to make the laser process work with the technology and equipment available at the present time.
People who have epilepsy should not be treated with lasers for hair removal as the pulsing light can induce seizures. Women who are pregnant should stay away from laser treatments to protect the unborn child from the laser light. Laser specialists also caution against tanning either in the sun, a tanning booth or from a bottle prior to the IPL treatment and for a few days after treatment.
Like all laser hair removal treatment methods, IPL treatments are often multiple treatment deals, to effectively remove hair from the desired area. Intense pulsed light hair removal treatments are scheduled every 6 weeks for the duration of the treatment time frame. It is estimated that between 54 and 77% of hair will be removed in about 6 months. To make a comparison, it takes electrolysis treatments between one and four years to completely remove a beard.
Prior to an IPL hair removal treatment, you will be required to shave cleanly. IPL can only be performed when the hair is short. Most clinics will charge you an additional fee if you are not shaven when you arrive for your appointment.
Intense pulsed light hair removal lasers are available with combined radio frequency (RF) benefits such as clearing up complexions and improving skin texture. Radio frequencies heat the skin slightly and encourage the production of collagen to create firmer skin tissue, making this technology beneficial for anti aging treatment.
When comparing costs for the different types of laser hair removal costs, intense pulsed light hair removal treatment is the lowest cost of all. That is due to the IPL method being able to treat larger areas in less time than the other methods. If you were to compare the cost of Intense pulsed light hair removal to other hair removal methods such as electrolysis and waxing over a 10 to 20 year period, you will find IPL to be the most cost effective method of all.
Intense pulsed light hair removal is just as safe as other types of laser methods, as long as the laser technician is properly trained and certified to do the job. Misuse of the laser and laser equipment can result in skin damage such as burning and scarring, damage that is not always able to be corrected. Before choosing a clinic and laser technician for intense pulsed light hair removal do not hesitate to see the certifications of the facility and staff. Reputable facilities will have no problem providing that information.
All types of laser hair removal will remove hair permanently in some cases, but in cases where hair is left, it will grow in much finer requiring shaving less often. It is not uncommon for someone who has undergone intense pulsed light hair removal to find they only have to shave once a month or every few months rather than shaving every day.
There is some discomfort associated with intense pulsed light hair removal. Some patients find the discomfort minimal while others find it intolerable. There are topical creams that can be used on the area of treatment to minimize any discomfort the patient might feel. Most clinics recommend you try the first treatment without any creams to see how you do and decide if some measure of comfort is warranted.
