Sought-after by men and women alike, IPL and its more advanced successor, SHR, are amongst the most popular permanent hair reduction methods on the market.
As with any hair removal procedure, a consultation will allow your Skin Therapist to determine the best way to treat the hair. Depending on your hair colour, texture, and skin type, you might be more suited for one of these treatments than the other.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for hair removal works by targeting hairs without causing thermal trauma to the surrounding tissue, which is why it is used for treating face hair in particular.
The emitted light is attracted to the pigment in the hair, which transfers heat down the shaft to the bulb of the hair. This heating action will damage the environment of the hair and slow growth of terminal (thick, strong, pigmented) hairs.
IPL can be very effective in achieving permanent hair reduction but is dependent on the colour of the hair, density of the hair and timing in between visits.
Our IPL hair reduction devices are fitted out with onboard cooling systems to ensure more comfortable and safe treatments.
Super Hair Removal (SHR) is the latest breakthrough innovation in IPL permanent hair reduction. SHR provides fast, safe and effective hair reduction treatments. The gradual heating method of the IPL SHR light delivery to the hair follicle means that treatments are more comfortable.
The base method of action is as same as with the standard IPL. However, the SHR treatments are generally suitable for a wider range of skin types and hair colours and are effective for treatment of larger areas.
Traditional IPL might be used to treat areas where SHR is deemed unsuitable.
Before the treatment, we will assess your current state of the skin and structure of hair. Please allow additional 30 minutes for our Hair Removal Consultation. A test patch will be carried out prior to initial treatment to determine the optimal machine settings, tailored to your skin.
You will be required to give consent for treatment by signing the 'Informed Consent' form. This way, we can make sure that you can receive the IPL or SHR treatment and have no present conditions which are contraindicated with this procedure.
During this treatment, a handpiece is applied to the treated area. The light emitted by the handpiece is absorbed and changed into heat by the hair pigment, melanin.
Every area of your body has a different sensitivity to heat, therefore, treating certain areas can be more uncomfortable than the others.
Visible results will vary depending on skin type, hair type, hormones and hair cycle.
Post treatment, avoid extremely hot showers, wearing tight clothing, sweating and physical activity, and excessive sun exposure; this is avoid a delayed thermal activity. You must wear sunscreen while outdoors to protect the skin.
Please note that specific aftercare products may be required; your Skin Therapist will provide a detailed information sheet on aftercare.
For optimal results, we recommend repeating the treatment 8-12 times, depending on the above.
As you progress through treatments, the hair growth slows down, becomes finer and more patchy, which is when the treatment frequency can become less.
Touch-up treatments might be required if you experience hair growth due to hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, stress etc.).
A Hair Removal Consultation is an essential first step in your hair reduction journey. That’s why its cost is fully redeemable on your first treatment with us.