The latest revolution in hair removal is upon us: IPL (intense pulsed light) hair removal. This cutting-edge technology is becoming increasingly popular among people who want to get rid of hair in a long-lasting way. But is IPL hair removal worth the cost for effective results? Let’s take a look.
What Study Says
IPL hair removal is a great way to get rid of unwanted hair without waxing or shaving, which can be painful and time-consuming. The technology works by zapping away hair follicles with intense bursts of light energy. The melanin in the hair absorbs this energy, which kills the hair follicles and causes the hair to fall out.
IPL hair removal can be a good option if you're searching for a quick and effortless approach to eliminating unwanted hair. IPL hair removal has long-lasting effects that might last for months after treatment. Compared to other hair removal methods, it's also relatively painless.
However, is IPL hair removal as efficient as advertised? Researchers have found that after just a few sessions of IPL hair removal, patients see a dramatic decrease in hair growth. However, each person's skin color, hair color, and the treatment area being addressed may produce slightly different outcomes.
The light is more readily absorbed by the hair follicles of those with lighter skin and darker hair. Also, it's important to remember that, unlike laser hair removal, IPL hair removal may require touch-up sessions in the future.
IPL hair removal can be effective, but the price tag can be prohibitive for some. A single session can cost several hundred dollars or more, making the procedure prohibitively expensive for many people. The total cost will depend on factors like the size of the problem, the number of sessions needed, and the specialist you select.
How IPL Hair Removal Works; a Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Consultation and skin test
To begin with, a consultation with the expert is necessary if you are interested in IPL hair removal and want to get started. It's a chance to talk things over, find a good spot for therapy, figure out how many sessions you might need, and figure out how much money you'll need to put into it.
However, the actual number of sessions required will vary from patient to patient based on how well their bodies respond to the therapy. We always perform a patch test to ensure there are no adverse reactions to the treatment and that it will be effective.
This is like having a patch test before getting your hair dyed. The specialist will discuss your concerns and address your questions about the procedure. Although in other clinics, this could cost anything from £10 to £30, we provide this service at no cost to you so that you can determine if the treatment is right for you before making any financial commitment.
Step 2: IPL hair-removal session
After your specialist has cleansed the area, he or she will apply a cooling gel. Your skin will be shielded from harm, and you'll have a more pleasant experience with the help of the gel. Then, the specialist will utilize the IPL device to send light pulses to the affected area. In some instances, the light pulses may cause a little sting.
Several have compared it to the ping of an elastic band. If you're feeling hot and bothered, the cooling gel should help. It may take 20 to 30 minutes to complete the therapy. This is conditional upon the intended target area for treatment.
Step 3: What to expect when you're done
Your specialist will advise you on how to get the most out of your treatment and keep your skin safe from harm. Keep out of the sun as much as possible, and when you must be out there, protect yourself with high-quality sunscreen. Waxing and tanning beds should be avoided. To ensure your skin is fully repaired and no further damage has been done, you should schedule your follow-up treatments about once per month.
If you're considering IPL hair removal, you won't have to worry about taking any time off between sessions because there is none. It's common knowledge that some of you squeeze in a session during your lunch hour or between meetings. For a short time (perhaps a few hours), you may experience some redness, sensitivity, and/or mild skin swelling. This is normal and to be expected for a few days after treatment, but it should subside soon.
How many IPL hair removal treatments will you need?
Depending on the area being treated, the number of sessions may vary (for example, hair removal on the legs may take quite a few more sessions than on your center brows or upper lip). Simply put, there is more ground to cover, which means it could take longer to see results.
The number of sessions you may need is also related to the thickness and type of hair you wish to remove. More sessions may be required to ensure all hair follicles have been treated if there is a lot of hair in the treatment area.
How much does it cost to get IPL hair removal?
Let's talk about money now. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal can cost more than alternative methods like shaving or waxing. IPL hair removal can cost anywhere from $200 to $800 per treatment session, with multiple treatments often necessary for the best results. Prices may change based on factors such as the severity of the condition, the number of sessions needed, and the accessibility of the treatment center.
Is it reasonable to expect satisfactory outcomes from expensive IPL hair removal? Ultimately, you'll want to consider what works best for you. If you want a cheaper way to get rid of hair or are on a tight budget, try something else. IPL hair removal could be a good choice if you're looking for a long-lasting method of removing unwanted hair and can afford to make the initial investment.
To sum up, IPL hair removal can be a permanent and efficient option for dealing with unsightly hair. The additional cost may be acceptable if you're looking for a long-term solution to unwanted hair due to the time and effort saved. Before deciding if IPL hair removal is right for you, you must learn as much as possible, talk to a specialist, and consider your unique preferences and needs.
Want to learn more about doing at-home IPL hair removal? We covered it all for you. Read here.