Basically, the IPL light is attracted to the pigment in the hair. The point of IPL is to shrink the hair follicle in which the hair sits, so that the hair can’t grow any longer. The real plus is it is Pain Free.
IPL is non monochromatic (not a single wavelength) and non-focused, treats multiple follicles at once, and is attracted to varying degrees of hair colour.
IPL covers a larger area per pulse of light therefore making the process faster and with the added benefit of seeing many shades of colour.
Treatments are perfectly safe when performed with quality equipment and by experienced therapists who also hold Laser Safety certificates. IPL (the type of treatment we use at Hairfree + Beauty) uses only pulsed light during the session. There is no radiation, no UV rays or nasty chemicals involved.
You should avoid shady hair removal operators that use cheap machines or poorly-trained staff. It’s not worth the risk.
Hairfree IPL machines selectively target hair follicles and therefore cause no damage to the surrounding skin. Some people experience slight, localised redness immediately after the treatment which quickly dissipates.
If it’s your first session, your therapist will do a short consultation to explain how everything works, determine how many sessions will give you the best results, and answer any questions you might have.
Then, your therapist will apply a light cooling gel to the area to be treated and you’ll feel a gentle warmth while the light is applied to the skin.
A few minutes later (depending on the area treated) it’s all over and you can get back to whatever you were doing before. If you’d like to read more, check out our News page.
The IPL light is attracted to pigment in the hair so we need to actually see the client to give an opinion on whether the treatment will work for them. Book for a free consult. If your hair is fair blonde, grey or red, it may not be suitable for the treatment, however, we always suggest you book for a free consult to discuss the options.
You need to leave at least 4 weeks between waxing tweezing and epilation prior to your treatment, to ensure the treatment works properly.
We need the hair to be in its follicle to enable the light to be attracted to it and destroy it. Hairs must be in a growth phase for this process to succeed. Book a free consultation to discuss this with your local Hairfree + Beauty Salon
Everyone is different; but if you’re a good candidate for the treatment, you’ll need approximately 6 treatments. To get the most from the process, the treatments will need to be carried out at regular intervals. Intervals are dependent upon the area you have treated but will be approx. 4-6 weeks apart.
Most people require an average of 8-12 sessions to see optimum results. Thereafter maintenance will be required for most.
Maintenance is required due to the cyclical and hormonal pattern of hair growth. Our Therapist will explain this fully during the consultation.
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Next steps is to book your initial appointment which includes a consultation, patch test and 1st treatment if you are suitable. To make your booking simple call your nearest salon or book online using our easy booking system!
You can’t have a tan 2 weeks before beginning your treatments or for 2 weeks after. You will need to wear SPF 30+ when you’re out in the sun in-between treatments.
The skin of your eyes is the most sensitive on your body. Therefore, we will offer you eyewear that you need to wear while in treatment for your visual protection.
You can still have IPL treatments; however, we will fully cover any tattoo/mole and treat around it. They are usually covered by zinc cream, depending on the extent of it. So just be aware that the hair over that area will be unable to be removed.
This is because of the high level of pigment in the skin in that area, which if we were to treat with IPL, would run a risk of the skin overheating.
We will need to move your appointment for a fortnight’s time.
Extra pigment in the skin can increase the risk of the skin burning. It’s a safety regulation Hairfree has in place to protect you
You can definitely still have your treatment, just bear in mind that you can be sensitive during that time of the month. We ask that you shower before coming in, and use a tampon.
Yes, you will notice up to a 20% reduction in growth after each IPL hair removal session.
No, it actually helps in treating ingrown hairs as the dark pigment will attract the light and the hair will be treated. Less hair overall means less ingrown hairs!
Why do I need multiple treatments?
Because we can only destroy a hair when it is in the anagen phase, that is why you need to follow your treatment protocols to ensure the best results. Generally 20% of your hair is in a growth phase.
Firstly we suggest you shave the areas 2 days prior so the light reaches the root of the hair and reduces the risk of burning
On the day we will apply optical/sonic gel, which is a cold conductor of light and protects your skin
Eye masks are applied to yourself and your therapist to protect your eyes from the light
We place the applicator on the area and the sensation you will feel is NO PAIN! just warmth and tingles
Post treatment we suggest you invest in the IPL aftercare products to ensure maximum effect of the IPL.
We will check the area for possible side effects (slight redness, slight swelling) this will go away within a few hours.
We will apply an anti inflammatory and anti bacterial calming gel, which we recommend you purchase and use morning and night post treatments. It has Aloe vera, green + white tea extract and natural methol which cools the skin
We suggest you use the exfoliating gel on offer at Hairfree + Beauty salons around Day 10 to help the hair shed cleanly to help reduce ingrown hairs and inflamed follices. Post 10 days we suggest you use weekly.
Avoid heated activities such as hot showers, pools, saunas, spas and exercise for 24-48 hours *due to bacteria, and possibility of heat rash
DO NOT pluck/tweezer, wax or depilatory creams (veet) Why? The hair needs to be present in the follicle to attract the light
You can shave as often as you would like in between treatments. Wait 24-48 hours after treatments to avoid sensitivity
Avoid sun exposure as IPL is a light therapy and your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Use E+ range for the best results. Make sure you are wearing sunscreen – lighter the skin the better the results
Hairfree uses IPL machines which is short for Intensed Pulsed Light
Light is absorbed by the hair which is melanin in the hair
It travels down the shaft and raises the temperature of the hair follicle and hair root
The heat painlessly causes the root to detach from the blood vessel
It then makes its way up to the surface of the skin which takes approximately 2-3 weeks to expel or shed itself.
Results can last up to 1 year and over depending on your skin care regime post treatments.
Results will vary depending on the persons skin concern being treated
