In general- the lighter skin with darker hair produces excellent results. If you have a darker skin and grey, blonde or white hair, you may get less than excellent results. If you have very dark skin you are not a candidate for IPL. [ If you have a suntan you will have to let it fade before you can have treatment] IPL and lasers work by heating hair and hair follicles as they absorb light energy. If you sit on a beach on a hot summers day with a black t-shirt you will get hot and sunburnt quickly as black and dark colours absorbs light, if you have a white shirt- it will reflect the sunlight and you will be able to stay longer. IPL and lasers work on a similar principal. Best results are obtained on lighter skin, the light energy has to be turned down on darker skin to reduce risk of burning so if you have dark skin you may have to have accept 40% hair reduction, for example.

Who should not have this treatment?

If you only have a few grey, white or blonde hair-do not waste your time and money on lasers, have electrolysis.

If your skin is darker than hair being treated, lasers or IPL will not work.

If you have underlying hormonal problems responsible for hair growth- you may not achieve permanent hair reduction and maintainence sessions may be required. This however is acceptable to most clients.

You should not have laser/ IPL treatment if you have any suntan however mild, or have sensitivity to light due to the high risk of burning. People who are dark-skinned may also not be suitable for treatment. You should not have laser/ IPL treatment if you have active cold-sores or infection/ rash in treatment area due to the risk.

I wish to find out more about this treatment.

You will have a consulatation at the clinic where your expectations, skin and hair colour, hair density and type of hair will determine your treatment. Hair grow in phases and only active hair is destroyed by laser/ IPL. Between starting to grow and falling out years later, each hair passes through three distinct stages. These are- anagen (the growing phase), catagen (the intermediate phase) and telogen (the shedding phase). Laser/ IPL session will destroy active phase hair but cannot affect those in catagen or telogen which will become active at a later date and to destroy these you may require 6-8 sessions of laser/ IPL.

Is the treatment painful?

No, we use machines with chilled laser heads or cryogen [ cool spray ] to maximise your comfort.
It is only a mildly uncomfortable sensation, and certainly better than waxing. Sensation is like being flicked with a rubber band. A local anaesthetic cream can be applied for sensitive skin.

Why can’t I have IPL or laser if I am pregnant?

2 reasons,
1] hair growth is hormone induced and treatment won’t work
2] safety of lasers in pregnancy and lactation is not established [ whilst there is no evidence that it is harmful, its effects are unknown] and we prefer safe practice.