Light is selectively absorbed by melanin, the pigment in the hair follicle. The light energy heats the pigment and effectively destroys the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding cells.

The Intense Pulsed Light is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released, which targets many follicles simultaneously. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area of skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated.

Most people are suitable for treatment. Best results are often achieved with clients who have fair skin and dark hair. Dark hair is more easily treated as it has a high concentration of melanin. Fair hair however, contains less melanin and is harder to treat. We recommend a consultation with your clinician to ascertain if the treatment will be successful for you. Grey/white hair has no melanin so is not suitable for treatment.

Treatment sensation varies but is often described as “a flick of an elastic band”. Typically no anaesthesia is required and most clients describe the discomfort as moderate and tolerable.

The hair follicles are damaged by heat but the hairs remain in the follicles. The dead hairs shed after 1 – 3 weeks as the epidermis renews. During this period the hairs will seem to ‘grow’ as they are pushed out by the new epidermis.

The skin may be red immediately after treatment and the hair follicles may be swollen and bumpy but this usually subsides within a few hours. Adverse reactions are rare but may include a small blister or temporary lightening or darkening of the skin.

Only hair that is actively growing is affected, therefore multiple treatments are needed. Treatment is conducted every 4 – 8 weeks, depending on the area treated, until a satisfactory result is seen. The required number of treatments varies, but typically 6 or more treatments are needed for optimum results.

Treatments can take as little as 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.