HAIR REMOVAL: INTENSE PULSE LIGHT
IPL Technology as Hair Removal Therapy

By Tamra Cantar

Intense Pulse Light or IPL is one of the newest innovations in hair removal technology. It is a specially constructed xenon flash lamp and focusing optics that uses a broad spectrum light; its basic principle is to raise the temperature of melanin—producer of pigmentation—, hair follicle and hair shaft by means of high heat destroying the capacity of the entire hair growth apparatus.   

IPL does not necessarily need to be implemented only by a medical professional; it is not a hazardous methodology. Although some irritation may damage tissue outside the targeted area it will clear up within a short period of time. Also, each application is short in duration therefore serious injury is not likely to occur.  The wand is filtered to remove ultraviolet rays UV skin damage is not a cause for concern.

Even though IPL is considered to be a method by which hair is permanently annihilated there are no absolutes. Some less damaged hair follicles may take root and grow within an unpredictable period of time and treatment need be repeated, however, the new growth will be more delicate and easier removed. IPL treatment is best recognized as “permanent hair reduction” rather than “permanent hair removal,” which does not exclude the potential for categorical destruction of hair growth.

IPL is a preferred hair removal treatment for its advantages of lack of pain and injury, minimal or no recovery time, the odds in favor of permanent depilation. Nevertheless, it is expensive. The Intense Pulse Light technology requires serious investment by the practitioner and he/she passes the cost onto the client.

It is best to investigate and learn about Intense Pulse Light therapy personally; read every web page and every booklet available before a serious commitment. In the final analysis the hard facts about IPL as follow. The average client needs 6-10 treatments in 3-4 week intervals. Each treatment session should last no more than 20 minutes to a half hour and costs approximately $300-600.00.

To reiterate there are no absolutes, some women with rich dark hair need to have more treatments than others. A note of caution: women with slender blond hairs are not advised to depilate with IPL; the light of the IPL epilator attaches itself to the dark melanin more efficiently than to the lighter melanin and destroys it more effectively.  

There is a debate abound as to the consequential scarring by the IPL epilator, but no conclusive evidence has been established. Redness and small bumpy swelling may come to the surface of the skin directly after treatment like slight sunburn, but the skin clears up within hours at most within a couple of days. Never has there been any report of serious injury or hospitalization even vaguely relating to any IPL treatment. If you are still in doubt, understandably, test IPL with a “minute treatment” in an area on your body not readily visible.    

Locating the best practitioner is by consulting a medical doctor, a Photofacial Specialist, who will advise you about a trustworthy and capable practitioner of IPL. Photofacial Specialists are listed by state on medical web sites or listed by the American Medical Association. Of course, there is a confidante, or a friend to refer you to the best beautician in town.

IPL is highly recommended and it is a popular hair removal treatment that will fulfill a need and a dream about a smooth silky skin you have been secretly hoping to have for long years. It might bring you contentment that will be worth the time and money.

About the Author

Tamra Cantar is a freelance writer on topics of interest and has a website dedicated to providing the visitor with useful information and resources for hair removal. Visit Hair Removal Systems for more articles and information on IPL and other hair removal techniques.