PERMANENT HAIR REDUCTION (IPL)
USING A COMBINATION OF PULSED LIGHT AND SmoothLED TECHNOLOGY TO DELIVER THE BEST HAIR REDUCTION RESULTS
WHAT IS PERMANENT HAIR REDUCTION?
Dynamic Pulsed Light (also known as IPL) and SmoothLED Laser are effective permanent hair removal methods that makes use of heat energy to damage our hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair reduction.
Many of us have heard of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), but what is DPL? What is the difference between DPL and IPL?
Here at Blush, we use DPL, which is an upgraded and improved version of IPL.
Similar to IPL, DPL makes use of a source of broad-spectrum, visible light to reduce hair permanently. A certain percentage of heat energy in IPL would be absorbed by our hair follicles, effectively destroying them. However, thicker and deeper hair follicles might not be reached and disabled effectively as the light is shone over quite a large area. This causes the heat energy in IPL to be spread out as well. Hence, the amount of hair growth reduced might not be as significant.
So, how does SmoothLED Laser differ from IPL?
LED Laser is a single spectrum of intensely concentrated pure light that would be absorbed by our hair follicles. The light from LED Laser can be focused at a specific area and will not spread out to as wide of an area as how IPL would. Additionally, the LED Laser beam can travel deeper in our pores, giving a concentrated blast of light to the hair follicles that are residing deep in our skin. This will help achieve a more accurate and permanent result of hair growth reduction.
FAQs
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER USING IPL & SmoothLED Laser?
For ladies who are looking for permanent hair reduction that would last, this treatment is for you.
Through this process, hair growth will be reduced permanently, which is definitely different from temporary hair removal methods, such as waxing or shaving.
IPL and LED are also suitable for those who are afraid of the stinging pain or possible ingrown hair caused by waxing.
WHAT PARTS OF MY BODY ARE SUITABLE FOR IPL AND SmoothLED Laser HAIR REMOVAL?
You can use IPL and LED treatment on the following areas:
Face, neck, arms, chest, arms, underarms, back, legs, and stomach.
DOES IPL & SmoothLED Laser TREATMENT HURT?
Both IPL and LED would not hurt as much as waxing does, but some might experience a stinging sensation.
SHOULD I GO FOR IPL OR SmoothLED Laser?
We understand that it might be difficult for some of us ladies to estimate the amount of IPL or LED treatment sessions we may need to achieve the best hair reduction results, hence we would recommend our clients to consult our friendly therapists before deciding on which package would be suitable for you.
At Blush, we also provide a customisable treatment package which consists of a combination of both IPL and LED treatments for permanent hair removal.
We allow our clients to go for IPL treatment for the first few sessions to allow the skin to gradually adapt to the treatments, as the less intense light energy would be less taxing for the skin. But, although IPL is less intense, a significant amount of hair reduction can still be seen.
Thereafter, LED treatment would be recommended to our clients for a more direct approach to reduce the growth of the remaining hair. LED treatment will be more concentrated and precise, resulting in a greater reduction of hair.
MORE SPECIFICALLY, HOW WOULD OUR HAIR BE REDUCED?
During the IPL or LED treatment, light energy would be absorbed by our hair follicles.
This causes the bulb and most of the hair shaft to be heated, thus destroying the hair-producing structure – papilla.
At any one time in our lives, not all of our hair follicles are active; hence, only active hair follicles can be affected by the treatment. Inactive hair follicles can be treated as they become active over time. Hence it would be good to continue coming down for maintenance sessions to preserve the effects of reduced hair growth.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT?
After a IPL or LED permanent hair removal treatment, there will be slight redness in the treated area. A stubble may reappear two to three days after the treatment. It is fine to shave if you need to, but this should only be done 1-2 days after the treatment.
Please read the notes below to find out more!
In one to two weeks’ time, you will be able to see shedding of the damaged hair.
Do not be confused as this is not new hair growth!
When the shedding process is complete, new hair will grow out and it would be time for your next treatment (typically 4-6 weeks).
For more details, please read the other questions, and don't hesitate to contact us to clarify your doubts!
CAN I REMOVE HAIR BETWEEN TREATMENTS?
Yes, you can shave between treatments as the heat energy works with the bulb and shaft of the hair, which is not affected when you shave.
However, do take note that if you tweeze or wax your hair between treatments, you would have to wait till your hair grows back before coming for your next treatment.
WHY IS MY HAIR STILL GROWING?
After IPL or Laser treatments, your body would need time to shed the hair which has been thermally destroyed.
Do take note that this is not continued hair growth! It takes anywhere from a few days to three weeks to fully shed the thermally damaged hair under our skin.
Even though it might seem like hair is still continuing to grow, it is purely the body shedding hair.
Over time, the treated, destroyed hair follicles will be gone from your skin, causing there to be permanent hair reduction.
ARE THERE ANY FACTORS THAT MIGHT AFFECT TREATMENT?
There are some things that we want our clients to take note of:
IPL would not work well with light-coloured hair as there is not much pigment within the follicles.
On the other hand, there might also be possible complications for clients with darker skin tones due to the presence of high concentration of pigment in the skin.
Certain medications, such as muscle relaxants, anti-depressants, anti-cancer drugs, acne medications, and topical creams containing Retin-A, may cause your body to become more sensitive to light. In such cases, it is recommended to re-schedule the appointment to a time when you are no longer taking such medication.
Please don't hesitate to consult us for any queries you might have. We would be more than happy to offer you any alternative combination of treatments to help you achieve the best hair reduction results!
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TAKE NOTE!
SHOULD I SHAVE?
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Do shave 1 Day before your appointment. BUT - do not shave 1 - 2 days after your treatment!
The hairs would need to remain with the follicles for a few days after the DPL or LED treatment. This helps to reduce any possible opportunistic infections in the damaged follicles. The hairs will shed naturally over the following weeks.
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You should apply moisturiser to keep your skin soft and to minimise itching.
It is recommended to moisturise your skin on a daily basis as for all light-based treatments, the heat energy entering your skin might cause it to become dry.
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Exfoliation (if applicable to you), should be done 3 days before treatment.
DURING THE COURSE OF YOUR TREATMENTS...
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Avoid exposure to sun and avoid using tanning beds as actively tanned skin cannot be treated.
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Avoid very hot baths/sauna/steam baths on and after the day of treatment.
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Avoid rough sports and tight clothing on and after the day of treatment.
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Avoid perfumed products eg: deodorant on and after the day of treatment.
In some rare cases...
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Take note that the area treated can become red, warm and bumpy for up to 48 hours after treatment.
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If it's uncomfortable, you can cool the area with a cold towel (avoid ice). For fast relief, antihistamines tablets (Zyrtec/Telfast) are recommended. These are available at all pharmacies.
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Always seek professional medical advice and contact a doctor immediately if any symptoms you experience are of concern. Inform us of any adverse reactions and we would try our best to help you. Feel free to also contact us if you have any questions!