By Viktoria
Updated: June 11, 2024
6 minutes
IPL hair removal devices revolutionized the field of semi-permanent hair removal options by serving as a convenient and economical alternative to laser hair removal. With efficiency and results similar to in-salon lasers, IPL devices have been the talk of the town for a while now.
The guidelines for using an IPL device recommend shaving the skin before your treatment session, just like a laser. However, some brands—let us not mention the names—say you can use any hair removal method along with an IPL hair removal session.
So, are you wondering if that is possible? Or can you wax or epilate before IPL hair removal at home? If yes, we got you as we will explore which hair removal method is compatible with IPL and which is not.
Table of Contents:
- Part 1: What is IPL Hair Removal and How Does it Work?
- Part 2: What are the Pre-Requisits of IPL Hair Removal?
- Part 3: Can You Wax or Epilate Before Using IPL Hair Removal Devices at Home?
- Part 4: How to Use IPL Hair Removal Devices?
- Part 5: What are the safety tips for Using IPL hair removal devices?
Part 1: What is IPL Hair Removal and How Does it Work?
As we said earlier, IPL hair removal is similar to laser hair removal. However, it is not entirely the same. So, let us learn a little about IPL hair removal.
IPL Hair Removal
IPL hair removal devices are lightweight and portable at-home laser hair removal machines that use light energy having a broad spectrum. These devices come in a variety of
- Designs
- Accessories
- Intensity levels
- Treatment modes
- Additional benefits like the cooling effect
- Packaging
You can choose a device based on its price, FA approval, dermatologist recommendation, and desired result.
Working Principle
You must already be aware that lasers work on the principle of selective photo-thermolysis. While IPL devices use a broad spectrum of light, their working principle is exactly the same as a laser’s, except that the energy output of IPL devices is kept low, allowing them to be used safely and gently at home.
These devices radiate light beams that target the pigment. As the pigment in the unwanted hair is absorbed into the hair, the light destroys the hair follicles.
Part 2: What are the Pre-Requisits of IPL Hair Removal?
A standard IPL hair removal device costs around $400-$600. Before investing such an amount, knowing if the device is suitable for you is important.
So, let us discuss some of the prerequisites of IPL hair removal.
Optimal Skin Tone
It is essential to know that the rays from IPL are absorbed into the pigment. It means that the pigment in your skin must be low for IPL to work efficiently on the unwanted hair, right?
Thus, the optimal skin tones for IPL hair removal devices are porcelain, fair, and light brown. Additionally, these devices also work on medium brown and olive skin tones. However, at-home IPL hair removal is ineffective on dark brown and black skin colors.
Compatible Hair Color
The more pigment the hair has, the better it is. While talking about the pigment, remember that it should have a neutral color, like brown or black. So, the suitable hair colors for the IPL hair removal device include black, brown, and dark blonde.
In contrast, IPL does not kill hair follicles, producing red, orange, blonde, light blonde, or gray hair.
Presence of Dark Hair Roots
While we have said it many times, let us say it again, IPL is absorbed into hair, making the presence of hair strands mandatory. Even when having hair strands is important, the hair must not be too long.
So, one of the most important prerequisites of IPL hair removal is having dark hair strands of appropriate length to absorb light.
Having Healthy Skin
The IPL hair removal device might be compatible with sensitive skin and have additional safety mechanisms. However, healthy skin with no compromised barrier improves the results of IPL.
Suitable Body Areas for the Treatment
Every area of the body with light skin and dark hair is suitable for IPL hair removal treatment. From limbs and face to bikini lines and pubic areas, you can use an IPL hair removal device.
However, you should not use an IPL hair removal device on,
- Skin with moles
- Skin with uneven or sun-damaged skin tone
- Body areas with tattoos
Part 3: Can You Wax or Epilate Before Using IPL Hair Removal Devices at Home?
We mentioned the importance of having dark hair removal before IPL hair removal, right? Well, you can wax or epilate the unwanted hair on your body before IPL hair removal treatment. However, performing an IPL session immediately after waxing or epilation is not recommended. It is because,
- These hair removal methods remove the hair roots
- They also remove the top layer of the skin, making it sensitive
Therefore, you must allow your hair to grow slightly after epilation and waxing to remove IPL hair. A time period of 2 to 3 days works. But even after waiting for these days, some hair strands are too short for IPL to act on, making treatment sessions longer and the timeline of results slower.
In conclusion, you should not wax or epilate unwanted hair before using an IPL hair removal device at home.
Part 4: How to Use IPL Hair Removal Devices?
Follow the steps below to use IPL hair removal devices safely and efficiently. Let’s take the Ulike Air 10 IPL Device as an example.
Step 1: Skin Preparation
Before your session, you must remove the area you want to treat with IPL hair removal devices. Without hair removal,
- Hair on the surface burns rather than the hair follicles
- IPL takes a longer time to show even minor effects
- It can burn your skin as well
Shaving is also the best way to prepare your skin for IPL hair removal. Use the safety razor provided in the Ulike package to remove your hair.
Step 2: Setting up the Device
After removing the hair, connect your device with a switch and turn it on. A good thing about the Ulike hair removal device is that it automatically selects the right intensity for your skin tone and body area with its Skin Sensors.
Step 3: Using the Device
The next step is to hold the device and place it in the desired treatment area so that the light window of the Ulike IPL hair removal device is in direct contact with your skin.
Click on the button at the top of the device or set the auto-treatment mode to flash the device on your skin. Remember to wear safety glasses as well.
Step 4: Storing the Device
After you are done using the IPL hair removal device, take a clean cloth and remove any hair or particles present on the treatment window of the device.
Then, store your clean device in the IPL leather box. Proper storage increases the device’s longevity.
Step 5: Aftercare
In addition to storing your device, you should also properly aftercare your skin. You can moisturize the treatment area with an unscented, lightweight moisturizer.
Also, wear sunscreen in the daytime. Furthermore, I suggest you study the important facts about IPL hair removal devices.
Part 5: What are the safety tips for Using IPL hair removal devices?
Here are some additional safety tops to use for an IPL hair removal device,
- Perform your IPL hair removal treatment at night so your skin has enough time to heal.
- Do not pluck unwanted hair in between the IPL hair removal sessions. Rather, let the hair grow, shave it again, and perform your treatment until you achieve the desired results.
- Never use chemical depilatory hair removal creams before IPL hair removal.
- Your skin must be clean and free of sweat, makeup, and skincare products before your treatment session.
- Consider your general health and consult a doctor for IPL hair removal if you are suffering from conditions like epilepsy, vascular diseases, diabetes, bleeding disorders, or skin diseases.
- Keep the device gently on your skin, and do not press it harshly.
Conclusion
Although you can pluck your hair with waxing or epilation to prepare your skin for IPL hair removal, it is not recommended because it makes the IPL treatment nearly ineffective.
Also, performing the treatment on intact hair can damage your skin. Therefore, always shave the treatment area on the day of your hair removal session.
