Intense Pulsed Light: All you need to know about hair regrowth

Intense Pulsed Light has proven its effectiveness on hair removal. It's painless, non-invasive and compatible with all areas of the body. The precision of the device limits hair regrowth, while ridding you of ingrown hairs. The result: no more worries about shaving or waxing, which explains the growing interest in this method.

How does IPL hair removal work?

There are three distinct phases in the hair growth cycle: anagen, catagen and telogen. What's more, the length of the cycle varies from area to area. It ranges from two to six years for the hair, and six to seven months for the moustache.

IPL epilators work during the anagen phase, using a very simple principle. A laser produces light that is absorbed by melanin, the hair pigment. This pulsed light is then transformed into heat to destroy the gland responsible for hair production. The slight burn disrupts hair regrowth, and the hair eventually stops growing back. In some areas, hair removal is definitive, as is the case for the underarms and bikini line. For others, it is preferable to apply several treatments.

Intense pulsed light hair removal results

The effect of pulsed light on hair is perceptible during the active growth phase. However, the hairs in the area concerned do not have the same growth cycle. As a result, they are not affected in the same way, which explains the usefulness and interest of several hair removal sessions.

For visible results, it's best to wait three sessions. After five sessions, around 90% of hair has been completely removed. As you can see, the results are impressive, and long-lasting hair removal with Intense Pulsed Light is a reality. The only contraindications are for downy, white and light-colored hair. This is also the case for phototype 5 skin types, as the concentration of melanin in the skin prevents contrast with hair color.

Duration of results and frequency of sessions

You should allow four weeks between the first two sessions. For subsequent sessions, the interval increases, but remains systematically adapted to hair regrowth. 24 to 72 hours before the session, shave to allow the laser beam to use your hair as a guide, without being too long. Above all, avoid electric epilators or waxing, as these methods tear out the hair bulb, resulting in uneven regrowth under the skin. As a result, pulsed light and hair regrowth are less effective.

Once you've achieved the desired result, you'll need to carry out maintenance work in the form of one or two sessions every year. Otherwise, the miniaturization of the down will gradually disappear and the hair will thicken again. Hair regrowth after pulsed light treatment is a perfectly natural phenomenon. This requires regular maintenance, in accordance with the above recommendations.

Contraindications and precautions

As briefly explained in the preceding paragraphs, Intense Pulsed Light is not compatible with tanned or black skin. The same applies to white, red and blond hair. Finally, laser treatment cannot be used on tattoos or moles.

If you're tanned, you'll need to wait two months after exposure before you can expect a pulsed-light treatment. Once the hair removal session has been completed, avoid all exposure to the sun, and always go out wearing sun protection factor 50+.

In case of doubt, a test may be necessary before considering a full treatment. But this only applies to pigmented skin.

Conclusion

Intense pulsed light delivers long-term results, provided you follow good practice when using it. In the event of persistent hair growth, additional sessions will be required. However, treatment requires a certain amount of vigilance, which is why it's a good idea to consult a professional to ensure you're in safe hands. The expert will give you all the advice you need, depending on the nature of your skin and your goals.