Intense Pulse Light
Imagine never having to shave or wax again! Well now you can with IPL!
Pulsar IPL permanent hair removal is a gentle non-invasive treatment that can be used on all areas of the body for safe effective permanent hair removal.
How the treatment works
The applicator head is placed onto the skin with a conductive gel and the light pulses/flashes through it into the skin. The applicator is then moved to the next area of skin and the process is repeated until the whole area has been treated. Hair removal is achieved by the generation of heat from the light in the melanin within the hair, which is then transferred to the hair follicle which then destroys the follicle.
Contrary to other treatments, hairs are not vaporized by the Pulsar treatment, the hair follicles are killed by the heat but the hairs remain in the skin and fall out of the follicles after about 14 days. During this time it may appear that the hairs are growing but it is just the epidermis pushing them out.
The visible light is completely safe but you do wear goggles during the treatment due to the brightness of the light. The skin can sometimes be red immediately after treatment but this usually disappears within hours, however most clients experience no side effects at all.
This treatment is most effective on dark hairs due to the large concentration of dark melanin within the hairs, which gives maximum absorption and conversion of light energy to heat. Very fair hair has less melanin and consequently less heat is produced making it slightly less certain of permanent destruction of the hair follicle. Grey or white hair has no melanin and therefore cannot be efficiently treated.
On average 6-10 treatments are required to achieve permanent hair removal, with treatment intervals been at 6-12 weeks.
Advantages of Pulsar IPL
Safe, effective and affordable
Suitable for all skin types & hair colours (except white)
Results are permanent
Painless and painless
Proven clinical results
The price of treatments is discussed on consultation
Questions & Answers
How long does the treatment take?
From 15 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours, depending on the areas treated.
How frequently should I attend for treatment?
Approximately every 6 weeks for pulsar hair reduction. This interval will lengthen after the first few treatments as the regrowth will slow down.
Do I need to grow the hair before treatment?
No it is not desirable – in fact you will be asked to shave or trim the hair from the surface beforehand, although we will need to see it at the consultation.
Can I use sunbeds, fake tan or have a sun tan during this treatment?
No it is not possible to treat over a sun tan. If using fake tan, it should be worn off first in the area being treated.
How old do you have to be for treatment?
All patients must be over 18 years of age for Pulsar treatments.
Are there any contra-indications to treatment?
There are some medications and medical conditions which can make this treatment unsuitable. A full medical consultation will be carried out before any treatment commences.
Do I have to have a consultation and a patch test, even if I have had a previous IPL treatment some where else?
Yes. The salon will need to assess your medical history and current skin condition to check that you are (still) suitable for treatment and we determine the correct settings for your particular treatment from the patch test. We also ask you to sign a consent form that confirms we have explained the IPL treatment process and allows us to carry out treatments and store your personal data. During your initial consultation, you will be advised about courses of treatments suited to you, and will discuss your treatment expectations.
Why do some of the hairs grow back after my first treatment?
Hair goes through a 3-stage cycle, and IPL treatment is only effective when the hair is in the growing phase. Since only about 15% of hairs are in the growing phase at any given time, some new hairs will grow after each treatment. These are then successfully removed during subsequent treatments. This is why a course of approximately 6-10 treatments is normally recommended, after which the number of remaining hairs is very small.
How does IPL work on the hair?
The melanin in the hair (which gives hair its colour) absorbs the light, which is momentarily converted into heat. This heat is transferred to the growth cells at the root of the hair, permanently disabling them. Most colours of unwanted hair can be removed from all parts of the body, except very sensitive areas such as the inside of the nose and ear.
Does IPL hurt?
Not really, although the treatment sensation will vary from client to client. Most of our clients say that it feels like the flicking of an elastic band on their skin. Any discomfort is momentary and there is no lasting sensation.
What are the side effects of IPL treatments?
You need a consultation before we can treat you. You should follow our advice before and after your IPL treatment. IPL does not work on all hair colours and all skin types. You may need 6-10 treatments before you can say goodbye to shaving and waxing, although individual results can vary. Immediately after IPL treatment you may notice a slight reddening of the skin around the hair follicles or slight local swelling which may last for up to a few hours (or in very rare cases, a few days). These are positive indications that the IPL treatment was effective and no cause for concern.
Is IPL safe?
IPL is safe, non-invasive, has minimal side effects and requires no recovery time. IPL is gentle and we believe it is the most advanced hair removal system available. We value the comfort and safety of the client very highly and will take the greatest care to ensure that you feel at ease about every aspect of the treatment.
What is Intense Pulsed Light?
IPL systems use hand-held flash lamps to emit micro pulses of light across a broad band of visible wavelengths. By using gentle pulses of light momentarily to create heat, IPL can permanently disable hair follicles, preventing future growth. On your first visit, we will carry out a detailed consultation and assessment before recommending a treatment plan to suit your individual requirements.
I have polycystic ovary syndrome, can the Pulsar treatment help?
Yes it can help with the hair growth side effects of polycystic ovary syndrome.
How do I prepare for a treatment/consultation?
Refrain from any form of hair removal for 2 weeks before your appointment, we need to assess the extent of the hair to assess the number of treatments. Please do not remove the hair prior to attending a consultation.
Please avoid the use of:
- Sunbeds
- Self tan
- Vitamin A and AHA products
- Saunas/steam baths
- Suntanning
Will I be suitable for treatment?
The majority of patients are, however there are some exceptions:
- Pregnancy
- Keloid scarring
- Photo sensitivity inducing drugs
- Compromised immune system
Can all areas be treated?
Yes, with the exception of the brow bone as this is too close to the eyes.
Is it permanent?
The hair follicles which have been destroyed are not capable of producing further hair. However, dormant hair follicles can be activated due to major hormonal disruption.