Julius Ceasar is said to have had his facial hairs plucked; During the Middle Ages, European royalty used a solution of egg shells, cat's dung and vinegar for hair removal. Clearly, the pursuit of hair free face and body dates centuries back.

Even though the ancient methods were quite fascinating and few of them are still used today in some parts of the world (sugaring, threading) they are all methods for temporary, short term hair removal, with hairs returning just days after any one of those procedures.

Where we are Today and How we Came to It

Luckily, everyone today has the luxury of choice. A choice between the SHORT-TERM, PAINFUL, MESSY methods and the LONG-TERM COMFORTABLE, SAFE and EFFECTIVE option is now OURS.

The magnificent hair removal method I am referring to is IPL [Intense Pulsed Light] hair removal. This brilliant light-based technology was first introduced to the world in early to mid nineties and was invented (by a laser manufacturer) with the sole purpose of replacing laser equipment for cosmetic producers.

The idea was to make various treatments (hair removal, capillaries, pigmentation) possible with just the one machine (rather than using different laser machines to treat different problem).

So, what is IPL and how is it different to Laser?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is an advanced light-based technology. It works by delivering shots of light of many different wavelengths over the area being treated. Light is absorbed by pigment in the hair (melanin) causing hair follicles to heat up. This results in destruction of hair follicles. Different sets of configurations are used to treat various hair and skin types and conditions.

IPLs offer fast, comfortable, effective with long term results and minimal side effects (when performed by trained experienced technician). Although both IPL and Laser are light-based technologies, there are distinct differences between the two.

A couple of key ones are:

a) Lasers use a single wavelength of coherent light while IPLs utilize various wavelengths of incoherent light. Different laser equipment would usually operate on different wavelengths of light, each of which absorbs into (and effects) various substances in our body differently.

b) IPLs typically do not require the high levels of power or energy fluence necessary for lasers. High levels of power or energy fluence used by lasers can be associated with such side effects as skin discoloration, crusting and burns/blisters.

c) As a rule laser treatments are more time consuming than IPL sessions, because size of an area treated per zap/shot is usually significantly smaller.

Three for the price of one!
Effectiveness, affordability, safety: Although most hair and skin types can be treated safely and effectively, IPL is works best on dark hairs/light skin combination. The results are a little harder to obtain for lighter shades of hairs and where the skin is dark olive.

However, majority of people can enjoy the long term benefits of the treatments. It is a common misconception that IPL is only for the rich. It is available at affordable prices to just about anyone who has a payin job. Many clinics run monthly specials and will offer a substantial discount if you prepay a few of your treatments. A good clinic will always look after their client and will be able to come up with a solution to suit most budgets.

In professional hands, IPL technology is safe. Protective eye-ware must be provided by the clinic. Some temporary reaction to treatments is possible. Short term side effects may include skin sensitivity and redness, acne-like breakouts and mild swelling.

More serious side effects include burns, blisters and short-to-long-term (occasionally permanent) skin discoloration. The darker the skin color, the higher the chances of side effects. However, if you are being treated by an skilled expert the probability of serious side effects is minor.

What to look for in a clinic/ therapist?

Before your treatment is commenced a detailed medical history should be taken to make sure you have no lifestyle or medical contra-indications to IPL. You must tell your therapist about all medications (including herbal and topical) you are taking or have taken in the last year (some may make your skin photosensitive and some can take months to get out of your system after you stopped it). You should be consulted on various aspects of the technology and possible side effects. Discuss your expectations and treatment protocols.

Find out if you will need to prepare the area which is to be treated by yourself as some clinics charge for preparation. Make sure clinic will supply hygienic single-use outfits for those special areas. Ask as many questions as possible before you start and clarify what you do not understand. Check how many sessions on average the clinician performs on a daily/weekly basis (no good having someone with 10 years experience if they only treat one patient a month).

Treatment plans usually take months and can get…well… quite intimate, so probably the most important thing is to feel completely comfortable with the therapist and the level of skill you sense they have. I would advise to go to at least three consultations with different clinics and see which one is a better fit.

Before and After


Exhibit 10226: In addition to clear hair reduction after just one session, obvious skin improvement is also noticeable


Exhibit 0171: 8 weeks after 5 sessions and still only a really minor return of very few fine short hairs