This treatment uses targeted light energy to damage the hair follicle, reducing hair growth in the treated area.
Laser/IPL Hair Reduction Treatment Overview
Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) are used for hair reduction treatments by using selective photothermolysis to target the melanin in the hair follicle. In photothermolysis, light energy is converted to heat, destroying the follicle without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Hair reduction treatments using Laser and IPL are entirely safe. They can be used on any part of body and are suitable for different skin types while maintain efficacy. Multiple treatments are generally required to align with the hair growth cycle, specifically the anagen phase.
Benefits and Use Cases
As is shown by its name, this treatment is used to reduce and remove unwanted hair from the recipient’s face or body. It is an effective modality of clinical aesthetics for people with body or gender dysphoria related to hair growth, for people with skin sensitive to shaving and waxing, or for those who simply want a longer-term hair removal solution than home treatments allow.
The major benefits of Laser/IPL Hair Reduction treatments are:
Long-term or permanent hair reduction This saves the client time otherwise spent on shaving, waxing, or other regular hair removal techniques, as well as money spent over the long-term on hair removal products.
Reduce ingrown hairs As this treatment works by targeting the hair follicle at the root, it inhibits the hair’s ability to grow without disruption or damage to the skin surface and so reduce the prevalence and frequency of ingrown hairs.
Smoother skin With no regular irritation from shaving, waxing, or harsh chemicals, using Laser or IPL for hair reduction can provide smoother skin anywhere it is used.
Pre-Care
To ensure the best results with Laser/IPL Hair Reduction, we recommend you take the following steps before treatment:
4 Weeks Prior
Avoid tanning (including self-tanning lotions, tanning beds/booths or sun exposure)
Avoid photosensitising meds (e.g. Roaccutane) – check with your clinician
Must use SPF 50+ daily
2 Weeks Prior
Stop using active products (Retinol, AHA/BHA)
No antibiotics or photosensitising herbs (e.g. St John’s Wort) 2 weeks prior
No cosmetic injections in the area
24 Hours Prior
Shave the treatment area the day before (not on the day)
Do not wear makeup, perfume, or deodorant on the treatment area.
No exfoliation of the area
Aftercare
To ensure the best results with Laser/IPL Hair Reduction, we recommend you take the following steps after treatment:
Redness or mild swelling is normal and will fade in a few hours to days
Apply a cool compress, ACHW epidermal recovery cream or a Centella gel can soothe the area.
Use SPF 50+ daily
Avoid exposure to the sun and keep the area cool
Avoid heat (hot showers, saunas, exercise) for 48 hrs
No active products, scrubs or exfoliants for 1 week
Crusting may occur – do not pick, and allow to heal naturally
Possible side effects: redness, swelling, bruising, pigment changes (can take at least 3 months to settle)
No waxing or plucking in between sessions – only shave if needed
No tanning or fake tan for 2 weeks after – this can cause hyper pigmentation
What qualifications teach this treatment?
Laser/IPL Hair Reduction is taught as part of our CAP102 Dermal Therapy 1 unit, which is part of the following qualifications at ACHW: