Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal stands out as one of the most straightforward, efficient, and effective techniques for eliminating unwanted hair from various areas, including your face, body, and bikini region. If you've recently purchased an IPL device and are wondering what steps to take next, you're not alone. It's quite common to have doubts about how to use the device and the frequency of treatments.
The benefits of IPL hair removal are significant, as it reliably and safely targets both coarse and fine hairs without causing harm to your skin. Thus, you can confidently proceed with a high-quality IPL device, assured of its efficacy.
In this guide, we aim to clarify any uncertainties you may have regarding the operation of your device, the necessary precautions to implement, and the recommended frequency of use.
Also Read: Can I Use IPL Every Day at Home? (Including Essential Dos and Don’ts)
These devices utilize intense pulsed light to progressively eliminate unwanted hair and the associated hair follicles with each treatment session. However, it is crucial to avoid overusing them. Why is that? We will address this concern shortly, so let’s dive into the details.
Step-by-Step Guide for Using IPL Hair Removal Devices at Home
Receiving your first at-home IPL device can evoke excitement as well as apprehension. You may find yourself pondering how to operate this incredible gadget without making a mistake that could lead to undesirable consequences.
Fear not! Below are some straightforward steps to ensure safe and effective hair removal using your new IPL device.
1. Prepare the Treatment Area
Start by cleansing the area you intend to treat, utilizing a gentle body or facial wash to eliminate all impurities. Additionally, consider lightly exfoliating the skin to remove dead cells.
Cleaning the treatment area is crucial because it prevents the high-energy light from IPL from reacting with impurities, allowing it to penetrate the skin effectively.
2. Shave the Skin
For optimal results with IPL devices, your hair should be at a suitable length—not too long, like a week’s worth of unshaven hair, and not completely removed from the roots through waxing or threading.
As a rule of thumb, shave the treatment area 1 to 2 days before your session to ensure the hair reaches the desired length. Alternatively, if you find yourself in a hurry for a last-minute session, shaving just before treatment is also acceptable.
3. Implement Safety Precautions
Once you've shaved and cleansed, ensure that your skin is completely dry. Moist skin forms a barrier that can obstruct the light rays, preventing them from effectively reaching the hair follicles.
While most IPL devices are designed to be safe for the eyes, it’s wise to wear protective goggles to shield your eyes from any unforeseen damage.
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4. Set Up the Device and Power It On
Next, plug in your device and turn it on. Adjust the settings to select the appropriate mode and intensity level based on your comfort and the area being treated. It's advisable to begin with the lowest intensity and gradually increase it as you become accustomed to the sensation.
5. Conduct the Treatment
Ensure that the light window of the device is in full contact with your skin, leaving no gaps along the sides. When positioned correctly, the device will indicate readiness. You can then either press the button for individual flashes or use the glide mode for continuous treatment of unwanted hair.
If you don’t see any indication, it suggests that the IPL device isn’t properly positioned. Adjust its placement and reattempt the flash.
Finally, once you’ve completed the treatment, turn off the device and clean it before storing it away.
How Often Should You Use an IPL Hair Removal Device at Home?
It's essential to note that at-home IPL hair removal differs significantly from professional laser treatments, as the latter operates at a higher power level. Consequently, professional sessions are spaced several weeks apart. Let’s explore the recommended frequency for home IPL devices.
Initial Treatment Sessions
The initial treatment phase involves multiple sessions aimed at significantly reducing unwanted hair. Generally, you should plan for two sessions per week, although three may be feasible if you have particularly stubborn hair.
The duration of this initial phase can range from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the effectiveness of your IPL device. Once you notice that 90% or more of your hair has ceased to regrow, you can transition to maintenance sessions.
Maintenance Sessions
Hair growth is not a linear process; new hair follicles can emerge at any time, and previously treated follicles may regenerate. To maintain smooth skin, you'll need to adhere to maintenance treatments.
For the initial few months, scheduling one session per month should suffice, after which you can perform touch-ups as necessary.
In Between Treatments
If you start to notice hair regrowth between sessions and find it bothersome, shaving is a safe and effective way to manage any unwanted hair while continuing with your IPL treatments.
Does Using At-Home IPL Devices More Frequently Accelerate Results?
As mentioned earlier, two to three sessions per week are more than adequate for targeting unwanted hair follicles and significantly minimizing hair regrowth. The IPL technology is specifically designed to target hair in its active growth phase. Therefore, daily treatments won’t yield better results than the recommended twice-weekly sessions, as hair growth occurs at a steady pace.
Moreover, excessive use can lead to skin burns due to excessive exposure to light on sensitive skin, while also unnecessarily depleting the longevity of your device's flashes. Therefore, it's best to limit the use of IPL hair removal devices to the guidelines provided.
Which IPL Device Should You Consider Trying and Why?
If you’re in search of an IPL device that lives up to its promises, delivering silky, smooth, and hair-free skin, we highly recommend the Ulike Air 3 Hair Removal IPL Handset. Here’s why it stands out:
Comfort Modes
Unlike many IPL devices in the Ulike Sapphire Air 3’s price range, this model features three comfort modes that adjust the number of light flashes, ensuring the treatment meets your specific needs.
The modes include a soft option, which is gentle enough for delicate areas such as the face and bikini line; a body mode, offering moderate power for areas like legs and arms; and a high-power mode designed to tackle the most stubborn thick hair on the chest and underarms.
Ultra Ice Cooling Effect
While many IPL devices can cause discomfort, Ulike AIR IPL technology maintains a cool
