As a bride-to-be, you have likely been dreaming of the day you’ll walk down the aisle looking stunningly beautiful and glowing with joy for a long time. Like most brides you’re probably going to have the works done on your wedding day — hair, makeup and nails. Another aspect of looking wedding-day perfect is hair removal. For those photos and, let’s face it, the honeymoon, you want your skin to be silky smooth and devoid of any unwanted body hair. Advancement in light technology has made Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments much more popular and readily available.
About IPL Hair Removal
Oftentimes, IPL and laser hair removal are assumed to be the same thing — this is not true. In fact, these technologies work quite differently. IPL produces a broad band of light wavelengths, whereas the laser only produces one wavelength band of light. Lasers are better for treating specific areas and can be used on different types of skin. For example, IPL is most effective on lighter skin tones with darker hair because the wavelengths seek out pigment in order to reduce hair growth. If the skin and hair color are similar, it’s harder for the IPL to distinguish what it’s targeting.
However, many experts feel IPL treatments work just as well as laser treatments. The success of IPL often depends on the specific device being used and the skill level of the person administering the treatment. Filters can be attached to IPL devices so that they are better able to target specific areas. Additionally, IPL treatments also tend to be more cost effective. Those who are thinking about this kind of procedure should consult with a professional first to see if it’s the right method of hair removal for them.
IPL Hair Removal Considerations
In general, IPL can result in permanent hair reduction within anywhere from two to seven monthly treatments. Therefore, you would need to begin these treatments well in advance of your wedding day.
Another thing to be aware of when considering this type of hair removal procedure is the potential side effects. Some people report a slight stinging sensation during the treatment. Like most hair removal techniques swelling, redness and soreness may also occur; this usually goes away within a day. The professional that provides the treatment may advise you to apply antiseptic cream and to avoid the sun for several days immediately following the procedure.
