Cassandra is a medical esthetician, and she also has a lot of body hair. So yes, Cassandra has worked with both laser hair removal and IPL (intense pulsed light), and they are very different. There are so many different ways to approach IPL, and Cassandra has actually used IPL on half of her body. She used the Kenzii on her leg. Then, she used the U-Like on her armpit and toe. After using both for 3 years, Cassandra has major updates on the results and what happens when you stop using it. In this blog, we'll answer your most pressing questions about hair removal at home.
Does IPL permanently remove hair?
The biggest question people have is “des IPL remove hair permanently?” The answer is “yes” and “no.” It depends on your hair and who you are. Overall, yes, IPL is a pretty good solution for permanent hair removal. However, with both IPL and laser hair removal, you need to do it multiple times and for multiple sessions because our body hair grows in cycles.
Because hairs are constantly growing at different rates, you will have to use IPL multiple times to make sure you completely get the hairs as they emerge from the skin.
How do IPL and laser work long-term?
For most people, IPL keeps them relatively hairless for five years plus even though you might notice a few hairs growing. However, if your skin tone and color are not a match for IPL, you might go through 6-12 sessions without noticing a difference. IPL detects the contrast between hair and skin. And if your skin is deeply colored, and you have brown or black hair, you may notice that your hair hasn't stopped growing. The IPL will not be effective if there’s not enough contrast. Apart from this, IPL is a relatively permanent option because once you zap the inside of that hair follicle, it’s not going to grow back for around 5 years. The only way you’ll get hair regrowth is if you miss a spot.
What's the difference between IPL and laser?
IPL is intense pulsed light. It has multiple wavelengths of light that are shot into the skin. The IPL shoots into the hair and reaches the very base of it. It heats that area, kills it, and prevents it from growing back in the future.
How is this different from laser?
Laser is much more intense and targeted, and it needs to be administered by a medical professional, usually a doctor or dermatologist whereas IPL can be used at home. Does one work? If you have deeply colored skin and dark hair, an alexandrite laser might be a better option. Whereas if you have a Fitzpatrick 2 or 3 skin and deeply colored hair contrasting with your skin tone, then IPL might be right for you
Does IPL burn?
Depending on the laser or IPL, it can heat up a little. If you’re super sensitive and using a laser at home, it’s very important to get the correct IPL device that has cooling technology.
The cooling technology allows you to use it on sensitive areas without heating up too much.
Can IPL be used on pubic hair?
Yes, it can, and it’s actually best used on coarse, wiry hair such as those in the groin area or in the axillary aka armpit area. Those hairs are very wiry and pigmented, and they’re like a black or dark color. And if you have a skin tone that creates contrast, it can work very well.
If you are prone to pigmentation in those areas, speak to a doctor or derm first. Make sure you’re using a device that’s sensitive skin-friendly. Both the Kenzii and the ULIKE are sensitive-skin friendly. However, Cassandra would not use the Kenzii in sensitive areas because it heats up.
Kenzzi IPL ICE Cooling Handset - $299
She would use the one from ULIKE which is the only device Cassandra knows of with cooling technology. She uses this one on her armpit area and face.
ULIKE Sapphire Air+ IPL Hair Removal Handset
Do you have to shave when using IPL hair removal?
Yes. IPL needs to target the root of the hair within the follicle. But, if the hair is not cut down, the light cannot concentrate on this area. So, whether it’s laser or IPL, you’ll want to shave first. Then, the skin can zap the hair so it won’t grow back in the future.
What happens if you don’t shave?
Cassandra has used it on stubble, and it grows back more unevenly. She assumes the results aren’t as good because the light isn’t targeted. So, it would probably take longer for you to see results.
Can you use IPL on the face?
Yes, you can use it on the upper lip, and it’s fantastic for the face. It’s actually used for things like acne and acne marks. It can be used for redness and even for minor scarring. There are better treatments for acne and acne scars though. But, it is medically proven to work for these things.
And if you want to remove hair on the upper lip or chin, it works very well. Cassandra would recommend using ULIKE Sapphire Air 3 on her face because it’s easier to use on crevices, and it also has 3 comfort settings. On the other hand, Cassandra would recommend using the ULIKE Sapphire Air + IPL on the armpit.
Can you use them on ingrown hairs?
You should not IPL over ingrown hairs. You should exfoliate that ingrown hair or put a pimple patch on the skin so it can emerge. Once that ingrown hair is taken care of, you can shave. IPL will prevent ingrown hairs from coming back in the future.
However, with IPL, you do need to shave, and this can cause ingrown hairs. So, you might get ingrown hairs at first. But, with consistent use, the area should eventually become ingrown hair-free.
IPL is a great tool for ingrown hair prevention, especially if you wear tight clothing and leggings. Tight clothes can cause ingrown hairs because they compress hairs to your skin. Hairs can ball up under the skin instead of emerging.
How long does IPL take to work?
This depends on your body. In general, each IPL product will vary. In professional settings, they say you’ll need 2-3 treatments to start seeing a change and 6-12 treatments to see permanent results. With at-home IPL, many sources say you’ll start seeing results after 2 months upon using it 3 times a week during the first month and 2 times a week during the second month.