A IPL hair removal device uses pulsating pulsed light to heat your hair follicles and destroy them completely. The devices are usually fast and reduce your hair growth permanently. The procedure is painless and FDA-certified, making it safe for users. And do you know what makes it even better? With IPL hair removal, the risk of ingrown hairs and allergic reactions can be minimized.
Want to try it but are afraid of burning yourself? We'll give you step-by-step instructions on how to use IPL hair removal at home without causing any damage.
- Part 1: How does IPL hair removal work?
- Part 2: How is IPL hair removal used?
- Part 3: Tips for successful IPL hair removal
- Part 4: Conclusion
How does IPL hair removal work?
The IPL hair removal is mainly based on the process of photothermolysis. Photothermolysis uses light energy to reach a specific area deep within the skin and destroy it without affecting the surrounding tissue. In IPL hair removal, the light of multiple wavelengths (between 500nm-1200nm) is absorbed by the melanin in your hair follicles.
After the light reaches the roots, it turns into heat and reaches a temperature of up to 70°C. This temperature completely destroys your hair follicles, thus stopping further hair growth. In addition, this temperature also denatures the proteins in your existing hair, causing it to fall out.
How is IPL hair removal used?
Step 1: Preparations for IPL hair removal
Before you start the treatment, you need to know how to prepare for IPL hair removal, so here's a little guide for you.
Choose the right device
IPL devices have different energy levels ranging from 3-9 J/cm2 and different devices are suitable for different skin tones. Therefore, you should first know your skin tone and skin type before purchasing the IPL device.
People with sensitive skin can choose devices in the energy range of 3-6 J/cm2, while others can go beyond that.
Read the instructions carefully
After purchasing the device, read all the instructions in the manual carefully to familiarize yourself with the device. In the manual you will find the time, intensity and mode that are suitable for each area you need to treat.
Do a patch test
A patch test is important to know how your skin reacts to the device. To perform the test, you set the device to your skin tone and hair color and apply it to a small area 24 hours before the actual treatment. If nothing happens, you can continue, but in case of To avoid side effects of IPL hair removal , it is best to try the device with a lower energy level.
Shave the treatment area
It is recommended to remove hair before using an IPL device, as this allows the device to focus precisely on your roots. Waxing , plucking, Epilation or electrolysis also removes the hair roots, so you may want to shave instead.
Shaving removes excess hair while leaving the roots intact and allowing light to reach the roots easily, so do this the day before your treatment.
Step 2: Using the IPL hair removal device
Most IPL hair removal devices work in a similar way and the Ulike IPL hair removal device is one of the easiest and fastest to use. Here's how to use the IPL hair removal at home with a Ulike handheld device .
- Step 1: Connect the power cable to the adapter and then plug the cable into a power outlet
- Step 2: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from the intense light
- Step 3: Turn on the device and select the intensity level and mode depending on the sensitivity of your skin. With the For example, with Ulike Saphir Air 3 you can use the point method for the knees, an auto-glide mode for the legs and a gentle mode for the upper lip or armpits.
- Step 4: Place the device on your skin and move it gently over the area to be treated
- Step 5: After completing the treatment, turn off the device, clean it and store it in a safe place.
It's easy, right? But there are areas of the body that are more sensitive and need special care. So let's take a quick look at how you can make hair removal in these areas effective and pain-free.
How to use IPL facial hair removal?
Most IPL hair removal devices are safe for all skin areas, but you need to be a little more careful with your face. When moving the device along your upper lip or cheeks, don't hold it too close to your lips or eyes.
It is also better if you only use the device below your cheekbones.
How to use IPL hair removal in the bikini area?
Using the IPL hair removal device is safe for your bikini area and the steps are also the same. You just need to set the right intensity level and use the device according to the instructions in the user manual. For example, if you are using the Ulike Sapphire Air 3 handheld device, you need to choose the "Gentle" mode for the bikini area.
Step 3: Aftercare
We're not done yet. To keep your skin supple after IPL hair removal, you need to follow a few aftercare steps.
- After the IPL treatment, you need to moisturize the treatment area. You can use an oil, lotion or even aloe vera gel.
- To ensure your skin heals completely, it's best to avoid sun exposure at all. If you do have to go out, wear fully covering clothing, a hat, and sunscreen with SPF 50 or more.
- If your skin becomes sensitive, you should avoid shaving for at least 48-72 hours to avoid chemical reactions, severe itching or redness.
- If you feel redness or inflammation immediately after treatment, you can place cold compresses on the affected area.
Tips for successful IPL hair removal
Be consistent and patient
Whenever you start something, you have to be patient and consistent to achieve your goal. The same goes for IPL hair removal. It requires multiple sessions because your hair needs to be targeted at all stages of its cycle.
So don’t be impatient and continue with your sessions as per the instructions to finally get smooth and hair-free skin.
Know the right time
The IPL treatment is simple and quick, but to make it effective you should know the right time to use the device. For example, it is better to avoid the treatment during your period because your skin is more sensitive during this time and you feel more pain.
If you sweat excessively, sweat can hinder the absorption of the light. When you shower, your pores open up and the light can penetrate your follicles more easily. Also, medications such as antibiotics, blood thinners or Akutan will interfere with the treatment, so it is best to stop taking them or do the IPL treatment after treatment has finished.
Know the right place
IPL hair removal is safe, but you should never use it carelessly. Before using the device, you need to know which areas you can treat with it and only use it on those areas. Devices like the Ulike IPL hair removal device, for example, have different modes for normal to sensitive skin, so you can treat all areas of your body with it.
However, no IPL hair removal device is suitable for tattoos or the genital area, as the darker color can absorb more heat and eventually cause burns. Therefore, it is important to know the right device for the right area to get good results.
Keep track of your treatment progress
Wondering how to tell if IPL hair removal is working for you? Record your progress by taking pictures after each session. This way you can see if there are any positive results and decide whether to continue or stop the treatment.
Good results also motivate you to continue your sessions consistently, while bad results discourage you from wasting your time or money any further.
Contact a specialist in case of unusual side effects
IPL hair removal has some side effects such as redness, inflammation or itching, but these usually go away on their own. However, if you notice other side effects such as blistering, skin burning, redness or edema, contact a professional immediately.
If you act quickly, you can protect your skin from permanent damage and the specialist will help you find the exact cause. This way you can avoid repeating the same mistake.
Conclusion
IPL hair removal at home is an effective, fast and long-lasting method of hair removal. You can avoid the hassle of shaving, waxing or using depilatory creams every two months. Since most devices work for more than 10 years, they are also good value for money.
Are you thinking about buying a device now? Then you should try the Ulike IPL hair removal handheld device because it is durable, affordable, soothes your skin with cooling technology and the slim body is easy to handle and hold.
