ABOUT LASER HAIR REMOVAL
What Is IPL Hair Removal?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It is a professional light-based treatment used to progressively reduce unwanted hair.
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The treatment directs controlled pulses of light towards pigment within the hair. This light is absorbed by the melanin and converted into heat, targeting the hair follicle and helping to reduce future growth.
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At Crane Medical Clinic, our hair removal treatments use the IPL technology within the Lynton LUMINA® platform. LUMINA® is a professional system that can incorporate both laser and IPL technologies; for this treatment, it is the IPL handpiece that is used for hair reduction.
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Over a course of treatments, hair growth can gradually reduce, with regrowth often becoming finer and less noticeable.
Why Choose IPL Hair Removal?
LONG-TERM HAIR REDUCTIONION
Helps progressively reduce unwanted hair growth over a course of treatments.
SMOOTHER SKIN
Less frequent shaving and waxing can make maintaining smoother skin much easier.
FACE & BODY
IPL hair removal can be used on a range of areas across the face and body, subject to consultation.
IPL works by targeting melanin within the hair, making pigmented hair suitable for treatment following assessment.
COARSE, DARK HAIR
PERSONALISED TREATMENT
Settings are selected according to factors including your skin tone, hair colour and treatment area.
How Does IPL Hair Removal Work?
IPL hair removal works by using controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light to target melanin within the hair.
TARGET
Controlled IPL energy is directed towards unwanted hair in the treatment area.
ABSORB
The IPL light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, directing energy towards the follicle.
HEAT
The absorbed light is converted into controlled heat, helping disrupt the follicle’s ability to produce new hair.
REDUCE
Heat targets the hair follicle, helping to reduce future growth over a course of treatments.
Because hairs grow at different stages, a course of treatments is required to target follicles effectively over time.
The full process
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01 Consultation
Your treatment begins with a consultation where we'll assess your skin tone, hair colour, medical history and treatment goals to determine whether IPL hair removal is suitable for you.
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02 Preparation
You'll be given preparation guidance before your appointment, including advice around sun exposure and shaving the treatment area.
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03 IPL Treatment
You'll wear protective eyewear while controlled pulses of IPL light are delivered to the treatment area using the Lynton LUMINA® handpiece. Treatment sensation can vary and may feel similar to a brief warm or elastic-band-like flick.
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04 Aftercare
Temporary redness or mild swelling can occur following IPL treatment. We'll provide aftercare guidance to help you look after the treated skin.
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05 Your Treatment Course
Hair grows in cycles, so IPL hair removal requires a course of treatments. Your recommended number and spacing of appointments will be personalised to your hair, skin and treatment area.
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06 Maintenance
Once your initial course is complete, occasional maintenance treatments may be recommended depending on future hair growth.
FAQ
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Is IPL the same as laser hair removal?
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No. IPL and laser are both light-based hair reduction technologies, but they are not the same technology.
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IPL uses a range of light wavelengths, whereas a laser produces a specific wavelength of light.
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At Crane Medical Clinic, our hair reduction treatment uses the IPL technology within the Lynton LUMINA® platform. The LUMINA® itself is a multi-technology laser and IPL system.
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How does IPL hair removal work?
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IPL light is absorbed by melanin in the hair and converted into heat. This targets the follicle and helps progressively reduce its ability to produce new hair.
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What does IPL hair removal feel like?
Sensation varies between clients and treatment areas. You may experience a brief warm or snapping sensation as each pulse of light is delivered.
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How many IPL hair removal sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your hair, skin and treatment area. Because only hairs within certain stages of their growth cycle respond effectively at each appointment, a course of treatments is normally required.
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Who is suitable for IPL hair removal?
Suitability depends on factors including skin tone and hair colour and will be assessed during your consultation. IPL relies on pigment within the hair, so grey or white hair generally does not respond in the same way.
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Are there side effects?
Temporary redness, warmth or mild swelling can occur after treatment. Your practitioner will explain potential side effects and provide personalised aftercare advice.
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Can IPL be used on the face and body?
Yes. IPL hair reduction can be used on many areas of the face and body, subject to consultation and suitability.
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Is there downtime?
There is generally little downtime following IPL hair removal, although temporary redness or sensitivity can occur.
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Will IPL remove hair permanently?
IPL is best described as providing long-term hair reduction, rather than guaranteeing permanent removal. Hair growth can reduce significantly across a course, although maintenance treatments may sometimes be required.