Five most FAQs about IPL Hair Removal

Q1. How does Ellipse IPL hair removal work?

Intense pulsed light works by placing an applicator head on to the skin which sends out a high intensity flash of light which is carefully filtered to make sure only the correct wave lengths reach your skin. The light is attracted to the pigment in your hair, which converts it into heat. The energy destroys the hair follicle making it unable to produce new hair.

Q2. Is the treatment effective on any hair colour?

No, because the light is absorbed by the pigment in your hair, the hair needs to be dark. The darker the hair the more effective the treatment will be and the more contrast between the hair and skin colour the easier. The ellipse machine does have pre-programmed settings for different hair types and skin colours to adjust the energy to suit the person. If you hair is very fair, then Electrolysis may be better for you.

Q3. How many ellipse treatments do I need?

We can’t give an exact number of how may treatments anyone will need, it completely varies from person to person. You most likely will need a course of 6, but for bigger areas I would recommend getting a course of 9, because although 6 will give you a good reduction, you may need more than 6 to get the result you want. An interval 0f 6 weeks is needed.

Q4. How do I prepare myself for the treatment?

It is important not to do any other form of hair removal other than shaving; the reason is because any other type of hair removal would be taking the hair out of the follicle which we don’t want as we need it there to treat. Shaving just takes the surface of the hair away which is fine to do. Avoid waxing, tweezing, threading, bleaching and electrolysis. It is also important to avoid using any self-tan creams, sunbeds and sun exposure for 30 days before and after treatment as we don’t want the pigment in your skin to change so it doesn’t affect the treatment.

Q5. Does the treatment hurt?

Everyone’s tolerance of pain is different, but if you find waxing painful you will find this a lot easier. It feels like a small hot flicking sensation, not painful, you are just aware of it and it varies depending on what area is being done. As you get further into your treatments you do get used to the sensation and it gets easier.

Laser hair removal at Zen: A client’s experience

Ellipse IPL (laser hair removal) l had at Zen has made a huge difference to my hair as well as to my day to day lifestyle. I no longer have to wax or shave before I go swimming, nor do I have to wait for my hairs to grow back in. The Ellipse IPL treatment was not as painful as waxing.

I was told that the light was attracted to the pigment causing a heat reaction to take place which kills the hair follicle at the root. This worked particularly well for me as I have thick dark hair and pale skin, proving to be the perfect candidate for laser hair removal.

I bought a course which saved me money. The aftercare for laser hair removal is the same as waxing although I had to avoid strong sun exposure for 30 days before and after my treatment.

Now, 9 treatments later, I am happy to say that I am hair free!

Statement form Zen client.

More about laser hair removal in Edinburgh

Are you returning over and over again to get waxed? At Zen Lifestyle Edinburgh we can offer a solution to your problem. Ellipse (IPL) or laser hair removal as it’s more commonly known is a permanent hair removal treatment that will bring a stop to the hair growth in desired areas.

How? Well, we use an Ellipse IPL machine that penetrates heat into the hair. Our laser hair removal machine produces small light pulses which are attracted to the hair colour (melanin). The energy produced is converted into heat destroying the hair follicle making it unable to produce any more hair. This method of permanent hair removal has been very popular in our Edinburgh salons and is attracting more and more fans.

Laser hair removal is most beneficial as part of a course. The reason for this is your hair grows in three different stages; each hair will be at a different stage of growth meaning the area will need several treatments to target all of the hairs.
A course of 6-9 treatments is recommended and will be needed to achieve the optimum results; however this can vary slightly depending on the area being treated and the individual’s hair growth.
Laser hair removal is the best way to achieve permanent hair reduction.

Ellipse IPL does more than permanent hair removal. At our Edinburgh salon we also use Ellipse IPL to treat acne prone skin, thread veins, pigmentation and aging skin.