Does IPL Hair Removal Hurt? Myths vs. Reality

Over the past few years, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) has become more popular, especially due to COVID, which increased the demand for at-home beauty tools. The same goes for at-home IPL hair removal devices.

However, despite their rising popularity, there are some myths and misconceptions about IPL treatments that can cause confusion and misinformation. In this blog post, we want to set the record straight and provide you with accurate information for when you want to start your IPL journey.

Myth #1: IPL laser hair removal hurts

One of the most common misconceptions about IPL treatments is that it feels just as painful as an in-clinic laser hair removal session. The great thing about having an IPL device yourself is that you are in complete control. Plus, most IPL devices feature different settings to suit each user’s pain tolerance. When you’re new to IPL treatments, we recommend starting on the lowest setting and gradually increasing it to a level that feels comfortable for you.

Myth #2: At-home IPL device isn’t as effective as and in-clinic laser hair removal

Another myth is that IPL hair removal devices for home use aren’t as effective as a weekly visit to a laser hair removal clinic. Even though the technologies are slightly different, they yield similar long-lasting results. The reason many believe that laser hair removal is more effective is that it requires more powerful technology that can only be managed by a trained professional. IPL technology isn’t quite the same as in-clinic laser hair removal because it is designed for anyone to use, anywhere, while still providing long-lasting hair removal.

Myth #3: You absolutely cannot go outside in-between your IPL laser hair removal sessions

Don’t worry, during your IPL journey, you don’t have to be coped up in your home the whole time. Although, make sure to avoid direct sunlight contact on the treated area as the skin will likely be extra sensitive to UV rays. When you go outside it’s important to cover the treated area with a physical sunblock like clothing, hats, etc. and that you’re wearing at least SPF30 sunscreen.

Myth #4: IPL devices cannot be used on your face

Not true, you can absolutely use an IPL device on your face. It’s especially perfect for targeting stubborn and thick hairs on the chin and above the upper lip. However, you should avoid using the device just around your eyes. We recommend for sensitive skin to start off on a small area of the face to see how your skin reacts before treating your full face.

Tip: avoid using skincare products that may contain drying ingredients (like acne treatments) when using your IPL device on your face. Stick to a simple routine and keep your skin moisturized with a hydrating facial cleanser and moisturizer.

Myth #5: IPL hair removal devices are expensive

When you see the price, yes, they can seem expensive. But consider this: a laser hair removal treatment in the salon can cost $300 per visit, while some IPL devices can cost up to $600, like our Silk’n 7. When comparing weekly salon visits to a one-time payment for an at-home IPL device, which likely has a long lifespan, you end up saving a lot of money!

Myth #6: Do not shave in between treatments

It is perfectly safe to shave while undergoing laser hair removal treatments. It is common to see hair regrowth, especially in the early stages of treatment. However, anything that involves pulling hair (waxing, plucking, etc.) can irritate the skin and affect the hair removal process. We highly recommend shaving right before a session for the best results.

Conclusion

We hope we’ve addressed some common myths with our blog. If you have any further questions about using at-home IPL devices or want to learn more, please check our at-home hair removal devices or feel free to contact us via Instagram DM. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!

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