IPL/ SHR Hair Reduction

 IPL stands for Intense Pulse Light. It works by using Selective Photothermolysis, photo meaning light, thermo meaning heat and lysis meaning destruction. The light is attracted to the melanin (colour) of the hair. It then travels down the follicle of the hair into the root, where it creates heat. It is this heat that destroys the hair. 

SHR (swift hair removal) is a form of IPL technology that uses a lower frequency/energy at a higher pulse rate to heat the follicle slower than traditional IPL treatments. Short pulses are delivered into the dermis using a gliding technique that ensures full treatment area coverage. This results in a much more comfortable, generally pain-free, quicker treatment. Heating the follicle slower also ensures a safer treatment, especially for darker skin tones. 

SHR is a revolutionary approach.  Rather than bombarding your skin with high amounts of energy (Joules), SHR fires multiple shots but at low joules.  In doing so it gently heats the hair follicle to the heat needed and the most you will feel is warmth and a tingling sensation, some clients compare it to a a warm massage.  SHR also utilizes In-Motion technology, where the hand piece is always in motion on the skin. 

SHR Hair reduction is a great way to eliminate unwanted hair and stop it from growing back. The hair follicles are destroyed, which means the hair will fall out, and when maintenance sessions are followed, the results can be permanent. IPL Hair reduction can be used almost anywhere on the body apart from the eyebrows. The most popular areas for this treatment include Brazilian/Bikini, under arms and upper lip. You can expect to lose around 20% of your hair with each treatment. 

A minimum of 6 sessions are required; most people generally need 8. The hair needs to be in the right stage of growth, the anagen phase, which is where the hair has a blood supply and, therefore, can be destroyed. The anagen phase occurs approximately every 6 weeks for the body and 4 weeks for the face. Maintenance sessions are required every 6-12 months as new hair can develop through changes in hormones etc 

There are restrictions on who can receive IPL/SHR treatments. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are unsuitable for IPL and many medications may be contraindicated. Photosensitizing medications create a risk of burns (especially acne medications such as Roaccutane). It is important that you be honest with us when filling out consultation forms so we can perform safe and effective treatments. Dark skin colors may be difficult to treat, so your therapist may recommend an alternative treatment if IPL is not the most appropriate treatment for you. 

 When you come in for your treatment, we will first give you specially designed goggles to wear during the treatment; these goggles are made specifically for the wavelengths of light used with IPL. A cooling, conductive gel will be applied to your skin. Light is applied by using a sapphire crystal in a handpiece. The light will be a short bright flash and create a sensation many people describe as a flicking of an elastic band. Your therapist will ask you throughout the treatment if you are comfortable. The gel will then be removed.

After your IPL Hair Reduction treatment, your hair will grow back immediately, as we have not removed the hair in any way. Within 2-3 weeks, your hair starts to fall out in patches. While the hair is falling out, you will be able to grab it by your fingers and it will literally just slide out. It is recommended, though not essential, to let your hair grow after the first session to see this happening physically.

The hair must not be removed by the root for 4 weeks prior to your IPL/SHR appointment, either through waxing, plucking, epilating or threading. The root of the hair must be intact for the treatment to work. The same rule applies between the treatments, not removing the hair from the root. You can shave or use hair removal creams(though we do not recommend them due to their high amounts of chemicals). It is imperative to stay protected from the sun, especially in the areas you are receiving IPL; there must be no tan present in the area for your treatment.