How exciting it is to be taking the first steps towards your IPL hair removal! Before you jump in and start zapping away, here are a few friendly things to know before booking your first IPL Hair Removal treatment so your journey is smooth, successful, and stress-free.
Before you begin your journey…
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) works by targeting hair at the root during specific growth phases. You see, not all the hair in the treatment area will be growing at the same time. Some hair follicles may be in the “baby” phase, while others might be in the “senior” phase living out their golden years! Translation? You’ll need multiple sessions to see long-term results. This is so that Stick with the plan, trust the process, and don’t panic- the hair is not meant to disappear overnight.
Plus, before booking your first appointment, you’ll wanna make sure you meet eligibility for the treatment.
Planning Ahead: How will you stay smooth?
Put the wax strips down! Waxing, threading, and plucking remove the root IPL needs to work its magic. Shaving is the best hair removal method during your IPL Hair Removal journey.
What does it feel like?
Most people say IPL feels like a quick snap of a rubber band or a warm little zap. Not exactly spa-level relaxing, but totally manageable. Sensitive areas may tingle more—speak up if you’re uncomfortable so settings can be adjusted.
Your skin might look a bit pink or feel warm afterward —this is normal and usually short-lived. In addition, if you have a darker skin tone your skin will retain heat for a couple of hours longer than lighter skin tones.
What about pre and post-care?
Avoid sun exposure and tanning before and after sessions. Plus, it’s a good idea to give yourself a thorough shave usually about 24 hours before treatment. Removing all hair from the area to be treated will maximize success and minimize discomfort.
Keep things gentle post treatment. For example, skip hot showers, workouts, and saunas for a day or two.
Book your appointment to start your IPL Hair Removal journey!Schedule Appointment
Located in YEG, Dérmica offers short and long term solutions for hair removal.
Waxing- Short term hair removal
Traditionally, waxing involves the use of warm wax, typically honey or pine resin-based and cloth strips. The esthetician first preps the area by disinfecting and applying a protective barrier to the skin. The warm wax is then applied using a wooden spatula and covered with a cloth strip; this is referred to as strip waxing or soft waxing. The strip is then quickly pulled off parallel to the skin and voilà your skin is left smooth and hair free!
Prior to booking a wax service ensure your hair is at least ¼ inch long, and has not been sunburned, treated with AHA/BHA, or prescription acne medications. Avoid caffeine for a couple hours before your appointment to reduce sensitivity. Results are visible for about 2 weeks, with 4-6 weeks before you are ready for your next visit. After care for waxing includes: avoiding heat, sun exposure, strong/fragranced, lotions, and washes for 24 hours and frequent skin exfoliation.
IPL- Long term hair removal
For a permanent solution, opt for IPL hair removal treatments. These advanced treatments should only be performed by trained and certified technicians. They are somewhat of an investment and can cause injury to your skin if not delivered properly, so do your research and make sure operational requirements are met by both the business and technician.
If you choose to have your treatment performed by the experts at Dérmica, here’s what you can expect:
Our tech begins by disinfecting your skin, she provides you with your protective eyewear, then off she goes zapping away.
Some lasers, like ours, are equipped with cooling systems, making your service a breeze. The cooling system makes your treatment significantly less painful (if at all), and 100% less messy than other lasers.
For the following 24-48 hours you will be required to avoid direct heat, perspiration, sun exposure, strong/fragranced soaps, lotions and washes. Ensure your skin has not been sunburned, treated with AHA/BHA, or medications/vitamins that may affect your skin.
Typically you will notice a stunt in the growth of hair, followed by what seems to be continued growth, then towards your 4-6 week the hair will begin to fall out. At this point you are ready for your next session.
