To achieve long lasting or permanent hair reduction, it is necessary to destroy the hair follicle from which individual hairs grow. Well controlled pulses of light penetrate the upper skin layer and are absorbed by one of the body’s own natural chemicals – melanin – in the hair contained in the follicle.
Melanin converts the light energy into heat. This heat is transferred to the hair follicle, which is destroyed, making it unable to produce a new hair. The treatment is only effective on growing hairs as these are still attached to the follicle. The majority of our hair is in the resting phase which explains why more than one treatment is necessary. This technique is called “Selective Photothermolysis”.

Patch Testing Requirement’s

• I will require you to have had a patch test at least 48 hours before your appointment. This will involve a consultation and quick patch testing using the IPL machine. Any kind of reaction must be shared with me including redness, itchiness, rash, swelling or bruising (or any other symptoms you may feel is linked).

• Your patch test must have been completed within the previous one year or we will need to repeat it. If you have had a IPL hair removal treatments within the last year then we will not need to repeat a patch test as the IPL Treatment will have been in contact with your skin and will be sufficient at monitoring for a reaction.

• If you have any changes in your medical condition, then we will need to repeat a patch test regardless of the time since your last tint treatment. This is because your body changes and could react to the IPL Treatment.

Health Requirement’s

Certain health problems and medication will prevent or restrict the treatment. If you are suffering with something that isn’t on this heath requirement list including any medication then please check with your G.P before making an appointment.

• You need to be 18 or over to have this treatment.
• If you are of have become pregnant during treatments. 
• If you are breastfeeding.
• If you have a tattoo in the area you are wanting hair removal. (This can be worked around)
• If you have waxed, sugared or plucked the hairs during your treatments or 2 weeks before starting. (you can shave in-between treatments)
• If you have herpes 1 & 2, due to the heat from the treatment it can cause you to have a outbreak. (this can be worked around)
• If you are prone to keloid or hypertrophic scarring. (this can be worked around)
• If you have Epilepsy and other types of seizures caused by flashing light. (You need a doctors note)
• If you are taking hormone supplementing medication. (your will need a doctors note)
• If you have (PSOS), Hirsutism or any other hormonal imbalances. (This must be mentioned when making your appointment)
• Viruses such as the flu, colds, cold sores, warts.
• Bacterial infections such as impetigo, boils, conjunctivitis, sties.
• Fungal infections such as ringworm, blepharitis.
• If you have severe eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis, open wounds/cuts or abrasions. (Some of these are able to be worked around)
• If you have used sunbeds or been in direct sunlight with in four week prior to treatment.
• If you are sunburnt.
• If you have used tanning products within four weeks prior to treatment, such as creams, lotions and sprays. (these may interfere with the IPL treatment)
• If you have had chemical peels, micro-dermabrasion or any resurfacing treatments with in 3 months prior to treatment..
• If you have been using Retain A, Renova with in the last 3 months or have had Isotretinoin (Accutane) or any prescription skin products with in 6 months prior to treatment.
• If you have had a light based treatments like Laser or IPL etc.. with in 6 weeks prior to treatment.
• If you have had Botox or other injectable procedures with in one week prior to treatment.
• The use of Retin-A or other retinol products with in 48 hours prior to treatment. (only on the area being treated)
• Recent operations or scar tissue.
• Moles, Skin Tags and Varicose Veins (this can be worked around)
• Highley sensitized / irritated skin or compromised skin barrier.
• Certain allergies (this can be worked around)
• Have you ever experienced claustrophobia (this can be worked around)
• Have a history of fainting. (this can be worked around)

Anything that can be worked around must be mentioned during the making of your appointment. If you are at all unsure of anything then please check with your G.P before making an appointment.

Pre Care

• The area of treatment should be shaved at least 12 hours prior to treatment.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes on the day.
• Drink at least 1 litre of water the day before and the day of treatment – this helps your body to regulate its temperature.
• Do not turn up to your appointment immediately after exercise.
• Avoid applying any products on areas of treatment, keep it dry and clean prior to treatment.
• Do not expose the skin to UV light (sunlight or sunbeds) or apply any self-tanning products for 4 weeks prior to treatment.

After Care

• Do apply Aloe Vera gel or calming creams for 3 days after the treatment.
• Do wear loose clothes to avoid friction on the treated area for 48 hours.
• Do keep treated area clean and dry for 48 hours.
• Do drink plenty of water.
• Do use at least SPF 50 sunscreen for at least 2 weeks if not longer.
• Avoid exposing skin to UV light (sunlight or sunbeds) or self-tan for at least 2 weeks after treatment if not longer. This is to minimise darkening of the skin. (hyperpigmentation).
• Avoid heat treatments such as spas, steam rooms and saunas for 7 days.
• Avoid excessive scrubbing or applying pressure to the skin for 4-5 days. This is to allow the treated skin to recover and to prevent any infection.
• Avoid shaving the treated area for 72 hours after treatment.
• Avoid exercising for at least 48 hours.
• Avoid hot baths and hot showers for 48 hours.
• Avoid anything that involves chlorine (e.g. swimming) for 48 hours.
• Avoid make-up on the treated area for at least 48 hours.
• Avoid the application of perfumed products or bleaching creams for 48 hours.
• Avoid scratching the treatment area if blistering or crusting occurs, as this can cause scarring.
• Avoid waxing, tweezing and threading for the complete duration of the treatment course.

To expert a reduction in hair growth or permanent results after a course of multiple treatments.

• A nice warm welcome and a consultation form to be filled out by you or the parent or legal Guardian of the child who is under the age of 18 nut older then the age of 16.

• A friendly discussion to talk about the treatment, what products to use and if there are any health issues that I need to be made aware of. 

• A patch test to be carried out at least 48 hours before your treatment.

• A clean and sanitises shop with fully sanitise hands, machinery and instruments. For me to wear a mask, apron and single use medical grade disposable gloves when needed to.

• Extra time for you to get undressed and dressed in private, if needed to.

• To then get you comfortably on the cosmetic bed, ready to start our treatment.

• A antiseptic wipe to used on the area being treated, followed by a  application of cold gel.

• To be given sterile eye protein wear.

• To carry out the treatment, safety and effectively.

• Regular check in’s by me to see how your sensitivity and comfortability is doing.

• Once we have finished we can move to reception area and discuss aftercare, payment and your follow up appointment.

• A text message or phone call 48 hour after your first ever IPL treatment to see how your skin has got on.

• Do not leave long periods of time in between your treatments, try to plan out your appointments for every 4 weeks until you have reached desired results. 
• Check the pre and post aftercare guidance and plan your appointment’s around your lifestyle.
• If your unsure always start with one small area first like your underarms until you are happy and ready to add more areas on.