Unwanted hair is a problem shared by both men and women. In many cases the condition runs in families. Race can also be a factor — whites are more prone to having excess facial hair than are Asians and blacks. Some people experience unwanted or excess hair from the time they reach puberty; others find it to be a condition that gets worse with age. Some women experience additional hair growth during pregnancy or menopause. Women who experience sudden hair growth should consult with their physicians, as this may be a sign of other medical conditions.

Hair does not come in any one size or type. Follicles in different parts of the body produce differing types of hair. Hair can grow in thick, bushy patches or in long thin strands. In addition, hair is produced in follicles that can be found at different depths and densities — as close to the skin's surface as a millimeter or as deep as five millimeters or more.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL^TM) technology offers a gentle, non-invasive, long-lasting solution to unwanted hair on the face, back, legs bikini line or any other body area. Based on technology used for nearly a decade in the treatment of port-wine stains and other birthmarks, IPL photoepilation has been performed safely for many years, effectively eliminating dozens of hairs with each pulse.

More advanced than even lasers, IPL is the first photoepilation technology proven to treat unwanted hair safely on any skin type – from very light to very dark skin. In order to ensure the best outcome, you may be asked about your medical history and skin type in order to estimate the results you should expect from your customized treatment program.

Highly controlled flashes of light are selectively absorbed by hair-frilled follicles lying below the surface of the skin. The absorbed light heats the hair, which damages or destroys the re-growth potential of the follicle. All without damaging the surrounding tissue.

Your treatment begins by trimming away the hair above the skin. You may be asked to wear dark glasses to protect your eyes from the bright light. Next a cold gel (similar to ultrasound gel) may be spread over the treatment area. The IPL handpiece is then applied to your skin and pulses of light begin disabling your unwanted hair. When the gel is removed, much of the hair is wiped off with it. The remaining hair in the treated area falls out over the next week or two.

Each pulse of light feels like a slight sting or pinch, similar to the snap of a rubber band. Most people tolerate the treatment well, if pain threshold is low you may apply local anesthetic cream to the area, to reduce the pain.

IPL’s unique design offers you customized treatment according to your hair colour, texture and the location of body hair. Any hair with at least some pigment in it (black, brown, red and even blond) can be treated effectively.

IPL is the first photepilation procedure proven to effectively treat unwanted hair on all skin types, including dark-skinned individuals such as those of Black, Hispanic and Asian descent.

Side effects are rare. You may experience some slight reddening or local swelling at the treatment site, but this typically goes away within hours. On rare occasions some blistering or bruising may occur, but typically resolves quickly. Also, the skin can become darker or lighter following treatment, but will generally return to normal within a few weeks. Limiting sun exposure before and after each treatment will minimize the risk of complications. Following the treatment, you can generally return to work and resume all regular activities immediately.