Is Laser Hair Removal Painful? Myths vs Reality
Over the past years, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) has become more popular. Especially due to COVID the demand for at home beauty tools became bigger than ever. Same for at home IPL hair removal devices.
However, despite them becoming more popular, there are some myths and misconceptions about IPL treatments which can cause confusion and misinformation. With this blog post we want to set the record straight and provide you with accurate information for when you want to start with your IPL journey.
Myth #1: IPL laser hair removal hurts
One of the most common misconceptions about IPL treatments is that it will feel 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. On top of that, most IPL devices feature different settings to suit all user’s pain tolerance. When you’re new with IPL treatments, we recommend starting off on the lowest setting and gradually build up to a setting that feels comfortable to 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 that effective as a weekly visit to a laser hair removal clinic. Even though the technologies are slightly different, they have similar long-lasting results. The reason why many believe that laser hair removal is more effective is because it requires a more powerful technology that can only be managed by a trained professional. IPL technology isn’t quite the same as an in-clinic laser hair removal because it is designed to be used by anyone, anywhere, and can still provide 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. We do 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 the 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 are expensive. But what if you think about it like this: a laser hair removal treatment in the salon can cost up to €300,- per visit, while some IPL devices can cost up to €500,-, like our Silk’n 7 . When comparing weekly salon visits to a one-time payment of an at home IPL device, which likely have a long-life span, you basically save lots of money! Girl math tackles this myth ;)
Myth #6: Do not shave in between laser hair removal treatments
It is perfectly safe to shave while you’re undergoing laser hair removal treatments. It is common to see hair grow back, especially in the early stages of laser hair removal. However, anything that involves hair pulling (waxing, plucking, etc. can irritate the skin and affect the laser’s hair removal process. We highly recommend shaving right before a session for the best hair removal results.
Conclusion
We hope we tackled some common myths with our blog. If you have any further questions about using at home IPL devices or if you want to learn more about it please check our at home hair removal devices or feel free to contact us on Instagram DM. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions!