IPL gives awesome results and is super cost effective. Lets say you have a Brazillian bikini wax 10 times a year. Lets underestimate and say you only do it for 10 years, (said no one ever). The waxing costs versus IPL, is a $4500 spend on waxing, and roughly $900 on IPL. And that's just the bikini area. What about underarms and legs??? That's a massive saving, not to mention the inconvenience of all the times you've been caught out or have left it too late to book an appointment!
I have been working with my IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) machine for 10 years now. I know what it can do and I know what I'm looking for with regard to my client consultations, to be able to give an up to 90% permanent, (yes, permanent) reduction in hair. Some things you should know:
Firstly, IPL only works on dark hair. So if you're red, blond or very light brown, forget it. It also works best on coarse hair, but finer hair reduction can still be achieved in some cases.
Secondly, IPL works best on fair to medium colored skin. The darker your skin, the less likely it is that you can be treated.
Here are some things you need to know before selecting a salon for your treatment:
1. How long has your therapist been performing IPL treatments? Believe me, it's OK to ask.
2. What sort of machine do they use? (clue: If it's the size of a desktop printer, it will perform like a desktop printer. My IPL weighs 60kgs and stands past my waist). Research, people!
3. Make sure your consultation includes a full medical consult and a test patch. No point finding out those antibiotics you were taking at the time of treatment were the cause of the blister you received...
3. Pay peanuts, get monkeys. If you can't believe your eyes at how cheap it is, it's probably not that great. Believe me now, I'll be fixing it later - buy cheap, buy twice as they say.
4. It's not all in the name. Don't rely on the name of the salon you're going to, you need to know all of the above mentioned. I mean, I could call my company "Astronauts International" and it doesn't mean I could successfully fly you to the moon!
How many treatments will I need? Well, this is variable depending on the type and amount of hair you start with, the machine you're using and the experience of the person operating. I would gauge 6 treatments over a year for say Brazillian bikini or underarm, and about 4 for bikini and legs. Facial hair CAN be successful, but sometimes we have hormones at play here, and the hair is generally finer which can be a battle, but you're looking at 6-10 treatments.
Will it hurt? Maybe. Depends on your pain threshold and the area you are having treated. The pain is likened to the flick of a rubber band. It can be intense for a second and then it's completely gone just as quickly. Let's just say I've never had anyone walk out on a treatment in 10 years. Topical anesthetics can be used for areas like Brazillian.
How often do I have treatments? Hmmm, I treat less often than most. Facial hair is standard, at 4 weekly intervals. The rest of the body has the following spaces between treatments: 6 weeks, then 8 weeks, 8 weeks again, and then up to 10-12 weeks from 5th treatment on wards. You do not need a treatment every 4 weeks!
What should I pay? You'll need to do your research here, but using me as a guideline - I have a medical grade, industry-leading piece of equipment and I have 10 years experience:
underarms $60, bikini $100, g-string bikini $120, Brazillian bikini $150, chin or lip $30 each. Also look for package offers like "Buy 3 get 1 free". Paying upfront can give you a good saving.
For a complimentary consult or any questions, drop me a line kristen@bodybar.net.au ,
5261 7077 or for more info, see www.bodybar.net.au
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