How many hair removal sessions do I need?

  How many hair removal sessions do I need? This is a frequently asked question and we want to help give an answer to those who are considering undergoing this permanent hair removal method.

How photoepilation works

High intensity pulsed light (IPL) is a photoepilation technique that uses radiation of light to weaken the hair and cause it to fall out. The principle on which it is based is that of selective photothermolysis. In practice, the intensified pulsed light, emitted during treatment, affects the hair bulbs, causing the follicle and the blood vessels that feed them to overheat. In this way, the vitality of the cells of the matrix responsible for hair regeneration is compromised. For the process to be selective towards unwanted hair and not affect other tissues, it is necessary to use pulsed light with wavelengths in the range of 590-1200 nanometers. When the melanin contained in the bulbs absorbs radiation, the energy contained in them is transferred to the bulb in the form of heat. This causes high temperatures to be reached, which progressively cause the follicle to degrade (thermolysis). As the treatments are carried out, the hair grows back less quickly (from 4 weeks at the beginning to several months later) and is increasingly fine.

How many hair removal sessions do you need?

The results that can be obtained with pulsed light hair removal depend on a number of factors. For example: age, hormonal structure, skin type and hair characteristics. Therefore, the number of sessions varies according to individual cases and the area to be treated. In the majority of “normotype” subjects (without hypertrichosis), the results can be obtained in 8-10 sessions performed every 3-4 weeks, with an average reduction of 80% of the hair present in the treatment area. After the first few treatments, however, there is a weakening of the hair and an improvement of the tissues, especially in the case of folliculitis and ingrown hairs.

Male hair removal with pulsed light

The duration of the sessions is extremely variable (15-60 minutes) and depends fundamentally on the extension of the treated area and the skill of the operator. The results obtained with pulsed light hair removal are long-lasting, especially if the maintenance sessions are repeated once or twice a year.

Personalized and professional treatment in our beauty center in Barcelona

Pulsed light hair removal can be performed in our certified beauty center in Barcelona, ​​by highly qualified personnel. It is always advisable to inform the GP, who, knowing the medical history, can rule out the presence of contraindications. The adjustment of the power of the instrument and the frequency of treatment depend on: hair characteristics (color, diameter of the shaft and hair density), phototype, skin lesions and concomitant pathologies or use of photosensitizing drugs.

How many hair removal sessions do I need?

The pulsed light hair removal sessions are developed according to the following phases:

Preliminary phase

The skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove residues of dirt, makeup, perfumes, deodorants or any product that can interact with the laser (and that can be mistaken for melanin). At the end of this operation, the area to be treated is shaved to ensure the success of the session. If the hairs were longer than 2mm, in fact, the power of the light beam would not only act on the bulb, which is the real target, but would spread along the axis, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.

Epidermal test

The thermal reaction of the skin is evaluated. In this phase the operator adjusts the fluence (energy emitted per square centimeter). After about two minutes, the result is observed and the device settings are adjusted accordingly. This step is done at the beginning of each session, as skin conditions can vary.

Hair removal phase

The esthetician carefully passes the device in the region to be treated. When finished, the skin is cleaned again and a cooling gel is applied, which can relieve redness. Sometimes, before proceeding with hair removal, the operator may apply a topical anesthetic cream to some particularly sensitive areas of the body.