Experience with IPL and some questions

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
1

I thought I’d share my experiences with IPL here, and ask a couple questions. I’ve done a lot of research on the hair removal topic but there are so many conflicting sources it’s hard to figure it all out. I live in Japan, where IPL laser hair removal is abundant and surprisingly cheap. Salons are in constant competition with each other, so there are always coupons and promotions. I signed up for a 2-year course for my bikini area (“wide scope bikini line”, basically taking it all off) for about $200, and at a different salon for a 2-year facial hair course for about $25. I have fair skin and dark hair, so I’m the “ideal candidate” for IPL.

Salon #1 I’ve come to belive are trying to rip people off. Their 2-year insurance isn’t a “free pass” like they said, but you can only make an appointment every 3 months. From what I’ve read online, that’s too much time between appointments, is that the case? Regardless, I’m only going to get about 8 treatments in, which is probably not going to be enough…

I’ve only had the treatment twice so far. The first time was slightly effective. Some hair fell out after about 10 days, but not all of it, and it quickly grew back.

I snuck in an appointment after 2 months (not going to be able to do that again, though) and that treatment seemed much more effective. A lot of hair fell out after a week and a half, but it was apparent where the salon woman didn’t put the thin rectangular laser head close enough between treatments, so I had odd stripes of hair across my crotch. It only started growing back a week or two ago (I’m approaching 3 months now), and the parts that grew back are thinner, finer hairs. Now are these a completely new crop of hairs, or are they the same hairs that got treated coming back?

Salon #2 allows appointments every month. The brand of machine they use however, doesn’t seem to do anything. I was expecting lots of pain on my face (because it stings like a rubber band snap on my bikini line), but it was nothing. Literally, like someone was shining a flashlight on me. I can’t tell 100% because it’s not as obvious as when my bikini line sheds, but it doesn’t seem that ANY of the hair is falling out after treatment. I’m thinking their light strength isn’t high enough (there are multiple settings) but I don’t know.

I’m going for my third treatment at both places soon, so I hope to be seeing some better results to report…

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Salon #1: The finer hairs that are growing back are most probably hairs that were partially treated. Are they lighter hairs as well? If they are lighter and finer, I’m assuming that any future treatements are a waste of time.

Mostly, IPL’s are not for permanent hair removal. They are more like long-term waxing. Hair will come back as nature intended it to in 3-4 months cycles for most type of hair.

Salon #2: What is being done sounds like NOTHING. You probably are paying for someone to shine a light on your face.

Very important mental health note : please come back and report your “progress”. I know you are hopeful and happy as these are normal emotions when one starts hair removal with light-based systems,but keep your expectations on the real side of life so you don’t come crashing down too hard when you realize that you spent too much money and time for very little in return.

If I am wrong, I will apologize in the future for sounding so negative today.

Dee

3

Thanks for your reply!

The hair growing back isn’t any lighter, just finer. And there’s still the thicker hair that didn’t get removed in the last treatment, so I think future treatments will be fine. I was under the impression that IPL is more permanent… that of course nothing is 100% permanent but that it’s more effective in creating reduction long-term. I think from now I’m going to photograph before/after to test how effective it is over the span of treatment…

I checked the last time I was there, the machine they use at Salon #2 is the EpiAce (website: http://www.epiace.jp/eng/index.html It’s full of bad English cuz it’s a Japanese company). My friend is getting her legs treated at the same salon with the same machine, but they’re using a higher intensity. She says her hair falls out, and her legs are in much better condition (before she had ingrown hairs and such) and she’s generally pleased with it. I think I just need to ask them to turn the intensity up.

I will keep posting my progress if that isn’t seen as annoying or anything. I haven’t put any huge investments into anything (the $200 I paid will cover at least 8 treatments, and that at least seems to be worthwhile for temporary removal if anything) so I’m not worried on that side. But I will wait and see how this pans out long-term before doing it again on any other body part. I’ve just bought a One Touch machine so I’m going to study up on electrolysis and start that too.

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Please keep that promise! There is nothing annoying about someone that follows through to complete the story. We love it when people ask questions, give opinions and most importantly, tell us how their hair removal adventure ends.

I see what you mean about the English. They called a Xenon lamp in one part, a Xenon LUMP!

This product is Japanese made and they state clearly why this is so, meaning the the Chinese products break easily and the European products are too pricey. Japanese products are good for almost everything they make, so they are not hyping. So, it is understandable as to why you are investing so little. You sound fine with a long-term temporary result and it is encouraging to hear that your friend is much satisfied.

You may find using the One Touch a bit annoying, but if you have a few hairs then it may hold up for that amount. Do check out the “talent” in your area for facial electrolysis, then you will be ready to jump and go when the time is right. Read hairtell/hairfacts so you understand what the concepts of electrolysis are so you will set yourself up for success.

Don’t forget to come back, okay? Oh, and use the same thread if possible.

Dee

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a couple things:

  • IPLs are not the best machines for hair removal purposes, so your expectations shouldn’t be too high. given light skin and dark COARSE hair, you should get some results if the settings are high enough each time (it should hurt and all treated hair should fall out each time within 3 weeks).

  • spacing treatments 3 months apart is fine. it should be 8-12 weeks and can even be spaced longer after a treatment or two. short spacing is actually counterproductive. If treatments are effective each time, you shouldn’t need more than 8 treatments or so.

  • the first place sounds ok if they use higher settings and don’t miss spots. you should come in at 3-4 week period to touch up any missed spots. can you find out the name of the machine?

  • the second place sounds like they’re using a very low powered IPL and probably don’t know or want to risk setting high settings.

  • how much hair is on your face? how much of it is coarse?

  • have you read the FAQs? (link below my name)

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Read the FAQ, thanks!

The hair on my face isn’t too coarse, but it’s dark and somewhat noticible on my upper lip and cheekbones. It turns out the course was only 3 times (I swear they said 2 years when I signed up, but it’s not that big a deal) so I won’t have to worry about that salon in the future. The last time they turned the setting up to 3, so I felt it more than before.

I’m glad to hear that 3 months isn’t too far apart. I’ll find out the name of the machine next time I go.

Thanks for your help!

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Your type of hair is not good for laser. If I were you, I wouldn’t treat it with laser. You really need electrolysis for that type of hair.

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rushed I am also looking forward to your updates.

dfahey it is so incredibly kind of you to mention the mental health aspect of all of this!! It’s excrutiating and I have avoided people and relationships over this stuff.

To get your hopes up and have it fail miserably is really tough–even though I know it was my fault for not educating myself.

rushed I hope that you are able to find something that works!