Why do you need multiple IPL hair removal treatments?
Why do you need multiple IPL hair removal treatments?
The intense pulsed light (IPL) method of hair removal is an incredibly effective way to permanently rid your body of unwanted hair. ipl hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicles and then heating and destroying the hair from the root. However, it usually takes several sessions to get the results you want. Why is this so?
The answer has to do with the different growth phases of your hair. Not all of your hair is at the same growth stage at the same time. Hairs in each stage respond differently to IPL treatments.
Active growth phase
Hairs in the active growth, or anagen phase, respond the best to IPL since they contain the most pigment. They are also still connected to the dermal papilla, located at the base of the root, which provides a food source for the production of new hair. If you destroy the dermal papilla you prevent the hair from growing back. However, only a certain percentage of your body hair is in the anagen phase at any given time.
Regression phase
In the regression, or catagen phase, the bulb of the hair gradually shrinks and the hair follicle starts to separate from the root. IPL will affect some of the hairs in this stage, but not all of them.
Resting phase
Few hairs in the resting, or telagen phase, are affected by IPL treatments. In this phase the root of the hair shrinks until it becomes loose and then falls out. By this time the hair is no longer attached to the dermal papilla so you will still see hair growth.
Overall, you will likely experience about 20 percent hair reduction after the first treatment. The great news is that after a full cycle of treatments at least 95 percent of your unwanted hair will be gone – forever!