Q: “My body hair ranges from dark blonde – light brown… Does IPL / LASER work on blonde hair?” – N.N
A: Yes, you can achieve results! Advanced IPL / LASER operating systems can now effectively treat lighter hair tones.
Hair colour plays an important role when setting expectations for treatment outcomes. The light energy pulsed by the operating system targets pigment cells found in the hair bulb. As a result, the more pigment cells present, the more energy is absorbed and therefore, producing optimal results.
Those with dark blonde – light brown hair tones are categorized as “Light” hair on the treatment scale. Light natural hair tones usually contain enough base pigment to properly absorb the energy into the hair bulb. In most cases, there is enough pigmentation to achieve significant hair reduction. Therefore, you can expect 25 – 75% reduction given proper aftercare.
In conclusion, IPL/ LASER treatment offers optimal results for those looking for carefree maintenance and to clear their skin of unsightly stubble. In addition, it saves the skin from the routine of painful removal procedures.
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A medical history form is the first step in your laser treatment consultation with our experts.
Dérmica offers what is commonly known as a laser treatment in Edmonton, specifically, IPL Phototherapy.
TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS for IPL Hair Removal
When predicting the before and after results of your IPL Hair Removal, we take the following factors into careful consideration: your hair type, skin tone, and treatment area. These key points help us set realistic expectations for your treatment course and keep your skin safe.
To help you better understand how these points come into play when predicting your before and after results, allow us to dissect the consult.
Hair growth is present in most areas of the human body. It can range from thick/coarse textures to peach fuzz. Some hair becomes more evident with hormones during puberty and, some hair is only present in our fetal stage. The purpose of hair is to protect us from the elements, a means of skin lubrication. In other words, it aids in temperature regulation, and other bodily functions.
Different IPL/ Laser hair removal treatment areas see varying degrees of success.
Bikini | Underarms | Face | Chest | Back
The pubic, underarm, lower facial region, chest, and back grow what is known as terminal hair. Terminal hair is present at birth and grows throughout the years. Some hair starts as vellus hair (fine hair) during childhood and develops into coarser hair during puberty.
Because of the colour content and thickness of the bulb, these areas tend to get quick and dramatic results within the first couple of sessions. The downside is that these areas are hormonally influenced and may require touch-ups sooner than other areas.
Hairline | Scalp | Arms | Legs
These regions of the body also contain terminal hair growth. Because these areas are not as affected by hormones in our adult years, they typically require fewer sessions and, the results last longer before touch-ups are necessary.
Although results vary depending on your hair and skin type, proper aftercare and scheduling are vital to ensuring your treatments are successful.
How are IPL/ LASER Hair Removal and Hair Color related?
HAIR TONE
Let’s review IPL/ laser hair removal and hair color: Your hair tone/type plays an important role when predicting the results of your IPL Hair Removal treatments. This is because the energy emitted into the root of your hair is attracted to and absorbed by the melanin cells. Melanin cells are responsible for adding colour to our hair, skin, and eyes. So, the higher the content, the darker the colour.
Therefore, we understand that the higher the melanin content and thickness of the hair shaft, the more energy is absorbed and the higher predictability of destroying the bulb of the hair. As a result, it can be predicted that darker hair tones will see higher success rates.
Can light hair be removed with IPL/ LASER?
Advanced IPL / LASER operating systems can now effectively treat lighter hair tones.
The light energy pulsed by the operating system targets pigment cells found in the hair bulb. As a result, the more pigment cells present, the more energy is absorbed.
Light natural hair tones usually contain enough base pigment to properly absorb the energy into the hair bulb.
SUMMER 2022- Free UA with Bikini- *Saturdays only*
Receive a free session of IPL Hair Removal on your underarms with the purchase of any IPL Hair Removal bikini.
This special is not valid with any other offer or promotion. Offer valid from June 25 to August 27, 2022. No pre-purchasing. Please include both areas when booking your appointment.
Are you ready for your treatment?
PLEASE SHAVE AREAS TO BE TREATED FLUSH TO SKIN THE MORNING BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT.
REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA BEFORE BOOKING ONLINE.
Book your IPL Hair Removal Treatment with Dérmica!
March 2022- Free underarms with any bikini
Receive a free session of IPL Hair Removal on your underarms with the purchase of any IPL Hair Removal bikini.
This special is not valid with any other offer or promotion. Offer valid from March 1-31, 2022. No pre-purchasing. Please include both areas when booking your appointment.
25% OFF IPL HAIR REMOVAL
Throughout February, receive 25% OFF any IPL Hair Removal session. This special is not valid with any other offer/promotion. Offer valid from February 1-28, 2022. No pre-purchasing.
Multiple sessions allowed for facial areas; to take advantage of this offer, book one session on the first week of February, and your next session on the last week of February.
Purchase a treatment package! Receive 15% OFF when you purchase a series of 6 treatments.
BOGO IPL
We have IPL deals to kick off the new year! Throughout January, choose your complimentary IPL Hair Removal session with ANY IPL Hair Removal treatment of equal or greater value.
Select from:
Chin
Lip
Spot Tx
Unibrow
Underarms
This special is not valid with any other offer/promotion. Offer valid from January 1-31, 2022. No pre-purchasing. Areas must be booked on same day. Areas purchased must be of equal or greater value to complimentary service. Multiple sessions allowed; to take advantage of this offer, book one session on the first week of January, and your next session on the last week of January.
How do I book this special?
After reviewing the pre-booking criteria, use our online booking system to book all areas being treated. Depending on your chosen areas, you may need to book 2 separate times. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Book your IPL Hair Removal Treatment with Dérmica!
How are IPL/ laser hair removal and skin tone related?
IPL/ Laser Hair Removal, Skin Tone, and The Fitzpatrick Scale
The treatment approach to IPL/ Laser hair removal depends on skin tone.The most commonly used guide for selecting the skin type for LASER and IPL treatments is the Fitzpatrick Scale. This guide helps us predict the skin’s rate of aging, risk of cancer, and reaction to UV exposure. The Fitzpatrick Scale ranges from level 1 – 6, with level one being the lightest and level six the darkest.
Different treatment approaches for different skin tones
Levels 1-3
Because lighter skin tones contain less melanin, they absorb less energy and release it faster. As a result, they are less likely to react adversely following LASER and IPL treatments. In addition, less energy absorption allows us to use higher settings in the early stages of treatment which translates into a higher rate of hair reduction.
Levels 4-6
On the other hand, melanin-rich tones absorb more energy. Therefore, a lower setting is required, especially in the early stages of the treatment course. Easing the skin into the treatment reduces the risk of burns and hyperpigmentation until it builds tolerance to the energy. Although we can safely treat darker skin, the rate of hair reduction decreases in darker skin tones.
In short, advanced IPL / LASER operating systems can effectively treat a wide range of skin tones. However, there are limitations to treating beyond a Level 5. Adverse reactions such as burns and permanent scarring can occur due to the pigment in the skin absorbing the energy emitted by the laser.
