5 misconceptions about IPL hair removal

Does IPL hair removal harm the skin? Does it hurt? Is it permanent? Here’s everything you need to know before splurging on an IPL home device. And yes, you can do IPL at home!

Seashells, pumice stone, tortoise shells. Believe it or not, these items were used by the Egyptians and Romans to remove hair in ancient times. Thankfully, technology has come a long way since, and the salon-going set now has a wide range of solutions to resort to in their quest to look as slick and smooth as a shirtless Jamie Dornan. Enter B-Blowing’s Titan Premium, one of the several do-it-yourself IPL hair-removal devices that have made IPL at home a breeze because it’s handheld, compact and portable.

Short for Intense Pulsed Light, IPL technology works by shooting periodic bursts of intense, wide spectrum light into the skin to damage the hair root, so that the hair falls out and stops growing for a period of time. But wait, it sounds painful, you say? Never fear, we’re here to separate fact from fiction so you can say buh-bye to waxing and razor burns.

Myth #1: Laser hair removal works better than IPL hair removal.

Both IPL and laser work using the same method – by using light to destroy melanin in hair, destroying the follicle’s structure and inhibiting regrowth. However, unlike lasers, IPL employs multi-spectrum lights and not just a single spectrum. This scattered wavelength of light with weaker energy and deeper penetration makes IPL a gentler option for hair removal. It’s also a useful tool for skin rejuvenation, especially for those who suffer from rosacea or hyperpigmentation. So if you’re looking to remove hair and achieve a brighter, more even skin tone, IPL is the way to go!

Myth #2: IPL only works on fair skin.

These days, many IPL gadgets including the Titan Premium incorporate VPL (variable pulse light) to enable customers to adjust the light intensity. This allows them to control the amount that is absorbed by the body. Since treatment is customisable, IPL hair removal is very effective on most skin tones.

Myth #3: IPL is painful.

IPL shouldn’t cause too much pain or discomfort – if it does, you’re doing it wrong. Some people have described it as a tingling sensation, or getting an elastic band flicked – gently! – against the skin. You should avoid sun exposure and stop using skin irritants like retinoids and toners three days prior to treatment because they might exacerbate your discomfort.

Myth #4: I don’t need to shave with IPL.

You should always shave right before an IPL session. But do it lightly and don’t go overboard – as hair is needed to attract light for the treatment to be effective. Once your hair stops growing, however, you can ditch your razor!

Myth #5: IPL is more effective if you use it every day.

Thankfully, no. A general rule for IPL newbies is to take it slowly for the first few sessions and not exceed the recommended treatment, which could lead to skin irritation. The aim is to time the period between your treatments with your hair’s natural growth cycle to stop your hair from growing back. Users of Titan Premium usually enjoy an 80 percent hair reduction after six to eight sessions, and hair that does grow back will be finer and softer. Touch-ups are recommended once every 12 months – but you’ll never have to make another trip to the salon again!

Don’t miss!

Enter discount code ‘bbexpat’ to get SGD30 off of the Titan Premium on B-Blowing’s website.

For more information on this IPL hair removal device or to get your hands on one, email order@b-blowing.com or visit b-blowing.com.

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Louisa Lim

Former journalist Louisa has been living in Singapore with her husband and two boys for the past five years. She loves adventure travel (Trans-Siberian Express, anyone?), bath bombs and game nights. She hopes to work with minority communities in remote locations one day but is currently writing about fashion and beauty to fund her online shopping addiction.