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IPL Hair Removal: How Smart Multi IPL Works and Who It Suits
Contents
At our salon we use two separate technologies and two separate devices for hair removal: diode laser and IPL. IPL is not a separate service but a hair removal technology; the service we provide is still hair removal. In this article we explain how IPL works, how it differs from diode laser and who it suits.
What Is IPL?
IPL stands for "Intense Pulsed Light". The IPL device at our salon is Smart Multi IPL. A laser emits light at a single wavelength, while IPL uses broad-spectrum light pulses.
The "Multi" in the device's name comes from its two separate heads: a sapphire head and an ice head. Which head is used is decided by the treatment area and the person.
How Does IPL Hair Removal Work?
IPL and laser work on the same principle: light energy is absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair root and turns into heat. The aim is to slow the hair growth cycle and reduce hair over time.
This only affects hairs in the growth (anagen) phase. At any session only some hairs are in this phase, which is why hair removal takes more than one session. The number of sessions and the intervals are planned for each person according to skin type, hair colour, hair thickness and hormones. We explain the cycle in detail in our hair growth cycle article.
IPL or Diode Laser?
| IPL (Smart Multi IPL) | Diode laser (Megatron 4D Diode) | |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Broad-spectrum light pulses | Laser light at specific wavelengths |
| Heads | 2 heads: sapphire and ice | Sapphire tip |
| Generally best for | Fair and olive skin, dark hair | Its 1064 nm wavelength allows settings for darker skin too |
| Limited on | Very dark skin, white and grey hair | White and grey hair |
We choose the technology based on your skin and hair type, not on device features alone. That's why every plan starts with a free hair analysis and patch test. For our diode laser see the Megatron 4D Diode page, and for a side-by-side guide see choosing the right hair removal method.
What Does a Session Feel Like?
Many clients describe the feeling as a light rubber-band snap or a brief warmth. Pain tolerance varies from person to person.
Who Should Not Have It?
It is not applied during pregnancy, with an active skin infection, or while taking medication that causes light sensitivity. Please tell us about your health history and any medication at the consultation.
Aftercare
- There may be mild redness in the treated area, which usually fades within a few hours.
- Protect the area from the sun and use a high-SPF sunscreen.
- Keep your skin moisturised.
Which Areas Can Be Treated?
We treat many areas for women and men, from the face to the legs. See the full lists on our female hair removal and male hair removal pages, and the whole process on laser hair removal in Şişli.
This content is for general information and is not medical advice. Results vary from person to person depending on hair type, skin type and hormones. Our centre offers beauty and care services, not medical procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about this content
Is IPL a service?
No. IPL is a hair removal technology. At our salon we use two separate hair removal devices: Smart Multi IPL and the Megatron 4D Diode laser.
What does "Multi" mean in Smart Multi IPL?
The device has two separate heads: a sapphire head and an ice head. That is where the "Multi" comes from; which head is used depends on the treatment area and the person.
What is the difference between IPL and laser?
A laser emits light at a single wavelength; IPL uses broad-spectrum light pulses. Both target the melanin in the hair root.
Who is IPL best suited to?
It generally works best on fair and olive skin with dark hair. Its effect may be limited on very dark skin or white and grey hair; we decide on the technology together at the hair analysis.
Does an IPL session hurt?
Many clients describe the feeling as a light rubber-band snap or a brief warmth; pain tolerance varies from person to person.
Why are several sessions needed?
The light only affects hairs in the growth (anagen) phase, and at any session only some hairs are in that phase. The number of sessions is planned according to skin type, hair colour and hormones.
