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Wish List Wednesday
Welcome to Wednesday on TheSortingHouse, where each week I share something that has inspired me, either to buy it, or want it. Keep reading to find out what made the wish list this Wednesday.
As usual any relevant product links are under the Shop the Look section. I love hearing from you and if you’d like to get in touch, you’ll find all my contact details under the Over to You section – all near the end of the post, but you can use the right hand index menu to navigate! Nifty, and don’t forget to Subscribe.
Which IPL Hair Removal System Should I Buy? | PCOS
As some of you may know I have Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome, or PCOS for short. You can read my mini rant all about PCOS at The Bearded Lady: What is Polycystic Ovaries?
One of the symptoms I suffer from is a delightful increase of hair not the good kind, so naturally this has become a bit of a complex for me. My epilator is on it’s way out, and I’m looking for a better solution to hair removal – one that I can bighairy bear to use on my bighairy face.
What is IPL Hair Removal?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. IPL Hair Removal systems use intense flashes of light to seek out dark areas in the skin, in our case – the hair follicle and zap the hell out of it. Resulting in the subsequent loss of said evil hair.
Which is why IPL works best on pale skin which has darkish hairs. IPL shouldn’t be used on dark skin as it cannot successfully target hairs and could result in serious burns. Nor should those with fair hair use it, as the light isn’t able to concentrate on a dark area, rendering the treatment ineffective. As with anything though, always seek professional help if in doubt.
Is IPL Hair Removal the Same as Laser Hair Removal?
IPL isn’t the same as laser hair removal. Laser hair removal concentrates light on one single wavelength, therefore targeting just one hair follicle at a time.
The light concentrates into this one follicle and subsequently damages the hair’s root with more strength and less damage to the surrounding skin, making suitable for a wider range of skin and hair types. There have been recent studies however into the safety of laser hair removal, you can read more about The Hidden Dangers of Laser Hair Removal on Elle.
So Is IPL Hair Removal Safe?
Well not entirely no. Our bodies grow hair naturally. IPL damages the hair follicle in order to stop natural hair growth. For some people this could be almost permanent, others it could be significantly reduced, and for some it just doesn’t work. While that’s amazing for those that IPL does work for, it can be dangerous for others.
There have been reports of burns, blisters and other scary things which you can read a bit about in IPL Risks. I don’t doubt that there are probably other IPL health risks similar to the recent discoveries surrounding laser hair removal reported by Elle. There just hasn’t been anyone call it out properly, just yet.
Is IPL Hair Removal Permanent?
I don’t think many companies claim that IPL permanently stops hair from growing. Most label their IPL hair removal systems as permanent hair reduction systems. It’s a slow process, being time consuming and with a week or more break in between courses depending on the particular system being used. The hair will eventually fall out, and slowly but surely, grow back less and less and the beasts will be more feeble each time – I hope.
Once the hair growth has been inhibited, it is possible to keep hair at bay by continuing a less intensive zapping schedule. From what I understand, IPL hair removal takes time, patience and dedication and isn’t for everyone, with the possibility of some pretty scary side-effects - but if the pay out is no yeti, and I seem to be the ideal candidate (pale with darkish hairs), then I’m game.
Which IPL Hair Removal System Should I Buy?
There is actually quite a bit of choice in the home IPL hair removal system market. It’s actually really overwhelming, and being rather expensive, not a decision I want to make lightly. There are loads of mixed reviews online, and some really useful ones. Helping me narrow it down to 3 contenders.
However as these IPL units come with quite a hefty price tag, not many have been pitched against each other and I’m really not good at making decisions! I’m not going to compare them because I haven’t any experience in IPL whatsoever, so instead I’ll list the ones I’m interested in. I’d love to hear from anyone who can recommend an IPL system, or maybe you want to share some of the downfalls of a specific model? Please let us know in the comments below.
Homebeautyproducts.co.uk have done quite a good review/comparison if you’d like to read more about the IPL (and Laser) units available.
Shop the Look
1. Philips Lumea Precision Plus
Philips Lumea Precision Plus Sc2003
There are several models in the Philips IPL hair removal range, however the one I’m currently looking at is the SC2003. Mainly because it is on offer in the Boots near me at the moment, however online it’s £399.99 and you’ll get 1596 advantage card points.
Why I want it – The Philips Lumea Precision Plus looks good, is the most powerful, has quite a big treatment window and doesn’t have any ongoing costs – as well as not needing replacement bulbs, it’s also a well known and trusted brand with tons of amazing reviews.
Why I’m not sure – It’s cordless, for some people that’s perfect. For me – it’s a deal breaker I think. I hated the long wait time involved in charging my cordless epilator, and the short run time in comparison and can see me having the same beef here. SC2003 doesn’t have a quick shooting mode either.
2. Remington IPL i-Light Pro Face & Body
Remington 6000F IPL
The model I’m looking at is the 6000F, again because of a special offer. Boots sell it online for £324.99 with 1296 advantage card points.
Why I want it – It is corded – that means no waiting for charging (does limit where you can use it, but I don’t care about that). The replacement bulbs are only £24.99 which is considerably cheaper than some others. Has multi-flash mode, meaning the treatment is quicker.
Why I’m not sure – It’s not as powerful as some and needs replacement bulbs, meaning that there is an ongoing cost.
3. SmoothSkin extra IPL Permanent Hair Reduction System
Boots Smooth Skin iPulse
This is actually only available at Boots, online it’s £299.99 and you’ll get 1196 advantage card points.
Why I want it – It’s the cheapest of the bunch, and has received just as impressive reviews. It’s corded – no waiting for charging.
Why I’m not sure – It needs replacement heads and I can’t see how much they are or where to get them from (I didn’t really try). Reviews have stated that it can be painful on sensitive areas, and that the head gets hot. Therefor needs a gel to make it more effective – another ongoing cost.
I’m probably leaning towards the Remington. I don’t know why I’m finding it so hard to make a decision!
Over to You!
Do you own any of these IPL hair removal systems? Can you recommend any, or have you had a bad experience? Can you help me make this decision?!
Let me know in the comments below.
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