Q1. How does Ellipse IPL hair removal work?

Intense pulsed light works by placing an applicator head on to the skin which sends out a high intensity flash of light which is carefully filtered to make sure only the correct wave lengths reach your skin. The light is attracted to the pigment in your hair, which converts it into heat. The energy destroys the hair follicle making it unable to produce new hair.

Q2. Is the treatment effective on any hair colour?

No, because the light is absorbed by the pigment in your hair, the hair needs to be dark. The darker the hair the more effective the treatment will be and the more contrast between the hair and skin colour the easier. The ellipse machine does have pre-programmed settings for different hair types and skin colours to adjust the energy to suit the person. If you hair is very fair, then Electrolysis may be better for you.

Q3. How many ellipse treatments do I need?

We can’t give an exact number of how may treatments anyone will need, it completely varies from person to person. You most likely will need a course of 6, but for bigger areas I would recommend getting a course of 9, because although 6 will give you a good reduction, you may need more than 6 to get the result you want. An interval 0f 6 weeks is needed.

Q4. How do I prepare myself for the treatment?

It is important not to do any other form of hair removal other than shaving; the reason is because any other type of hair removal would be taking the hair out of the follicle which we don’t want as we need it there to treat. Shaving just takes the surface of the hair away which is fine to do. Avoid waxing, tweezing, threading, bleaching and electrolysis. It is also important to avoid using any self-tan creams, sunbeds and sun exposure for 30 days before and after treatment as we don’t want the pigment in your skin to change so it doesn’t affect the treatment.

Q5. Does the treatment hurt?

Everyone’s tolerance of pain is different, but if you find waxing painful you will find this a lot easier. It feels like a small hot flicking sensation, not painful, you are just aware of it and it varies depending on what area is being done. As you get further into your treatments you do get used to the sensation and it gets easier.