Unwanted and excessive hair is an age - old problem affecting everyone, regardless of age or gender. The most common and affordable methods have traditionally been shaving, depilatory creams, gels, waxing and electrolysis-performed either at home or in beauty centers. In the last decade, laser and light-based technologies administered by medical practitioners enter the market, setting new standards for hair removal treatment.

Photoepilation works on the principle of selective photothermolysis. The light that emanates from the IPL wand is filtered to remove any ultraviolet components, eliminating the possibility of UV skin damage. A light pulse with specific wave length is absorbed by the melanin in the hair and directed

down toward the hair follicle. This process raises the temperature of the hair follicle to the coagulation point, thereby damaging it and delaying or preventing further growth. The photoepilation process targets only the hair follicles and destroys them.

A typical treatment program may involve a few sessions. The exact number of sessions and the duration of each one depend on the hair type and part of the body that is being treated.The reason for repeat session is simple. Hair growth occurs in a three part cycle: active, dormant and transition phases. Since each hair on the body has its own individual cycle, a course of treatments over a period of time will disable each hair follicle while in its active growth phase. The timing between the sessions is 4 to 8 weeks.

The photo-based hair removal is safe, painless, and effective with no side effects.

The IPL hair removal process has become very popular due to the relatively low cost and rapidity of the procedure. IPL compares very favorably to laser hair removal, which is often more costly and time consumptive. The comparison of effectiveness between IPL and laser epilation is debated by scientists, equipment manufacturers and practitioners but is generally accepted to be equivalent.