Unwanted Hair

FAQ

• What's the difference between IPL and laser, and how do I choose?

  IPL uses a broad-spectrum flashlamp emitting many wavelengths at once. Laser uses a single, targeted wavelength. IPL is often well-suited to lighter skin with dark hair (Fitzpatrick I to IV). Laser can be tuned to a wider range of skin types, including darker and olive skin. At Flourish, IPL is delivered at Sunnybank and laser at Toowong. Your consultation confirms which modality suits your skin.

• How many sessions will I need?

  A typical course is six to ten sessions for IPL and six to eight for laser, spaced four to eight weeks apart depending on the body area. Multiple sessions are required because only hairs in the active growth phase respond to each treatment, and growth cycles mean different follicles are vulnerable at different times. Individual results vary.

• Is it permanent?

  The regulator-approved term is permanent hair reduction, not permanent removal. After a full course, many clients experience long-lasting reduction in density. Some dormant follicles can reactivate over time (often triggered by hormonal changes), which is why maintenance sessions are typically part of the plan

• Will it work on blonde, red, grey or white hair?

  No. IPL and laser both target melanin, the pigment inside the hair follicle. Blonde, red, grey and white hairs contain too little melanin to absorb the light. Electrolysis is a different option worth exploring for those hair colours, though it is not offered at Flourish.

• What about my skin tone?

  IPL is generally not recommended for Fitzpatrick V to VI because higher epidermal melanin raises the risk of burns and pigmentation change. Laser, particularly longer wavelengths, can be matched to a wider range of skin types, which is why the Toowong clinic is often the appropriate choice for darker skin. Suitability is assessed at your free consultation.

• Why does hair grow back between sessions?

  Hair grows in cycles. Only follicles in the anagen (active growth) phase respond to light-based treatment, and at any given moment only around 20 per cent of follicles in a treatment area are in anagen. The course is structured to catch different follicles as they re-enter the growth phase, which is why a single session cannot finish the job.

• Who shouldn't have hair removal treatment?

  Treatment is generally not recommended during pregnancy, while on isotretinoin (Roaccutane) or within six months of finishing it, on recently tanned skin, over active skin infections, or on tattooed areas. Certain photosensitising medications and a history of keloid scarring also require clinical assessment at consultation.

• How do I prepare, and what's recovery like?

  Shave the area 24 hours before. Do not wax, pluck, thread or epilate for at least four weeks before a session, because the follicle must still be intact. Avoid sun and self-tan for two to four weeks before. Expect mild redness and a warm, sunburn-like feeling for a few hours to a day after. Avoid heat, saunas, hot showers and heavy exercise for 24 to 48 hours, and use SPF 50+ on treated areas throughout the course.

• Can hormones affect my results?

  Yes. Polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, pregnancy, perimenopause and some medications can all influence hair growth patterns and may reactivate dormant follicles. Where a hormonal driver is active, maintenance sessions are usually part of a realistic long-term plan. Your clinician will discuss this at consultation.