A successful IPL hair removal session doesn’t start the moment you turn on the device. It begins a few days earlier, in the bathroom. Here are some simple steps to follow and mistakes to avoid so that every flash really counts.
Why preparation makes all the difference
Intense pulsed light targets the melanin in the hair. For it to effectively reach the follicle, two things are necessary:
- The hair should be short, cut close to the skin. Long hair absorbs energy at the surface instead of transmitting it to the root.
- Make sure your skin is clean, dry, and free of cosmetics. Creams, perfume, or makeup create a barrier that interferes with the flash.
Proper preparation is simply the key to ensuring that your workout is more effective, more comfortable, and safer.
48 hours before the session
The key point to remember: the skin should be calm, and the hair should be firmly rooted. It is within this window that you can avoid mistakes.
What to Do 48 Hours Before
- Avoid sun exposure and UV rays in the salon
- No self-tanning products, not even gradual ones
- Do not use harsh scrubs on this area (including exfoliating acids such as AHA and BHA)
- Make sure to moisturize your skin well in the days leading up to the treatment (using a simple cream without any strong active ingredients)
- If you're a fan of waxing or electric epilators, stop right there: the hair has to be there, right at the root
The Big Day: Shaving and Clean Skin
1. Shave the area to be treated
Yes, we shave right before the session—it’s not an oversight; it’s standard procedure. Shaving cuts the hair at the skin’s surface without affecting the bulb, which remains intact within the follicle. And it is precisely this bulb that the flash will target.
Use a clean, sharp razor. No need for fancy shaving cream—just water and mild soap will do. Check by hand to make sure no hairs are sticking out more than a millimeter.
2. Dry and clean the skin
After shaving, rinse and dry the area thoroughly. No oil, no cream, no perfume, and no deodorant if you’re treating your underarms. The skin must be bare.
3. Make sure there are no cosmetics lying around
Product residue (scented shower gel, self-tanning lotion, foundation primer if you’re treating your face, etc.) can react to heat. We want the skin to be as bare as possible.
Tip: If you’re treating multiple areas in the same session, shave beforehand in the shower. This way, you won’t have to stop in the middle of the session, and your skin will have time to settle down before the first flash.
What You Should Definitely Avoid Doing
Avoid sun exposure before your session. Tanned skin has more melanin on the surface, which absorbs some of the flash and reduces its effectiveness on the hair. Wait until your tan has faded.
No waxing, tweezing, or using an electric epilator between sessions. All of these methods pull the hair out by the root. But it’s that root that the light needs to reach. Without it, your session is pointless.
Don't use any active creams right before. Retinol, glycolic acid, self-tanners, and fragrances can all irritate or darken the skin. Wait 48 hours.
After the session: what to do
What happens in the hours and days that follow is just as important as the preparation.
- Moisturize your skin with a soothing cream (aloe vera, calendula, panthenol). It soothes and nourishes.
- No hot baths or saunas for 24 hours. Also avoid intense exercise, which raises your body temperature.
- Protect from the sun. The treated area will be more sensitive to UV rays for a few days. If you go outside, apply SPF 50 sunscreen.
- Please be patient: within the next 1 to 3 weeks, you’ll see the treated hairs fall out on their own. This is normal—it’s the hair follicle shedding. You can simply rinse the area or gently wipe it with a soft sponge, without rubbing.
Special cases depending on the area
| Area | Point of attention |
|---|---|
| Underarms | Don't use deodorant—especially spray deodorant—right before. Rinse with clean water. |
| Jersey | Start at a low intensity. Since the skin is thinner, it’s best to increase the intensity gradually. |
| Legs | If the area is large, take the time to cover it thoroughly without overlapping the flashes. |
| Arm | Be careful if your forearms have been exposed to the sun: wait until the tan fades. |
| Face (lips, chin) | Remove your makeup very carefully. Avoid the area right around your eyes. |
Ready to put it into practice?
The Solippy LOOP features a contact sensor, 5 adjustable intensity levels, and a gentle mode for sensitive areas. Everything you need to follow the protocol, session after session, in the comfort of your own bathroom.
Learn more about LOOP →Proper preparation accounts for 80% of the results. Follow these simple steps at every session to give your treatment the best chance of delivering the results you’re hoping for. For more information, check out our article on how IPL hair removal works.