Laser hair removal

[madboob]

I know the ideal combo for this is dark hair/pale skin but has anyone had any success with other hair/skin combos? I have got v.dark blonde hair - could also be called light brown quite easily & am white but not pale - you would poss describe my skin as kind of lightly suntanned ish. I am thinking of bikini line........

[Stubbed]

This isn't what you asked but I'm fair-ish with dark hair and it works like magic for me. I've heard it's not good with fair hair.

[chocoshopoholic]

I'm dark blond and fair. Had a course of 6 treatments on under arms and bikini, noticed no difference whatsoever! Back to waxing for me.

[pinkflaming0]

Stubbed where did you get yours done? I'm really interested in having it done. I have dark hair and pale skin so sounds like it would work for me. Thinking underarms and bikini line.

[Stubbed]

Actually I bought an IPL kit to use at home (it's not exactly laser) was on offer at boots £270.
I'm going face, bikini underarms legs. Since starting it I've not used any other hair removal...

[pinkflaming0]

Thanks Stubbed that's interesting.

[ladypete]

Your hair does need to be dark enough because lasers detect the melanin in the hair and then shoot the heat down the hair shaft that has been detected. If your hair is too fair a laser won't pick it up and won't do anything.

Likewise if your skin is too dark the laser will also pick up on the melanin in your skin, mistake it for the hair it's meant to treat and shoot heat onto your skin, burning and scarring you.

Go to a clinic where they will be able to tell you for sure. I will also say that IPL is not permanent hair removal, just a permanent reduction in hair and doesn't have the strength to kill off a follicle for good. If you were planning on splashing out to get it done for good go to a clinic where it's done by a medical professional (and not a beauty salon either, they aren't listened legally to use an actual laser and will sell you IPL and call it laser)

[Suzannewithaplan]

I've had IPL at a skin clinic, it was (very) painful but it worked, I keep meaning to go back there but if the home IPL systems actually work I'm very tempted to invest in one because I still have some area's that I'd like treated.

The reviews on the boots site seem quite good, you're pleased with it Stubbed? and it's fine to use on your face?

[Stubbed]

Yep, face, lip and chin, and you can continue to treat yourself when it grows back. Once the hair is reduced its quick and clean to do a 'refresh'.

I wanted IPL at home so I could fit it in around children, family etc. takes ten minutes each weekend. Could it recommend it enough...

[Suzannewithaplan]

Thanks Stubbed, I've been looking at youtube reviews on the available devices.
Certainly leaning towards getting one!