Legs: IPL or epilate?

[user1471456822]

Hi,

I've got a boots smooth skin ipl machine but it takes ages to do my legs (even though I'm actually quite short!) and i'm wondering whether it's worth the time and I should persevere. I've been doing it off and on for a few months and not sure whether there's been any real reduction in hair yet. I used to epilate them and there are some baldy bits where the hair doesn't grow at all.

I've been epilating my bikini for years and the hairs don't grow back much there at all.

In terms of giving me the best change of being hair-free long term, which of IPL or epilation do you reckon I should use on my legs?

Shame I can't afford a big, fuck-off laser!

Thanks!!

[lemonzest123]

Owwwww I cant get my epi anywhere near my bikini line!!

[user1471456822]

Lol, I don't find it bad on my bikini. I can't BEAR it on my forearms though! Makes me feel like the skin is being peeled off.

I use IPL on my forearms, neck and hairline.

Frankly, I'm starting to suspect the thick wires on my legs need RIPPED out at the roots and that IPL just won't cut it.

Love to hear others' experiences though.

[lemonzest123]

What is an IPL? Epi on my legs is fine but my arms and anywhere else comes out in horrible spots

[user1473863576]

Hi,

As it is IPL, It's unlikely you will see results by doing the the treatment on and off. In order to see the best results, follow the recommended regime, which is once a week for 12 weeks and then once a month as required.

If you have any more questions, please contact the SmoothSkin helpline on 0303 031 1024.

Thanks

[TulipStream]

I use the IPL boots machine and its reallllly worked for me. Took about 3 months to see results. But I used to shave my legs and have hair growth you could feel and see the next day

I've now got a lot of patches that don't grow any hair at all and if I shave, it doesn't really need doing again for a couple weeks now- which is amazing for me because I used to compare myself to a gorilla - hair wise lol

[singleandfabulous]

Ah, this is really interesting. I dont know OP but i'm in a similar situation.

I currently epilate and have done on and off for 20 years. I've seen NO reduction in my hair growth in all that time (I use the Braun silk epil wet & dry). I'm dark blonde with light blonde mixed in so doubt that IPL would work for me (well, it would on the dark blonde hair but what's the point).

I do my legs with the epilator and it's painless apart from the front of my thighs. I also do my bikini line but the hair has to be very short otherwise it pulls and bruises (and the whole area swell up) giving me a ken doll effect (lovely!)

I can't bear to do my underarms any more but have done in the past (torture). I'd rather wax and have it over and done with swiftly instead of prolonged torture (even after wine/pain killer consumption).

I'm saving up for laser if it will work on the ligher blonde hair (doubt it).

[user1471456822]

Thanks guys. Yeah, I tried epilating my pits today, haven't done it in yonks and although there wasn't that much hair there it was really nippy. I reckon you get used to the sensation - took me ages to get used to the feeling of the epilator on my ankles!

Also can't bear the epi on the knee or upper thigh so maybe I should do epi on whole legs!

In fact, my bikini practically joins the hair on the upper thigh anyway.

It's like painting the bloody forth road bridge though, i tell you! I swear I could give up work and pluck myself 8 hours a day and still not be on top of it. And don't even get me started on my sideburns (threading there makes me cry) or my chin or bellybutton hairs! Need fucking pliers to get those motherfuckers out.

[user1471456822]

Maybe I should do IPL on whole leg, that should have said.

[singleandfabulous]

It's like painting the bloody forth road bridge though, i tell you! I swear I could give up work and pluck myself 8 hours a day and still not be on top of it. And don't even get me started on my sideburns (threading there makes me cry) or my chin or bellybutton hairs! Need fucking pliers to get those motherfuckers out.

Brilliant! I want to get this laminated & hang it somewhere!

[user1471456822]

Haha, Bridget Jones (in the books) talks about how being a woman is like being a farmer - plucking, exfoliating, moisturising and worries about what would happen if she left herself "fallow" for even a week!

[user1471456822]

I fantasise about being dipped in wax up to the eyebrows then just have one massive strip pull it all off.

Maybe in the future we will all take our daughters for the One Big Laser Session (OBLS). A bit like when we take them to get their ears pierced.

I can see it now....AIBU to take my daughter for OBLS at age 12?

[Ingr]

I've done IPL in a salon religiously for the last 1.5yrs. My bikini line, armpits and lower legs are flawless, totally barren. I'd highly recommended it. I never ever have to think about hair. My dd is now doing the same. I figured she might as well get it done with & have an easy life. No one mourns the permanent passing of unwanted hair.

[ChickenVindlaoo]

1.5yrs! How often and how much did it cost? And will you have to go back for top-ups or is it still a work in progress?

I heard it was only the medical lasers done in private hospitals that worked permanently.