IPL Hair Removal Southampton
Professional IPL hair reduction for suitable skin and hair types
Looking for a professional solution to unwanted facial or body hair? We offer both IPL hair removal and advanced quad wavelength diode laser hair removal, so we can recommend the technology best suited to your skin type, hair colour, treatment area and goals. IPL can be highly effective for suitable clients with lighter skin and darker pigmented hair, while our quad wavelength diode platform offers a broader range of options across different skin tones and hair depths.
- Medical-grade IPL
- MHRA-registered device
- Face and body
- Female and male treatments
- Personalised settings
- Consultation and patch test
- Over 15 years’ experience
- Level 5 practitioner
- Quad diode option available
- Clients aged 18+ only
From £29 per session
Consultation, medical history review and patch test – £10
- Over 15 years’ laser and IPL experience
- Level 5 qualified laser practitioner
- Both IPL and quad diode available
- UK Responsible Person, MHRA
- MHRA-registered medical devices
- Mandatory patch testing
Light-based hair removal produces long-term or permanent hair reduction rather than a guarantee that every individual hair will disappear forever. Hormones, ageing and other biological changes can stimulate new hair growth in the future.
What is IPL hair removal?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Unlike a laser, which emits a specific wavelength or a defined group of wavelengths, IPL produces a broad spectrum of light.
During treatment, selected wavelengths of light are absorbed by melanin within the hair. The absorbed light energy is converted into heat and travels down towards the hair follicle. The aim is to create sufficient controlled thermal damage within suitable follicles to reduce future hair growth.
Because IPL relies heavily on the contrast between the pigment within the hair and the surrounding skin, client selection and treatment settings are extremely important.
IPL hair removal versus quad wavelength diode laser
IPL and diode laser are both light-based technologies, but they work differently. There is not one answer that is right for every client.
| IPL hair removal | Quad wavelength diode | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Broad-spectrum intense pulsed light | Laser technology |
| Wavelengths | Broad filtered spectrum | 755nm, 808nm, 940nm and 1064nm |
| Best suited to | Strong contrast between dark hair and lighter skin | Wider range of skin tones and follicle depths |
| Darker skin | More limited, requires careful selection | Often the preferred option following assessment |
| Dark coarse hair | Can respond well | Often responds very well |
| Fine pigmented hair | Can respond where suitable | Can be treated depending on hair and skin |
| Grey or white hair | Not suitable | Not suitable |
| Cooling | Device dependent | Advanced cooling incorporated into our diode platform |
| Patch test | Required | Required |
IPL may be a good option if
- You have lighter skin
- Your hair is dark and pigmented
- There is good contrast between your skin and hair
- You have suitable facial or body hair
- You have previously responded well to IPL
Quad diode may be better if
- You have a darker skin tone
- You require a more versatile wavelength range
- Your hair grows at different depths
- You have coarse or dense hair
- You are treating larger body areas
- You require a more tailored approach across skin types
Why we offer IPL and diode
Different clients need different treatments. SkinTastic invests in multiple technologies because we do not believe in a one-machine-fits-everyone approach.
This is particularly useful where one client may have lighter skin with strong dark hair, darker skin requiring a different wavelength strategy, fine facial hair, dense body hair, hormonal hair growth, or mixed hair depths across different treatment areas.
Our quad wavelength diode platform
755nm
Useful for more superficial follicles and suitable finer pigmented hair.
808nm
A widely established diode wavelength offering a balance between penetration and melanin absorption.
940nm
Provides an additional depth of energy delivery and complements the other wavelengths.
1064nm
Provides deeper penetration with comparatively lower melanin absorption, making it particularly valuable for protocols on darker skin tones.
Your treatment plan should be built around your skin and hair rather than around whichever machine happens to be available. You do not need to decide whether you need IPL or diode before booking. That is what your consultation is for.
Why hair colour and skin colour both matter
Hair colour
IPL cannot physically see the hair the way we do. It relies on melanin absorption. The darker and more pigmented the hair, the more light energy can potentially be absorbed, which is why dark hair usually responds more predictably.
IPL is generally not effective for white hair, grey hair or very light blonde hair. Red hair can respond unpredictably depending on the amount and type of pigment present.
Skin colour
Melanin is present in both hair and skin. During treatment we want the hair to absorb the energy without the surrounding skin absorbing excessive energy.
The more melanin present within the skin, the more carefully IPL parameters need to be considered. For darker skin types, our quad wavelength diode laser may be the more appropriate option following assessment.
A full consultation allows us to assess whether your hair contains enough pigment for treatment to be worthwhile. We will not sell a course if we do not believe the hair is suitable. If we believe diode is safer or more appropriate for your skin, we will recommend diode instead.
How many treatments will I need?
Hair grows in cycles. Light-based hair removal is most effective when suitable hair is treated during the appropriate growth phase, which means one treatment cannot target every follicle.
At any given time, hairs within the same treatment area are at different stages of their growth cycle, and only a proportion of follicles will be optimally responsive during each session. Repeated treatments allow us to target new groups of suitable hair as they enter the appropriate stage.
For most clients, a course of approximately six to twelve treatments may be recommended.
The exact number depends on
Facial hair usually requires shorter intervals than body hair. Your schedule is personalised according to treatment area, hair regrowth, hair density, hormonal influences, previous response and manufacturer guidance. We do not simply perform treatment every few weeks regardless of whether appropriate regrowth is present.
Face, body, PCOS and gender-affirming treatment
Facial hair
Suitable facial hair including the upper lip, chin, sideburns, jawline and lower face. Facial hair may be influenced by hormones, so clients with persistent or hormonally influenced growth may require a longer course or maintenance.
PCOS and hormonal hair
We have extensive experience with clients experiencing hair growth associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, across the chin, jawline, upper lip, sideburns, neck, abdomen, chest and back. PCOS can continue to stimulate new hair growth, so maintenance may be required. Light-based hair removal does not treat or cure PCOS.
Transgender and gender-affirming
We welcome transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse clients and provide discreet, respectful and individualised programmes for the face, beard, neck, chest, abdomen, back, arms, legs, intimate areas and full body. Your preferred name and pronouns will always be respected.
IPL hair removal prices
Where IPL is clinically appropriate, we use the same straightforward area-based pricing as our quad wavelength hair removal service. Technology is selected according to the treatment area, skin type and individual suitability.
Women’s hair removal
| Treatment area | Single session |
|---|---|
| Lip, chin or sideburns | £29 |
| Full face | £54 |
| Underarms | £35 |
| Abdomen | £45 |
| Lower back | £54 |
| Full back | £79 |
| Shoulders | £54 |
| Bikini line | £45 |
| Brazilian | £54 |
| Hollywood | £59 |
| Buttocks and peri-anal | £95 |
| Hands or feet | £40 |
| Upper or lower arms | £45 |
| Full arms | £59 |
| Upper or lower legs | £59 |
| Full legs | £89 |
| Full body | £199 |
Men’s hair removal
| Treatment area | Single session |
|---|---|
| Beard line shaping | £45 |
| Eyebrow area, nose or ears | £39 |
| Full beard | £60 |
| Underarms | £39 |
| Hands or feet | £40 |
| Upper or lower arms | £49 |
| Full arms | £65 |
| Chest and abdomen | £89 |
| Full back | £85 |
| Full back and shoulders | £95 |
| Upper or lower legs | £65 |
| Full legs | £99 |
| Full body | £229 |
Male intimate hair removal
| Treatment area | Single session |
|---|---|
| Pubic or bikini line | £50 |
| Penis and scrotum | £80 |
| Peri-anal area | £45 |
| Male Brazilian | £85 |
| Full male Hollywood, pubic area, penis, scrotum and peri-anal | £99 |
| Buttocks and peri-anal | £99 |
Why you need to shave, and what to avoid
Hair removal light needs to target pigment within the follicle beneath the skin. Long hair sitting above the skin can absorb energy unnecessarily, so you may be asked to shave the treatment area before your appointment.
Do not wax, tweeze or epilate between treatments unless your practitioner specifically advises otherwise. These methods remove the hair from the follicle, which removes the target we need for effective treatment.
Before your treatment
- Shave the treatment area as advised
- Avoid waxing, tweezing and epilating
- Avoid deliberate tanning
- Avoid sunbeds
- Do not use fake tan
- Tell us about medication changes
- Tell us about medical changes
After your treatment
- Keep the area cool
- Avoid excessive heat initially
- Avoid very hot baths or showers as advised
- Avoid aggressive exfoliation immediately afterwards
- Protect exposed skin from UV
- Use appropriate SPF
- Do not wax or tweeze regrowth
Patch testing and age requirement
Every client requires a patch test before IPL or diode hair removal. This allows us to assess skin response, hair response, treatment suitability, appropriate parameters and unexpected sensitivity.
Your full treatment will only take place after the required patch-test interval and assessment. Skin type will always be assessed before treatment, taking into account your Fitzpatrick skin type, natural skin colour, recent sun exposure, tanning, fake tan, hair colour, hair density, hair thickness, treatment area and patch-test response.
IPL and laser hair removal at SkinTastic are available to clients aged 18 and over only. This is in accordance with our insurance requirements and we cannot make exceptions.
Sensation and downtime
Does it hurt?
Most clients describe IPL as a brief warm or snapping sensation. Treatment sensation varies depending on treatment area, hair density, hair thickness, skin sensitivity and treatment settings. Your skin response and comfort are monitored throughout your appointment.
Is there downtime?
IPL hair removal usually involves very little downtime. Temporary reactions can include mild redness, warmth, slight follicular swelling and temporary sensitivity. These usually settle relatively quickly and you will receive full aftercare advice following treatment.
Why choose SkinTastic for hair removal?
The difference is not simply the machine. It is the ability to determine which technology should be used on which client.
You do not need to understand laser physics before booking your appointment. That is our job. Our role is to assess your skin and hair and recommend the technology that gives you the most appropriate treatment pathway. For some clients that will be IPL. For others, our quad wavelength diode laser will be the better choice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between IPL and laser hair removal?
IPL produces a broad spectrum of filtered light, while laser uses specific wavelengths. Our quad wavelength diode platform uses 755nm, 808nm, 940nm and 1064nm.
Is diode better than IPL?
Not for every client. IPL can work extremely well for suitable clients with dark hair and lighter skin. Diode gives us greater flexibility across different skin types and follicle depths.
Which is better for darker skin?
Depending on individual assessment, our quad wavelength diode is generally the more versatile option for darker skin tones.
Which is better for dark coarse hair?
Both technologies can be effective. Dense or coarse hair may be particularly well suited to diode depending on skin type and treatment area.
Does IPL work on blonde hair?
Very light blonde hair usually contains insufficient melanin for reliable IPL treatment.
Does IPL work on grey hair?
No. Grey and white hair do not contain sufficient melanin for conventional IPL or diode hair removal.
Does IPL work on red hair?
Results can be unpredictable because red hair contains a different balance of pigment. Suitability is assessed individually.
How many treatments do I need?
Approximately six to twelve treatments may be recommended depending on your skin, hair, treatment area and individual response.
Will the hair disappear forever?
Treatment can create significant long-term reduction, but no reputable clinic should guarantee that every hair will permanently disappear. Hormonal changes can stimulate new hair growth.
Can I have IPL if I have PCOS?
Suitable clients with PCOS can have light-based hair removal. PCOS can continue to stimulate new hair, so maintenance may sometimes be necessary.
Do you treat transgender clients?
Yes. We provide respectful and individualised hair-removal programmes for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse clients.
Do you offer male intimate hair removal?
Yes. We offer a full range of male intimate treatments, including penis, scrotum, pubic and peri-anal areas where suitable.
Can I choose whether I have IPL or diode?
We are happy to discuss your preference, but your practitioner will recommend the technology considered most appropriate for your skin and hair.
Do I need a patch test?
Yes. Consultation, medical history review and patch testing are required before treatment.
What age do I need to be?
You must be 18 years of age or older. We cannot provide IPL or laser hair removal to clients under 18 due to our insurance requirements.
Book your IPL or diode hair removal consultation
Not sure whether IPL or diode is right for you? You do not need to be. Book a consultation and we will assess your skin type, hair colour, hair thickness, hair density, treatment area, medical history, hormonal influences and treatment goals before recommending the most appropriate technology.
Consultation, medical history review and patch test – £10
SkinTastic Aesthetics Southampton
26 The Avenue
Southampton
SO17 1XL
Telephone: 02381 946394
