When to start IPL: planning your course around the seasons

If you’re tired of shaving or booking in for a wax every few weeks, IPL hair removal is a popular option for long-term hair reduction. But because IPL works as a course, when you start makes a real difference to how smoothly it fits into your life.

Here’s how to plan your IPL around Brisbane’s seasons, and how to start at any time of year with the right sun care.

Why the cooler months suit starting IPL

For IPL to be done safely and effectively, you need to avoid sun exposure and tanning on the treated area for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after every session. That includes spray tans and fake tan.

That’s much easier in autumn and winter, when:

• Legs, arms and bikini lines are mostly covered by long sleeves and jeans
• There are fewer beach days, pool parties and outdoor events
• You’re less likely to want a spray tan
• Skipping the tan for a few weeks doesn’t feel like a sacrifice

In short, the cooler months let you stick to your schedule without juggling sun and tans around every appointment.

Start in autumn or winter, be ready for summer

Each hair grows in its own cycle, and IPL is most effective on hairs in the active growth phase. That’s why it’s done as a course, usually with sessions every 4 to 8 weeks. Your therapist will recommend the right interval for you.

Because a course runs over several months, starting in autumn or winter means you’ve had a good run of sessions by the time the weather warms up. Instead of rushing to fit treatments in during the hottest, sunniest months, you can head into summer having already done much of the work.

Consistency matters more than anything. Skipping or delaying sessions can mean missing hairs at the right stage of growth, so pick a start date you can follow through on.

Starting IPL in spring or summer

The cooler months are ideal, but you can start IPL any time of year as long as you’re diligent with sun protection. If you’re keen to start now, in spring, here’s how to make it work:

• Cover treated areas. Light, loose clothing over the area helps keep sun off the skin for the 2 weeks before and after each session.
• Wear SPF 50+ daily on any treated area that’s exposed, and reapply when you’re outdoors.
• Plan around your tans. If you love a spray tan for the races, weddings or holidays, map out your dates so there’s a 2-week gap on either side of each IPL session.
• Think about holidays. Book sessions around any beach trips, so you’re not treating skin that’s just been in the sun.

Want smooth skin in the meantime? You can shave between IPL sessions, but avoid waxing or plucking the area, as these remove the hair from the root. Our spray tanning tips will help you plan a tan that fits around your treatments.

How to prepare for each session

• Shave the area 24 hours before.
• No waxing or plucking for 4 weeks before. If you’re switching from waxing, plan that gap before your first session. Read about waxing if you’re weighing up your options.
• Avoid sun and tanning for 2 weeks before and after.
• Soothe afterwards with our Afterwax & IPL Lotion ($30).

IPL works best on darker hair. It isn’t suitable for white, grey, red or very fair hair, as there isn’t enough pigment for the light to target. Find out more in IPL hair removal: how it works.

Your free consultation comes first

A free consultation is required before any IPL treatment. Your therapist will check that IPL suits your skin and hair, talk you through timing and help you map out a course around your calendar. Let them know if you’re pregnant, taking medication or using skincare such as retinoids, as this can affect suitability.

Ways to save on your IPL course

Prices are per treatment, for example Underarm $45, Bikini $59, Brazilian $99 and Full Leg $90. See every area on our IPL hair removal page.

• New client offer: 50% off your first IPL treatment, after your free consultation.
• Buy 4 or 6 and save: prepay 4 of the same treatment and save 15%, or 6 and save 20%, valid for 6 months. For example, 6 Brazilian IPL treatments would usually be $594, or $475.20 with 20% off. Learn more.
• Beauty Pass: pay monthly and receive extra credit to spend on IPL and other treatments. The Maintenance pass ($99 a month for $125 credit) covers a Brazilian IPL ($99), and the Complete pass ($149 a month for $200 credit) covers a Brazilian & Underarm IPL ($130). There’s a 6-month minimum commitment, which suits a course nicely. See all options on our memberships page.

You can also pay with Afterpay.

Ready to book? Start with your free IPL consultation and we’ll plan a course around your seasons. Book online or find your nearest clinic on our clinics page.