IPL for partial hair removal (male)
By jjl5590 on 22 Aug 2012
Hey, This is my first post, I'll try and make it as clear as I can! Basically Im a 20 year old guy and thanks to my dad's genes, extremely hairy. I have loads of hair on my chest, stomach, shoulders, back, bum, underarms, hands, legs, feet etc. It has been a major cause of concern and I've tried a variety of things to deal with it, such as shaving, waxing, epilating, hair removal cream etc but none have really worked. A few weeks ago I bought a Silk'n Pro IPL device and have used it 4 times. Below is what I've been doing and the desired effect I want. Since I'm a man I do want some hair, I just don't want it as thick (Austin Powers) as I've got it. But I don't want to get rid of it entirely if that makes any sense, just a thinning, reduction.
Ok here goes:
Area Treated IPL intensity level Desired effect
Face 2 Completely remove hair under eyes, and help with acne scarring Chest 3/4 Some hair, reduced thinner amount
Stomach 5 No hair
Pubes 3/4 Some hair, reduced thinner amount
Bum 5 No hair
Upper legs 4 Some hair, reduced thinner amount
Underarms 3/4 Some hair, reduced thinner amount
Lower arms 4 Some hair, reduced thinner amount
Upper arms 5 No hair
Hands 4 Some hair, reduced thinner amount
Feet 5 No hair
Shoulders 5 No hair
Back 5 No hair
That is my routine. I've done it about 4 times, each with a 2-week interval in between sessions. From what I can see so far, hair is growing back in patches, with some places completely bald and others with just as much hair as before. I'm getting really concerned that this product is really only for women who want complete hair removal, and I will end up with really patchy body hair unless it is all completely removed, which I really don't want. Could any experienced users please advise if I'm doing the right thing and if you have any suggestions? Many many thanks!
I'm just worried the treatment will leave me with really patchy hair that will just look rediculous, with no hair in some places and thick hair in others. I'm already starting to see this on my chest now which is why I am concerned. The Silk'n is meant for women who want complete hair removal, so this is not an issue for them.
It will definitely be interesting to hear what other community members who have actually tried this have experienced.
Here is a Q&A that might be of interest since you mentioned trying it for scar reduction as well as hair removal:
Can I Use my Home IPL Hair Removal System on my Scar?
Here is a review from another community member who used an at home machine for hair reduction, but it sounds like they had a different machine than you do. It still might be worth it for you to reach out to them in the comments section with questions:
IPL at Home with VISS - GREAT - Australia