Professional IPL hair removal Adelaide using the Ultralux Series — a TGA-listed medical-grade device with SHR (Super Hair Removal) technology. 70–90% permanent hair reduction over 6–8 treatments. Virtually pain-free. No downtime. Also treats pigmentation, vascular concerns, acne, and general skin rejuvenation. Women-only clinic, Northfield SA.
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SHR Technology: How It Works
Standard IPL delivers a single high-energy pulse to each treatment point, heating the follicle to 65–70°C in one burst. SHR (Super Hair Removal) uses multiple lower-energy pulses in rapid succession (3–10 per burst), gradually raising the follicle temperature to 45°C. Gradual heating bypasses the sharp pain response of the single-pulse approach — most clients rate SHR at 1–2/10 for discomfort. The In-Motion gliding technique also allows faster coverage: full legs in 45–60 minutes versus 90+ with traditional stamping methods.
Two treatment modes
SHR In-Motion — for large body areas (legs, back, arms, abdomen, chest, bikini). Faster, more comfortable, suited to broad coverage.
Standard IPL — for smaller and facial areas where the In-Motion technique isn’t appropriate. More precise, customisable energy per pulse.
All treatments target melanin in the hair follicle. Only hair in the active anagen (growth) phase responds — approximately 20–30% of hair at any given time. This is why multiple sessions are needed: 6–8 for body, 8–10 for facial areas, spaced 4–6 weeks apart (3–4 weeks for face). Final result: 70–90% permanent reduction.
For a full technology comparison, see Laser vs IPL vs SHR: Technology Guide →
Treatment Areas
SHR — Large Body Areas
Lower body
- Full Legs (45–60 min)
- Half Legs (25–35 min)
- Feet and Toes (10 min)
Upper body & torso
- Full Back (30–40 min)
- Full Arms (20–30 min)
- Half Arms (15–20 min)
- Abdomen or Chest (20–25 min)
- Buttocks
Standard IPL — Facial & Smaller Areas
Facial areas
Body areas
- Underarms (10–15 min)
- Bikini Line (15–20 min)
- G-String / Extended Bikini (20–25 min)
- Full Brazilian (25–35 min)
IPL Skin Rejuvenation
The Ultralux Series treats more than hair. The same platform addresses four skin concerns through different wavelength filters.
Pigmentation Correction
530–560nm targets excess melanin in sun spots, age spots, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Treated spots darken initially (coffee-ground effect, 2–3 days) then flake naturally within 7–14 days. Significant improvement in 3–5 treatments. See the IPL aftercare guide for the full recovery process.
Vascular Therapy
530–650nm targets haemoglobin in broken capillaries, thread veins, and diffuse facial redness including rosacea. Treated vessels coagulate and are reabsorbed over 2–4 weeks. Redness reduction often visible after one treatment; 2–4 sessions for optimal results.
Acne Management
420nm blue light destroys acne-causing bacteria; red wavelengths reduce inflammation and accelerate healing. Reduction in active breakouts within 1–2 weeks. 4–6 treatments for significant improvement in chronic acne.
Photo Rejuvenation
590nm penetrates the dermis, stimulating fibroblast collagen and elastin production. Addresses fine lines, enlarged pores, rough texture, and age-related dullness. Immediate glow after treatment; collagen remodelling continues 8–12 weeks post-session. 4–6 sessions for optimal results.
Suitability: Skin & Hair Type
IPL targets melanin — the contrast between hair colour and skin tone determines both efficacy and safety. A thorough skin assessment and patch test are conducted at every initial consultation.
| Fitzpatrick Type | Suitability |
|---|---|
| I–III (Very fair to light brown) | ✓ Ideal — maximum contrast, lowest risk, best results |
| IV (Olive/moderate brown) | ⚠ Suitable with customised settings and mandatory patch test |
| V (Dark brown) | ⚠ Extreme caution — mandatory patch test, lower energy settings, close monitoring |
| VI (Very dark) | ✗ Not recommended — high burn and PIH risk |
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Hair colour also determines efficacy. Dark brown and black hair respond best — high melanin content absorbs the light energy efficiently. Medium brown is good. Light brown may require more sessions. Blonde, red, white, and grey hair lack sufficient melanin for effective treatment — IPL cannot treat these colours regardless of technology used.
For hormonal hair growth including PCOS-related facial or body hair, see our hormonal hair & IPL guide.
Before, During & After
Before your treatment
2–4 weeks prior
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanner
- Discontinue photosensitising medications (with doctor approval)
- Stop retinoids on the treatment area
24–48 hours before
- Shave the treatment area — do not wax, pluck, or thread
- No exfoliating treatments
- Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, deodorant, or lotions
After your treatment
First 24–48 hours
- Mild redness settles within 1–4 hours
- No hot showers, saunas, or swimming
- No direct sun exposure — SPF 50+ if outdoors
Weeks 1–2 (hair removal)
- Treated hairs shed naturally — this looks like regrowth but isn’t
- Gentle exfoliation helps the shedding process
- You can shave; never wax, pluck, or thread during the treatment course
Professional vs At-Home Devices
| Factor | Professional (Ultralux Series) | At-Home Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Energy output | 15–50 joules | 3–6 joules |
| Sessions needed | 6–8 | 12+ |
| Permanent reduction | 70–90% | 30–50% at best |
| Settings | Real-time adjustment per skin zone | Pre-set only |
| Regulatory status | TGA-listed (ARTG) | Consumer-grade |
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Safety & Contraindications
Do not treat if:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Fitzpatrick Type VI skin
- Active tan or sun exposure within 2 weeks
- Photosensitising medications in use
- History of skin cancer in treatment area
- Epilepsy triggered by flashing light
- Active herpes outbreak in treatment area
- Active infection, open wound, or recent ablative treatment (wait 2–4 weeks)
- Accutane/isotretinoin use within 6 months
- Recent waxing or plucking — wait 4 weeks, shave only going forward
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt?
SHR: warm, tingling sensation — 1–2/10. Standard IPL on facial areas: mild snapping — 3–4/10. Integrated cooling maintains comfort throughout. Most clients find SHR sessions relaxing.
How many sessions will I need?
6–8 for body areas, 8–10 for facial areas. Only hair in the active growth phase responds at each session — this is why multiple visits are necessary, not a limitation of the technology.
Can I shave between sessions?
Yes — shaving is fine throughout the treatment course. Never wax, pluck, thread, or use depilatory creams, as these remove the follicle that IPL targets.
Is IPL permanent?
It provides permanent reduction, not complete elimination. Most clients achieve 70–90% reduction lasting years. Hormonal changes (PCOS, pregnancy, menopause) can trigger new growth — occasional maintenance once or twice yearly manages this.
Will it work on my fair/red/grey hair?
No — blonde, red, white, and grey hair lack sufficient melanin for IPL to target. This applies to all IPL and laser technologies, not just SHR. A consultation and patch test will confirm whether your hair colour will respond.
Is IPL safe? Can it cause cancer?
IPL uses visible light and near-infrared wavelengths — not the ultraviolet radiation that causes skin cancer. 30+ years of clinical data shows no link between IPL and cancer. Our TGA-listed device meets strict Australian safety standards.
Book Your Consultation
A skin assessment, patch test and personalised treatment plan. Women-only clinic, Northfield SA.
- Laser vs IPL vs SHR: Complete Technology Comparison
- Hormonal Hair Growth & IPL: PCOS & Menopause Guide
- IPL Pigmentation Aftercare Guide
- Your First IPL Consultation: What to Expect
- IPL Service Page
Disclaimer
For educational purposes only. Individual results vary. A consultation and patch test are conducted before treatment. All treatments comply with Australian TGA guidelines.
