Unwanted Hair

Hair Removal Treatments Sunshine Coast

Unwanted facial or body hair is incredibly common and the right treatment depends on the colour, thickness, location and type of hair you want to remove.

At That Skin Clinic in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, we offer two different approaches to unwanted hair:

IPL hair reduction for suitable darker, pigmented hair on the face and body, and professional dermaplaning for the immediate removal of fine facial vellus hair, commonly known as “peach fuzz”. We'll help you determine which option is most appropriate for your skin, hair type and goals.

IPL Hair Removal

IPL uses controlled pulses of light to target pigment within suitable hair.

The light energy is absorbed by melanin within the hair and converted into heat, which damages structures involved in hair growth and can progressively reduce future growth.

Over a course of treatments, suitable hair may become finer, lighter and less dense, with significantly less regrowth.

IPL is commonly used for areas including:

Underarms
Brazilian and bikini
Legs
Thighs
Buttocks
Back
Chest
Abdomen
Chin and selected facial areas

Your skin and hair will be assessed before treatment to determine whether IPL is appropriate.

Who Is IPL Hair Removal Best For?

IPL relies on pigment within the hair to absorb light energy. For this reason, it generally works best on darker, more pigmented hair where there is sufficient melanin within the hair to effectively target.

Very light blonde, white, grey and some red hair contains little or insufficient pigment and may not respond effectively to IPL.

This is where understanding your hair type before purchasing a course is important.

Why Do I Need Multiple IPL Treatments?

Hair doesn't all grow at the same time.

Each follicle moves through different stages of the hair growth cycle, and light-based hair reduction is most effective when the hair is in its active growth phase.

At any appointment, only a proportion of hairs will be at the ideal stage for treatment. This is why IPL hair reduction requires a course of appropriately spaced treatments rather than one session.

For many body areas, treatments may initially be scheduled approximately 4–6 weeks apart, although this varies according to the area being treated and your individual growth cycle.

As your course progresses, you should generally notice less hair returning between appointments and remaining hairs becoming finer or more sparse.

Is IPL Hair Removal Permanent?

We prefer the term long-term hair reduction rather than permanent hair removal. IPL can produce a significant and lasting reduction in suitable hair, but it cannot guarantee that every treated follicle will permanently stop producing hair.

Hormonal changes, age and other biological factors can influence future hair growth, and occasional maintenance treatments may be required.

We'll discuss realistic expectations with you before beginning treatment.

What Does IPL Hair Removal Feel Like?

Treatment is generally quick, particularly when treating larger areas. You may experience a brief sensation of heat or a light snapping feeling as each pulse is delivered.

Some temporary redness or warmth around the follicles can occur following treatment and usually settles.

You'll receive appropriate pre- and post-treatment instructions to help prepare your skin and minimise unnecessary irritation.

What About Blonde or Fine Facial Hair?

IPL isn't the right treatment for every type of hair. Fine blonde or very lightly pigmented facial hair doesn't contain enough melanin to be effectively targeted by IPL.

For clients wanting to remove fine facial vellus hair or “peach fuzz,” dermaplaning may be a better cosmetic option.

Dermaplaning for Facial Hair & Smoother Skin

Dermaplaning is a professional exfoliating treatment that uses a sterile surgical blade held at a controlled angle to gently remove fine vellus hair and superficial dead skin cells from the surface of the face.

The result is immediately smoother, softer-looking skin with the temporary removal of facial peach fuzz.

Dermaplaning can be particularly useful for clients whose facial hair is too fine or lightly pigmented for IPL. It can also be incorporated into a professional facial where appropriate.

Benefits of Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning may help:

Remove facial peach fuzz
Create an immediately smoother skin surface
Remove superficial dead skin-cell build-up
Improve the appearance of dull or rough skin
Allow makeup to sit more smoothly
Complement selected professional facial treatments

Unlike IPL, dermaplaning does not target or alter the hair follicle. It simply removes the hair at the skin's surface. This means the hair will naturally grow back.

Will Dermaplaning Make My Hair Grow Back Thicker?

No. Dermaplaning does not change the structure of the hair follicle, so it cannot cause fine facial hair to suddenly become thicker, darker or grow faster.

Because the hair is cut across the shaft rather than naturally tapering to a fine point, it may temporarily feel different as it grows back, but its underlying thickness and growth pattern have not been changed by dermaplaning.

IPL or Dermaplaning - Which Do I Need?

It depends on the hair.

Dark, coarse or pigmented hair:

IPL may be appropriate when you're looking for progressive, long-term hair reduction depending on skin type.

Fine blonde or light facial peach fuzz:

Dermaplaning may be more appropriate because IPL requires sufficient pigment within the hair to effectively target it.

A combination of different hair types:

We can assess the areas individually and recommend the most appropriate approach.

We won't recommend IPL for hair that is unlikely to respond simply to sell you a course of treatments.

Can Dermaplaning Be Combined With a Facial?

Yes. Dermaplaning can be incorporated into selected professional skin treatments to combine removal of superficial dead skin and vellus hair with other skin-focused treatments.

However, more isn't always better.

Your skin barrier, sensitivity, current products and any other procedures being performed need to be considered before combining exfoliating treatments. We'll tailor the treatment to your skin rather than automatically adding multiple forms of exfoliation.

Start With a Hair Removal Consultation

Not sure whether IPL or dermaplaning is right for you?

Start with a consultation at That Skin Clinic in Mooloolaba.

For IPL hair reduction, we'll assess your skin type, hair colour, hair thickness, treatment area, relevant medical history and previous hair-removal methods before recommending treatment.

For fine facial hair, we can determine whether dermaplaning or another approach is more appropriate. Where IPL is recommended, a test patch may also be required before beginning your treatment course.