A high-quality IPL device, on average, costs around $500 and it comes with limited flashes that last for a few decades. While the longevity of an IPL device can be determined by the number of its flashes, it is important to know that maintenance of the device plays an important role in prolonging its life.
Now, the question is can you clean an electric IPL device? If yes, how do you clean it in a way that protects its flashing mechanism and removes all the impurities from it?
Well, do not worry as we are going to discuss all you need to know about maintaining your IPL hair removal handset with this how-to guide on cleaning/maintaining your IPL hair removal device.
What is an IPL Hair Removal Device?
An IPL hair removal device is an at-home substitute for professional laser hair removal devices that can be used for DIY hair removal without needing expert guidance.
This is because of the low intensity and broad spectrum of light used to kill unwanted hair follicles. Also, note that IPL hair removal devices work by targeting melanin in the hair.
What are the Benefits of an IPL Hair Removal Device?
Let us briefly discuss a few benefits of IPL hair removal devices here.
1. Offers Efficient Hair Removal at Home
Any method of hair removal you can think of is either transient or too expensive. This put women, and even some men at a mental disturbance to remove the unwanted hair.
In such circumstances, IPL hair removal offers semi-permanent hair removal at home. High-quality devices like Ulike Air 10 IPL hair removal device provide results within two weeks and consistent usage for a few more wax can make you hairless for up to 6 months.
2. Provides the Most Economical Hair Removal Option
In-salon laser hair removal might cost you a kidney with its multiple sessions, each charging a few hundred dollars. Furthermore, repetitive sessions of waxing also charge nearly 100 dollars each month and shaving requires a pre-shave treatment and fresh shaving razors.
On the other hand, reputable IPL hair removal devices cost $400 to $600 and even less if you buy them at a discount.
3. Helps in the Treatment of Skin Conditions Other Than Mere Hair Removal
In addition to semi-permanent hair removal, IPL devices help in making your skin smoother, fresher, and more radiant. They do so by killing the bacteria that cause acne, dissolving acne scars, and improving complexion.
4. One-Device Solution to All Unwanted Hair Problems
Different hair removal methods are suitable for different parts of the body. For example, waxing works on limbs and intimate areas, threading is for the face, and shaving is effective when you need instant hair removal.
IPL hair removal devices can remove unwanted hair from every part of the body from head to toe.
Should You Clean Your IPL Hair Removal Device?
Yes, of course, you should always clean your IPL hair removal device after using it. While cleaning the IPL device is essential, remember that you should clean it appropriately so that you do not damage any of its parts.
For this, some brands provide a guide on cleaning and maintenance in the user manual and you can also read how-to guides like this one on the internet.
Why Should You Clean Your IPL Hair Removal Device?
Not only is cleaning the IPL hair removal device beneficial for improving the durability and results of your device but it also helps in protecting your skin from impurities, bacteria, and oils that are stuck to the light window of the device from your previous use.
Furthermore, cleansing prepares your device for the next use beforehand. It also allows you to use the same device on different parts of your body like the face and pubic region without the risk of transmitting infectious microbes.
What Happens if You Do Not Clean Your IPL Hair Removal Device Appropriately?
As we said earlier you should clean your IPL hair removal device optimally. This is because infrequent, insufficient, or inappropriate cleaning and maintenance can damage your device.
This damage can be in the form of decreased effectiveness, increased timeline to show results, pain during hair removal, reduced durability of the device, and enhanced risk of side effects to your skin.
Steps to Clean Your IPL Hair Removal Device
Let us learn to clean an IPL hair removal handset at home properly.
Step 1: Switch it off and Wait for a Few Minutes
Any IPL hair removal device, including the ones with ice-cooling technology, heats up after a while. Therefore, you have to let it cool down before cleaning it.
Also, even if the device does not feel hot on your skin, it is better to wait for a few seconds. For this, simply turn off the device, remove the plug, and wait for about a few seconds.
Step 2: Remove its Parts, if Any
Some IPL hair removal devices come with separate attachments for the face, body, and pubic region for customized hair removal while the other only has 1 light window to make the usage more user-friendly.
Therefore, remove the head of the IPL device if you are using one with accessories.
Step 3: Clean the Device with Gentle Cleansers
Take a clean soft washcloth and a gentle cleanser. While you can use a gentle dispenser, make your own soap water by adding water to the soap.
Now, damp the clothes with your cleaning solution and rub the light window of your device clean softly. Do not be too rash as it might cause scratches on the device and do not use any harsh solution as well.
You can also clean the side of the device. But do not let the water go inside the device. For the device with accessories, clean each attachment separately and the inside of the reflector as well.
Step 4: Let it Dry
Take another dry piece of soft clothing and rub it on the device gently to remove the excess moisture from the device. Wait for a few more minutes for the device to dry completely.
Step 5: Attach the Parts and Store it
Lastly, attach the main head of the device, if it has accessories, and pack it in the box that comes with the device. Furthermore, remember to keep each part of the device like heads, safety razor, charger, and main operator in its designated place.
Tips to Store an IPL Hair Removal Device
Storage of the IPL device is as important as cleaning it right. Therefore, here are some tips for storing the IPL device so that it does not get contaminated until your next use.
- Only pack the device in the box it comes with. For example, Ulike Air10 comes with a leather box. If you lose the box, get one from Amazon specifically for your IPL hair removal device.
- Pack the device with it is completely dry as moisture gives away to microbes.
- Keep the box in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. For example, a cupboard.
- Do not ever store your IPL device in the bathroom or anywhere impurities, bacteria, or water in the box.
- Do not keep the storage box of your device anywhere with heat either.
Tips to Handle and Use an IPL Hair Device
Lastly, here are some tips to handle and use your well-cleaned IPL hair removal device.
- First of all, determine if your skin and hair color is compatible with the IPL device you are using. At times, we buy the device when we are fair but get tanning afterward.
- Turn on the device at its lowest level when you are using it initially and gradually increase it. Also, some devices select the intensity automatically.
- Hold the device in close contact with your skin but do not press it deeply.
- Only flash the device when excess light is not dispersing through its sides.
- Wear your glasses for safety and flash the device.
- Set the treatment mode to glide, auto-flash, or thumb mode depending upon the treatment area and your requirements.
- If you are aiming for full-body hair removal and the treatment time of your device for full body is over 30 minutes, let it cool down midway between your hair removal session.
- Only stamp the device in one area for a single time. Do not flash it multiple times as it might burn your skin.
Conclusion
IPL hair removal devices are popular for helping women get rid of unwanted hair for a long time. Although economical as compared to laser hair removal, we cannot call them cheap.
To get the best out of every penny you spend on buying an IPL device, it is essential to keep it clean and well-maintained. We have shared the steps of cleaning your IPL hair removal device properly in this article.
