IPL Laser Facial and UNDERARM Hair Removal In Oxford
A New Generation In IPL Technology
We offer IPL hair reduction for the face and underarms using the advanced Etherea MX IPL: SQ device. This next-generation Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology reduces and can permanently remove unwanted hair. IPL targets melanin (the pigment in hair) with light energy, which turns to heat, destroying the hair follicle and growth bulb. Treated follicles shed hair, with effective treatment leading to permanent reduction.* Unlike lasers, IPL uses multiple light wavelengths, making it adaptable for various hair types, though darker, thicker hair responds best.
The Etherea MX delivers precise, square-pulsed light with built-in skin cooling, making treatments safer, more comfortable, and more effective than older IPL systems.
*Hair must be in the anagen phase (connected to the hair bulb) to be effective.
Why choose ETHEREA MX IPL Hair Removal?
✓ Medical-grade intense pulsed-light platform engineered for long-term reduction of unwanted hair on face and body
✓ Broad-spectrum handpiece with interchangeable filters adapts fluence and wavelength to safely treat a wide range of skin tones and hair depths
✓ Integrated sapphire contact cooling keeps the epidermis comfortable, allowing higher energy delivery with minimal sting or risk of burns
✓ Even square-wave energy profile targets the melanin in hair follicles while sparing surrounding tissue, leading to smoother skin with fewer ingrown hairs
✓ Progressive results: each visit catches hairs in the active growth phase; most clients achieve 80–90 % reduction after 6–8 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart
✓ Ideal maintenance: an annual top-up keeps regrowth sparse, soft and easy to manage
Book A Consultation & Test Patch
Your journey starts with a personalised consultation and bespoke treatment plan tailored to you. This ensures you receive the most suitable treatment for successful results.
The All Important Anagen Phase
Unfortunately, IPL hair removal cannot be achieved in a single treatment. Only a certain percentage of hairs (depending upon the location) will be connected to the growth centre of the hair follicle, called the hair bulb. The hair bulb is where the hair begins its life and is supplied with microvasculature to sustain the hair growth cycle. It is only when your hair is in the anagen phase of growth that IPL hair removal can reach down to the connected bulb and destroy its structure, preventing regrowth. As a result, you will most likely require 6-8 treatments for effective hair clearance.
*Individual results may vary
Frequently Asked Questions | IPL HAIR REMOVAL Treatments
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You will be asked to wear protective eyewear throughout the treatment to protect your eyes from the very bright flash of light used during IPL. The Etherea MX is a new generation IPL device and ultrasound gel is not always required. The handpiece is applied to the skin and delivers a shot of light energy onto the skin where the hair is located. Even with protective eyewear you may notice a bright flash of light, although the goggles will have protected your eyes from any dangerous levels of light. In certain areas the treatment can feel a little uncomfortable, but is not generally described as painful. The Etherea MX has an extra chilled tip to ensure the uttmost comfort is achieved.
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It is imperative that you do not have any sun exposure or tan on the treatment area, including fake or gradual tan, before an IPL laser hair removal treatment. Failure to ignore this could result in harm, injury, or even scarring of your skin. Wearing a daily sunscreen throughout your treatment course is a condition of your treatment with us. Sun protection products are available for purchase through our online skincare store.
Do not pluck or epilate your hair for at least 6 weeks before an IPL hair removal treatment.
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Like any medical intervention, there are potential risks that are associated with having an IPL treatment; however, most are mild, such as pinkness to the skin for a few hours and a little sensitivity. You may also notice that the treated hair follicles appear slightly swollen or red, with a sizzled hair at their centre. This will be expelled by the skin over the following 10 days. As part of your consultation with us, you will be advised on any potential side effects in more detail before you decide to proceed with any treatment. Our team's expertise and experience mean that we are able to assist you with side effects should you experience them. You will be given your practitioner's out-of-hours mobile telephone number, should you require any urgent advice.
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The answer to this depends upon the area being treated, if hormones are influenceing hair growth, and the degree of hair removal required. Generally you will require 6-8 treatments, spaced 4-8 weeks apart, depending on the treatment area.
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The results of IPL can be noticeable within the first couple of weeks after your first treatment; however, your final results will become more evident following a series of treatments.
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Generally, the results attained are considered permanent in the follicles that have been destroyed. Unfortunately, the human body has millions of dormant follicles that could decide at any time to start growing new hair. These are follicles that are not active during a treatment course and therefore can not be treated. If you experience new growth or hair, we advise you to attend maintenance IPL hair removal treatments.
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Yes, although these will be discussed in greater detail during your appointment:
-Avoid strenuous activities, sauna and steam, excessively hot baths, and massaging the area for 3-5 days, or longer if the skin remains sensitive.
-Wash and bathe as normal, but take cool showers rather than hot baths. The skin should be patted dry and not rubbed. Use an aloe vera gel or aftersun cream to keep the area moisturised and the skin protected. If there is any discomfort, treat the area as you would sunburn.
-Avoid UV sun exposure for 2 weeks after treatment, and wear a daily sun protectant with a broad spectrum SPF 30 or above throughout your treatment course.
-It is imperative that you apply daily sun protection with UVA/UVB filters and an SPF of at least 30. It is a condition of the IPL treatments you receive with us that you commit to using this every day and avoiding sun exposure, artificial sun beds, and artificial tanning products on the treatment areas.
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Each treatment is cumulative in effect; therefore, it is advised to complete a course of treatments as advised by your practitioner in consultation. Once you have finished your course, the results will likely be permanent; however, as discussed above, you may develop new hair growth that will need maintaining with further treatments.
Still Have Questions?
That’s understandable, and we’ll do our very best to ensure you are fully informed.
Our patient support team are just a call or email away.
