The difference lies in its technology and how they work — IPL Hair Removal uses bursts of light energy while BBL Hair Removal utilises multiple wavelengths of light to target unwanted hair at the source — the melanin in hair follicles, hence resulting in the permanent removal of unwanted hair. This provides more effective and faster results.

Laser Hair Removal, on the other hand, emits light in a sudden burst of energy. BBL Hair Removal is typically more comfortable than laser hair removal.

Also known as Broadband Light therapy, BBL Hair Removal treatments remove unwanted hair through a process called photo-epilation. This is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, where light energy is absorbed into the target hair follicles while protecting the surrounding, healthy skin tissue.

While it is still a light source, BBL works differently than conventional laser systems. Instead, BBL systems use a broad light spectrum of light with wavelengths ranging from 590 to 1200 nm (green, yellow, orange, red, and infrared). The wavelengths emit light energy in carefully timed pulses to maximise the effectiveness of the treatment. At the same time, this decreases the risk of skin damage and minimises pain for the patient.

Other than keeping the treated area protected from sunlight for a few weeks, you can return to your full, normal routines immediately. Slight redness similar to a mild sunburn may occur. This usually disappears over a few days.

When using BBL for hair removal it is very important to minimise strong sun exposure for a minimum of 1 month.

Hairs that are in the active growing phase during BBL Hair Removal treatment do not grow back once it is killed. However, new hair growth may occur from follicles that were not in the active growing phase and that is the reason why 6-8 sessions are recommended to achieve a complete hair reduction.

BBL Hair Removal can be effective after just one treatment, but one treatment only will NOT treat all the hair follicles in the treated area because hair grows in 3 different stages.

You will still notice a significant hair reduction after one treatment, but you need at least 6 treatments to ensure that all follicles are treated when they are in their active growing phase over the course of a series of treatments.

Hair follicles grow in a cyclical fashion and only growing follicles are targeted by BBL Hair Removal treatments. Hence, we recommend multiple sessions to ensure maximum effectiveness. Typically, you will need to have 6 – 8 BBL hair removal treatments to achieve their goals. Though, you may require fewer sessions depending on your skin type, hair’s texture, and colour.

Yes, BBL Hair Removal is effective hair reduction therapy for women with PCOS who deal with the problem of hirsutism or unwanted hair growth.

BBL technology is developed by a doctor, and the hair removal process is deemed to be very safe and comfortable. The procedure, however, should only be administered in a licensed facility by a certified, experienced technician.

BBL Hair Removal is safe to be used on all body parts, including the face, neck, décolletage, back, underarms, bikini line, legs and arms.

However, light energy emitted during a laser or a BBL technology can be harmful to the eyes. Hence, we provide special safety protective eyewear, and it is necessary to wear them throughout the hair removal procedure to ensure your safety. The eyewear that is provided is specific to the treatment being done to ensure that proper eyewear is used for the specific wavelength involved in the treatment.

Before your pre-consultation, it is best to leave an area unshaven so that our technician can determine the colour and texture of your hair to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for BBL Hair Removal.

Once it is decided that you are a good candidate for BBL hair removal, for maximum effectiveness it is recommended you shave the area to be treated prior to your BBL Hair Removal treatment.

Note that you should avoid waxing, tweezing, and bleaching the hair prior to hair removal treatments and during the course of treatment as these grooming activities can decrease the effectiveness of the treatments. Hair needs to be present in the follicle for BBL treatments to be most effective. Since waxing or plucking pulls hair out of the follicle, recently waxed or plucked areas will not be suitable for treatment.

• Avoid medications such as antibiotics that increase your skin’s sensitivity to light.

• Usage of skin care products such as Retin-A, Retinoids, Glycolic or AHAs (Alpha-hydroxy acids) can cause your skin to be more sensitive and should be discontinued a week before BBL treatments.

Please also note that BBL Hair Removal is not recommended for pregnant women as there are no clinical studies evaluating hair removal in pregnant women.