As women, it’s not often we will admit that we need help in the hair removal department, but I am willing to put myself out there and say, “Hello, I’m a hairy lady.”  Okay, I am not hairy to the point of resembling chubaka, but I have a few wisps here in there in places I’d rather they not be.

Here at Bride Club ME, we are volunteering ourselves to test services, and products that many a bride-to-be may be considering using during her wedding planning, and our feedback will be honest.

I am also a bride-to-be myself; and the last thing I want to worry about on my wedding day or honeymoon is a hairy upper lip or stubbly bikini line. So, the Biolite clinic invited me along to review their famous Ellipse laser / IPL Hair removal treatment on two problematic areas, my upper lip and bikini line.

• The Clinic

First of all, let me say that the clinic itself is very well presented; clean, calm and tranquil. The staff are courteous and friendly; the founder Mona Mizra, from the UK,  is a professional and educated woman, who clearly loves what she does whilst caring about her clients.

• The Consultation

I was asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire, and had been fully consulted prior to my treatment; as to what to expect and how the treatment works. I have already experienced hair removal treatments from a clinic that shall remain nameless for now, the overall experience was okay, until I had a different therapist who rendered me scarred, scared and angry. It put me off the whole process until I met Mona, who assured me that the same would not happen at her clinic.

Moving on, once I had finished my consultation and questionnaire, I was led to the treatment room, where the process started.

• How does Ellipse treatment work?

The Ellipse operator guides the light from the flash-lamp to the treatment area. The unique Ellipse system carefully filters this light in two ways to ensure that only light with the correct characteristics (wavelength) is allowed to reach your skin.

Hair contains pigment (melanin) that absorbs the light and converts into heat. The hair transmits this heat into the hair follicle, which is then destroyed and rendered unable to produce a new hair.

To ensure optimal light transmission to the hair, a thin layer of gel (similar to that used in ultrasound examinations) is applied to your skin before treatment. The operator then moves the hand-held applicator over the entire treatment area exactly one applicator width after each flash of light.

• Does it hurt?

Yes and No. It’s not the most comfortable of feelings, but the pain I felt was far more bearable then the pain I experienced at a previous clinic. It’s more of a sharp and short pinch, a sensation as similar to that of a rubber band snapping onto the skin, with deep breathing, it’s perfectly fine. Do bear in mind that the Tolerance of pain is very individual from person to person. No anesthetics are required.

• Do I need to take special precautions before and after treatment?

The light used is completely safe, visible light. Potentially harmful wavelengths are removed by the unique Ellipse dual Mode Filtering system.

It is important not to remove hair by plucking, tweezing, waxing or use of creams during the entire four weeks before treatment. This ensures that as many hair follicles as possible contain a hair, thus can be destroyed by the light.

Since tanning takes place by accumulation of pigment (melanin) in the skin, it is also important to avoid tanning (sun, solarium or self-tanning cream) before and during the treatment period. Otherwise your tanned skin will absorb more light, which makes treatment less effective. After my treatment I was given some nice soothing gel and a cold compress.

• Will I leave the clinic looking like a red faced crazy woman?

What I love about Biolite, is that they refuse to let you leave the clinic feeling uncomfortable, so they give you a mini make over using their fabulous Biolite Mineral Make Up! I left both hairless and looking refreshed.

• Did it work?

Well I had two sessions, with a four week gap between each one. The hair on both my bikini-line and upper lip have noticeably reduced. I believe a few more sessions will be needed to get the desired effect, but I am certainly happy with the progress and look forward to honeymooning with my fiancé without a batch of razors in tow.

About Ellipse 12PL

Ellipse I2PL continues to be the market leaders in IPL and offers the most effective, clinically proven treatment for permanent hair reduction.

Ellipse I²PL is the first system of its kind; it contains a dual mode filtering system which ensures that only clinically relevant wavelengths are directed onto your skin.  The key benefit from other IPL treatments is that no active skin cooling is needed.  The light from other IPL systems can be absorbed into the blood and water in the skin, meaning cooling agents have to be used.  Ellipse I2PL for hair removal works by targeting only the melanin (pigment in the hair).  As the light is absorbed it breaks the bond between the blood supply and the hair follicle rendering the hair follicle unable to produce hair. Overtime the density and appearance of the hair changes till it becomes unnoticeable.

Ellipse I2PL can be used to treat anyone, on any part of the body, so whether it is the bit of unwanted hair on your face or you want silky smooth legs all year around, Ellipse I2PL is the safest and most effective treatment available today.

A patch test is required one week prior to treatment.  Hair can only be treated during its growth stage so a course of treatments is recommended for best results. Sun exposure should also be avoided before the treatment.

Ellipse I2PL Hair Reduction, price starts from 250AED – $70 per treatment depending on area.  Available at Biolite Aesthetic Clinic – Dubai  +9714 3752122