faq-frequently asked questions

Modesty Blaise Face + Body can progressively rid you of unwanted hair  from your face and body using X-Lumin-X Square Pulsed Light (SPL).

How does permanent hair reduction work?

The intense selective light of our SPL equipment penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the melanin in the hair. This absorption heats the hair and the heat is transmitted to the nourishment structure of the hair: the follicle. This results in it being heated to a temperature of 70°C for a millisecond and it is thus killed. Hundreds of hair follicles are destroyed by each flash; the hairs then fall out in one to two weeks.

Pulsed light systems work by emitting pulses of intense light via a glass prism to the hairy area. Hair containing pigment (melanin) absorbs the light and converts it to heat. This heat is led down through the hair follicle, which is then destroyed and rendered unable to produce new hair. Most hair will not grow back at all while other hair may grow back thinner and lighter in colour.   

Is it permanent?

Most customers report permanence however it does depend on the hair growth cycle.

In hair growth cycle there are three stages or phases:

• • The Anagen Phase or growth period.
• • The Catagen Phase or regressions phase. This phase ususally lasts 2 to 3 weeks.
• • The Telogen Phase or rest ingphase. During this phase, no hair is produced. Its duration is valuable and depends upon numerous factors (anatomical location, internal and external factors).

The L600 Luminex can only see hairs in the growth phase - Anagen stage. Approximately 20% of all hairs are in their growth phase at any one time. Certain “resting” hairs can also become active due to age and hormonal modifications. Other factors include hair colour and thickness.

Can all types of hair and skin be treated?

The darker the hair, the richer in melanin and the better the result. Light and fine hairs are more difficult to eliminate. White hairs or red hair cannot be removed using SPL treatments.

Since the skin also contains melanin, it is important that it is not too dark. Cutaneous melanin stops part of the light rays reaching the hair follicle and there is a large drop in efficiency as well as a high risk of pain or burns.

Individuals are classified into 1 of 6 Fitzpatrick skin types:

Skin type	Hair Colour	Eye Colour	Skin	Freckles	Sun Tan	Degree of Tan
1	Red/Blonde	Blue or Green	Milky	+++	Always	0
2	Blonde/Medium	Light to Medium	Clear	++	Always	Light tan
3	Chestnut	Medium to Dark	Matte	+	Frequent	Dark tan
4	Brown	Dark	Matte	0	Rare	Dark
5	Brown	Dark	Very matte	0	Exceptional	Very dark
6	Black	Dark	Black	0	0	Black

It is therefore recommended to avoid treating skin types 5 and 6, and to temporarily put off sessions with individuals who have too dark a tan.

Is it painful?

The sensation of pain is extremely variable from one individual to another; it depends on:

• • The individual sensitivity
• • The area of the body (the face is more sensitive than the legs, the centre of the face more sensitive than the edge of the face)
• • The skin pigmentation. The more the skin is pigmented the greater the epidermis will be heated. Light skins are the least sensitive
• • The hair density. The more hairs there are per cm2 the greater the sensation of heat (density of a man’s beard 455/legs 50). This explains why the pain sensation diminishes with the number of sessions

This is why the darker the skin, the greater the pain. In general, the sensation is that of an elastic band snapped against the skin. For most people a LOT less painful than waxing. Most will feel NO pain at all.

How many sessions are necessary?

The number of sessions depends on the colour of the hair, its location, the length of the hair growth cycle, the area being treated and individual genetic factors. This is why it is difficult to give an exact number of sessions. However it is generally accepted that an average of six to twelve sessions gives good results.

Why are several sessions required?

The rays emitted by the L600 can only act on those hairs that are in their growth phase. Statistically, in the hair growth cycle of the area being treated, it is estimated that around 20 % of hairs are in their growth phase at any one time. This is why several sessions are necessary.

In addition, certain "resting" hair follicles can become active due to age and hormonal modifications. This is why, depending on the individual, maintenance sessions may be necessary.

Everyone is different and several (up to 12) sessions may be needed. After that, only one or two annual maintenance sessions are recommended.

Why is it necessary to shave the area?

Shaving is necessary to avoid a dissipation of the energy at the surface of the skin. If the hair is not first shaved, there is a drop in efficiency as well as a risk of superficial burns.

Why is there a certain time lapse before the hairs fall out?

After a session, the hair is detached from its nourishment structure but it still remains in the sheath. It is progressively expulsed from its sheath during the renewal of the epidermis (peeling). This is why for one to three weeks the hair appears to be growing. A light exfoliation 10 to 15 days after the session can speed up the falling of the hairs.

Book your FREE CONSULTATION to find out how Modesty Blaise Face + Body can assist in permanent hair reduction for your face and body.

Call us TODAY on 9228 3330.