Laser/IPL operators often use the ‘SHR’ or ‘stamping’ techniques when applying their devices to hair removal on the skin. But I often see people using the wrong approach. This will, inevitably, lead to poor results or an excessive number of treatment sessions.
In this video I explain how to apply these technique correctly, to increase your chances of success.
Please note that the appropriate fluences, skin cooling and wavelengths must also be considered, depending on the hair depths and skin colours. I discuss these in other blog posts.
By using the correct technique, combined with the correct settings, you should always achieve good results with hair removal, in around 6 to 8 sessions.
Hope this helps,
Mike.
Mike Murphy's Blog 
Hello, I have an inquiry, should we apply more gel every time after we have applied the ice pack? Thank you, your blog is great!
Hi Patrycja,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Always make sure you have at least two to three millimetres of gel on the skin. So, if you see that some of it has been removed by the ice packs, stick some more on!
Best regards,
Mike.
what you said about the dermis absorbing most of the energy is very concerning. So if the laser can kill follicles, it can also kill our ecm producing cells like fibroblasts right? Then wouldn’t lader hair removal also permanently age our skin?
Hi Maalik,
Yes, that is true. But the temepratures acheived in the ECM are much lower than in the follicles, because the volumetric absorption is considerably lower too! Evidence over the last 30 years or so, indicates that most light-based tratments in the skin results in fibroblast stimulation, leading to improved looking skin!
i’ve been eating up all the good info in your blog, very thankful!!!
So I’ve got an HUD IPL, all I can afford.
Fluence 9 J/cm2, pulsewidth 2.6ms, 1-2Hz.
I want to maximize my results with this machine, is there any value in hitting the same spot more than once 1-2 times per second to try to build up more heat? Or is the Hz too low for multiple back-to-back shots to do any good?
You will not be able to ‘build up more heat’ by hitting the same area more than once – almost all of the heat energy will have dissipated befoe the next shot arrives. But, you will achieve a more ‘complete’ coverage, if you try that approach.