My First Brazilian IPL Experience…

2 July 2010 — I can't stand body hair. I've spent a ridiculous amount of money on IPL for my underarms, shaving and waxing other parts of my body (i.e. legs, arms, bikini... I even shave those tiny little toe/finger hair).

After trying out IPL on my underarms last year and getting satisfactory results at such an high expense, I was a little skeptical about doing Brazilian IPL. But since I've tried Brazilian waxing, I figured I might as well give it a go and share the experience.

Hawaiian Spa (by Fabulous Group) is located at 9 Tan Quee Lan street, #01-04 TQL Suites.  It is just opposite Bugis Junction (across the road from Mcdonalds & Starbucks), on the same street as the Apple Strudel Store.

It was my first visit to Hawaiian Spa but I do go to FabulousTan (under the same company) at Cineleisure occasionally to even out my tan and cover up the unsightly stretchmarks when I have an upcoming shoot.

They provide services such as indoor tanning, IPL treatments, waxing, teeth whitening, spas and even hair extensions! I really like to decor — it's like a spa by the beach!

One of the tanning rooms. Doesn't it look like it's in a little hut by the beach because of the blue sky? Actually, the place has a pretty high ceiling and the blue sky is actually the color of the wall on the other side of the room!

And that's how you get a fabulous tan Truth be told, I haven't done indoor tanning in months... this is the result of running outdoors. Wait until you see the hideous tanlines!

And this is where it all takes place. My therapist was a very nice and friendly Filipina. Somehow I felt more comfortable with her because Charles is half Filipino so we were talking about the Philippines the whole time. It helps if you can hold a conversation with your therapist to ease off the tension and nervousness!

For safety purposes, I was asked to remove anything metallic, including my accessories and belly-button ring - something I was never asked to do when I went for IPL on my underarms at STRIP.

I was pretty shy at first because of the little 'bush' I had grown down there and it didn't help when my therapist used an electronic razor to trim the bits because I started giggling like a little girl! It took me a while to get used to the 'vibration' of the electronic razor. It wasn't easy! The whole time I thought to myself, "Please don't get turned on!" Awkward. Just a tad.

I wonder why they didn't use a normal disposal shaver instead. Wouldn't that be more hygienic?

It used to be that IPL was only suitable for those with dark hair and light skin but not anymore. The machine used for IPL treatment here uses a new technology that distinguishes dark hair and dark skin types. The first setting that my therapist used was a little painful (like a quick, sharp pain) but she finally adjusted the settings so the pain was  minimal and I barely felt anything.

It took about 25 minutes for the whole session (a much shorter time than Brazilian waxing... and less painful).

I didn't shave or wax for 2 weeks before going for the Brazilian IPL and personally I found it to be a real torture. I can't stand hair down there. The hair grew back so fast and by the end of 2 weeks, I had a full-grown bush. I don't know how some Japanese girls live with that. I could never!

Since I won't be taking any photos of my bits and pieces for censorship purposes, I've done up a simple illustration to show you a quick 'visual'. You are advised not to wax or shave after your first IPL session especially if you plan on going for more. This is so that the hair can grow out and 'fall off' on its own (yes, literally — you will soon be bald down there!). Shaving or waxing will interfere with the process.

As you can see, my hair-down-there was a lot thicker and more bushy when I let it grow out 2 weeks before going for a Brazilian IPL. After, the hair grew out almost the same, except less coarse.

I'd have to admit that I cheated and shaved 1 week after my first IPL session. I know I wasn't supposed to but I was not used to it at all and it became quite uncomfortable.

To my surprise, a few days after I shaved, the hair grew back more fine and sparse (refer to the illustration). It may look a little weird but it is a lot better now than how it was during the first week after the IPL, or let alone before the IPL!

I am liking the results already. My 2nd session is due this Friday (which is exactly 3 weeks after my 1st). It is recommended that you do a follow-up of your next session within 3 - 4 weeks after each IPL session for optimum results.

If you're interested in doing a trial session, you can enjoy this offer for being a loyal reader at withlovefay.com simply by making your appointment via sms by texting <Hawaii><fay><yourname> to 8221 9221.

Do share with me YOUR experience!

UPDATE: I just found that they have a branch (for indoor tanning, waxing, teeth whitening, hair extensions and make-up only) in KL at Mid-Valley! That's only about 10 minutes away from my place in KL... perfect! Check it out:

Mid Valley Branch
Lot T-029, 3rd Floor Mid Valley Megamall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City,
Kuala Lumpur 59200
(60) 03228-77118