Im actually looking for reviews on IPL by Strip when I stumbled on this thread. Thought I'll share my experience with shaving + waxing + threading + IPL.
--- who am i ---
I have been shaving my legs/underarms for 10 years. Had lots of problems with ingrowns and dark spots and itchy/sensitive skin. Ladies, if you havent started shaving, DONT. Its probably the best advice anyone can give you regarding this topic.
--- ipl (bella) ---
5 years ago, in 2003, I signed for 6 x IPL (upper lips) with Bella, + 1 yr 'maintenance warranty' @ approximately $2500. A doctor administers the IPL. A cooling gel is spread over the area, before the laser is used. It was relatively painless and the skin's redness would go off in 15 minutes.
--- ipl didnt work -> threading now ---
5 years later now, I think the upper-lip growth has reduced by some 25% but is still enough to make me conscious. I am now trying threading (much cheaper! @ $6 + gst) at Browhaus (Holland V). Repeated threading will 'supposedly' thin the regrowth, just like waxing. Threading is not painful and is fast. Minimal redness that goes away in 2 minutes?
--- waxing + ipl (strip) again ---
Last year, I got so fed up with shaving my legs and underarm that I started waxing (at Strip, not DIY at home). The results were decent. Waxing is affordable @ $40 per month ($25 for legs & $15 for underarms). The results keep me happy: dark spots remain, but the skin got better and the regrowth was slower than shaving.
Finally the sales rep got to me and I turned to IPL again hoping for a long term solution. This time round, prices have come down quite a bit. I paid $4000 for 6 x IPL (underarm + half legs) with no 'warranty'. The good thing is: the dark spots have gone, no more ingrowns! my skin is smooth & silky according to the husband, the hairs have gotten finer
BUT the number of hairs doesnt seem to have reduced
--- frustration ---
I dont know what to do with my problem, but I know Im NOT going back to shaving. I have not tried electronic epilator and Im afraid to ruin the good results from IPL and waxing so far. If all else fails, I think I'll revert to waxing. No more $$$ on IPL for me :S
I just wonder how come the industry allows business to charge so much money for IPL and other treatments and yet the customer has so little ways/means to ensure that we get results for the $$$ we pay out? Sigh.
Cheers to all out there, hope you find your solution someday