The Beauty Brains recently received a promotional unit of the new Silk’n Flash & Go permanent hair remover. For those of you not aware of this device, it is one of several products that uses FDA-approved Intense Pulsed Light technology to reduce hair growth at its source. Since it takes several weeks to see how effective it is, today I’ll talk about the device itself and next time I’ll blog about how well it works.
How does IPL hair removal work?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses a Xenon lamp to produce to strong flash of light of a particular wavelength. (IPL is NOT a laser. Lasers produce a single wavelength of light, IPL produces a broader spectrum.) This wavelength is chosen because it is easily absorbed by melanin, the natural pigment that gives your hair and skin their color. Melanin particles are concentrated near the root of hair. When the device flashes, the light is absorbed by the melanin which heats up and destroys the nearby cells in the hair root. Over time the bulb is destroyed to such an extent that it will not grow hair at all, or at least grow much less hair. This process, which has the cool name “photoepilation” is not technically a hair removal method, rather it is a hair reduction method.
This technology is used in similar devices such as the Remington, the Lumi, and the Viss. The No No device uses a different technology which generates a thermal pulse to destroy hair.
Are there any side effects?
Some users have reported a rubber band like snapping sensation in their Silk N review. I’ll be sure to address the sensations during use after I’ve had a chance to try it out. One known concern is that you should not use this device if you have dark skin or even a dark suntan. That’s because the “extra” melanin can cause the absorption of light closer to the surface of the skin and presumably cause a burn. Also, there is some concern that the destructive thermal energy may damage cells other than those responsible for hair growth. While the FDA has approved this device as safe for use there is at least one paper in the literature that raises the question of neighboring cell death. (See references.)
How well does it work?
I’ll be back in a few weeks with the results of my testing (even though my assessment will be based on just anecdotal data.)
References:
Hair Removal Journal
Thermal injury causes DNA damage and lethality in unheated surrounding cells: active thermal bystander effect.
You can purchase the Silk’n Flash&Go 
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I can’t wait to hear more about this! Thank you for being a guinea pig for us
And what about ultrasound hair removal? Can you make a post about that?
Is the wavelength used for hair removal the same or close to the wavelength used for skin issues? (anti-aging, acne etc.) I’m sooo curious about this!
Do I have to remove my hair another way in the meantime?
I’m really glad you posted this. I have been curious about it since I got the Sephora newsletter.
Just adding my two cents…as an aesthetician, I perform laser hair removal treatments a lot. One of the things that I can tell you for certain is that the wattage of the machine (its power) makes a huge difference in the success of your treatment. There are numerous lasers and light-based systems on the market ranging in price from $5k to $100k or better. I’ve heard numerous tales of ‘I did all my sessions, and it didn’t work’. 9.5 times out of 10 that was due to an ineffective machine–lacking the power and technology. With this particular device, I am inclined to say it may slow your growth, but it will not reduce/remove anything. My two main reasons for saying this are: 1. A laser (or IPL) is classified as a class II medical device and REQUIRES a medical license to purchase (unless you’re a black market shopper and want to take the risk). You also must be laser certified in most states (some are still playing catch up) with a medical director on staff. Why? Because lasers are serious. 2. Each time we treat a client, generally, we increase the power as hair tends to become finer and lighter before actually ceasing to regrow. This device does not appear to have any options to change settings. Considering how much the cost of LHR has declined, I suggest leaving it up to the pros and not wasting your money on this.
Yes, you have to shave or wax or whatever until the regrowth stops.
I hope this works and isn’t too expensive. I’m so tired of waxing, tweezing, and digging the ingrown ones out. I tried the cream that’s suppose to slow the growth but it didn’t help and was too expensive in the long term, so I stopped refilling my prescription. And I can’t afford to go get it done. Not unless they were willing to do it for free so long as I was willing to be used in advertisements for their services.
rubber band sensation is EXACTLY how I described the feeling of thermolysis/short wave electrolysis. I can’t stand either it or “the blend” (thermolysis/galvanic blend). It hurt like heck (straight galvanic was okay). I guess that’s neither here nor there…I just never want that rubber band sensation again.
@Jami: good to hear from you again!
I have had IPL treatment at my physician’s office and I have one of the Silk’n products. I am a good candidate- dark hairs and fair-skinned. The “professional” treatment is definitely better but the home unit does work for me (I’ve used it on areas that didn’t get the pro treatment). I consider this hair reduction and not permanent hair removal. The reduction can be significant though, and in some areas, I have not had any hair return…and it’s been over 2 years. The overall cost can add up depending on how many lamps you need to buy, but it’s been worth it to me.
I have recently heard a lot about the Tria Laser. Is it the same type of device as the Silk’n Flash & Go?
Hi Everyone, I am really enjoying the comments on this blog!
@N: I do not believe there is ultrasound hair removal on the market in North America
@StephanieG: Wavelengths for hair and acne and skin are all different to allow for targeting of issues. For example, the light in Silk’n is designed to target deep in the skin (where the hair follicle is), while light for an acne treatment may want to target more superficial to where the oil and bacteria glands are.
@larisa: Thank you for your feedback. Our R&D scientists have developed many of the large box (laser, IPL, RF) devices that are currently installed thousands of clinics across the world. They knew they could take the technology and make it safe and effective for at home use, which is how we received FDA, Health Canada and multiple clearances for the treatment at home. There are some trade offs when using at home vs clinics, but our clinical studies do show that efficacy is similar. In addition, we also do have 5 energy levels, and we suggest to increase to the highest level as quickly as possible to ensure optimal results (however, some people do continue to treat on lower levels due to sensitivity or skin color, it will work too, it just will take longer). Compliance (continuing to treat regularly, either at a clinic or at home) is a huge problem, and we hope that by having the Silk’n at home, users stay on their treatment schedule rather than skipping or forgetting to schedule appointments. We believe there is enough hair problems that both the at home and professional market will be able to co-exist.
@SarahN: I think the Silk’n is less painful than waxing or electrolysis!
@Shayri: We have over 350,000 users worldwide love to hear great stories! Thanks for sharing.
@Kim: Tria is another at home hair removal product using L.A.S.E.R. (single wavelength of light) we use H.P.L. which is a broad spectrum of light. The benefit of Silk’n is we can use the product on the face, we have 4-6x larger treatment spot size so we can treat larger areas faster (their spot size is 1cm) and we don’t reply on a battery which can run out if you are treating large areas. If you’re treating smaller areas than both can work well for you, if you’re treating the face or large areas then Silk’n has an edge.
I was so tired of shaving, waxing, epilating until this product. Nothing really worked that well for me until flash&go. Honestly worth my money and some parts of my body are completely hairless now. It really does work and I’m so thankful I found it.