Shaving, waxing, and hair removal creams are the most common methods used to remove hair from your body. However, these methods require frequent upkeep to maintain the eventual regrowth of hair, some more than others.
IPL, which stands for intense pulsed light, is another hair removal technique that has been growing in popularity, thanks to the long-lasting results it provides. In the past, IPL hair removal requires the expertise of skincare experts. Nowadays, IPL devices designed for home use are already available on the market.
So, what is IPL hair removal? Is IPL the same as laser hair removal? Are the effects of IPL hair removal permanent? Are there any side effects associated with this technique? Keep reading to find the answers to these questions and more.
IPL Hair Removal Explained: The Basics
First, let’s explore some of the basic concepts associated with intense pulsed light hair removal to have a good understanding of the process. This way, you’ll know how to achieve the best results if you decide to try it out at home or get help from a professional.
How Does an IPL Device Work?
As the name suggests, IPL or Intense Pulsed Light technology is a light-based technology that uses pulses of light to destroy hair follicles. From the light source, gentle and repetitive pulses of light are applied to the skin which reaches the root of the hair follicle. This particular hair removal treatment causes body hair to go into what is referred to as a resting phase which results in it falling out.
This method works because the melanin in hair works as a conductor that absorbs the light IPL machines produce. Melanin is a form of pigment in hair, skin, eyes, and other areas of the body. Melanin is what gives our features colour, like with the irises of our eyes or hair colour.
This concentrated light stimulates the root of the hair and as we mentioned, causes it to fall out and provides you with long-lasting effects.
For a long time, IPL could only be done in a professional setting. However, there are now a variety of IPL machines that can be used at home, like the Philips Lumea Prestige. Home IPL devices use a gentler pulse of light when compared to professional devices. This ensures the safety of the device and makes it easy to use at home without the help of a professional.
Does IPL Permanently Remove Hair?
IPL is not a one-and-done type of treatment. Using IPL will significantly cause hair reduction in the areas that you treat. While it may prevent some hair from growing back after weeks of treatment, it is not designed to remove unwanted hair permanently. It will require some upkeep, although many people find it is minimal and results in diminishing hair growth over time.
How Long Do IPL Results Last?
When it comes to hair removal, IPL works somewhat similarly to waxing in the way it reduces hair growth in the treated areas over time. The more IPL sessions a patch of hair undergoes, the thinner it will grow back. This hair reduction becomes more obvious with consistent and succeeding treatments.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Mary | Beauty Therapist (@barebellabeauty)
The longer you have IPL treatments, the longer you can expect the results to last. At first, you can expect to need treatment every two weeks. After about four treatments, depending on the IPL machine, you will be able to extend the amount of time between each treatment. Eventually, you may only need to get minimal treatments every four to eight weeks which saves you a significant amount of time.
Before initiating an IPL treatment, you want to make sure that the area is hair-free. Shaving is recommended because it leaves some of the follicles in place and gives the light a better target. If you choose to wax, always do it the day before so your skin has time to recover from the abrasiveness of this technique.
Will IPL Therapy Work on All Hair Colours and Skin Tones?
IPL is an effective form of treatment on most skin types or tones and hair colours. However, there are a few exceptions.
When it comes to the colour of the hair you are removing, IPL will work best on dark blonde hair, brown hair, and black hair. IPL does not work well on light blonde hair, red hair, or grey hair. This is a direct result of different, or lack of melanin in these shades of hair.
As far as skin tone is concerned, IPL can be used on fair to somewhat tan skin tones. It does not work well with darker colours. In fact, if you have a tan but your skin is typically fair, you will want to wait for your tan to fade to achieve the best results from an IPL treatment.
Are IPL Treatments Effective on Different Types of Body Hair?
With the right type of attachment, IPL treatments can be effective on any type of hair on your body that you wish to remove. This means you can treat almost any area. You can remove facial hair, including those that grow on your upper lip. You can use IPL to get rid of hair on your legs, bikini line, underarms, or even your back with a little bit of help.
IPL is not recommended for use on your scalp or eyebrows.
Does an IPL Treatment Hurt?
For most people, it doesn’t hurt, especially if you use the correct light intensity setting for the specific area you are attempting to make hair-free.
At-home IPL machines are gentle and for the most part, users will only experience a slightly warm sensation correlating with the light flashes in the area the machine is being used to treat. However, some people may experience a tingly sensation that some people equate to feeling like a small rubber band being flicked on their skin.
Stronger light settings tend to create more of a sensation than lower light settings. However, that is because the stronger light is more effective. If you are getting an uncomfortable sensation from a stronger light you can always turn it down. Just remember that if you do, you will have to treat the area a few more times in the long run.
Do not use the higher settings in the hope that you will see results faster; always use the recommended setting for your skin tone.
What Are the Side Effects of IPL Hair Removal?
Aside from the obvious side effect of hair reduction, which is the whole point, there are a couple of other side effects that can be associated with IPL hair removal.
After using IPL a small number of people experience extended discomfort or redness in the area. On rare occasions, burns, or even blisters can develop in the targeted area. However, this is highly unlikely if you follow the directions carefully, including pre-treatment skin preparation.
For example, longer hair can result in a concentrated amount of heat that could possibly burn the skin. That’s why you should always shave before using an IPL machine.
Furthermore, always make sure to discontinue treatment and consult a professional immediately if you experience severe side effects.
What Is the Difference Between IPL and Laser Hair Removal?
Both treatments are long-term techniques used for minimising the growth of hair. They work in similar ways, targeting pigment in the hair. Both procedures are effective at reducing hair thickness and reducing hair growth speed.
The main difference between laser treatment and IPL treatment is the light source used. IPL uses visible broad-spectrum light. Laser hair removal uses lasers and as a result, are able to target more concentrated areas.
Laser hair removal is generally more powerful when compared to IPL, which means they are able to achieve results much faster. However, this also means laser treatments can not be done at home. Instead, laser treatments must be done by a highly trained professional at a certified aesthetic clinic.
If you have darker skin, IPL can heat up the skin and significantly increase the risk of burns and other negative side effects. For this reason, it is not recommended for darker skin. With laser hair removal, this can be avoided, thanks to the highly concentrated beam of light.
Say Goodbye to Unwanted Hair
IPL hair removalLong term
Now that you already know what is IPL hair removal, are you considering IPL treatments for yourself? Could it the best way for you to remove unwanted hair from your bikini line, legs, and face?
Let us know what you think in the comments below. We would love to hear about your experiences!
Additional Resources
- How Long Does IPL Hair Removal Last
- How Does IPL Hair Removal Work
- How to Straighten Hair Without Straighteners
Emily Alexander
Emily is a woman of many talents. She has a B.A. in English and enjoys writing. Emily loves accessorising her home with quality products that not only serve a purpose but also enhance the overall convenience and tranquillity of her living space; there’s nothing like coming home to your own personal sanctuary after a long day! She loves anything that can make life easier or more comfortable—from dishware to furniture to lighting fixtures.
