IPL Hair Removal: The Complete Guide

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Unlike laser hair removal which uses a single specific wavelength of light, IPL uses a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths. This light energy is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in your hair follicle.

When the light is absorbed, it turns into heat, which damages the follicle enough to slow down or stop future hair growth. It’s the same basic principle as salon laser treatments, but adapted for safe, lower-energy use at home. If you are looking for skin rejuvenation rather than hair removal, consider an LED Mask or Radio Frequency device instead.

The primary benefit of at-home IPL is convenience and cost savings compared to professional laser clinics. While a good device costs between £200-£500, a full course of salon laser can cost significantly more.

• Long-lasting smoothness: After the initial treatment phase, you may only need touch-ups once every 1-2 months.
• Reduced ingrown hairs: Because the hair stops growing, you get fewer bumps and ingrowns compared to shaving or waxing.
• Quick treatments: Modern devices can treat both legs in under 10 minutes.

Expected Timeline: Most users see a noticeable reduction in hair growth after 3-4 treatments (usually done weekly). Complete results often take 8-12 weeks of consistent use.

This is crucial: IPL works by targeting pigment contrast. It needs dark hair against lighter skin to “see” the follicle without burning the skin.

• Best Candidates: Fair to medium skin tones with dark blonde, brown, or black hair.
• Not Suitable For: Very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick VI) due to burn risk, or very light blonde, red, or grey hair (lack of melanin to absorb heat).

For sensitive skin, look for devices with "gentle modes" or ice-cooling tips, like the Ulike Sapphire series, which actively cools the skin to numb the snapping sensation.