IPL hair removal gently destroys the glands responsible for your hair growth. This revolutionary technique is appreciated by many users. If you have just discovered it, read on to learn how it works and how to use it.
We also introduce the best brands on the market for better efficiency and easy at-home handling. Discover expert and former user testimonials about the effectiveness of IPL.
Key Takeaways:
| Important Points | Key Takeaway |
| Definition | Eliminates hair by destroying the root with light flashes. |
| How it Works | The targeted light heats the pigments to halt regrowth. |
| Advantages | Long-lasting results, home use, varied treatments. |
| Limitations | Less effective on white hair, requires precise follow-up. |
| Usage | Shave, treat according to instructions, protect skin afterwards. |
What is IPL hair removal?
IPL hair removal is a skincare technique that appeared in France in the 2000s. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology permanently eliminates hair by destroying the gland that produces it. It is also effective for photorejuvenation treatments and the removal of pigmented spots.
How does it work?
IPL works by emitting intense polychromatic pulses of light. These are filtered so that specific wavelengths are absorbed by the pigments in the treated area. During aesthetic treatments, melanin, hemoglobin, and the water present in the skin absorb energy.
The pigments convert the light into heat to effectively target hair, redness, and brown spots. Thanks to this selective process, areas of the skin with fewer pigments are not affected, protecting the skin and reducing the risk of burns. This precision also filters out blue and infrared rays, known for their harmful effects on the dermis.
The method is ideal for people with dark hair and fair skin. However, white hair cannot be treated with IPL due to the lack of melanin.
Light or red hair requires more powerful flashes to be effectively eliminated. No matter your skin type, by following the instructions to the letter, you will see visible, long-lasting results.
IPL epilator: how to use it?
At-home IPL hair removal takes place in three main steps.
Step 1: Preparing the skin
The area to be treated must be shaved 24 hours before the IPL session. The light beams can then burn the hair bulb properly. Make sure to clean and dry your skin.
Adjust the device and test the pulsed light on a small part of your chin or legs. If you notice no adverse effects the next day, proceed with the full treatment.
Step 2: Hair removal process
It is recommended to work in a well-lit area and find a comfortable position since the session lasts at least fifteen minutes. Once you have these conditions, proceed as follows:
- Choose the appropriate attachment depending on whether you want to treat a small or large area.
- Set the light intensity corresponding to that area.
- Place the attachment window against your skin.
- Trigger the pulsed light by pressing the device button.
- Move from one area to another, slightly overlapping dense zones.
Remember to wear your protective eyewear for facial hair removal. Once the session is over, follow the recommendations below to maximize the quality of your results.
Step 3: Post-hair-removal care
After IPL hair removal, soothe any tingling with a moisturizing cream. Use a high SPF sunscreen on the treated skin to protect it from redness and irritation. Repeat sessions by strictly following the frequencies indicated by the manufacturer in the user manual.
Finally, clean your equipment with a dry, clean cloth to ensure its durability, effectiveness, and your safety. Note that by choosing the right device, you benefit from ergonomic features and very useful complementary accessories.
Selection of recommended devices
The perfect IPL devices for home use include Lumea Prestige, Beurer ILP 10000+, and Silk Expert Pro 5.
Silk Expert Pro 5
The Silk Expert Pro 5 from Braun is easy for any user to handle. It delivers 400,000 flashes, thus offering a long lifespan. You have automatic skin sensors, so the epilator immediately adjusts the flash intensity to your skin tone. After about three weeks, your skin is smooth, free of ingrown hairs.
Beurer IPL 10000+
The Beurer IPL 10000+ features professional technology that allows you to perform treatments at home with results comparable to those of a salon. It has a skin sensor, UV filter, attachments for sensitive areas, and a dedicated mobile app. Clinical tests show 50% hair reduction after 3 or 4 sessions.
Lumea Prestige
Philips Lumea Prestige technology treats your entire body, even hard-to-reach areas. Its smart accessories activate a specific program for each body part when turned on.
It is easy to use, personalized, and adapted to various skin tones and hair colors. Just three treatments are enough to remove up to 92% of your unwanted hair.
Is IPL hair removal right for me?
IPL only destroys hair follicles that contain melanin. The contrast between the skin tone and hair color also helps IPL work effectively. The technique is therefore recommended for people with light skin and dark hair, or dark skin with black, red, or dark hair.
On the other hand, avoid IPL hair removal if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or undergoing photosensitizing treatment. Using IPL on tanned, tattooed, or damaged skin carries a risk of burns and damage to the dermis.
Various opinions on IPL
The best way to understand the features of IPL devices and their benefits is by gathering expert and former user testimonials.
Customer reviews on IPL
The commonly shared opinions about IPL hair removal include:
- Easy and painless to use.
- Significant hair reduction after three sessions.
- Long-term cost savings with at-home use.
- Effective on the entire body, including the face, underarms, and bikini line.
Although minor, there are also negative feedback points:
- Incompatible with dark skin and light-colored hair.
- High initial cost, but offset by long-term savings.
- Results are not immediate.
Beauty professionals and dermatologists also share their views on IPL hair removal.
Esthetician’s opinion
With over thirty years of experience in skincare, Christine d’Adonisse, an esthetician in Aix-en-Provence, often recommends IPL to her clients. For her, it is the long-term solution to rapid hair regrowth and frequent salon appointments.
<< IPL is ideal for those who want to invest in a longer-lasting method and who have the right skin and hair type. It’s also a good option if you need several passes of wax on your hair without achieving an optimal result. Broken hairs due to very thick bulbs, small hairs that don’t grow back in sync with the others, etc. But remember, IPL requires patience and multiple sessions to reach the desired outcome. As an esthetician, I’m here to guide you in choosing the hair removal method that best suits your needs and your skin type. >>
Medical opinions
The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) acknowledges the effectiveness of IPL but warns of possible dangers. <<Potential risks associated with this practice include burns, blisters, eye damage, and a possible delay in diagnosing skin cancers.>>
It therefore recommends stricter regulations for these devices. Professionals must receive solid training, and precise information about contraindications and usage practices must be accessible to consumers.
For home use, choose brands that guarantee your safety as well as quick and lasting results. Be sure to respect hygiene rules and the limits of this technique. Before buying, check if the device meets European standards and has clinically proven effects.
FAQ
Do you need to shave before IPL hair removal?
You must shave 24 to 72 hours before your IPL treatment. The exact timing depends on how quickly your hair grows. This preliminary depilation enables the pulsed light to effectively destroy the follicles.
When do hairs fall out after IPL?
Depending on the area treated and the performance of your device, it can take about one to three weeks for hair to fall out. By following your hair removal schedule and the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can easily achieve the desired results.
How should you remove hair between two IPL sessions?
Shaving is the best way to remove hair between two IPL sessions. It does not affect the hair bulb and protects your skin from irritation and pain. Avoid aggressive, unhealthy skincare practices that might lead to skin infections.
Does IPL permanently remove hair?
IPL significantly delays hair growth over a long period but does not eliminate every follicle in the skin. By sticking to the recommended hair removal schedule, any regrowth is finer and less dense.
