How Does IPL Hair Removal Work?

Learn more about the new era of hair removal

For years, IPL hair removal was a secret kept among those in the know—a whisper circulating in salons. Now, that whisper has become a shout. With IPL technology now available for at-home use, many of us are buzzing about this hair removal solution that can keep your skin smooth for weeks. In fact, millions of women, and even many men, are already using it. So, what exactly is IPL?

 

We’re convinced that IPL technology is the future of hair removal, and it’s coming to every beauty-conscious home. Now, the future is here—and with it, the answers to all your most pressing questions. How does IPL work? Who does IPL work for? What does it feel like? What are the benefits of IPL hair removal? Let’s take a look.

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Sapphire IPL Hair Removal Smooth Ultra

What Exactly Is IPL Hair Removal?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal is a cosmetic treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to target and reduce hair growth. Here's how it works:

1. Light Emission: A handheld device emits pulses of light across a broad spectrum. This light is different from laser light, which is monochromatic (one specific wavelength).

2. Absorption by Melanin: The light is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair. This absorption generates heat.

3. Heating the Hair Follicle: The heat travels down the hair shaft to the hair follicle, damaging it. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.

4. Multiple Sessions Needed: Hair grows in cycles, and IPL is most effective on hair in the active growth phase (anagen phase). Because not all hair is in this phase at the same time, multiple sessions are required to target all the hair effectively.

 

Advantages of IPL Hair Removal

  • Versatility: Can treat large areas quickly.
  • Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than laser hair removal.
  • Multi-Use: Some devices are designed to treat other skin issues like pigmentation and acne.

Disadvantages of IPL Hair Removal

  • Less Effective on Light Hair: Less effective on light-colored hair due to lower melanin content.
  • Skin Type Limitations: Best suited for people with light to medium skin tones. Darker skin tones can be more prone to burns and hyperpigmentation.
  • Results Vary: May require more sessions than laser treatments for comparable results.

Safety and Aftercare

  • Professional Treatment: Best performed by a trained professional to minimize risks.
  • At-Home Devices: Available, but professional guidance is recommended.
  • Aftercare: Avoid sun exposure, use sunscreen, and follow specific aftercare instructions to prevent irritation and complications.

Does IPL Work on All Types of Body Hair?

IPL hair removal works by targeting the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicles. The light energy is absorbed by the melanin, which then converts to heat and destroys the hair follicle, inhibiting future hair growth. However, the effectiveness of IPL can vary depending on the type of body hair and skin tone:

 

1. Hair Color: IPL is most effective on dark hair (brown to black) because darker hair contains more melanin. It is less effective on lighter hair colors such as blonde, red, grey, or white, as these contain less melanin, making it harder for the light to target the hair follicles.

2. Skin Tone: IPL works best on light to medium skin tones. Darker skin tones contain more melanin, which can absorb more of the IPL energy, increasing the risk of burns or skin damage. Some IPL devices are designed with adjustable settings to accommodate different skin tones, but caution is still needed.

3. Hair Thickness: Thicker, coarser hair tends to respond better to IPL treatment compared to fine, thin hair.

 

Because of these variations, it's essential to choose an IPL device suited to your specific hair and skin type, and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe and effective use. Consulting with a dermatologist or a professional in a clinic setting can also provide personalized advice and treatment options.

Does IPL Works for You?

As you can see from the chart, our IPL devices work well on dark blonde, brown, and black hair, and most skin shades apart from very dark tones. If you are not sure of your skin/hair type, please refer to the Skin Tone & Body Hair Type Chart prior to usage.

Note: Different skin sensitivity and exposure settings maylead to different userexperience. Start from Power Level 1 andwork your way up as needed.

Comparison of Hair Removal Methods

IPL Device

Waxing

Razor

Cream

Laser

Long-lasting 

Safe for Skin

Nearly Painless

Quick at-home Treatment

One Lifetime Purchase

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We're here to help.

How often should I use the IPL hair removal device?

For optimal hair removal results, we recommend using the IPL hair removal handset as follows:

1. Position: Hold the device vertically against your skin during each treatment.
2. Frequency:  
  - Weeks 1-4: Use the device 3 times per week.  
  - Weeks 5-12: Reduce to 1-2 treatments per month.  
3. Adjustment: Increase the frequency as needed based on your results.

Are your products pregnancy-safe?

No, IPL hair removal is not recommended to use during pregnancy. There is no data on the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy, and many healthcare providers recommend avoiding it.

How long does it take to get the visible result?

Generally speaking, you will get the visible results in just 2 weeks. The specific results vary from person to person. The usage time and power levels can be adjusted according to the thickness of hair until the desired results are achieved.

Is IPL hair removal permanent?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal is not considered to be completely permanent, but it can provide long-lasting results. Here's a breakdown:

- How it works: IPL targets the pigment (melanin) in hair follicles with light energy, which is converted to heat and damages the follicle. This process inhibits hair growth.

- Long-term effects: After several treatments, many people experience a significant reduction in hair growth, with some achieving hair-free periods that can last months or even years.

- Maintenance: Touch-up treatments may be needed periodically to maintain results, as some hair follicles can recover and produce new hair over time.

- Permanence: While IPL can reduce hair growth significantly, it is not typically classified as "permanent" hair removal. Instead, it offers long-term hair reduction.

Results can vary based on factors like hair color, skin tone, and individual response to treatment.

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