That endless cycle of shaving, waxing and plucking gets pretty tedious after a while. So, IPL hair removal might be exactly what you’re looking for. Intense pulsed light tech (or IPL for short) is a convenient and effective way to remove unwanted body hair, leaving you with smooth, hair-free skin. Oh, and it’s a completely non-invasive procedure too. No pulling hairs here!

What’s more, you don’t even have to book an appointment at the local salon now. You can do it all from the sofa if you want. Just grab an IPL hair removal system and start tackling it yourself.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about IPL hair removal, from how it works, to tips on using it safely.

How does IPL hair removal work?

IPL hair removal uses light energy to target and destroy hair follicles. The gadget sends out multiple wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin, which is then absorbed by the pigment in the hair. This light energy gets converted into heat. And that damages the hair follicle, slowing down future hair growth. Clever, right?

Unlike laser hair removal (which uses just the one wavelength) IPL can treat larger areas of skin. Plus, it’ll do it in a much shorter amount of time - which is a lifesaver when you’re rushing to get ready for holiday season.

Is IPL hair removal safe?

Like a lot of other beauty treatments, it’s safe when you do it properly. However, it’s important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take a few precautions. IPL isn’t suitable for everybody - especially those with very dark skin or light hair. That’s because the tech targets melanin, and higher levels of it can have some bad effects, like causing changes to your skin pigmentation.

Due to the potential risks, you shouldn’t use IPL if you’re pregnant either. And it’s a no-go if you’re taking certain medications (some can increase your photosensitivity) or suffering from certain skin conditions and diseases.

If you’ve recently been sat in the sun for ages – or tanned a lot on your summer hols – we’d avoid it too, as it could cause skin damage. So, it’s better to be on the safe side, and leave it for now.

What are the benefits of IPL hair removal?

Here are some of the main benefits of IPL hair removal:

1. Non-invasive. Like we mentioned above, IPL hair removal is a non-invasive procedure that doesn't require any incisions or needles. This makes it a safer (and less painful) option compared to other hair removal methods.

2. Versatile. You can use IPL to remove hair from various areas of the body including your face, arms, legs, back, and bikini area.

3. Customisable. IPL hair removal can be tailored to suit your hair colour and skin type.

4. Long-lasting results. Unlike shaving or waxing, IPL hair removal targets the hair follicles themselves, which leads to long-lasting results. In fact, lots of people actually experience permanent hair reduction after a number of IPL hair removal sessions.

5. It reduces future hair growth. Not only does IPL remove hair, it can also reduce the growth of it in the future. And with less hair growth over time, you’ll need less frequent hair removal sessions.

How to use IPL hair removal at home

Using IPL at home is straightforward – it just requires some consistency and a bit of patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting it right:

1. Preparation – Shave the area you want to treat. This’ll help the light to target the hair follicles directly.

2. Settings – Choose the right intensity level based on your skin tone and hair colour. Most devices have a handy skin tone sensor to help you pick the right setting.

3. Application – Place the device flat against your skin and press the pulse button. Move to the next spot without overlapping flashes.

4. Frequency – Use it twice a week for the first eight weeks or so, then once a month for maintaining any rogue hairs that show up.

5. Aftercare – Moisturise your skin with some aloe-based lotion after each treatment. It’ll help to soothe any irritation.

How long does IPL hair removal last?

The results of IPL hair removal can really vary from person to person. But hopefully you’ll see noticeable hair reduction after about three to four weeks of regular use. Typically, the effects will last up to six months, which is a decent chunk of time. After that, you may need a few touch-up sessions.

It’s also worth saying that the longevity of the results depends on lots of different factors. Your hair colour, type and thickness – as well as your skin type and the specific gadget you’ve used - are all going to contribute to how effective it is.

How to clean an IPL device

You’ll need to keep your IPL device clean. Otherwise, it’s not going to work properly…

1. Turn off and cool – Make sure the device is switched off and has completely cooled down.

2. Remove attachments – If it’s got any attachments, remove them first.

3. Clean the device – Grab a soft, damp cloth and wipe down the light exit window and the attachments. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or rough materials when you’re cleaning. And don’t dip it in water either.

4. Dry – Let the device dry, then store it away.

What are the differences between IPL systems, electric shavers and epilators?

Each hair removal method comes with its own pros and cons:

• IPL systems – These use light energy to target hair follicles and are great for long-term hair reduction. They’re also suitable for bigger areas and are less painful than epilators.

• Electric ladies shavers – They cut hair at the skin’s surface, which is quick and painless. If your skin is sensitive, they might be the best bet. They do require regular use though if you want to keep the hair at bay.

• Epilators – By using mechanical tweezers, they’ll pluck hair straight from the root. The results will last longer than shaving, but it can be painful – especially on sensitive spots.

IPL vs. laser: what are the differences?

While IPL and laser hair removal both use light to target your hair follicles, they’re not exactly the same:

• Light source – IPL uses a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths. While laser uses a single, concentrated wavelength.

• Effectiveness – Laser is usually more effective for deeper penetration and faster results. But IPL is gentler and can treat larger areas.

• Safety – With laser treatments, it’s better if they’re done by the pros. That’s because if you don’t do it properly, you run the risk of damaging your skin.

FAQs

How often should I use IPL hair removal?

For the best results, we’d suggest starting with two sessions per week for the first eight weeks. After that, you should be able to drop it down to once a month, as the hair shouldn’t need as much maintenance. Everyone’s different though. And how many sessions you need might change as the hair regrowth slows down.

At what age can I use hair removal?

There isn’t a strict age limit for IPL hair removal. But it’s generally only recommended for people who’ve reached puberty. If you’ve got any concerns, check in with a medical professional first before doing anything.

And that’s all you need to know about IPL, one of the most effective types of ladies hair removal out there.

Looking for more top health and beauty tips? You’re in the right place. Have a read of our guide to the best hairstyling and hair removal tools. And if it’s a spot of pampering you’re after, we’ve rounded up the top health and beauty hotspots in the UK. So, take a trip, and kick back and relax!