The Benefits of IPL Hair Removal – What Does It Do?
As IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal continues to grow in popularity, more people are turning to this technology for a long-term, effective solution to body hair removal.
And whether you’re just getting started with IPL technology, or you’re a long-time user, it’s natural to have questions about how it works, what to expect, and how to use it safely.
At SmoothSkin, we have 40 years’ experience developing the world’s best-selling IPL hair removal technology, and have a dedicated team of experts that have carried out over 5,550 clinical treatments (and counting!) through ethically approved studies. You can put your trust in us.
That’s why we’ve put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about IPL hair removal—from safety, to after care, to skin suitability and sensitivity.
Common IPL Hair Removal Questions, Answered
1. How does IPL hair removal work?
IPL hair removal uses broad-spectrum light to target the pigment (melanin) in the hair. When the light is absorbed by the melanin, it converts to heat, which disables the hair follicle and halts any further growth.
Unlike laser hair removal, IPL uses multiple wavelengths, making it suitable for treating larger areas. It’s most effective on darker hair and lighter skin, where there is a clear contrast between the hair and skin pigment.
2. Can you use IPL on tattoos?
No, you should not use IPL on tattoos. The intense light can interfere with the tattoo pigment, potentially causing pain, burns, fading, and changes in the tattoo’s appearance.
If you have tattoos in areas you wish to treat, it’s important to work around them or cover the tattoo securely during treatment to avoid any potential complications.
3. How often can you use IPL hair removal at home?
An at-home IPL hair removal device is typically designed for use every week during the initial treatment phase, which usually lasts around 12 weeks.
After this, maintenance sessions can be done when required, depending on how quickly your hair regrows. However, it’s important to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific device to ensure proper safety and effectiveness.
4. Is IPL hair removal permanent?
IPL hair removal is not considered fully permanent, but it can significantly reduce any hair growth over time. Many users experience long-term results with continued use, including finer, lighter hair and slower regrowth.
Periodic top-up sessions may be required to maintain the results, especially for areas such as the face.
5. How long does IPL hair removal last?
The results from IPL hair removal can last several months to even a year or more, depending on the area you used it on, your hair type, and how often you carry out the treatment.
Maintenance sessions can help prolong the effects, and overall, you’ll see up to a 99% reduction in hair growth for as long as you maintain your treatments.
6. Does IPL hair removal hurt?
IPL hair removal is generally well-tolerated, and a non painful hair removal method, but some users may feel a mild stinging or warm snapping sensation during treatment, and this is down to the sensitivity of the individuals’ skin.
Sensitivity can vary depending on the area being treated and your personal pain threshold, but most devices have adjustable intensity settings to suit different comfort levels, such as our Pure Adapt IPL Device, so you can tailor the treatment to your needs.
7. Is IPL good for skin?
Does IPL damage skin? Not at all. In fact, IPL is not only used for hair removal treatments, but also for various general skin treatments, including reducing pigmentation, sunspots, redness, and improving overall smooth skin texture.
At SmoothSkin, all of our devices have been clinically tested over 5500 times on a variety of skin tones, hair types, and treatment areas, however, it’s important to use your device as directed to avoid any potential irritation or damage to the skin. Always read the instructions!
8. Can you fake tan after IPL?
It’s recommended to avoid using any fake tanning products for at least 24 to 48 hours after IPL treatment. The skin may be more sensitive during this time, and applying tanning products could cause skin irritation or uneven results.
It’s also important to avoid fake tan before treatment, as the added pigment can interfere with the IPL device’s ability to detect the natural hair and skin contrast, meaning it may not work as well as it could.
9. Does IPL work on dark skin?
IPL is not suitable for use on deep skin tones or skin rich in melanin due to absorbing an unsafe amount of light. On darker skin, there’s also a higher risk of burns, blistering, or changes in pigmentation.
However, some modern devices are designed with sensors and settings that make them safer for a wider range of skin tones, so always check the device instruction manual and do a patch test before use.
All SmoothSkin IPL hair removal devices have built-in sensors, meaning they will not flash on unsuitable skintones.
10. How long after IPL can I go in the sun?
After IPL hair removal treatment, your skin may be more sensitive to UV exposure, so it’s best to avoid direct sunlight for at least 24 to 48 hours.
If sun exposure is unavoidable, apply a high SPF (such as SPF 30 or higher) and wear protective clothing to conceal the areas you have treated. Extended sun exposure too soon after IPL can increase the risk of uncomfortable irritation, pigmentation changes, or sunburn.
For more information, and to find the best IPL for your needs, browse our full range of IPL hair removal devices.