IPL Hair Removal Buying Guide

IPL Hair Removal Buying Guide

What is IPL hair removal and who can use it?

Clinical laser treatments can be expensive and it’s a hassle having to fit an appointment into your schedule. If you want the convenience of an at-home, laser hair removal solution without having to travel to a salon, an IPL device may be ideal for you.

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. An IPL device uses a strong beam of light to target dark pigment around the hair follicle. This dark pigment is dense at the hair root and this absorbs the powerful light pulse from the IPL device. This heat energy damages the hair follicle to reduce hair regrowth. After several treatments, the hair may stop growing back. This makes IPL an effective permanent hair reduction solution.

IPL hair removal is not for everybody. It can only be used by people who have dark hair and fair skin. Because IPL devices target dark pigmentation, there needs to be a high contrast between hair colour and skin pigment. If the skin pigment is dark, the darker skin around the follicle can absorb the intense light as well, causing blisters and burns. If the hair pigment is too light, it may not absorb the light and will not work at all. 

Benefits of IPL hair removal at home

Schedule your laser hair removal treatments at your convenience
  • You don’t have to move your busy schedule around to make room for a salon appointment. You don’t have to waste time sitting in a waiting room. You can remove unwanted hair at your convenience.
You can incorporate it into your pamper routine
  • At-home hair removal lets you relax at home and incorporate your hair removal routine into your weeknight wind-down or weekend pampering. Doing it in the privacy of your own home instead of a salon setting can also be a more comfortable experience for many people.
Thinner and less frequent hair regrowth
  • Compared to waxing, plucking, shaving, and other hair removal methods, you don’t need to use your IPL device as often. IPL treatments also reduce the rate of new hair growth, with hair growing back thinner and finer. 
Long-term hair removal
  • IPL destroys the hair follicle, so with multiple treatments over time, you can enjoy smooth and hair-free skin for longer. 

Common features found on IPL devices

Skin contact sensor

Due to the intense light an IPL device emits, the skin contact sensor ensures the light window is fully covered before it releases the light flash. This ensures your eyes are protected from the bright light.

Skin tone detection

For your safety, the skin tone detector activates the device only when it senses a suitable skin tone. Some devices can automatically set the ideal light intensity for your skin tone.

Attachment caps

Attachment caps can be placed on the device for precise body hair removal on specific areas. Precision or facial attachment caps can be used for smaller areas such as the bikini line, underarm, or facial area.

Light intensity setting

An adjustable light intensity or energy level setting ensures safe operation of the device on your skin. This enables you to change the settings depending on your skin type, sensitivity, or treatment area.

Single flash mode

Single flash treatment modes release a single flash when you press the button or trigger. This is the ideal mode for small or curvy areas such as the underarms, knees, or face.

Multi-flash mode

Multi-flash treatment modes release multiple flashes in a row. This is a convenient option for larger areas like your legs and back. 

Tips for effective IPL hair removal

Pre-treatment care

Once you have determined that the IPL device is safe to use on your hair and skin colour, you can prepare your skin for treatment. Shave the treatment area first so the device can target the hair follicle directly, giving you optimal results. Ensure your skin is thoroughly washed to remove any residue from creams, deodorant, tanning products, and other cosmetics. Make sure the area is completely dry before using your device.

After using your IPL device

Your skin around the treated area may be slightly red and feel prickly or warm. This is part of the process and should subside quickly. If your skin is experiencing dryness, you can apply a soothing, fragrance-free cream to the area. Wear loose clothing to reduce skin irritation. Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun post-treatment. Avoid excessive sun exposure at least 48 hours after treatment and wear a high-SPF sunscreen (at least SPF30) when you’re out in the sun.