At-Home Laser Hair Removal
Guide

What is IPL Hair Removal? How does it work?
What is IPL?
Does it actually work?
Is It Safe?
How to Use?
Purchase Guide
IPL Devices
Different Types of IPL
FAQ

What is IPL?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal is a non-invasive cosmetic technology that utilizes intense pulsed light to reduce or permanently remove body hair through a photothermal effect. IPL is widely used in the beauty industry, not only for hair removal, but also for the treatment of skin problems such as hyperpigmentation, irritation, and skin rejuvenation.

The Principles of IPL Hair Removal

The Principles of IPL Hair Removal
  1. Photothermal Action:
      1. IPL devices emit intense pulses of light at multiple wavelengths (usually in the range of 500–1200nm).
    Photothermal Action
    1. The light energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle and is then converted into heat energy.
    2. The thermal energy destroys the root of the hair follicle and prevents hair regrowth, while having minimal impact on the surrounding skin tissue.
  2. Selective Photothermal Action:
    1. IPL technology selectively targets hair follicles without harming the epidermis by adjusting the wavelength and pulse duration of the light.
    2. Since the melanin in the hair follicle is the target, IPL is more effective on darker hairs.

Benefits of IPL Hair Removal

  1. Non-Invasive:
    1. IPL treatments avoid incisions or injections, and the procedure is both gentle and low-risk.
  2. Versatility:
    1. IPL not only removes hair, but also improves skin conditions (e.g., brightens skin tone, reduces pigmentation, and tightens skin).
  3. Wide Application:
    1. It can be applied to many areas of the body (e.g., face, underarms, legs, and bikini area).
  4. Lower Cost:
    1. Compared to laser hair removal, IPL devices are more cost-effective, making the cost of a single treatment more affordable.

Disadvantages of IPL Hair Removal

  1. Variable Results:
    1. It's less effective on light-colored hair and darker skin tones, as melanin absorbs light energy in varying degrees, reducing overall efficacy.
    2. Multiple treatments are usually required to achieve the desired results (every 4–6 weeks for a total of 6–8 treatments).
  2. Pain:
    1. A slight burning or stinging sensation may be felt during treatment, especially in sensitive areas.
  3. Limited Long-Term Effects:
    1. Although IPL delays hair regrowth, it is not permanent hair removal. Some hair follicles may regain function. Therefore, treated areas require regular maintenance.

IPL Hair Removal Range of Application

  • For skin color: Fair to tan (skin types I–IV on the Fitzpatrick Scale)
  • For hair color: Dark hair (dark blonde, brown, or black)
skin types
  • For areas:
    • Face (i.e., upper lip and chin (Generally, IPL shouldn't be used above the cheekbones))
    • Underarms
    • Arms & Legs
    • Bikini Line Area
    • Chest & Back

Differences Between IPL Hair Removal and Laser Hair Removal

Characteristics IPL Hair Removal Laser Hair Removal
Type of Light Source Multi-wavelength pulsed light (non-monochromatic) Single wavelength laser (monochromatic)
Depth of Action Superficial, for fine hair Deeper, for thick hair
Treatment Efficiency Large treatment area, but multiple treatments are required Shorter treatment time, more dramatic results
Equipment Cost Lower, mostly home equipment Higher, usually requires specialized equipment
Skin Color and Hair Color Good for dark hair, lighter hair is more difficult to remove Effective on a wide range of skin tones, including lighter hairs
Pain Level Lower Higher, but some devices have cooling systems

Steps for IPL Hair Removal

  1. Preparation Phase:
    1. Shave the target area 24 hours prior to treatment, in order to avoid burns from residual hair on the skin surface. Hair no longer than 1–2 mm is typically recommended.
    2. Avoid sun exposure and the use of light-sensitive medications (e.g., antibiotics).
  2. Treatment Procedure:
    1. Adjust the intensity of the IPL device to your desired level.
    2. Evenly treat the target area.
  3. Post-Treatment Care:
    1. Use moisturizing and soothing skin care products such as aloe vera gel.
    2. Avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when going outside.
    3. Mild redness, swelling, or tingling may occur — this usually subsides within a few hours.

Suitable Candidates for IPL Hair Removal

  1. People who wish to remove body hair and do not like traditional methods such as shaving and plucking.
  2. People who do not meet the requirements of laser hair removal but wish to reduce their rate of hair growth.
  3. People with relatively sensitive skin who can tolerate mild irritation.

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Does it actually work?

Does At-Home Laser Hair Removal Actually Work?

How does Ulike IPL work?

For IPL hair removal to be effective, there must be a contrast between the skin tone and the hair color. This is because the IPL light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair and heated up, which in turn destroys the hair follicle, resulting in long-term hair removal. Unfortunately, very light natural hair colors may not see effective hair removal results. Similarly, deep dark skin tones may face burning risks. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this limitation of IPL technology.

READ MORE
How Long Does It Take for At-Home Laser Hair Removal to Work?

Why is IPL Not Working on Pubic Hair?

IPL hair removal usually works equally well for all areas of the body. However, if it does not work for a particular area, it might be due to the wrong hair removal technique. There is a possibility that the device might be too told to work efficiently now.

In addition, hormonal imbalance, medications, and some medical conditions like ovary tumors can also be deciding factors for the efficiency of IPL. So, before using IPL, ensure that your skin tone and hair color are compatible with this technology and that you are using it correctly.

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Does At-Home Laser Hair Removal Work Permanently?

Does IPL Hair Removal Work Permanently?

IPL hair removal remains effective over a long timeframe, especially with consistent use. However, touch-ups and maintenance are required for more enduring effectiveness.

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FAQ

We have conducted many clinical trials on IPL’s safety and effectiveness, and because of this, IPL has become a widely used hair removal method in clinics and households.

If you follow the instructions, our handset will not bring any harm to you. Ulike guarantees that all UV lights have been filtered away from the IPL’s light spectrum, including all wavelengths below 1200 nanometres. This industry standard applies to most IPL systems and is done to prevent skin damage by the light rays, which means that you will never experience chronic complications such as skin disease and skin aging.

Ulike is the only company that adapts Sapphire Ice-Cooling patent technology to provide pain-free treatments. Users will feel no pain during the treatment.

We don’t recommend using IPL over scars or tattoos because it causes heat build and pain in these areas. However, it is acceptable to use IPL to treat areas around tattoos.

Most customers begin to notice noticeable hair reduction within 3-4 weeks of starting their treatments. For optimal results, we recommend initial treatment of 3 sessions per week over a 4-week period, followed by maintenance sessions every half month or month as needed for touch-ups. The full effect becomes evident around the 12-week mark. After each treatment, you'll notice that hair grows back sparser and finer.

 

Over time, hair reduction becomes permanent. It's important to note that, according to FDA regulations, "permanent hair removal" refers to a consistent and gradual reduction of hair over an extended duration, a standard we adhere to. However, interpretations of the term "permanent" may vary. It's worth mentioning that even clinical photo-therapy treatments aren't entirely permanent.

Shaving is an important step in preparing your skin for IPL treatment. Shaving takes your hair down just enough to prevent burns while leaving the root intact under the surface so your IPL handset can target it.
That being said, if the area you’re treating is already hairless and smooth to the touch, shaving isn’t necessary.
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