Step-by-Step How to Use an IPL Hair Removal Device (2024)

FAQs

How do you use IPL step by step? ›

IPL hair removal is a progressive treatment that offers full body hair removal - but you can use IPL to treat separate areas, such as your arms, legs, or pubic area, depending on your individual needs.

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light technology. Home IPL hair removal devices apply very gentle pulses of light to the hair root. This makes the hair go into its resting phase: the hair you have falls out, and gradually your body grows less hair in that area. That smoothness lasts a long time, too.

In order to get the most out of your treatment, it is important that you don't miss a treatment, you avoid tweezing or waxing any of the hairs that are undergoing laser hair removal, you shave the day before a treatment, and you limit your sun exposure both before and during treatments.

IPL devices produce a significant amount of heat during the treatment process. The gel provides a cooling and protective layer between the intense light and your skin and thus helps prevent discomfort, burns, or skin damage that may occur if the IPL device is applied directly to dry skin.

If you don't shave before your laser hair removal session, the light energy may not penetrate the hair follicle, resulting in an ineffective treatment. In addition, if the hair is too long there is a risk of uneven coverage which can cause patchy results. Yes, you can shave up to an hour before your IPL treatment.

You can use at-home IPL devices on any area of the body where hair is found, whether that means treating your facial hair or giving yourself a full Brazilian, according to Dr. Shirazi.

So how long does it take for IPL to work? As for Lumi IPL hair removal, it typically takes 3-4 uses to start noticing any results, and 12 uses to see full results. Also, note that everybody is different.

You will notice that the hair growth after four weeks of IPL treatment will be lesser and thinner. After completing a session of 12 weeks, the hair growth will reduce completely, providing you with silky, smooth skin for a longer time. However, you may have to continue touch-ups as needed.

Does IPL work on grey hair? ›

Remember the laser light is attracted by the pigment of the hair. So due to the lack of pigment in grey/ white hair the laser isn't able to penetrate the skin. And therefore the procedure won't be effective.

Contrary to other treatments, hairs are not vaporised by IPL treatment. The hair follicles are killed by the heat but the hairs remain in the skin and often become attached to the epidermis. They will fall out after 1 to 3 weeks as the epidermis is renewed.

When using IPL, you'll need to shave less and less as your treatments go on. As the hair follicles will be empty, you'll notice fewer ingrown hairs and less stubble 'shadow'. IPL treatment helps to smooth out the texture of your skin, whereas waxing or threading can cause inflammation.

After shaving the skin to prepare it for IPL hair removal, all-over body treatment takes just 30 minutes.

Avoid Excessive Heat: For 2 days post-treatment, avoid partaking in activities that will heat up your skin, such as going in a hot tub/Jacuzzi/sauna, or strenuous exercise. Skin Care Products: All of your skin care products should be non-irritating and non-clogging for the first week.

Best Tips to Prepare

The treatment area mustn't be tanned or exposed to direct sunlight two weeks before your procedure. Sun exposure encourages the production of melanin, which can interfere with your IPL's results. Be sure to use an SPF of 30 or higher even when stepped outside for a brief period of time.

Some skin improvement starts within a few days of receiving treatment, but the complete effects of IPL treatment may take weeks to appear.