IPL for Hair Reduction: How It Works, How Long It Takes and What to Expect

IPL for Hair Reduction: How It Works, How Long It Takes and What to Expect

I'm Trish, founder of Bondi Body. I've run a waxing and skin salon in London for years, and the question I'm asked most is simple: does IPL really reduce hair, and is it worth doing at home? Here is the plain answer.

What is IPL?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. The device sends a short flash of light into the skin. The pigment in the hair takes up that light, it turns to heat, and the heat weakens the follicle so the hair grows back finer, slower and, over time, much less. That is why the honest term is hair reduction rather than hair removal.

Independent research backs this up. A published review of light-based home-use devices looked at how and why they work for hair reduction: Light-based home-use devices for hair removal (PubMed).

Who does IPL work best for?

  • Best results: fair to medium skin with dark hair, because the light needs pigment in the hair to target.
  • Less effective: very blonde, grey, white or red hair, which has little pigment.
  • Take care: very dark skin tones, tattoos, moles and recently tanned skin. Always do a patch test first and follow the guide in the box.

For a clinic view of who IPL suits, see Nuffield Health's guide to IPL hair removal.

How many sessions do you need?

Hair grows in cycles, and IPL only affects hairs that are actively growing. That is why one session is never enough.

  • Weeks 1 to 12: treat up to twice a week. Most people notice slower, patchier regrowth within the first few weeks.
  • After that: top up monthly, as and when you need to.

Be consistent. The people who get the best results are the ones who keep to the routine for the first three months.

Where can you use it?

Legs, underarms, bikini line, arms, stomach, back, and the face below the cheekbones (upper lip, chin and jawline). Never use IPL near the eyes.

How to prepare

  1. Shave first. The light needs to reach the root, not burn hair on the surface. Do not wax or epilate, because that removes the root the light is aiming for.
  2. Clean, dry skin. No deodorant, perfume or body lotion on the area.
  3. Start on a low setting and work up as you get comfortable.
  4. Protect your skin from the sun before and after, and use SPF on treated areas.

Does it hurt?

Most people describe a warm flick, far gentler than waxing. Sensitive areas like the bikini line feel it more; lower the setting there.

IPL at home vs the salon

Salon machines are stronger, so you need fewer visits, but a course for legs, bikini and underarms can run into hundreds of pounds. A home device is gentler, takes a little longer, and you own it: one cost, every area, in your own time. If you are weighing up other methods, read IPL versus epilator: which hair removal lasts? and our Bondi Body vs Philips Lumea comparison.

One device, two results

The award-winning Bondi Body V2 IPL is dual function. As well as reducing unwanted body and facial hair, its IPL light can be used for skin rejuvenation: breaking down sun spots, evening out skin tone and reducing surface-level broken capillary veins. You can see my own before and after on the V2 skin rejuvenation page, and read more in IPL for skin rejuvenation: how it can even out your skin tone.

What the press says about Bondi Body IPL

You don't have to take my word for it. Bondi Body's at-home IPL has been tested and featured by UK beauty editors:

See everything on our press page.

Quick answers

Is IPL permanent? It gives long-lasting hair reduction. Most people need an occasional top-up to keep skin smooth.

Can I use it on my face? Yes, below the cheekbones. Avoid the eye area.

How soon will I see a difference? Usually within the first few weeks of regular use, with the best results after about 12 weeks.

Is it safe? Used as directed on suitable skin and hair, home IPL is designed to be safe. If you are pregnant, have a skin condition or take medication that makes skin sensitive to light, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.

Ready to start?

The Bondi Body V2 IPL comes with free UK delivery on orders over £100 and a 50-day money-back guarantee. Use code GLOW40 for £40 off. New to IPL? Start with our at-home IPL guide.

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