I'm Trish, founder of Bondi Body. IPL is not suitable for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI), and I would rather tell you that plainly than sell you a device you cannot use. It works best on light to medium skin tones with darker hair.
Key facts
- Products: Bondi Body V2 IPL, £249 (code GLOW40 gives £40 off), and Bondi Body Mini IPL, £99.
- Who they suit: Works best on light to medium skin tones with darker hair. Not suitable for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI) or for light blonde, grey or red hair.
- Key figures: V2 has 8 intensity levels (7.81–15.31 J/cm²) and 600,000 flashes; Mini has 5 levels (4.9–13.42 J/cm²) and 400,000 flashes.
- Free UK delivery on orders over £100. 50-day money-back guarantee. 12-month warranty.
Why is IPL not suitable for very dark skin?
IPL works by sending a flash of light into the skin. Melanin, the pigment that gives hair its colour, absorbs that light and turns it into heat, and the heat weakens the hair follicle. The trouble is that melanin is also what gives skin its colour. The more melanin there is in the skin, the more of the light the skin itself absorbs instead of the hair.
On very dark skin, the skin can absorb too much light energy. That increases the risk of irritation and discomfort. This applies to IPL in general, at home or in a clinic. It is not specific to our devices.
What is the Fitzpatrick scale?
The Fitzpatrick scale is a way of grouping skin into six types, from I (very fair, always burns) to VI (very dark, never burns), based on how skin responds to sun. Our IPL devices are not suitable for types V and VI. If you are not sure where you sit, look at our hair and skin tone chart before you buy.
Which skin tones and hair colours does IPL suit?
Works best on light to medium skin tones with darker hair. Not suitable for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI) or for light blonde, grey or red hair.
The best results come from contrast: darker hair against lighter skin. Light blonde, grey and red hair do not pick up enough of the light, so IPL does not work on them whatever your skin tone.
What about medium or olive skin?
Light to medium skin tones are within the range our devices are designed for. If your skin is towards the darker end of medium:
- Check the hair and skin tone chart first.
- Start on a low intensity level and see how your skin responds before moving up. The V2 has 8 levels, which gives you smaller steps.
- Do not use IPL on tanned skin, whether from the sun or a bottle. A tan means more pigment in the skin, which raises the same risk.
- Never use IPL over tattoos. Go around them.
If you are unsure, email us a question before buying. I would rather answer it than process a return.
What should you do if IPL is not suitable for you?
Speak to a professional. A qualified laser practitioner or dermatologist can look at your skin and hair in person and tell you which treatments are appropriate for your skin tone. That is a decision to make with someone who can assess your skin, not from a web page.
In the meantime, shaving and waxing work on every skin tone and hair colour. At our waxing salon in Fulham we wax all skin and hair types.
Is IPL safe when your skin tone is suitable?
Used as directed on suitable skin and hair, at-home IPL is designed to be safe. Both our devices have a skin sensor so they will not flash unless pressed against the skin, and the V2 has a built-in UV filter. Never use IPL on or around the eyes. Do not use IPL if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Our IPL FAQs list everyone who should not use it.
What if you buy and it turns out not to suit you?
The V2 and the Mini both come with a 50-day money-back guarantee and a 12-month warranty. But please do not rely on the guarantee to test IPL on very dark skin. If you are Fitzpatrick V or VI, IPL is not the right treatment, and the honest answer is not to buy it.
The short version
IPL suits light to medium skin with darker hair. It is not suitable for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI), because melanin in the skin absorbs the light. If that is you, talk to a professional about alternatives.
