





IPL hair reduction does not work equally well on all skin and hair tones. Please consult the chart below before purchasing.
Skin: Skin with dark pigmentation can absorb more than the safe amount of light, which may lead to discomfort. IPL hair reduction is not suitable for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI).
Hair: Lighter hair colours may not pick up the light, making the treatment ineffective. IPL hair reduction treatment (at home or in a clinic) NOT work on blonde, red, or grey hair.
In short: 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.
How does IPL work?
Each flash of light finds the pigment in the hair, turns into gentle heat and weakens the root. With regular use, hair grows back finer, slower and sparser, for long-lasting hair reduction.
-
01
Light reaches the root
The flash passes through the surface of the skin and is drawn to the dark pigment (melanin) in each hair.
-
02
Heat weakens the follicle
The light turns into gentle heat in the hair root. This weakens the follicle, so the hair that grows back is finer and slower.
-
03
Smooth skin that lasts
Keep going as directed for 12 weeks, then top up when you need to. Each session catches hairs at a new stage of growth, for long-lasting hair reduction.
What the research shows
Published studies of at-home IPL hair removal devices.
- 80%hair reduction one year after the last treatment with a home-use IPL device.Town et al. (2019), Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. Review.
- 41%fewer hairs 6 months after 3 home-IPL treatments (47% at 4 weeks), and 85% of people were pleased or very pleased.Emerson & Town (2009), Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 29 adults.
- 87%reduction in underarm hair 6 months after the fourth treatment with a home-use IPL device.Trelles et al. (2014), Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 10 adults, untreated side as control.
These studies tested other home-use IPL devices, not the Bondi Body V2 or Mini. Results vary with hair colour, skin tone and how regularly you treat.
The science behind IPL hair removal
What doctors say
- American Academy of Dermatology: Laser hair removal FAQs: light-based hair removal works best on lighter skin with darker hair.
- Cleveland Clinic: Laser hair removal, how it works: light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and turns into heat that damages the follicle.
- DermNet: Intense pulsed light therapy: how IPL targets the pigment in unwanted dark hair.
- StatPearls (NIH National Library of Medicine): Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: a medical reference on IPL, including hair removal.
Research studies
- Town et al. (2019), Light-based home-use devices for hair removal: why do they work and how effective are they?, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
- Haedersdal et al. (2011), Laser and intense pulsed light hair removal technologies: from professional to home use, British Journal of Dermatology.
- Thaysen-Petersen et al. (2012), A systematic review of light-based home-use devices for hair removal, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
- Haedersdal & Gøtzsche, Laser and photoepilation for unwanted hair growth, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
These studies look at IPL and light-based hair removal in general, including home-use devices. They are not studies of the Bondi Body V2 specifically. Results vary with hair colour, skin tone and how regularly you treat.
Skin tones
- FairType I
- LightType II
- MediumType III
- OliveType IV
- BrownType V
- DeepType VI
Hair colours
- Black
- Dark brown
- Brown
- Dark blonde
- Light blonde
- Red
- Grey / white
Is IPL right for you?
IPL works by sending a flash of light into the pigment (melanin) in each hair. It works best when your hair is darker than your skin.
Skin: suitable for fair to olive skin (types I to IV). It is not suitable for brown or deep skin (types V and VI), because darker skin absorbs more of the light and could burn.
Hair: works on black, brown and dark blonde hair. Light blonde, red and grey or white hair has too little pigment for the light to find, so it won't work.
Not sure where you fit? Message me and I'll tell you honestly. Trish x
Ask Trish on WhatsAppKey facts
- What it is: Compact at-home IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) device for hair reduction only
- Flashes: 400,000
- Intensity levels: 5, with manual and automatic modes
- Energy: 4.9–13.42 J/cm²
- Power: Mains powered – it needs to be plugged in to operate
- How often: Up to twice per week
- Who it suits: 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.
- In the box: IPL hair removal handset, power supply (including global power plugs), user guide and safety glasses
Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 49 reviews
Free UK delivery on orders over £100. 50-day money-back guarantee. 12-month warranty.
IPL: Modern, Pain-Free, and Long-Lasting Hair Reduction
How to use Bondi Body Mini IPL @ Home
-
1. Powering On
Plug the device in (it needs to be plugged in to operate). Press the blue ON/OFF button for 1-2 seconds to turn the device on.
-
2. Manual & Auto Modes
The device starts in manual mode by default. To switch to automatic mode, hold down the long blue Bondi Body button for 3-4 seconds. Automatic mode will adjust the power settings for the best results based on your skin and hair type.
-
3. Adjusting Intensity Settings
Quickly press the Blue ON/OFF button to change the intensity level. Intensity ranges from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Intensity settings range from 4.9 J/cm² to 13.42 J/cm².
-
4. Using the Device
Press the output window firmly against the area you want to treat. Move the device in 1cm increments across the treatment area. It’s okay to let the device flash twice in the same area before moving to the next spot.
-
5. Powering Off
To turn the device off, hold the blue ON/OFF button down for 3-4 seconds.
-
6. Storage
We recommend storing the device in its original box when not in use.
Which Skin & Hair Types can use IPL?
Skin: Darker skin pigmentation may absorb more than the safe amount of IPL light during normal use, which may lead to discomfort.
Hair: Lighter body hair may not pick up enough light energy to facilitate hair reduction, making treatment ineffective.
Usage Directions
Female: Suitable for the entire body except around the eyes.
Male: Suitable for the entire body except the face and male intimate area.
External use only.
What's in the Box?
The Bondi Body Mini IPL @ Home offers salon-level hair reduction from the comfort and convenience of your home while remaining small and portable enough to take with you while travelling.
- IPL Hair Removal Handset
- Power Supply (including global power plugs)
- User Guide- Safety Glasses
Mini IPL FAQs
What is IPL?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) sends gentle flashes of light to the hair root. This slows regrowth over time, for long-lasting hair reduction at home.
How is IPL different from laser hair removal?
Laser uses one focused beam and is usually done in a clinic. IPL uses a wider, softer light that covers more skin at once, so it suits regular use at home.
Can anyone use IPL?
It works best on light to medium skin with darker hair. It isn't suitable for very dark skin, or for blonde, red or grey hair.
Does the Mini hurt?
Most people feel a warm flick. Start on level 1 and go up when you're comfortable.
When will I see results?
Many people see less hair after about 4 weeks, using it up to twice a week. Keep going for the best results.
Where can I use the Mini?
Legs, arms, underarms and bikini line. It's small and light, so it's handy for travel.
Does the Mini need charging?
No. It plugs into the mains and needs to be plugged in to work.
Should I choose the Mini or the V2?
The Mini (£99) is for hair reduction on smaller areas and travel. The V2 (£209, was £249) is more powerful, with 8 levels and 600,000 flashes, and also does skin rejuvenation.
Is there a guarantee?
Yes. You get a 50-day money-back guarantee and a 12-month warranty.
Have more questions about IPL hair removal we haven’t covered here?
Visit our dedicated IPL Hair Reduction FAQ page to learn more or contact Bondi Body directly. We’d genuinely love to hear from you and help you find the right body hair management device for your needs.


