Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Hair Removal FAQs: All your questions answered

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and refers to a method for removing unwanted body and facial hair. IPL devices emit rapid and bright pulses of broad-spectrum light across an area of skin roughly 3 cm² in size, quickly and effectively reducing hair growth on the arms, legs, back, face, and other parts of the body.

IPL reduces, or even semi-permanently halts hair growth by damaging the follicles during the growth (anagen) phase. When using the device, the light energy it emits travels into the hair shafts, heating the melanin and, subsequently, the hair’s follicle or growth point. The excess heat damages the follicle, slowing down or completely arresting hair growth. Over time, as the user hits more and more follicles during the growth phase, they’ll notice a remarkable reduction in hair growth and thickness.

No, it is not. However, since they both use light energy to harm hair follicles, there is some confusion in the market about the two. In fact, it is not uncommon for home IPL devices to carry the word ‘laser’ on the packaging for marketing purposes, despite not actually generating laser beams the way salon laser devices do. This is simply because more people are aware of laser hair removal than IPL hair removal.

Where IPL hair removal works by heating up the follicles using broad-spectrum light across a larger surface area, laser hair removal works by targeting individual follicles with a pinpoint-accurate high-energy laser. The laser harms the follicle the same way IPL does; however, laser beams carry significantly more energy in each burst and can harm the skin if used incorrectly or on the wrong part of the body. For this reason, most at-home laser hair removal devices actually use IPL technology, while real laser hair removal is left to salons.

There have been extensive worldwide studies that demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of IPL for hair removal both at home and in clinics. This is a major driving force behind IPL’s growing popularity.

All versions of the Bondi Body @ Home IPL devices comply with small appliance CE regulations.

IPL is completely painless. We have tested it extensively and received feedback from hundreds of happy clients who regularly use their Bondi Body @ Home IPL devices without any pain or discomfort.

Some users report a slight tingling sensation on the upper lip or intimate areas; however, none describe it as painful.

Yes. All Bondi Body @ Home IPL devices include protective eyewear in the box.

Face, neck, and intimate areas (Bikini Line, Brazilian, Hollywood): Up to once a week for 12 weeks.

Legs, arms, underarms, stomach, chest, and back: Up to twice a week for 12 weeks.

After 12 weeks, we recommend using the device once a month to remove any new growth.

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Do not use IPL around the eyes, even if wearing protective glasses.

Men should avoid using IPL on the face as it may cause problems down the line.

Bondi Body @ Home IPL hair removal devices are suitable for use on sensitive skin. When operated at their lowest power levels, both the V2 and Mini @ Home IPL devices effectively remove hair from sensitive skin without causing irritation or discomfort. Our @ Home devices are also safe for use with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

IPL (at-home device or in-clinic treatment) will NOT work on blonde, red, or grey hair. 

IPL (at-home device or in-clinic treatment) will NOT work on black or mixed-race skin tones.

Please refer to our IPL Hair and Skin Tone Chart to see if IPL hair reduction is suitable for you.

Yes! Bondi IPL handsets are suitable for both men and women 16 years and older.

Men, we recommend not using any IPL device to remove facial hair as it may lead to irregular facial hair growth in the future. It is safe to use on the rest of the body.

There is no evidence to suggest that IPL is harmful to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding; however, out of an abundance of caution, we recommend against it.

Bondi IPL devices are safe to use over freckles and non-raised moles. As a general rule, whether using an IPL device or not, we recommend speaking to your doctor if you notice any new moles developing, changes to existing moles, or moles with more than one colour.

Do not use IPL on tattooed skin. The pigments in the tattoo may heat up and cause discomfort and even blistering. Use an IPL device around tattooed skin.

We recommend waiting 2 weeks before using an IPL device on tanned skin. Avoid direct sunlight for 48 hours after IPL treatment or using a sunbed.

Remove all artificial tan creams or sprays before using the device, as the pigments in the skin may heat up instead of the melanin in the hair. You may reapply self-tan after the skin has relaxed.

You may shave before or after using an IPL device; however, ensure that the hair in the treatment area is between 1mm and 5mm (less than half a centimetre) in length for optimal results.

Do NOT wax, pluck, thread, or epilate the treatment area. IPL will not be effective if hair follicles are removed before treatment.

Results may vary between individuals; however, you can expect to start noticing visible hair reduction after around 4 treatments.

Individuals respond differently to the Bondi Body @ Home IPL device power settings. If you have exhausted the options and still don’t see any results, please try the steps below:

• Use the automatic option. 
• Increase the intensity setting.
• Ensure that your skin is clean, dry, and free from any creams, makeup, or deodorant.
• Make sure the device is pressed firmly to the skin.
• Move the device slowly along the area, 1cm by 1cm.
• Make sure the device stays in contact with the skin. 
• Ensure that the hair is between 1mm and 5mm in length before using the device.

Women – Yes, you can use the device on the face; the upper lip, cheeks, sideburns, jawline, neck, and chin.

Always wear protective glasses when using the device.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU DO NOT USE THE DEVICE AROUND THE EYES.

Men – Do NOT use the device around the eyes or the face. IPL may cause irregular facial hair growth down the line.

Do not use any IPL hair reduction device if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• have any active implants.
• are under the age of 16.
• have taken the following medications in the last 90 days:
  - Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) 
  - Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs)
  - Azelaic Acid
  - Immunosuppressive Medications 
• have had surgery in the treatment area in the past 90 days.
• have undergone radiation or chemotherapy within the past 12 months.
• have been diagnosed with:
  - Diabetes
  - Metabolic diseases
  - Epilepsy
  - Vitiligo
  - Congestive heart disease
  - Immunosuppressive disorders
  - Vascular or Bleeding disorders
  - Skin cancer or other types of localised cancers

Do NOT use IPL on the following skin conditions:

• Infections, lacerations, burns, abrasions, lesions, or haematomas.
• Eczema, follicle inflammation, or herpes simplex.
• Sunburn, a recent tan or fake-tanned skin, tattoos, or permanent makeup.
• Warts, dark veins, scars, and skin anomalies.

While using IPL over severe or acute psoriasis may cause inflammation or discomfort, it is safe to use if you have a mild form of the condition and the treatment area is healthy.

IPL works by transferring heat energy down the hair shafts into the follicle. The process also (painlessly) heats up the skin; however, psoriasis-damaged skin may react adversely to the heat.

Do not use IPL if you are taking oral medication for psoriasis. If you use topical steroid creams, you will need to wait 4 weeks before using IPL.

If you suffer from flare-ups in certain areas, we recommend that you consult with your dermatologist before using IPL hair removal devices.