What is IPL?
By now you’ve probably heard the word ‘IPL’ thrown around in conversation. But do you know what it actually is? In the video above, all your questions will be answered, including exactly how IPL hair removal works and the safety of at-home devices. And just in case you can’t watch the vid right now, we’ve also included a bit of information below. You’ll be an expert before you know it!
What is IPL?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is used for long-term hair removal. You can get the treatment in-salon or do it at home with a device like the Philips Lumea Precision Plus. The device is safe, effective and cordless, so you can use it wherever you want.
How does IPL work?
Every time you press the button, the IPL device releases a lo- energy light pulse to the hair follicle. The hair absorbs the light, and then falls out naturally and painlessly.
How often do I need to use my IPL device?
There are four stages in a hair life cycle, and one of these is the ‘growth’ stage - which is perfect for IPL. But hair grows at different rates, meaning every hair reaches the growth stage at a different time. So, when you start IPL, you’ll need to use the device every two weeks to make sure you get every hair. After four sessions, you should have targeted most of the hairs, so you’ll only have to repeat every month or two - depending on your growth rate.
Is IPL safe?
It sure is. The Philips Lumea Precision Plus has a filter that protects your skin from harmful light. For more sensitive areas like your face and bikini line, there are extra attachments with specific filters.
Is it effective?
Yes, but it depends on your skin and hair colour. The key factor here is melanin (the pigment in your skin and hair). The more melanin in your skin and hair, the darker the colour.
How do I know if IPL is suitable for me?
IPL works best on people with light skin and dark hair. If you don’t fit that profile, it will still work for, but you may have to use it more frequently. The graph below will help to determine whether it's suitable for you.
Why only certain skin and hair colours?
The light of the IPL is absorbed by melanin, and you want IPL to target your hair, but not your skin, in order to get the best results.
Have you ever tried the Philips Lumea? Do you have any other questions about IPL?
91 Member Comments
The chart is interesting. Thanks. Very helpful.
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Thanks for sharing the criteria sheet
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I tried this many years ago but it never worked
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Time to start saving methinks. I wonder what the chances are for a Beautorium?
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My skin and hair fit the criteria...now just to try it and see if it works =D
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Would love to give one of these a try.
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I'm looking into this..... so much to learn!
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Good feedback here, thanks for sharing. I would like to try this out, I have dark hair and fair skin so would be a good candidate for it.
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I would love to have a device like the Philips Lumea Precision Plus! How fabulous is it!
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I have light skin and dark hair so IPL should work well for me.
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Some really good results and it is great to hear about the down side of DIY IPL but it still doesn't turn me off wanting one.
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Ooh I didn't know Philips had a at home IPL machine. I have olive skin with dark hair so not sure if it would be effective for me but would love to give it a go especially since it's pain free.
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The graph isn't popping up :( Sounds like a great treatment, but time consuming? I'll have to check reviews and see if someone has used this method long term.
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I'd like to see some long term user articles about IPL. A trial team or something that uses it for a year would be good!
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If I came into some money I would get one of these hair removal tools.
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They have such great deals at laser clinics now! I think I'd prefer to have a professional do it for me
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I'm suitable for IPL but it seems so foreign. All these new treatments available these days!
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I'd rather go to the salon.
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I have natural red hair but its turning brown and not quiet sure if will suit me.
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I love to try this device.
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I would love to try this, it sounds amazing.
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I have had a block of six IPL sessions. I have the ideal hair and skin colour but in the long term it's not been very effective. I guess I would have to either buy one to use myself or keep going back to the salon for it to work properly. I have to admit, I was quite disappointed.
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I would love to try this but can't quite afford it at the moment. My bf also wants to try IPL.
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venice queen (above), thanks for your very detailed review on IPL! I think laser would be more suitable for me, especially as I don't think I have right skin and hair combination.
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