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    What is IPL?

    Updated:29 Jun 2016 4:39 PM | Posted by
    Samantha McMeekin's picture
    Samantha McMeekin
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    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

    ray_jay 28 Dec 2017 6:54 PM

    The chart is interesting. Thanks. Very helpful.

    BeautifulJusty 24 Jun 2017 5:03 PM

    Thanks for sharing the criteria sheet

    Shop A Everyday 9 Apr 2017 2:06 PM

    I tried this many years ago but it never worked

    Dilettante 10 Jan 2017 9:39 PM

    Time to start saving methinks. I wonder what the chances are for a Beautorium?

    Yohanna 13 Dec 2016 6:37 PM

    My skin and hair fit the criteria...now just to try it and see if it works =D

    Jazzy1 18 Aug 2016 7:40 PM

    Would love to give one of these a try.

    clearcrystalwater 15 Aug 2016 2:37 PM

    I'm looking into this..... so much to learn!

    Calla 10 Jul 2016 7:26 PM

    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.

    Becstar 9 Jul 2016 6:52 PM

    I would love to have a device like the Philips Lumea Precision Plus! How fabulous is it!

    Pixie96 7 Jul 2016 9:50 PM

    I have light skin and dark hair so IPL should work well for me.

    Sparkle 77 4 Jul 2016 10:10 PM

    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.

    Nas007 6 Jun 2016 11:18 PM

    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.

    Seezora 5 Apr 2016 10:31 AM

    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.

    duality 3 Apr 2016 8:38 PM

    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!

    talk-a-lot 1 Apr 2016 10:11 PM

    If I came into some money I would get one of these hair removal tools.

    TanLover 16 Mar 2016 1:14 PM

    They have such great deals at laser clinics now! I think I'd prefer to have a professional do it for me

    sunjeanie 11 Nov 2015 2:08 PM

    I'm suitable for IPL but it seems so foreign. All these new treatments available these days!

    Pink_Sugar 9 Nov 2015 5:08 PM

    I'd rather go to the salon.

    Colour Those Lips 17 May 2015 12:43 PM

    Wow

    bmill229 2 May 2015 3:38 PM

    I have natural red hair but its turning brown and not quiet sure if will suit me.

    bmill229 21 Mar 2015 4:35 PM

    I love to try this device.

    moonbaby54 20 Mar 2015 1:43 AM

    I would love to try this, it sounds amazing.

    Themummabear 15 Mar 2015 6:18 AM

    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.

    Thepinkshoe 13 Mar 2015 3:25 AM

    I would love to try this but can't quite afford it at the moment. My bf also wants to try IPL.

    Petal 13 Mar 2015 12:47 AM

    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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