Targets the melanin in hair using a high-energy light to achieve long -term hair reduction.

Unwanted Hair

Erin Storm, PA-C

Definitive guide on IPL for Unwanted Hair, including the procedure overview, benefits, risks, recovery, before & after photos, costs, and more. 

Hair Loss: Tips for Managing 

IPL for Unwanted Hair

During an IPL treatment, a hand-held device delivers a visible, broad-spectrum pulse of light, generally in the visible spectral range of 400 to 1200 nm. This light targets the difference in melanin from the hair shaft and the skin complexion, making IPL an ideal treatment for individuals with a high contrast in hair and skin color.  As the light is absorbed, the bulb and most of the hair shaft is heated, which causes the hair-producing papilla to be destroyed. Number and duration of IPL treatments for hair removal will vary based on the individual and size of the area being treated.

IPL shares some similarities with laser hair removal treatments in that they both use light to heat and destroy components of the unwanted hair. IPL is not able to heat the hair as much as laser energy and will typically take more treatments than laser to produce similar results. Since IPL produces a variety of light wavelengths, the strength of IPL is more diffused and less powerful than laser energy. However, if waxing isn't providing you with long enough results and electrolysis is too expensive, IPL treatments may be right for you.

Hair Removal

Body

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- Shave the night before treatment
- No waxing, tweezing, or other forms of hair removal 

Before Treatment

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- Topical anesthetic
- Hand-held device delivers a visible, broad-spectrum pulse of light
- As the light is absorbed, the hair-producing papilla is destroyed
- Number and duration of treatments will vary

During Treatment

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- Skin is red or swollen 
- Normal activities may be resumed immediately
- Avoid intensive exercise for 1 day

Immediately After Treatment

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- Avoid hot baths, swimming or sunbathing
- Avoid skincare products for 24 hours
- No tanning for 4 weeks 
- Discontinue all other forms of hair removal; shaving is permitted

1-14 Days After Treatment and Beyond

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- Not permanent hair removal method
- Permanent hair reduction method
- Maintenance treatments needed yearly 

Result Notes

IPL or, intense pulsed light, targets the melanin in hair in contrast to the melanin in skin to progressively reduce the regrowth of hair. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after IPL treatments for unwanted hair.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) for unwanted hair is a semi-permanent hair removal solution that uses high-energy light laser treatments to progressively damage the hair follicle.

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IPL for Unwanted Hair

Concerns Treated

Unwanted Hair

Concerns Treated

Unwanted Hair

Discover science-backed solutions from AEDIT Medshop

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IPL for Unwanted Hair in The AEDITION

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IPL for Unwanted Hair

Concerns Treated

Unwanted Hair

Concerns Treated

Unwanted Hair

Discover science-backed solutions from AEDIT Medshop

Learn More About IPL for Unwanted Hair in The AEDITION

IPL vs. Lasers: What’s The Difference?

Are At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Too Good To Be True?

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AI Plastic Surgeon™

Scan. Simulate. Share.

Text to download The AI Plastic Surgeon by AEDIT

Learn More About
IPL for Unwanted Hair in The AEDITION