Are IPL Hair Removal Devices Safe at Home? (Reasons & FAQs Included) (2024)

Nowadays, there are many hair removal methods, but among them, IPL hair removal is gaining popularity. Because shaving is a hassle, waxing is painful, and the laser is pricey.

In comparison, people find IPL hair removal painless, long-lasting, and budget-friendly. Despite this much popularity, people still don’t know about it. They are skeptical that it is safe to do at home.

Before giving you explanations and how to use it safely, let us tell you this in a short answer: IPL hair removal devices are safe to use at home if you follow all the precautions and do before and after care.

Now, let’s move to the detailed overview of IPL hair removal devices, usage, and care, and do’s.

How do IPL Hair Removal Devices Work?

Are IPL Hair Removal Devices Safe at Home? (Reasons & FAQs Included) (1)

IPL hair removal devices are concentrated beams of light. It targets particular skin for hair removal, such as melanin. The 600 to 700 nanometers range of light removes melanin and other skin concerns. The heat produced by these devices destroys hair follicles, removes hair from the root, and treats any skin disease. And the best part is it’ll not affect the surrounding skin.

After hair follicle removal, the strands fall out with roots. Have you ever heard about ingrown hair or strawberry legs? If yes, and face this problem, IPL hair removal devices can resolve this issue as they remove hair from the root. However, don’t expect it to work like magic in one session. It’ll take multiple sessions to reduce hair growth and long-lasting results.

Moreover, you should look for a good IPL hair removal device like EON PRO. This device also uses lower energy levels than professional devices, so you don’t have to worry about burns or irritation.

5 Reasons Why You Should Choose IPL Hair Removal Devices for At-Home Hair Removal

Are IPL Hair Removal Devices Safe at Home? (Reasons & FAQs Included) (2)

Here are five reasons why you should opt for IPL hair removal devices:

1. Gentle Over Sensitive Skin And Generate Effective Results

The at-home IPL devices are gentler on the skin than salon laser devices. International Healthcare departments also prove it to be lighter on the skin than salon-grade machines. IPL hair removal devices give the right power for personal use.

You don’t need heavy-duty machines to get effective results. It makes the hair removal process safer and user-friendly. A study in the Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology published that people get 78% less hair growth after one month and 72% less after 3 months.

2. Painless and Offer a Pleasant Experience

Many people have left using waxing and epilating due to painless hair removal. Therefore, IPL hair removal is excellent for them. IPL hair removal devices give a warm and tingly sensation but not an uncomfortable or painful feeling.

IPL hair removal has given almost pain and skin-problem-free procedure with long-lasting results.

3. No Irritation and Redness like Other Hair Removal Methods.

Where all other methods give you pain, irritation, and redness, IPL hair removal devices save you from all these. These devices target the hair follicles and don’t affect the surrounding skin. It means you’ll not face any irritation in any skin areas because IPL only works on the treated areas.

So, the chances of redness and irritation are reduced significantly. Therefore, any skin type, especially sensitive skin, can use it without any tension.

4. Non-invasive Hair Removal

IPL is safe because of its non-invasive nature. Other procedures go deep into the skin surface, whereas IPL does its job from the upper layer and doesn’t harm your skin.

It’s akin to having a superhero specifically targeting hair follicles while leaving the rest of your skin intact. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) most recentPlastic Surgery Statistics Report, it was one of the top five non-invasive procedures performed in 2020.

5. User-Friendly Vibes

Home IPL devices are designed with the user in mind. They come with adjustable settings, allowing users to customize the treatment based on their specific skin tones and hair colors. This user-friendly approach makes the devices accessible to a wide range of individuals. It contributes to the convenience of achieving long-term hair reduction at home.

How to Prepare for the IPL Hair Removal Devices?

Are IPL Hair Removal Devices Safe at Home? (Reasons & FAQs Included) (3)

1. Choose the Right Device

The safe hair removal process depends on the quality of your IPL hair removal device. Therefore, don’t compromise on the quality and invest in a good product. You should consider some factors like window size, wired or wired less, and flash frequency. Choose a device with:

  • A window size that can treat both large and small areas.
  • A charging or cordless device so you don’t get stuck in any electric issue.
  • Fast flash device because your hair removal time depends on it.

There are many devices available, but we recommend our favorite.EON PROIPL hair removal device. It is beginner-friendly, effective, and will last for years if used properly.

2. Read User Manual

We usually don’t read user manuals and see them as useless copy that comes with every device. Don’t do it for your IPL hair removal device. These manuals have everything about the device. If you are a new IPl hair removal device, this manual is your best friend. Read it thoroughly and learn about the light intensity, flash speed, and duration.

3. Do a Patch Test

Never ever apply anything directly to your sensitive areas. We always stress the importance of the patch test. Make a habit of patch testing whenever you try something new, especially for your skin. Your face and private part skin are sensitive, so you can’t take risks directly in these areas. You can try it on your hands, legs, or the back of the ear. If you feel itching or burns, stop and get your skin checked by a dermatologist.

4. Get Your Medical History Checked

We didn’t find any direct relationship between medical history and IPL hair removal devices. Still, it is good to have a medical test. For example, photosensitivity, dehydrated skin, chronic disorder, and psoriasis are the diseases that you must treat before IPL. If you find no problem or you resolve the issue, go ahead with this hair removal method. Otherwise, go for any other way.

Do’s for IPL Hair Removal at Home

Are IPL Hair Removal Devices Safe at Home? (Reasons & FAQs Included) (4)

Exfoliate Before Your Session:

It is recommended to exfoliate 24-48 hours before every IPL hair removal session to remove dirt, dead skin cells, and ingrown hair.

Although not mandatory, skin exfoliation is an important pre-care step for using IPL hair removal devices. As the top layer of the skin and the impurities are removed, the absorption of IPL rays into the hair is improved.

To exfoliate the skin, you can use a washcloth, loofah, or body scrub as chemical exfoliants can be harsh and you would want to be gentle on the skin.

Shave Before the Session:

The second yet mandatory step in pre-care of preparing is cutting the hair from the top with a razor. Yes, shaving is recommended to trim the unwanted hair to an appropriate length for IPL devices to get absorbed into the hair and reach the hair roots.

While you can shave immediately before the session, it is better to shave 1 day earlier to allow hair to grow a little before you flash the IPL device onto it.

Avoid Waxing, Plucking, Threading, or Epilating:

As shaving is highly indicated before IPL hair removal sessions, removing hair from roots is equally contraindicated. Why? Because IPL needs the hair pigment to work on the desired treatment area. When there is no hair and no pigment, IPL will have no substrate to get absorbed into.

Therefore, you should avoid waxing, plucking, depilatory creams, and epilating at least 2 weeks before the treatment. This will help you get the best of your at-home IPL hair removal device.

Moisturize After Every Session:

Post-laser skin pampering is as essential as pre-laser preparation as the skin becomes red, slightly inflamed, and dry by absorbing heated radiations from the IPL devices.

So, always moisturize the skin once you are done with the hair removal session, and use a cold compress to soothe it as well. Also, you should choose a lightweight yet enriched moisturizer for pampering the skin and avoiding skin irritation and clogging of the pores.

Conclusion

IPL hair removal devices seem like backbreaking work for some people when they lack adequate information about the usage of such devices. Therefore, we have tried to break down all the details about the working, safety, and usage of the IPL devices in this article.

It is important to note that the better the device you invest in, the better will be your experience with at-home laser hair removal. Therefore, we suggest you tryEON PROIPL hair removal devicefor a comfortable and premium hair removal experience.

Also, whichever device you use, always prepare the skin well before your treatment and moisturize it afterward as well for optimal results of the treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is IPL Hair Removal Effective for All Skin Tones and Hair Colors?

Sadly, IPL hair removal devices do not work for all skin tones and hair colors. The contrast between skin and hair color is important in determining the effectiveness of an IPL device. Also, there should be pigment in the hair while little to no pigment in the skin for IPL devices to be completely safe and effective.

Therefore, IPL hair removal devices with no extra protective mechanisms can burn the dark skin. Also, when there is minimal or no melanin in your hair, such as with grey, ginger, or blonde hair, IPL hair removal rays will have pigment to target. So, the efficiency will be reduced greatly.

Is IPL Hair Removal Suitable for Men?

Of course, IPL hair removal is suitable for men’s hair removal as well. The presence of melanin in your body solely determines the compatibility of IPL hair removal.

It’s not gender-specific. Therefore, men and women can opt for IPL hair removal. In addition, men often have larger body areas with thicker hair and skin. So, they might require additional sessions. However, the process of IPL hair removal is equally effective for both men and women.

What is the difference between laser hair removal and IPL hair removal technology?

The main difference between laser hair removal and IPL lies in the designs and power outputs.

At-home DIY laser machines use a focused laser using a small round window, like a laser pointer. In contrast, IPL machines have a broad rectangular window that uses light flashes at different wavelengths, similar to a hair-removal shotgun.

The decision of which of the two is better solely depends upon your requirements. Also, you should know that those using IPL hair removal devices never return for in-salon services, making it a better option overall.

Are IPL Hair Removal Devices Safe at Home? (Reasons & FAQs Included) (2024)

FAQs

Are IPL Hair Removal Devices Safe at Home? (Reasons & FAQs Included)? ›

Short answer: yes. “At-home laser hair removal is typically safe as long—if you follow directions and use caution to avoid burning,” says Dr. King. However, it's also important to note that at-home laser hair removal isn't for everyone.

How safe is IPL hair removal at home? ›

These devices are safe for amateurs to use at home, so you don't have to worry about singeing yourself in the name of smooth skin. (Still, make sure you follow the directions exactly — because laser.) But with less power also comes less effectiveness: The at-home devices don't work as well as the pro models.

Are there any risks of IPL hair removal? ›

Pigment changes.

Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.

What do I need to know about IPL hair removal at home? ›

IPL devices are generally safe, and they have been approved by the FDA for hair removal. If you are considering at-home laser hair removal, you may want to talk to your physician beforehand for clear instructions (like avoiding your face and eyes) and to determine if it's right for your skin or hair color.

Who is not suitable for IPL hair removal? ›

It does not work well on dark skin

Laser hair removal works better on people with pale skin and dark hair. It's not as effective on tanned skin or hair that's been bleached by the sun. If you've got a tan you'll need to let it fade before having treatment.

What are the downsides of IPL? ›

Additionally, IPL therapy may not be as effective against deep wrinkles or severe sun damage, necessitating multiple treatments for optimal results. Some patients have also reported temporary redness, itching, and swelling post-treatment, although these side effects typically subside within a few days.

Does at home IPL have side effects? ›

IPL is safe to use at home; however, there are a few common and mild IPL side effects like redness or pigment change. You can soothe these IPL hair removal side effects by applying a cool antiseptic gel, making them fade away in no time.

Can you use IPL on pubic hair? ›

IPL hair removal is a progressive treatment that offers full body hair removal - but you can use IPL to treat separate areas, such as your arms, legs, or pubic area, depending on your individual needs. When using IPL, you'll hold a flashgun device that delivers a spectrum of light to the skin.

Does hair fall out after IPL? ›

After IPL hair removal

The hair will appear to grow (though very slowly) for 2 to 4 weeks and should then fall out; this is the treated hair being pushed out of the follicle, not new growth. Any hair that does not fall out was either too fine, too light, too deeply rooted or possibly wasn't treated.

Are home IPL devices worth it? ›

Overall, if you are looking for a long-lasting and effective hair removal solution, an IPL device can be a great choice. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision. Be sure to consult your doctor or dermatologist with any questions or concerns.

Do I have to shave every time I use IPL? ›

Like any form of laser hair removal or salon Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) procedures, you have to shave.

Can home IPL cause more hair growth? ›

IPL treatment does not cause hair to regrow any quicker, despite what the myth may have you believe.

Does IPL work on GREY hair? ›

Unfortunately the answer is no when it comes to grey/white hair and laser hair removal.

When should you not use IPL? ›

Some skin colours are best advised not to use IPL treatments as they may cause discolouration of the skin. While those with very light blonde or white hair don't have enough melanin in their hair follicles to absorb the laser light, and often the treatment is not as effective.

What are the risks of at-home laser hair removal? ›

Downsides of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Although the FDA clears most at-home laser hair removal devices, there's still some risk of side effects such as injuries, burns, and skin irritation. The risk is especially high if you use a machine that's incompatible with your hair color and skin tone.

What happens if you use IPL too often? ›

Can you overuse at-home IPL? You can overuse at-home IPL. If you use your device too often, you won't speed up your hair removal treatments and could set yourself up for side effects.

Can you overuse a at-home IPL? ›

We know you're SO excited to experience permanent hair removal, but we do not recommend using your device more than twice per week. Using IPL every day may result in irritation – and it won't work as well, anyway!

Can you use at-home IPL too often? ›

You can overuse at-home IPL. If you use your device too often, you won't speed up your hair removal treatments and could set yourself up for side effects. Like nearly everything in life, IPL works best when following the recommended treatment plans. That's typically twice a week over 8 weeks, for starters.

Is IPL hair removal safe long term? ›

Over time, no serious side effects or damage from long-term use have been reported. Philips Lumea has been developed in conjunction with leading dermatologists and tested with over 2000 women. It fulfills all the safety regulations for home-use appliances.

Does home IPL work on pubic hair? ›

Can you use IPL on bikini areas? First things first, let's answer a pressing question: can you use IPL on the bikini area safely? Yes, you can! That is, as long as you have a device, like the Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series, that has a specific attachment designed to work with the contours of this area of your body.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Twana Towne Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6519

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Twana Towne Ret

Birthday: 1994-03-19

Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

Phone: +5958753152963

Job: National Specialist

Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.