Does IPL hair removal work? Your most asked questions on IPL

What is intense pulsed light hair removal?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a hair removal method that uses light and heat to damage your hair follicles. As the light energy is transferred into heat, it damages the follicle and encourages your hair to enter its resting phase. The hair then falls out, and, thanks to those damaged follicles, you’ll see less regrowth over time.¹

It’s similar to laser hair removal, but IPL works slightly differently in that it uses a whole variety of wavelengths for faster treatments.¹

For added convenience, IPL can be done at home with the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro - part of the #1 global IPL brand. Designed with advanced, medically tested safety features, it offers a safe and personalised IPL experience tailored to your skin.

This advanced device includes a range of smart features to make at-home IPL simpler and more effective, including:

• A SmartSkin sensor that recommends the right light intensity based on your skin tone
• Skin contact feedback that automatically adjusts to your curves

• The Philips Lumea IPL app’s real-time coaching system, which provides audio and visual feedback during treatment - acting like a personal coach to help guide your technique

• Post-treatment tracking to analyse your treatments and monitor progress

With consistent use, the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro can deliver >80% hair reduction, with visible results in as few as two treatments.* This makes it a convenient and reliable way to maintain smoother skin from the comfort of your home.

How to use intense pulsed light hair removal

You now know how does intense pulsed light work - but how do you actually use it for long-term hair removal? With the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro, the process is designed to be simple and easy to follow at home, with the Lumea app acting as a personal coach throughout your treatment.

1. Download and open the Philips Lumea IPL app: Pair your Philips Lumea 9900 Pro with the app via Bluetooth.
2. Prepare your skin: Remove hair from the chosen treatment area before use.
3. Complete a skin test: Before your first treatment, carry out a skin test and use the SmartSkin sensor to help select a comfortable light-intensity setting for your skin tone.
4. Start your treatment session in the app: Switch on the device and begin the session in the Lumea app.
5. Position the device on your skin: Place the Lumea flat against the skin and wait for the “ready to flash” light to appear.
6. Treat the area methodically: Press the flash button and move the device in a straight line using a slide-stop-flash motion to help ensure full coverage.
7. Follow the app’s real-time coaching: During treatment, the app provides audio and visual guidance to help you:

   1. Know where to move next

   2. Reposition the device when needed

   3. Identify when a spot may have been missed

The app talks you through your treatment in real time, helping make each session feel more guided and confident.

8. Review your smart treatment report: After treatment, the app generates a report so you can track progress and use insights from each session to improve your next one.

By following these steps and treating regularly, you can build IPL into a simple, consistent at-home routine.

Does IPL hair removal work?

Does intense pulsed light actually work to remove hair? The answer is a resounding yes.

IPL hair removal is proven to be a safe and effective way to reduce hair growth over time, allowing you to cut down on shaving, waxing, and daily hair removal.² With the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro, you can enjoy smooth skin for up to 5 years**, transforming your at-home grooming routine.

How often should you use IPL?

We recommend using the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro every 2 weeks for the initial 4 treatments. You should see a drastic reduction in hair growth from these sessions alone. After 4 sessions, you’ll only need to carry out minor touch-ups every 4-8 weeks to maintain your smooth skin.

Can you use IPL on sensitive areas?

The Lumea 9900 Pro is an excellent choice for sensitive hair removal, including around your pubic area and face. Choose a precision curved attachment for intimate areas, making it easier to follow your curves for smooth, efficient hair removal. For facial hair removal, opt for the UV filter face attachment to protect your skin from UV light.

Can I use IPL twice a week?

While you can use it twice a week, we generally advise that you use your Philips Lumea 9900 Pro once every 2 weeks for the first 4 treatments. You can view your treatment schedule in the Philips Lumea IPL App, making it easy to track your progress.

Can I use IPL every day?

You shouldn’t use IPL every day. Using your device more often than once every 2 weeks won’t speed up your results, but could lead to irritation, red skin, and pain.¹

Can you wax before IPL at home?

Waxing before IPL is a great way to remove hair before you begin. You should, however, wax the day before your treatment to reduce skin irritation. The same applies to epilation.

How often to use IPL on face

For facial hair removal, follow the standard Lumea 9900 Pro guidance of carrying out IPL every 2 weeks for the first 4 weeks, and every 4-8 weeks thereafter. Use the face attachment for best results.

Can IPL cause more hair growth?

It’s highly unlikely that IPL increases hair growth. One study found that, where unexpected hair growth appeared near the area of hair removal, it wasn’t linked to the use of IPL.³ If you experience odd hair growth, other causes may be responsible.

With the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro, it’s possible to achieve long-term hair reduction at home. Smart guidance features, personalised intensity settings, and support through the Lumea IPL App help you stay consistent with your treatments while giving you confidence throughout your IPL journey. Always remember to follow the recommended treatment schedule so that you can enjoy smoother skin for longer.

Still have a few questions? Read what other women have to say about IPL.

*Median results on legs

**With ongoing monthly touchups following the indicated treatment schedule