The ultimate at-home IPL hair removal routine

What is IPL hair removal?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. An IPL device sends broad-spectrum light towards pigment in the hair. The absorbed light is converted to heat and affects the hair follicle, helping to reduce regrowth over repeated treatments.¹ Because hairs grow in cycles, one session cannot target every hair at the same stage. IPL therefore requires a series of correctly spaced treatments.¹

In simple terms, IPL gradually encourages less hair to grow back. You can think of it as putting more hairs into a resting state with each correctly timed session.

IPL is not the same as laser hair removal. IPL uses a range of light wavelengths, while laser devices use a more concentrated wavelength.² Suitable skin tones, hair colours, body areas and schedules vary, so follow the instructions for your exact device.

How to follow a step-by-step IPL routine

Complete these steps in order and follow the treatment frequency recommended for your device.

Step 1: Check that IPL is suitable for you

Read the contraindications before treatment. Philips Lumea is intended for naturally dark blonde, brown and black hair on fair to medium-brown skin tones. It is not effective on light blonde, grey, red or white hair and must not be used on dark brown to dark skin tones.¹

This is because IPL needs enough contrast between the pigment in the hair and the surrounding skin. The light needs to be absorbed primarily by the hair rather than the skin.

Do not use Philips Lumea during pregnancy or breastfeeding.³ Some medical conditions, light-sensitive medicines, active skin conditions, recent tanning and certain body areas can also make treatment unsuitable.¹ Check the manual and seek medical advice when needed.

Step 2: Complete a skin test

Test every body area before treating it for the first time. Use the correct attachment, try the recommended settings and wait 24 hours. Continue only if there is no adverse reaction, using the highest tested setting that remained comfortable.

Repeat the test after unprotected sun exposure, a long break or a change in skin tone.

Step 3: Remove hair and clean the skin

Remove all visible hair using a method permitted by your device instructions. If you wax, wait 24 hours before treatment.

Wash and dry the area. Skin should be free from water, oil, lotion, deodorant, make-up and other products.

Step 4: Prepare the device and treatment area

Choose a well-lit room and a position that gives you easy access to the treatment area. Fit the correct attachment and select the comfortable setting identified during the skin test.

Treat areas in a consistent order so you can track coverage. Use IPL on facial areas only where the manual permits and never close to the eyes.

Step 5: Treat the skin evenly

Place the device flat against the skin until it confirms that it has made proper contact. Flash, move to the adjacent area and repeat in a methodical pattern. Overlap neighbouring positions only as instructed.

Do not deliberately flash the same spot more than once. Repeated flashing does not improve performance and may increase the risk of a skin reaction.¹ Stop or lower the intensity if treatment becomes painful.

Step 6: Follow the treatment schedule

For Philips Lumea, the initial phase consists of four treatments at two-week intervals. The touch-up phase then consists of one treatment every four weeks. Treating more often will not accelerate results.

Record each treated area and the next session date. If you miss a treatment, follow the manual rather than doubling the next session.

Step 7: Follow the aftercare instructions

Skin may feel more sensitive after IPL. Follow the aftercare advice for your model and avoid scratching or rubbing the area. Avoid sunbathing, very hot baths and potentially irritating products during the period stated in the manual.

Seek medical advice for an unusual or persistent reaction, such as blistering or scabbing. Let the device cool, then clean and store it as instructed.

How Lumea 9900 Pro guides each treatment

The Philips Lumea 9900 Pro connects to the Philips Lumea IPL app by Bluetooth. Its SenseIQ Pro system combines SmartSkin sensing with real-time app guidance, acting as a personal treatment coach.

Before treatment:

• Download and open the Philips Lumea IPL app.
• Pair the device with your phone.
• Complete the required skin test.
• Use the SmartSkin sensor to help choose a comfortable setting.

The SmartSkin sensor assesses skin tone and recommends a suitable intensity indicator. It also prevents the device from flashing on skin detected as too dark for safe treatment.

During treatment:

• Start the guided session in the app.
• Hold the device flat against the skin.
• Follow the audio prompts and visual cues as you move.
• Use the skin-contact feedback to position the device correctly, including on curves and harder-to-reach areas.
• Follow the motion guidance to support precise, even coverage and reduce the chance of missed areas.

The guidance responds during the session rather than providing instructions only before treatment. It helps the user understand where to move and whether the device is making suitable contact with the skin.

After treatment:

• Follow the skincare and sunlight guidance.
• Clean and store the device.
• Schedule the next session.

Afterwards, the app provides a personalised treatment report and reminders. These features help users track completed sessions, monitor progress and refine their technique over time. The app supports correct use but does not replace the product manual.

How to keep your IPL routine on track

A few simple habits can help you get the most from each treatment:

• Complete the suitability check and skin test.
• Remove visible hair and any product residue before treatment.
• Fit the correct attachment and use a tested, comfortable intensity.
• Move methodically across the treatment area.
• Flash each position only as directed.
• Follow the recommended intervals between treatments.
• Repeat the skin test after tanning or a noticeable change in skin tone.
• Pause or lower the intensity if treatment becomes painful.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an IPL session take?

Treatment time depends on the device and body area. Follow your model’s guidance and prioritise correct contact and even coverage rather than speed.

What should I do if I miss a treatment?

Do not compensate by repeatedly treating the area or shortening the next interval. Follow the missed-treatment instructions for your model.

Should I treat my whole body in one session?

You can treat multiple suitable body areas in the same session. You may also organise different areas around your schedule, provided each one is treated only at the recommended interval and according to the device instructions.

A good IPL routine is simple: prepare the area, treat it methodically, keep to the recommended schedule and follow the aftercare guidance. Repeating the same steps each time can help treatment become a familiar and manageable part of your personal-care routine. Always follow the instructions supplied with your exact device, as settings, suitable areas and precautions vary by model.