What Is IPL Hair Removal? How To Choose A Home Hair Removal Device? Beauty Editor’s First-Hand Review Of The Hottest Laser Hair Removal Treatments

IPL hair removal treatments are gradually fading from the spotlight, as home-use IPL devices are increasingly taking their place.

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What Is IPL Hair Removal? How Does Permanent Optical Hair Removal Work?

IPL hair removal is offered both as an in-clinic optical treatment and as a home-use device. The wavelength of IPL light generally ranges from 600 to 900nm. The optical energy penetrates the skin, generating heat that targets the melanin in hair follicles during the “growth phase.” This damages and shrinks the follicle, cutting off its nutrient supply so hair becomes finer and weaker.

With repeated sessions, hair growth slows down significantly. Once hair count is reduced by around 80%, the effect is considered an acceptable form of permanent optical hair removal.

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Benefits of IPL Hair Removal

• Non-invasive optical treatment that does not damage the skin surface
• Suitable for most people, with fewer restrictions on skin tone or hair colour
• After 10+ sessions, can reduce hair count by 80% and slow hair growth by 90%
• Lower stinging sensation compared to laser — suitable for sensitive skin or those with low pain tolerance
• Almost no downtime after treatment
• Simple pre- and post-treatment care

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Possible Side Effects & Risks

1. Burns or Blisters

Unlike laser, IPL has a wider wavelength range and more dispersed light. The device must be equipped with a proper filter to control wavelength and ensure the light precisely targets melanin in hair follicles without affecting surrounding skin.

If the wrong filter or energy setting is used, burns can occur — and in severe cases, blisters may form.

2. Hyperpigmentation or White Spots

If energy levels are too high or poorly adjusted, darker-skinned individuals may develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (commonly called “darkening”) after IPL. This happens when skin inflammation triggers the immune system to produce excess melanin as a protective response. It usually fades naturally within a few months.

On the other hand, if the skin’s melanin is completely destroyed, permanent white spots (depigmentation) can occur — an irreversible skin injury.

3. Eye Damage

Although rare, IPL can cause serious eye injury if the light enters the eye. Reputable clinics always provide protective goggles for facial treatments. Without protection, IPL could cause permanent vision loss or even blindness.

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Cost of IPL Hair Removal

• In-clinic IPL treatments: HK$800–HK$1,500 per session, with 6–12 sessions per course (price varies by treatment area)
• Home-use IPL devices: HK$1,500–HK$5,000 each

As laser hair removal and advanced home-use devices become more popular, demand for traditional IPL treatments is declining — pushing treatment prices lower to remain competitive.

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Who Should Avoid IPL Hair Removal?

• Pregnant women
• Diabetics
• People with chronic skin conditions such as severe eczema, lupus, rosacea, herpes simplex, keloids, etc.
• Those with certain skin concerns in the treatment area — e.g. pigmentation (especially hormonal spots), vascular lesions, moles, warts, skin tags, or unhealed wounds — should consult a doctor first
• Those taking certain medications such as isotretinoin (Accutane), tetracycline, aspirin, or photosensitising heart medications, as they may increase the risk of burns and pigmentation

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Is IPL Hair Removal Permanent?

Many clinics market IPL and laser hair removal as “permanent,” eliminating the hassle of constant shaving or waxing.

However, as long as some hair follicles remain active, regrowth is possible. Typically, 10+ IPL sessions can reduce hair count by 80% and slow regrowth by 90% — which is considered a “permanent” result in the beauty industry.

Can hair grow back after IPL?

Yes — and the chance is higher with IPL than with laser. If hormones fluctuate significantly (e.g. during pregnancy or menopause), dormant follicles can reactivate. However, regrown hairs are usually finer, shorter, and lighter — often even colourless — and can be easily shaved or treated with a quick top-up session.

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What Does IPL Hair Removal Feel Like? Is It Painful?

IPL uses broad-spectrum light that is less concentrated and lower in intensity than laser. This makes the process slower but gentler on the skin, with minimal discomfort. Many people describe the sensation as a light snap of a rubber band.

Coarse, dark, or dense hair will feel more intense during treatment. Since most consumers prefer faster, more advanced results from laser, IPL technology has lagged behind in cooling systems. To minimise discomfort, some clinics apply cooling gel, use air cooling, or apply ice packs after treatment.

Some IPL machines come with built-in cooling tips or spray a cooling agent before each flash to protect the skin and reduce burn risk.

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The IPL Hair Removal Process

1. Consultation & Skin Analysis

Clinics will first arrange a consultation to assess your skin tone, hair colour, health history, and any medications. Some use special devices for detailed skin analysis.

2. Pre-Treatment Instructions

Before your appointment, you’ll usually be asked to avoid sun exposure, tanning, sunlamps, and high-temperature environments such as saunas or hot springs.

Avoid exfoliation for a few days before treatment. You may also be asked to shave the area 2 days prior, leaving about 2mm of hair for better light absorption.

3. The Treatment

The treatment area is cleansed and disinfected. Cooling gel or other cooling measures are applied if the device lacks a built-in cooling system. After disinfecting the device head, the therapist begins the IPL procedure. Cooling packs or soothing lotion may be applied afterwards.

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Pre- and Post-Care for IPL Hair Removal

Before full-body laser hair removal:

• Avoid any hair removal methods (such as plucking, home-use devices, or depilatory creams) for two weeks before treatment. If the hair is removed from the root, there will be no hair left to absorb the light, which may reduce the effectiveness of IPL hair removal.

• Do not use physical exfoliation (scrubs) on the treatment area, but chemical exfoliation with fruit acids is acceptable.

• Avoid sun exposure, high-temperature environments, tanning, or using sun lamps before treatment. These activities increase melanin in the skin’s surface, raising the risk of burns or hyperpigmentation during the procedure.

• Some laser hair removal clinics require clients to shave the area two days before treatment but leave about 2 mm of hair. Requirements may vary by clinic.

After full-body laser hair removal:

• Avoid using deodorant for one week after treatment.
• Avoid skincare products containing fruit acids, whitening agents, or exfoliating ingredients for a period of time.
• Apply daily sun protection to the face and body; wear a hat, use an umbrella, or wear arm sleeves.
• If your skin feels sensitive afterward, apply a moisturizer to reduce itching and friction.
• Avoid sun exposure and high-temperature environments such as saunas, hot springs, or stone baths.
• Avoid intense exercise, swimming, and heavy sweating.
• Avoid washing your face or bathing with excessively hot water.
• Apply a hydrating body lotion after bathing to prevent dryness.
• Avoid tight clothing to minimize friction on treated skin.

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Home-Use IPL Hair Removal Devices

The full name of IPL is Intense Pulsed Light, so home-use devices are also known as IPL or pulsed light hair removal machines.

For those who find salon IPL treatments expensive, ineffective after 10–20 sessions, or still leaving residual hair, a home-use IPL device may seem appealing. A quality device can last up to 20 years, with over 100 full-body sessions possible. Costing around HKD 2,000–3,000, it can be shared among family members, making it a cost-effective option for many women.

Key points when choosing a home IPL device:

1. Energy Level: Professional IPL machines in clinics operate at 7–22 J/cm², with wavelengths of 600–900 nm. Home devices typically reach only 810 nm and 5–7 J/cm² for safety. The lower energy means more sessions are needed and may only cause temporary hair follicle dormancy—hair can regrow over time.

2. Smart Skin Tone Detection: Not all IPL devices have skin tone sensors. The best devices detect skin color and adjust settings accordingly. IPL generally works best for natural dark blonde, brown, or black hair, and from fair to medium-dark skin tones. Greater contrast between hair and skin color produces better results.

3. Corded or Cordless: Ideally, choose a device that offers both. Fully corded models can be inconvenient for full-body use, while cordless ones may run out of power mid-session, affecting results.

4. Flash Count: High-quality devices can emit 450,000–900,000 flashes, lasting 20–24 years and enabling 140+ full-body sessions. However, longevity does not guarantee effectiveness—results vary based on hair thickness, density, and skin tone.

5. Special Attachments and Modes: Look for devices with attachments for specific areas (face, underarms, bikini line). These should have different curvatures, light window sizes, and filters to ensure optimal comfort and efficiency.

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Salon IPL vs. Home IPL Devices

Salon IPL machines are more powerful, often have larger treatment windows, better cooling systems, and trained professionals to adjust wavelength, energy, and pulse duration for safety and efficiency. They can also target hard-to-reach areas more effectively.

Home devices, however, are more affordable in the long run, can be used frequently, and shared among family members. The downsides: smaller treatment windows, weaker energy, and much longer treatment times—sometimes requiring many more sessions to achieve similar results.

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IPL vs. Laser Hair Removal

1. Number of Sessions

IPL uses a broad-spectrum light source (600–900 nm), while laser uses a focused beam (commonly 1064 nm, 810 nm, or 755 nm). Laser’s concentrated energy hits the hair follicle directly, whereas IPL requires filters to reach the target. IPL often needs 12–20+ sessions for good results; laser can achieve permanent hair reduction in 4–8 sessions.

2. Pain Level

IPL is generally less painful due to its lower energy, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or low pain tolerance. Laser may feel more intense, especially on thick or coarse hair, but modern machines often have cooling systems to reduce discomfort. IPL devices may not always have advanced cooling features.

3. Safety

While many assume IPL is safer because it feels weaker, incorrect settings (wrong wavelength, too short pulse intervals, or too high energy) can still burn surrounding skin, cause blisters, or leave scars. Similarly, laser can also cause burns or hyperpigmentation if performed incorrectly. The key is choosing a reputable clinic with certified technicians and internationally approved machines.

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“Hairy” Beauty Editor’s Pick — Which Hong Kong Laser Hair Removal Clinic? This One Gives You a Free Trial!

If you’ve read this whole article and decided between IPL and laser hair removal — and you’ve chosen laser — then you absolutely can’t miss the Beauty Editor’s recommendation: the Perfect Medical A3 Laser Hair Removal Treatment!

I’ve always been a “hairy girl,” especially on my arms — the hair is so “wild” that I’ve been shaving it since my teens. Every two days I had to shave again, which not only risked cutting my skin but also left dark dots behind… After thorough research, I finally decided on Perfect Medical’s A3 Laser Hair Removal Treatment!

One reason the A3 treatment is so popular is that you can get a free trial session. Just register online and you’ll receive one free laser hair removal experience! I recently went to try the A3 Laser Hair Removal myself — here’s my full process and results.

Why is the A3 Laser Hair Removal Treatment so good?

1. Sapphire Laser Technology — No Hair Left Behind

The A3 uses a wavelength of 808nm, specifically designed for Asian skin tones. Even those with darker skin need not worry about post-treatment hyperpigmentation. The Sapphire laser chip penetrates deep into the hair follicle, targeting hair at the root for permanent removal. Whether coarse or fine, all hairs can be eliminated in just 4–6 sessions.

When I went for my treatment, the therapist explained in detail how the A3 differs from other hair removal systems. Since it’s designed for Asian hair and skin, even someone like me with very thick hair didn’t feel excessive pain or have incomplete results.

2. Dual Cooling System — No Burning Sensation

Worried about pain? Especially for sensitive areas like the bikini line? The A3’s dual cooling system instantly cools the skin, protecting delicate areas and reducing discomfort to near zero — almost painless frozen hair removal!

From my own test, I can honestly say it didn’t hurt at all. The laser device felt slightly cool on my skin, and when the laser fired, I only felt the faintest sensation — far from “pain.” The whole process was comfortable.

3. Large Square Applicator — No Missed Spots

The 10mm x 10mm square applicator covers a large surface area, removing up to 500 hairs per second. This means fewer sessions are needed to achieve permanent results. No dragging out the process, no need to purchase extra treatments.

Many of my friends who’ve done laser hair removal complained that round applicators require multiple passes to cover every spot. The square head of the A3 fits perfectly with each shot, and with the therapist’s careful work, there’s no risk of missing areas.

4. Special Deal — 6 Sessions at the Best Price

Perfect Medical is currently offering a special discount for purchasing 6 sessions of laser hair removal. Click the link below to find out exactly how much the package costs — time-limited offer!