IPL Hair Removal
Reduce unwanted hair and enjoy smoother-looking skin with professional IPL hair removal at Clinic 360.
Procedure:
IPL Hair Removal
Treament Areas:
Intense Pulsed Light Hair Reduction
Starting Cost:
$135-$200/session
Best For:
Reducing unwanted dark hair on the face and body
Treatment Areas:
Face, underarms, arms, legs, bikini area, back, chest, and other suitable areas
Results:
Gradual reduction in the amount, thickness, and visibility of treated hair
Treatment Time:
15-60 MINUTES
Downtime:
Minimal to none
Recommended Sessions:
Typically 6–8 sessions
Maintenance Recommended:
Usually 1–2 sessions/year
Am I a Good Candidate for IPL Hair Removal?
IPL hair removal is generally most effective on hair containing noticeable pigment, particularly dark hair. Blonde, grey, white, and some red hair may not absorb enough light to respond effectively.
The treatment may be suitable for a range of skin tones when the device and settings are selected appropriately. However, recently tanned skin and certain darker skin tones may have a greater risk of burns or pigmentation changes with some IPL systems. Your provider will examine your skin and hair before recommending treatment.
IPL may need to be postponed if you have an active infection, open wound, significant irritation, recent sun exposure, or another condition affecting the treatment area.
What to Expect During
How it Works
What to Expect After
Cost
Benefits
FAQs
What Is IPL Hair Removal?
IPL hair removal uses intense pulsed light to target the pigment within unwanted hair. The absorbed light creates heat that damages the hair follicle, helping slow future growth.
Because hair grows in different cycles, IPL cannot treat every follicle during one appointment. A series of treatments is typically required to target more hairs while they are in an active growth phase. Results vary, and IPL is more accurately described as long-term hair reduction rather than guaranteed permanent hair removal.
Benefits of IPL Hair Removal
Long-Lasting Hair Reduction
Treats Multiple Areas
Quick and Convenient
Personalized Treatment Settings
Reduces Frequent Hair Removal
How Does IPL Hair Removal Work?
IPL emits controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light into the treatment area. Pigment within the hair absorbs the light, which is converted into heat and directed toward the follicle.
The treatment is most effective when the hair is in its active growth phase. Since individual hairs enter this phase at different times, appointments are spaced apart to gradually treat multiple growth cycles.
Hair may continue to appear immediately after treatment but can begin shedding over the following days or weeks. With each session, patients may notice slower regrowth and finer, less visible hair.
What to Expect During Your Skin Tightening & Cellulite Reduction Treatment
How to Prepare for IPL Hair Removal
Before your treatment, you may be asked to:
- Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed treatment areas
- Avoid waxing, plucking, threading, or electrolysis
- Shave the treatment area as directed
- Avoid applying deodorant, lotion, perfume, or makeup to the area on treatment day
- Tell your provider about medications, supplements, and skincare products you use
Avoiding waxing and plucking is important because the follicle must remain present beneath the skin for the light energy to target it. Sun protection also helps reduce the risk of unwanted skin reactions.
What to Expect After Treatment
Some patients experience temporary redness, warmth, mild swelling, or sensitivity around the treated follicles. These effects generally settle within several hours to a few days.
Treated hairs may appear to continue growing before gradually shedding. Avoid pulling or plucking them. Gentle cleansing and shaving may usually be resumed according to your provider’s instructions.
Protect the treated area from direct sun exposure and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoid hot baths, saunas, intense exercise, and irritating skincare products for the period recommended by your provider.
How Many IPL Hair Removal Sessions Will I Need?
IPL hair removal requires a series of treatments because only hairs in an active growth phase respond effectively during each session.
The number of sessions varies according to:
- Treatment area
- Hair colour and thickness
- Skin tone
- Hormonal influences
- Individual hair-growth cycle
- Response to previous treatments
Many patients require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart. Some hair may eventually regrow, particularly when growth is influenced by hormones, so maintenance treatments may be recommended.
Ready for Smoother-Looking Skin?
Learn whether IPL hair removal is suitable for your skin, hair, and treatment goals. Book a complimentary consultation at Clinic 360 to receive a personalized treatment recommendation.
Before & After
Explore real patient transformations and before-and-after results from non-surgical procedures at Clinic 360.
How Much Does IPL Hair Removal Cost?
Pricing is based on the size of the treatment area, starting from $50 (extra small areas) - $250 ( extra large) per session. Package options are also available.
Please visit our Cost page for a complete list of treatment areas and current pricing.
IPL hair removal FAQs
Is IPL hair removal permanent?
IPL is best described as providing long-term hair reduction. It may significantly reduce the amount and thickness of treated hair, but it cannot guarantee that every hair will be permanently removed. Maintenance sessions may be needed.
Is IPL the same as laser hair removal?
No. Laser hair removal uses a concentrated wavelength of laser light, while IPL uses a broader range of light wavelengths. Both treatments work by targeting pigment within the hair, but their technology, suitability, and treatment settings differ.
Does IPL hair removal hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as brief warmth or a light snap against the skin. Comfort varies according to the treatment area, hair thickness, and individual sensitivity.
Should I shave before my appointment?
Yes, you may be instructed to shave the treatment area before your session. Do not wax, pluck, or thread the hair because these methods remove the follicle that the IPL treatment needs to target.
Can I wax between IPL sessions?
Waxing and plucking should generally be avoided during the treatment series. Shaving is usually the recommended method for managing regrowth between appointments.
Does IPL work on blonde or grey hair?
IPL depends on pigment within the hair to absorb light energy. Very light blonde, grey, white, and some red hair may not contain enough pigment to respond effectively.
Can IPL treat ingrown hairs?
By reducing future hair growth, IPL may help decrease the frequency of shaving-related irritation and ingrown hairs. It should not be performed directly over an active infection or severely inflamed area.
Can IPL be performed on tanned skin?
Treatment may need to be postponed if your skin is recently tanned. Increased pigment in the skin can absorb more light energy and raise the risk of burns or unwanted pigmentation changes.
Is there downtime after IPL hair removal?
Downtime is generally minimal. Some temporary redness, warmth, or sensitivity may occur, but most patients can return to their regular routine soon after treatment.