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What Is IPL Hair Removal and How Does It Work?

What Is IPL Hair Removal and How Does It Work?

by Syed Hassaan Mazhar in IPL Devices

We have seen the same questions come up repeatedly from women across Pakistan. Does it actually work? Is it painful? Why is my hair not falling out after the first session? This article answers all of it clearly, so you know exactly what to expect before you invest in a device.

What IPL Actually Means

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It is a light-based technology that targets the pigment (melanin) inside each hair follicle. When the light hits the follicle, it converts to heat. That heat damages the follicle and disrupts its ability to grow new hair.

This is different from shaving or waxing, which only remove hair at the surface or root temporarily. IPL works at the follicle level, which is why the results last significantly longer.

It is also different from a laser. Laser uses a single, precise wavelength of light. IPL uses a broader spectrum. This makes IPL more suitable for at-home use because it is gentler, covers larger areas faster, and carries less risk of skin damage when used correctly.

Is IPL Hair Removal Permanent?

This is the most common question, and the honest answer is: not completely, but close enough to matter.

The FDA defines a treatment as delivering permanent results if it causes a significant long-term decrease in hair regrowth. IPL meets that definition. Most users see 70 to 90% reduction in hair growth after a full course of sessions. Some hair may return over time, particularly in hormonally active areas like the face or chin, but it grows back finer and sparser than before.

The correct term is permanent hair reduction, not permanent hair removal. For the overwhelming majority of users, the difference in daily life is significant. No more monthly waxing appointments, no more razor bumps, and no more regrowth within days.

How Many Sessions Does It Take?

IPL works in cycles because hair grows in phases. Not all follicles are active at the same time, which is why a single session cannot treat everything at once.

Based on clinical evidence and consistent user experience:

Phase

Timeline

What Happened
Sessions 1 to 4 Weeks 1 to 8, weekly Hair grows back slower, finer, less dense
Sessions 5 to 8 Weeks 8 to 12, weekly 70% or more reduction visible, patches clearing
Maintenance Every 2 to 3 months Sustains results, catches new follicle cycles

 

Visible results typically appear after 3 to 4 sessions. Most users reach significant clearance by weeks 8 to 12. An important thing to understand: hair does not fall out immediately after a session. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for the treated hair to shed. This is normal. The follicle has been damaged but the hair shaft still needs time to release. What looks like new growth in the first week after a session is almost always treated hair working its way out. 

Who Does IPL Work For?

IPL works best for women with light to medium skin tones and dark hair. This is because the light targets melanin contrast, and the greater the difference between skin and hair colour, the more precisely the light can target the follicle without affecting the surrounding skin.

IPL works well for:

  • Light to medium (wheatish) skin tones with dark hair

  • Legs, underarms, arms, bikini line, upper lip, chin, and back

  • Women with PCOS are experiencing excess hair growth

  • Anyone replacing a monthly waxing or threading routine

IPL is less effective for:

  • Very dark skin tones, as the light may target skin pigment rather than hair pigment

  • Blonde, red, grey, or white hair, which lacks the melanin IPL needs to work on

  • Very fine, light-coloured facial hair

If your skin tone is medium brown to dark, start on the lowest intensity setting and do a patch test on a small area 24 hours before your first full session. The Cooling V3 IPL device includes ice-cool technology specifically designed to protect the skin surface during treatment, making it more suitable for sensitive and medium-toned skin.

How to Use an IPL Device at Home

Step 1: Shave 24 hours before your session. 

Do not wax, thread, or pluck before IPL. IPL needs the hair root to be present inside the follicle to work. Shaving removes the surface hair while leaving the root intact, which is exactly what you need. Waxing removes the root entirely, leaving nothing for the light to target.

Step 2: Clean and dry the skin.

No creams, oils, or deodorant on the treatment area. Clean skin allows the light to penetrate without interference.

Step 3: Choose your intensity level.

Start at level 1 or 2 for your first session, especially on sensitive areas like the bikini line or face. The Classic V2 IPL device has 5 adjustable intensity levels and a smart skin sensor that reads your skin tone and recommends the appropriate setting automatically.

Step 4: Use auto mode for large areas, manual mode for small ones.

Auto mode flashes continuously as you glide, making it efficient for legs and arms. Manual mode gives you control for the underarms, upper lip, and bikini line.

Step 5: Apply consistently, every week for 8 to 12 weeks.

Consistency is what determines results. Missing sessions extends your timeline. Treat every area once per week during the initial course.

IPL vs Waxing: The Honest Comparison

Many women in Pakistan have used waxing their whole lives. Here is how IPL compares directly.

Factor

IPL

Waxing

Pain level

Warm sensation, low to mild

Moderate to high, pulling sensation

Result duration

Months to years

2 to 4 weeks

Cost over time

One-time device investment

Recurring monthly cost

Skin irritation

Temporary redness, fades in hours

Ingrown hairs, pigmentation risk

Can I do it at home?

Yes, safely

Possible but messy

Works on all hair colours?

Dark hair only

All hair colours

 

One important note: you cannot wax between IPL sessions. Waxing removes the root that IPL needs to target. During your IPL course, shaving is the only acceptable method of managing hair between sessions. Women who have been waxing for years often see slightly slower initial results because long-term waxing can weaken follicles inconsistently, but IPL still works effectively.

Which MomDaughts IPL Device Is Right for You

Three devices are available depending on your needs and budget.

The Initia Mini V1 is compact and travel-friendly, ideal for targeted areas and first-time users who want to start with a smaller commitment.

The Initia Classic V2 is the most popular choice for full-body use. It has 5 intensity levels, auto and manual modes, a smart skin sensor, and up to 999,999 flashes, enough for years of full-body sessions.

The Initia Cooling V3 adds ice-cool technology for a more comfortable experience on sensitive skin, plus skin rejuvenation and acne care functions in a single device.

All three devices are FDA-cleared for safe at-home use. For any device you order directly from the website, the warranty policy and cashback programme apply, neither of which is available through third-party sellers.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Once per cycle, at the end of your period before storing. During the cycle, rinsing and washing with mild soap after each removal is sufficient. Sterilizing after every single use is not necessary and does not improve safety.

Yes, a dedicated clean pot is suitable. Many women prefer using a collapsible sterilizer cup to keep the process separate from general kitchen use and to prevent the cup from touching the hot pot base.

A mild, fragrance-free, pH-neutral soap. Avoid antibacterial soaps, scented soaps, oil-based cleaners, and anything not designed for sensitive use. When in doubt, a small amount of plain, unscented hand soap is acceptable.

Persistent odour usually means the silicone has absorbed residue from the wrong cleaning products, or that the cup has not been fully sterilized between cycles. Boil the cup fully for 5 minutes and allow to dry completely. If the odour persists, the silicone may have degraded and replacement is advisable.

Leave the lid slightly open, not fully sealed, during microwave sterilization. A sealed lid prevents steam from escaping, causes pressure build-up, and can result in the water overflowing or the lid popping off when hot.

Fill the cup with water, place your palm flat over the opening, and squeeze gently. The pressure forces water through the holes, clearing any blockage. A soft toothbrush kept specifically for this purpose can also clean the holes directly.
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