In this guide 6 sections
Home IPL is generally safe when it is used on the right skin and hair, with the protective glasses, and as instructed. Most problems happen when people use it on skin it does not suit, skip the patch test or flash too high too soon.
Skin-tone and hair-colour chart
| Skin | Dark brown / black hair | Light brown hair | White, grey, blonde, red hair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Suitable | May work less well | Not suitable |
| Wheatish / light brown | Suitable — patch-test | May work less well | Not suitable |
| Medium brown | Lowest levels only, after a patch test | Usually not worth it | Not suitable |
| Very dark brown / black | Not suitable | Not suitable | Not suitable |
IPL works on the contrast between dark hair and lighter skin. If your skin is very dark, choose an epilator or waxing instead.
Common, mild side effects
- Warmth and redness for a few hours — like mild sunburn.
- A tingling or snapping feeling during flashes.
- Dryness — use a gentle moisturiser.
Less common — stop and rest the skin if you notice
- Blisters, burns or crusting.
- Darker or lighter patches of skin.
- Swelling that does not settle within a day.
If any of these happen, stop using the device on that area and see a doctor.
Who should not use IPL
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Anyone using medicine or creams that make skin sensitive to light — ask your doctor.
- People with skin conditions, active infections or a history of keloids in the area.
- Never on tattoos, moles, dark spots, lips, around the eyes or on sunburnt skin.
Safe-use checklist
- Do a patch test at the lowest level and wait 24–48 hours.
- Shave the area first — never wax or epilate between sessions.
- Always wear the protective glasses; never look at the flash.
- Start low and raise the level slowly over sessions.
- Avoid sun before and after; use sunscreen on treated areas.
- Keep the device away from children.
Is it permanent?
No home device can promise permanent removal. With regular sessions, many users see hair grow back slower, finer and less, and keep results with touch-ups. Results differ from person to person.
Our IPL devices — the IPL handset and the premium LCD device — both include protective glasses. Browse all IPL devices.
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