Everything about IPL and Laesera

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It is a technology that uses broad light waves to target the melanin (pigment) in your hair. The light is converted into heat, which damages the hair follicle in its growth phase without affecting the surrounding skin.

The result: hair growth gradually slows down. After a number of sessions hairs come back less often and finer, and for many users largely stop returning.

Both work on the basis of light and pigment, but:

• Laser uses one specific wavelength, more concentrated and faster in professional hands
• IPL uses a broader spectrum of wavelengths (for example 510–1200 nm), safer for use at home

At-home IPL devices such as the Nova One offer long-term results comparable to salon IPL, provided you are consistent with your sessions.

The Nova One works with a wavelength range of 510 to 1200 nanometres. This range has been clinically studied as optimal for melanin absorption in hair follicles while sparing the skin.

A built-in filter blocks UV light below 510 nm, so no harmful radiation reaches the skin.

Ice cooling is a built-in cooling function that actively cools your skin to around 10°C during every flash. This does three things:

• Reduces the sensation on the skin, so you feel very little warmth
• Protects the top layer of skin from heat transfer
• Makes a higher intensity possible, for better results without discomfort

Without cooling, IPL on some areas (especially the bikini line and underarms) feels like an elastic band flicking against your skin. With ice cooling you feel very little.

The Nova One has a built-in skin tone sensor that automatically detects your skin type before you flash. Based on that:

• The device adjusts the intensity automatically
• The device blocks the flash if your skin is too dark for safe use

This prevents burns and ensures optimal performance on any skin type within the safe range.

IPL works best on light to light brown skin (Fitzpatrick I to IV). On dark skin (Fitzpatrick V and VI) IPL is not safe: the melanin in the skin absorbs the light, with a risk of burns and pigment changes.

Unsure? Use our Skin Checker for a quick indication. The Nova One also has a built-in skin tone sensor that blocks the flash automatically on unsuitable skin types.

IPL works on melanin (pigment) in the hair. That means:

• Works well: black, dark brown, brown hair
• Works less well: light blonde, red hair
• Does not work: grey, white and bleached blonde hair (no pigment)

Do you have very light hair? Then electrolysis or laser with a specialist is a better option.

We do not recommend IPL during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. There is no scientific evidence that it is harmful, but there are also not enough studies to guarantee safety. On top of that, hormonal changes during these periods can:

• Reduce effectiveness
• Cause pigment changes in the skin

Wait until after the breastfeeding period before starting or resuming.

Yes. The Nova One is designed for both men and women. Areas men commonly treat:

• Chest and stomach
• Back
• Shoulders
• Lower legs

Important: do not use IPL on your beard or on the face below the cheekbones if you are male. The hair follicles there are deeper and stronger. We do not advise men to use IPL on the face.

We recommend IPL from the age of 18. Under 18, hormone levels are still unstable, which makes the effect unpredictable. For teenagers we advise waiting until after puberty for maximum effect.

For under-18s considering IPL for medical reasons, we recommend consulting a dermatologist.

First difference: after 2 to 3 sessions (roughly 3 to 4 weeks). You will notice hair coming back more slowly and feeling finer.

Significant result: after 6 to 8 sessions (8 to 12 weeks). Many people experience 60 to 80% less hair growth by then.

Full result: after 10 to 12 sessions. After that you move on to maintenance (1 session every 4 to 8 weeks).

For the best result:

• First 4 weeks: once a week
• Weeks 5 to 12: once every 2 weeks
• Maintenance after week 12: once every 4 to 8 weeks if needed

Sessions need to be well spaced because IPL only works on hairs in the growth phase, and not all hairs are in that phase at the same time.

Yes, shaving is essential for effective IPL. Here is why:

• Hair above the skin absorbs the light before it reaches the follicle below the surface
• Hair above the skin can also singe, which causes irritation and an unpleasant smell

Do: shave with a razor or trimmer 12 to 24 hours before your session.

Don’t: wax, epilate or use tweezers. These methods pull the hair out along with the follicle, leaving IPL nothing to work on.

IPL delivers long-term hair reduction, not 100% permanent removal. No technology (including salon laser) can fully guarantee that.

After the initial treatment series (10 to 12 sessions):

• Most hairs do not come back
• Remaining hairs are finer and lighter
• 1 maintenance session every 4 to 8 weeks keeps the result in place

Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, hormonal conditions) can trigger new hair growth, even after successful IPL.

Yes, provided you use the device correctly on a suitable skin type. The Nova One is CE certified in line with EU directives for cosmetic devices and has several safety mechanisms:

• Skin tone sensor that blocks unsuitable skin types
• Contact sensor: only flashes when the head is fully on the skin
• UV filter that blocks harmful wavelengths
• Automatic intensity control

Always follow the manual and do not skip sessions.

Never flash on tattoos or moles. The dark pigments absorb a lot of light, with a risk of:

• Burns
• Fading of the tattoo
• Damage to moles

Cover these areas with white medical tape during your session, or avoid them.

Yes, shaving is essential for effective IPL. Here is why:

• Hair above the skin absorbs the light before it reaches the follicle below the surface
• Hair above the skin can also singe, which causes irritation and an unpleasant smell

Do: shave with a razor or trimmer 12 to 24 hours before your session.

Don’t: wax, epilate or use tweezers. These methods pull the hair out along with the follicle, leaving IPL nothing to work on.

Yes, for:

• Treatment around the face (above the cheekbones)
• Sensitive eyes, or if you have any eye complaints

For body areas (legs, underarms) goggles are not strictly necessary because you are not looking into the light, but we still recommend them for maximum safety. The goggles included are CE certified specifically for IPL wavelengths.

Both work on similar principles, but:

• Salon laser: faster per session, higher intensity, trained operator. Cost: 70 to 250 euros per session, 8 to 12 sessions needed. Total: 600 to 3,000 euros.
• IPL at home: at your own pace, in the comfort of home, a one-off investment. Comparable long-term results with consistent use.

For dark skin and very thick hair, laser with a specialist is superior. For 90% of users, IPL at home is an effective and affordable alternative.

Both remove hair temporarily, but the difference is the time horizon:

• Waxing: hair removed for 3 to 6 weeks, then it comes back completely. Painful, with annual costs (40 to 100 euros per area at a salon).
• IPL: an upfront investment, but after the treatment series structurally less hair or none at all. Comfortable thanks to ice cooling.

The question is not which is ‘better’ but ‘better for what’:

• Razor: instant result, but hair grows back within 1 to 3 days. Cost: ongoing.
• Epilator: 2 to 4 weeks hair-free, painful, not suitable for every area.
• IPL: an upfront investment, then structurally less hair for years.

Many users combine the two: shaving daily during the IPL treatment phase, and stopping once hair growth is minimal.

Orders placed before 17:00 on working days are dispatched the same day.

• Netherlands: 1 to 2 working days via PostNL or DHL
• Belgium and Luxembourg: 2 to 4 working days

Shipping is always free. You receive a Track & Trace code by email as soon as your parcel is on its way.

The Nova One comes with a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects. We also have a 60-day money-back promise: not satisfied? Return it and you get the full purchase amount back.

Yes. You have 60 days from the delivery date to try the Nova One. More generous than the statutory 14 days.

Important:

• Register your return via the returns portal
• Send the product back complete, including all accessories and packaging
• Used or unused. No questions asked

Once we receive it, you get your money back within 14 days via the original payment method.

We accept all common Dutch and European payment methods:

• iDEAL
• Klarna (pay later or in 3 instalments)
• PayPal
• Bancontact
• Visa and Mastercard
• Apple Pay and Google Pay

All payments are secured with SSL encryption. Klarna and PayPal also offer buyer protection.

You can reach us in several ways:

• Email: support@laesera.com (usually answered within 1 working day)
• Phone: +31 6 29 95 21 85
• Contact form

For urgent matters (faulty device, order not received) we usually respond the same day.

After every session:

• Wipe the flash window and cooling plate clean with a dry or slightly damp microfibre cloth
• Do not use alcohol, glass cleaner or abrasives, as these can damage the coating
• No water in the charging port or housing

Store the device in the case provided, somewhere dry. Not in direct sunlight.

The Nova One runs on mains power via the EU plug provided, not on an internal battery. That means:

• Constant intensity throughout your whole session
• No running flat mid-session
• No battery replacement needed in future

The 2 metre cable gives plenty of freedom of movement for every area.

Yes, as long as you are within the EU power range. The adapter works on 200V to 240V (standard in the EU).

• US, Canada, Japan (110V to 120V): not without a voltage converter
• UK: plug adapter required (type G)
• Flying: no issue, no lithium battery so no hand luggage restrictions

The case included is travel-friendly and fits in any hand luggage.