How does IPL hair removal work?
How light transforms your skin: IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) sends controlled light pulses through your skin. The pigment in the hair root absorbs the light and converts it into heat, disrupting the growth cycle.
Phase 1
The light pulse
The device sends a controlled flash of light (510–1200 nm) through the skin surface. The epidermis lets the light through, and it travels unhindered to deeper layers.
Phase 2
Heat at the root
The melanin in the hair root absorbs the light energy and converts it into heat. The follicle is heated to the point where the growth cycle is disrupted.
Phase 3
Gradual results
After several sessions the follicle produces finer and lighter hair, until growth largely stops. Most users see results within 4–8 weeks.
Why you need several sessions
Every hair on your body goes through three growth phases: anagen (active growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (resting). IPL only works on hairs in the anagen phase, because that is when melanin is most strongly connected to the hair root.
Because only 20–30% of your hair is in this phase at any one time, several sessions are needed to reach every follicle in the right phase. Treating every two weeks means you reach the vast majority of your follicles after 4–8 weeks.
Anagen
Active growth
Maximum melanin, where IPL is most effective
Catagen
Transition
Hair detaches from the root, less responsive to light
Telogen
Resting phase
No connection to the follicle, so IPL has no effect here
Only 20–30% of your body hair is in the anagen phase at any one time
That is why every session matters, and why the Nova One has built-in technology that makes every flash as effective and safe as possible.
Every session counts, which is why the Nova One combines two technologies that make sure every flash is both safe and effective.
Fitzpatrick I – V
Automatic adjustment to your skin tone
Before every flash is delivered, the built-in sensor scans your skin tone. The intensity is adjusted automatically, so you always get a safe and effective session, whatever the area.
Built-in ice cooling for virtually pain-free sessions
While the light reaches the hair root, the contact surface cools your skin to 3°C. You feel very little, even on sensitive areas such as the upper lip, bikini line or underarms.
One device, two heads
Swap attachments in one click; the Nova One adapts to the area.
Standard head
For large areas such as legs, arms, back and stomach. The larger light window treats faster and more efficiently.
Precision head
Designed for narrow, sensitive areas. The smaller light window offers maximum precision with the same ice cooling.
Patented interchangeable design (CN Patent No. ZL 2022 2 2654988.6)
More questions about IPL
Does IPL hurt?
The Nova One uses built-in ice cooling that actively cools the skin surface during every flash. Most users describe the session as virtually pain-free, comparable to a light elastic band against the skin.
How quickly will I see results with IPL?
For the first 4 weeks you treat every other week. After around 6–8 sessions most users notice visibly less hair growth. After that, a monthly maintenance session is enough. Results vary by skin type and body area. See the treatment schedule here.
Does IPL work on every skin tone?
The built-in skin sensor measures your skin tone before every flash and adjusts the intensity automatically, for a safe session. IPL works best on lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–IV) with dark hair. On very dark skin, and on blonde, red, grey or white hair, the effect is limited to absent because there is too little pigment. Check here whether your skin is suitable.
How often should I do an IPL session?
Start with a session every other week for 8 weeks (4 sessions). After that, once a month as maintenance. One session takes 10–30 minutes depending on the treatment area. See which areas you can treat with the available attachments. See the treatment schedule here.
What is the difference between IPL and laser?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses a broad light spectrum; laser uses a single wavelength. In practice the results for home use are comparable, but IPL treats larger areas faster. The ice cooling in the Nova One makes the session more comfortable than most laser devices.
Want to know more about IPL?