Is IPL suitable for your skin type?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is an effective method of hair removal, but not every skin type responds to it in the same way. The Fitzpatrick scale helps determine which skin types are suitable for IPL sessions.
The Fitzpatrick skin type scale
The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin types based on their response to UV light. Work out your skin type below to see whether IPL hair removal is suitable for you.
UV reaction
Always burns, barely tans
UV reaction
Burns quickly, tans lightly or barely at all
UV reaction
Burns moderately to rarely, tans slowly
UV reaction
Rarely burns, tans easily
UV reaction
Rarely burns, dark pigment
UV reaction
Never burns, very dark pigment
Does IPL work for you?
Choose your skin tone and hair colour and find out straight away whether IPL is suitable for your situation.
Everything about IPL and how it works
Which skin type is not suitable for IPL?
Skin type V (dark) is suitable for IPL only to a limited extent: at the lowest levels (1–2), with a patch test beforehand and a gradual build-up, which makes it take longer. Skin type VI (very dark) is not suitable, as the skin absorbs too much light energy, with too high a risk of burns and pigment changes. For skin type VI, professional laser hair removal is a safer alternative.
Does IPL work on blonde, red, grey or white hair?
Red, grey and white hair contain too little melanin (pigment) for effective IPL treatment. The light needs melanin to reach and deactivate the hair root. Blonde hair contains limited melanin, so IPL can work, but results are slower and less complete than with dark hair. On light brown to black hair IPL works most effectively. Read more about IPL on blonde, red and grey hair.
What is the Fitzpatrick scale?
The Fitzpatrick scale is a dermatological classification that groups skin types from I (very light) to VI (very dark), based on natural skin colour and the response to UV light. The scale was developed in 1975 by dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick and is used worldwide to determine which skin and light treatments are safe for each skin type, including IPL.
How do I work out my skin type for IPL?
Your skin type is determined by two factors: your natural skin colour and how your skin responds to sun exposure. If you always burn and never tan, you probably have skin type I or II. If you tan easily without burning, you are closer to type III or IV. Use the quiz at the top of this page for a personal assessment including a recommended intensity level.
Is IPL safe on dark skin?
IPL is suitable for skin types I to IV (very light to medium-dark), provided you treat at the right energy level. The darker the skin, the more important a low starting intensity: with skin type IV you start at level 1–2 and build up slowly. The Nova One has a built-in skin sensor that recognises your skin tone and caps the maximum intensity automatically, so you treat safely. Skin type V calls for extra caution, only at the lowest levels and with a patch test beforehand, which makes the treatment period longer. For skin type VI, IPL is not suitable because of the risk of skin damage.