IPL treatment schedule
A consistent schedule is the difference between getting a result and not. On this page you will find the full treatment schedule for the Laesera Nova One IPL, from your first session to the maintenance phase. For each phase: how often, which intensity, and what to expect. Clinically grounded: this schedule is based on the official Nova One manual and aligns with the clinical user test in which more than 80% less hair was observed after 7 weeks.
The IPL treatment schedule in 4 phases
A structured schedule for visible results. Follow the phases in order and adjust frequency based on your skin response and hair growth.
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Fase 1 Build-upWeek 1–6
Wat je merkt
First 2–3 weeks: hair growth still visible (hairs in the resting phase). From week 3–4: a slight reduction becomes noticeable.
Praktische uitvoering per sessie
- Shave the area to be treated (ideally 2 hours before your session or the day before)
- Clean and dry the skin, no cream, deodorant or make-up
- Always start at intensity 1 and build up gradually
- Treat each area once, fully. Optionally 2–3 times in a row on the same area, provided no redness or irritation develops
- Switch between the standard head and precision head per area
Belangrijk.Never flash several times in a row on exactly the same spot, as this can cause overheating and skin burns.
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Fase 2 ReduceWeek 7–12
Wat je merkt
Considerable reduction in hair density. Remaining hairs become lighter and finer.
After roughly 7 weeks of consistent use, over 80% less hair is observed in many users, as established in the clinical test. Results vary by person, skin type and hair colour.
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Fase 3 Evening outAfter 12 weeks
Wat je merkt
Considerably less hair than at the start. Remaining hairs are finer and lighter in colour.
One session per area is usually enough. Only treat the same area twice if you genuinely notice stubborn regrowth.
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Fase 4 MaintenanceLong-lasting
Wat je merkt
How often you need to treat during the maintenance phase varies by person and area. Some users treat monthly, others only when they notice regrowth.
Results vary by person, skin type and hair colour. If in doubt, always consult the user manual.
Schedule per area
Legs
- Time per session: ~20 min per leg
- Intensity: start at 2, build up to 4–5
Underarms
- Time per session: ~5 min for both underarms
- Intensity: start at 2, build up to 3–4
- Standard head in the middle first, then precision head on the edges
Bikini line
- Time per session: ~10 min
- Intensity: start at 1–2 (sensitive area), max 3
- Standard + precision head combined
Face (below the cheekbones)
- Time per session: ~5 min
- Intensity: always 1–2, wear the safety goggles provided
Arms
- Time per session: ~10 min for both arms
- Intensity: start at 2, build up to 4
Back & chest
- Time per session: ~15-20 min
- Intensity: start at 2, build up to 4
- Ask for help if you need it
Aftercare per session
The right care after every IPL session speeds up recovery and prevents skin irritation.
Straight after your session
- Cool the skin with a cool pack or aloe vera gel
- Hydrate with a soothing cream
Avoid
- Direct sunlight (use SPF 30+, or preferably 50+)
- Sauna, steam room, hot showers
- Intensive exercise and sweating
- Scrubs, peels, retinol or acids
When to consult a doctor
- Redness or swelling lasting longer than 72 hours
- Blisters or burns
- Pigment changes that do not fade on their own
Unsure about how your skin is reacting? Stop using it for the time being and consult a skin therapist or your doctor.
All about IPL treatments
What happens if I miss a week of my treatment schedule?
Missing a single week has limited effect on your end result. Simply pick your schedule back up where you left off; do not double up sessions to catch up, as this does not improve the result and increases the risk of skin irritation. If you miss several weeks in a row, hairs can grow back undisturbed to full strength. In that case start again at phase 1 (weeks 1–6) to catch all hairs in their growth phase. More background on how IPL works can be found in the IPL hair removal guide.
Why do I have to treat for 12 weeks, can it not be quicker?
IPL only works on hairs in the active growth phase (anagen phase). At any given moment only 20–30% of your hairs are in this phase; the rest are resting and do not respond to treatment. A 12-week schedule ensures you catch every hair growth cycle at least once. Treating more often than 2–3 times a week does not speed this up, as the hairs have to enter the growth phase themselves before IPL has any effect. The Laesera Nova One IPL is matched to this rhythm.
Can I treat different areas on different days?
Yes. You do not have to do every area in one session. Many users split it up: legs on Monday, underarms and bikini line on Wednesday, face on Friday, for example. What matters is that you keep to the schedule per area (2–3 times a week in phase 1) and use the right interchangeable attachment: standard for large areas, precision for sensitive ones. Keep a log to track when you treated which area; especially handy in phases 2 and 3 when the frequency drops.
How does the skin sensor work together with the ice cooling?
The two technologies complement each other. The skin sensor determines the right intensity for your skin tone; the ice cooling makes sure the session stays comfortable at that intensity. Together they make it possible to treat effectively without compromising on safety or comfort.
What if I still see hair growth after 12 weeks?
Remaining hair growth after 12 weeks is normal and no sign that the treatment is not working. The clinical test observed >80% less hair after 7 weeks, which means a minority of hairs remain. These hairs are usually finer and lighter in colour. Move on to the maintenance phase (1–2 times a month). For extra comfort during treatment, the Nova One’s ice cooling also works in this phase, which is especially useful on sensitive areas where remaining hair growth sits, such as the bikini line.
Can I keep to my schedule while on holiday or over the summer?
Not recommended on tanned or sunburnt skin. Treating tanned skin can lead to pigment changes, burns or blisters. Rule of thumb: pause for at least 2 weeks before and after sun exposure, and always use SPF 30+ between sessions. The skin sensor blocks automatically on a skin tone that is too dark, but this is no substitute for your own caution. Straight after every session it is important to soothe the skin properly with aloe vera gel. Ideally plan your IPL course for the autumn or winter months.
