IPL Knowledge Base
Everything you want to know about at-home IPL hair removal
From efficacy and safety to skin types, treatment areas, and aftercare. Whether you're considering starting with IPL or already have experience, in this knowledge base, you'll find substantiated information to make informed choices.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) reduces hair growth through light pulses that are absorbed by melanin in the hair follicle. With regular home use, most users experience visibly less regrowth after 4–8 weeks. Results vary depending on skin tone, hair color, and treatment area, which is why we have categorized the information below so you can quickly find what is relevant to your situation.
IPL: basics & how it works
Treatment areas & skin types
Not every zone reacts the same to IPL. Legs and arms can be treated quickly over a large area, but the bikini line and upper lip require lower intensity and more precision. Additionally, your skin and hair combination plays a role: dark hair on lighter skin yields the strongest results, while with a medium skin tone, the correct intensity adjustment makes all the difference.
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BIKINI LINE
IPL bikini line: treating at home
Intensity, preparation and what to expect -
FACE
IPL face and upper lip
Safely treating small, delicate areas -
SKIN TYPES
Suitable for your skin and hair?
Which combinations work and which don't -
Skin Sensor Technology
How the sensor adjusts intensity to your skin tone
Preparation & routine
How to prepare for IPL at home
Discover the essential steps to optimally prepare your skin for your IPL treatment.
Safety & aftercare
Most IPL side effects are mild and temporary, such as slight redness or warmth that disappears within a few hours. Proper preparation and aftercare reduce the risk of irritation and improve your results. Avoid the sun before and after a treatment, and use a soothing, fragrance-free gel to help the skin recover.
Compare & choose
Choosing an IPL device is easier if you know what to look for...
Hair removal: shaving, waxing or IPL?
Pain, cost, result, and skin-friendliness compared per method
View comparisonTechnology
The Laesera Nova One is the only IPL device that combines ice cooling with interchangeable attachments...
Ice cooling
Actively cools skin during each flash
Dermal sensor
Adjusts intensity to your skin
Attachments
Replace the lamp head, not the device
Experiences
Veelgestelde vragen
Is at-home IPL hair removal as effective as in a salon?
The operating principle is the same: light pulses that put hair follicles into a resting phase. Salon devices have a higher power, which can sometimes lead to faster visible results, but clinical studies show that home devices, with consistent use, provide comparable long-term results. The main difference is regularity; in a salon, you depend on appointments, at home, you determine your own schedule. Read more in the IPL Hair Removal Guide.
Can I combine IPL with shaving or waxing?
Shaving is allowed and even recommended: shave the area 12–24 hours before your IPL treatment so that the light reaches the hair follicle directly. Waxing and epilating are not allowed; these methods pull the hair follicle out of the skin, leaving no pigment to absorb the light. After an IPL treatment, you can shave in between sessions, but avoid waxing until you have completed the full treatment cycle.
How often should I get a maintenance treatment?
After the initial treatment period of 8–12 weeks, a maintenance treatment every 4–8 weeks is sufficient for most users, depending on your hair growth and hormone balance. Some areas, such as the upper lip, may require more frequent maintenance than legs or arms. You'll notice it yourself: if slight regrowth becomes visible, it's time for a session. Stopping completely can lead to hair growth gradually returning after a few months.
Is IPL hair removal suitable for men?
Yes. IPL works based on hair pigment, not gender. Men mainly use IPL on the back, chest, shoulders, and nape of the neck. Please note that male body hair is often thicker and denser, which may require more sessions than average. The face below the cheekbone line (jawline, nape) is treatable, but the beard area itself is not recommended due to high hair density and pigment concentration.
How many sessions do I need for lasting results?
Most users need 8–12 weekly sessions for a visible 70–90% reduction in hair growth. This is because hair grows in cycles, and only hairs in the active growth phase respond to IPL. After the initial cycle, you maintain the results with occasional maintenance sessions. Factors such as hair color, skin tone, and hormones influence the exact number. The Nova One's skin sensor helps determine the correct intensity for your combination.
Can I use the Nova One all year round?
Yes, provided you avoid direct UV exposure around treatments. Do not use the Nova One on tanned or sun-damaged skin; wait at least 2 weeks after intense sun exposure. After treatment, your skin is more sensitive: avoid direct sun for at least 48 hours and use a high SPF. IPL is most ideal in the winter months because the skin is lighter and you encounter less sun. However, with the right precautions, you can treat all year round.
Nog vragen over IPL?
Do you still have questions about IPL hair removal, skin types, or using an IPL device after reading the guide? Please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you.