Unwanted hair growth is a recurring problem for many. Shaving offers only a temporary solution, waxing is painful and depilatory creams often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin. But what if there was a method that not only removes the visible hairs, but also prevents them from coming back in the first place?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal offers just that: an advanced method that targets hair growth at the root. But how exactly does it work? And why is IPL a more effective and sustainable solution than traditional hair removal methods? In this blog, we dive deeper into the dermatological workings of IPL and explain why it is the future of hair removal.
How does hair growth actually work?
To understand how IPL works, we first need to look at the growth cycle of hair. Hair grows in three phases:
Anagen phase (Growth phase)
This is the active phase where the hair grows and is connected to the hair follicle
Catagen phase (Transitional phase)
The hair stops growing and begins to detach from the root
Telogen phase (Resting phase)
The hair falls out and the hair follicle remains inactive until a new growth cycle begins
Most hair removal methods only tackle the visible hair, but do not affect the hair root or the growth cycle. As a result, the hair keeps coming back, and you have to keep depilating.
What exactly does IPL do to the hair follicles?
IPL works by means of pulsed light, which penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. This light is converted into heat, which then:
Damages the hair follicles in the anagen phase
Preventing them from producing new hairs
Disrupts the growth cycle
Eventually preventing hairs in the transitional and resting phase from coming back
Selectively acts on pigmented hairs
Without causing damage to surrounding skin tissue
Over time, more and more hair follicles become inactive, reducing and eventually stopping hair growth.
Why does IPL work better than other hair removal methods?
Whereas shaving only removes the top of the hair shaft and waxing pulls out the hair strand, IPL destroys the hair root itself. This means no new hair growth occurs in that spot.
Because IPL eliminates the hair follicles, after a full treatment cycle you only need to do occasional maintenance treatments. Unlike shaving and waxing, where you have to start all over again after a few days/weeks.
Waxing can irritate the skin and even cause minor damage. Razor blades can cause cuts and ingrown hairs. IPL, on the other hand, works without direct contact with the skin and leaves no damage or irritation.
Thanks to modern technologies, such as the CSC IPL Ice Laser, you can now easily do the same treatments that used to be done only in a clinic at home.
How long does it take for IPL to work permanently?
Because IPL is only effective on hairs in the anagen phase, it takes several treatments to reach all hairs. The average IPL treatment cycle is as follows:
Week 1-4: Weekly treatments. You will notice that some hairs are less likely to return
Week 5-8: Hair growth slows down significantly, and some areas remain completely hair-free
Week 8-12: Most hair follicles are eliminated. Very light hair still returns in some places
Maintenance: A short treatment once every few months to address any remaining hair
Who is IPL suitable for?
IPL works best on people with light to medium skin types and darker hair colour, as the light is absorbed by melanin. People with very light, grey or red hair may experience less effect, as these hair colours contain less melanin.