Thinking About IPL Hair Removal? 5 Common Concerns - Answered by the Experts

If you’ve been researching different hair removal options (with the options of shaving or waxing, we don’t blame you). You may have come across IPL hair removal (hi if you’re here!). It’s likely that you have some questions or have heard some common misconceptions or concerns, in this article we’ll break down the top 5 with input from our resident experts on IPL – our team, the very people who brought IPL hair removal to the market and with over 40 years of expertise.

Before you decide whether IPL is right for you, here's what you should know about the five concerns we hear most often - and what the science, technology, and real-world results actually tell us.

1. "At-Home IPL isn't as effective as laser hair removal"

This is probably the most common concern among first-time users. Many people assume that because IPL and laser are different technologies, professional laser treatment must always deliver better results.

The truth

Both IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and laser hair removal have the same goal: interrupt the hair growth cycle and reduce future regrowth. They both work by targeting the melanin within the hair follicle.  

The difference is the way light is generated – with IPL using a broader wavelength of light. This has a few benefits for consumers: 

1. Treats a larger area per flash – making treatment times quicker
2. It’s typically more cost effective with a one-time cost (an average saving of 50% when comparing at-home versions IPL and laser)
3. Devices are typically smaller and lighter, making treatments easier, especially in smaller areas

For many consumers, the question isn't whether IPL is identical to laser. It's whether it can deliver smoother skin, less frequent shaving, and long-term hair reduction from the convenience of home.

For millions of users, the answer is yes.

“Both at-home and salons who offer IPL use the same technology – in office sessions will typically use a higher energy setting – but the end result is the same, if not greater with at-home IPL hair removal.” – Stuart Jones, Director of Development at SmoothSkin

SmoothSkin IPL hair removal devices are backed by over 5500 clinical treatments and are clinically proven to be safe and effective, with:

•   Up to 95% hair reduction after 2 uses¹
• Up to 12 months of smoother skin
•  Trusted by over 6M people worldwide

¹ – With Pure Switch. Tested on legs. Individual results may vary.

2. "IPL hair removal is painful"

For many people, it’s the unknown of what IPL hair removal will feel like. We know what to expect with shaving, waxing and even plucking but with IPL it’s not uncommon to be apprehensive of what that will feel like on the skin, especially on sensitive areas such as the underarm or even bikini line.

Some expect it to feel similar to waxing. Others assume it will feel like professional laser treatments.

The reality

Most users describe IPL as a brief warming sensation. Consumer IPL devices operate at lower energy levels than professional clinic systems, which helps make treatments more comfortable while still delivering effective results.

Our latest IPL hair removal device, Pure Switch has Ice Cooling technology built in offering comfortable treatments, no matter where you treat. Stuart Jones, Director of Development explains “The Sapphire ice block cools the skin, keeping the epidermis (top layers of skin) cool for gentler treatments – even on sensitive areas.”

In recent testing, 98% agreed² a treatment was painless, even on sensitive areas and even said it was gentler to the skin than shaving. 

Other IPL products in our range, including Pure Adapt do not have Ice Cooling technology, however, still give comfortable treatments. With users rating the sensation as a 3/10 – describing it as warm sensation, but not painful.

Both Pure Switch and Pure Adapt have 3 comfort settings which you can adjust for even more comfort. 

To summarize

• 98%2 agree a treatment with Pure Switch is painless even on sensitive areas

• Ice cooling technology continuously cools skin to a comfortable level

• 97%3 agree it was as pain-free as shaving

² – With Pure Switch, in Ice Mode. Tested on legs, underarm, bikini line and VIO.

³ – With Pure Switch, in Ice Mode. Tested on legs, underarm, bikini line and VIO.

3. "IPL isn't safe"

Using a light-based device at home can feel intimidating. It's natural to wonder whether IPL could damage your skin or cause unwanted side effects.

The reality

Modern IPL devices are designed with multiple built-in safety systems. SmoothSkin IPL devices have unrivalled safety features which help to protect your skin and eyes. Including:

• Patented auto skin tone sensor: Our Pure Switch has unique smart skin tone sensing technology which reads your skin at over 80x per second and auto adjusts the best energy output for your skin tone – giving you the safest and most effective treatment every time.
• UV Filter: filters out light, protecting your skin and eyes
• 4-point skin contact sensors: ensure the device will never accidentally flash unless all 4 points are in contact with the skin, for safer and more effective treatments

All SmoothSkin devices are manufactured to the latest eye safety standards, clinically tested for ocular and dermatological safety and are proven to be safe and effective. Due to a combination of all the safety features, this is the reason why safety goggles aren’t required with SmoothSkin devices.

• Over 5500 clinical treatments performed
• Compliant with international regulatory standards and bodies, including the FDA, SFDA, European Medical Device and ICH guidelines.

It’s recommended to check manufacturer recommendations for advice on usage and safety for specific brands. 

4. "IPL won't work for me"

Many consumers worry that their hair type, skin tone, or previous experiences with hair removal mean IPL simply won't be effective.

The reality

IPL works best when there is contrast between the hair and skin because the technology targets pigment within the hair follicle. Darker hair typically responds most effectively because it contains more melanin.

Results can vary based on: 

• Hair color
• Skin tone
• Treatment consistency
• Hair growth cycles

One of the biggest reasons users become disappointed is not because IPL doesn't work, but because they stop treatment before completing the recommended schedule.

Hair grows in cycles, and only hairs in the active growth phase respond effectively to treatment.

Clinically proven results 

Clinically proven to reduce up to 95% of hair in just 2 uses⁴

⁴ – tested on legs with Pure Switch. Individual results may vary.

How to use IPL hair removal, and when you’ll see results

• Use once a week for 12 weeks
• On legs, see up to 95% hair reduction after 2 uses
• After 2-4 uses: hair starts to grow back thinner and finer
• 4-8 uses: Hair growth slows significantly, with patches of no hair growth
• 12 uses: up to 99% hair reduction (on all treatment areas), and up to 12 months of smoother skin

“I have gone from shaving my underarm three times a week to hardly having to do it once and I have been only using the device for 4 weeks. I can’t wait to use on my legs, very easy to use and very cooling, so no discomfort felt when using the device. Would recommend 🙌” – Louise

5. "The results won't last"

Even consumers who believe IPL works often wonder whether the results are temporary, and if the hair will start growing back as soon as you’ve stopped your initial treatment regimen.

The reality

SmoothSkin IPL devices have been tested in clinical trials, lasting over a year and are proven to give up to 12 months of smoother skin.

Similar to laser, maintenance treatments are required to keep hair regrowth at bay, we typically recommend every few months, if you see hair growing back. This may differ by body area, with legs requiring fewer maintenance treatments than underarms for example.

There may be other factors that affect hair regrowth over time, including hormonal changes and pregnancy.  

“My legs have never been smoother—even months after finishing my last treatment.” —Beth, Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan.

Ready for smoother skin? Shop our IPL hair removal devices.