Does hair fall out in IPL?

Author: Oscar Baumbach  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 27, 2025

The short answer is yes, hair can fall out after IPL treatment, but the extent and duration of this hair loss can vary depending on various factors. It's essential to understand the mechanism behind IPL's impact on hair growth and the strategies to mitigate any potential hair loss associated with this procedure.

Does IPL make your hair fall out?

Answer: Hair extrusion after IPL hair removal IPL targets the pigment in the hair and damages the follicle, killing it permanently. Many of the hairs will then fall out in the next few days. It may look like they are growing, but if the follicle is dead, it will not grow back.

What are the negatives about IPL?

One of the most significant concerns associated with IPL treatment is the risk of burns or skin discoloration, particularly in people with darker skin tones. This risk stems from the procedure's reliance on light absorption, which can lead to excessive heat in areas with higher melanin concentrations.

Does IPL permanently get rid of hair?

IPL doesn't offer permanent hair removal, but the hair reduction it does give makes a serious difference to your fuzz levels (in tests, users of the Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series saw a 92% reduction in hair after three sessions*). So, I'll still be whipping out my IPL machine once a month from now on.

Is it okay to pull out shedding hair after laser?

While it may be tempting to pull out loose hairs after your laser treatment, resisting the urge will yield better results and prevent skin irritation.

IPL "Hair Removal" Does More than Just Remove Hair... (Intense Pulsed Light / Home Hair Removal)

Does shedding mean laser is working?

It is not uncommon for treated hairs to start falling out in the days following the procedure. Many people worry that this means the treatment has not been effective, but this is a sign that the laser has done its job. When the laser targets the hair follicle, it damages the root of the hair.

Can you squeeze out hair follicles after laser?

The skin is usually sensitive after laser hair removal, and squeezing can cause further irritation and redness. Instead of squeezing, it's best to allow the hair follicles to shed naturally over time. This can take up to 10-14 days.

What is the downside of IPL treatment?

Although side effects of IPL are typically rare and minimal in severity, the most common adverse events include pain and erythema. Other reported side effects include edema, bullae, hematoma, crusting, hyper- or hypopigmentation, leukotrichia, scarring, keloid formation, and infection.

Can I use IPL on pubic hair?

First things first, let's answer a pressing question: can you use IPL on the bikini area safely? Yes, you can! That is, as long as you have a device, like the Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series, that has a specific attachment designed to work with the contours of this area of your body.

What is the biggest controversy in IPL?

The most infamous controversy in IPL history occurred in 2013 when three players - Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan - were arrested for spot-fixing during the tournament. The players were allegedly involved in deliberately underperforming in specific parts of the match in exchange for money from bookmakers.

What happens if you use IPL too often?

IPL is most effective while your hair is in the growth phase –if you treat your skin multiple times a week, your hair can become dormant and IPL treatment won't work as well. Additionally, while IPL is a gentle treatment, too much of it can be a bad thing. If you use IPL too frequently, you may irritate your skin.

Who should avoid IPL?

1. **Photosensitivity:** As discussed, individuals who are taking medications that cause photosensitivity or have conditions that make them sensitive to light should avoid IPL. 2. **Skin cancer:** Patients with skin cancer or with a history of skin cancer in the treatment area are usually advised against IPL therapy.

How long until hair falls out after IPL?

They will fall out after 1 to 3 weeks as the epidermis is renewed. During this period it will seem that the hairs are growing as they are pushed out by the epidermis.

How to tell if an IPL is working?

You will notice that the hair growth after four weeks of IPL treatment will be lesser and thinner. After completing a session of 12 weeks, the hair growth will reduce completely, providing you with silky, smooth skin for a longer time. However, you may have to continue touch-ups as needed.

What is the truth about IPL hair removal?

IPL treatment does not cause hair to regrow any quicker, despite what the myth may have you believe. It causes the hair follicles to go into a state of dormancy for a considerable time. This results in the patients and users having hair-free bodies for an extended period.

Does IPL really remove hair permanently?

Like all hair-removal techniques, IPL does not remove hair permanently and is therefore classified as 'semi-permanent'. Like laser hair removal, the results will depend largely on where you choose to get your treatments done.

Why is my hair not falling out after IPL?

After an IPL application, it initially appears as if nothing is happening, as no hairs fall out immediately. However, there's no need to worry. With IPL, only the hair root is heated to inhibit further growth. The hair itself remains in the skin.

Why do I have stubble after IPL?

Up to a few weeks after treatment, your skin will develop stubble or blackheads as a part of the shedding process that happens from hairs that were partially grown at the time of the procedure.

Can IPL cause hair loss?

The short answer is yes, hair can fall out after IPL treatment, but the extent and duration of this hair loss can vary depending on various factors. It's essential to understand the mechanism behind IPL's impact on hair growth and the strategies to mitigate any potential hair loss associated with this procedure.

Will I regret laser hair removal?

While laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, it doesn't always eliminate it completely, and some may still require occasional touch-ups. Skin reactions can also play a role in feelings of regret, although this is rare when the procedure is done correctly.

Who is not a good candidate for IPL?

Who's not a good candidate for IPL photofacials? People with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick Skin Type 4-6) or tanned skin and people with deep wrinkles, scars or severe acne or active rosacea.

Why is my hair not shedding after laser?

It could indicate that the follicles were not sufficiently damaged during the procedure, which may necessitate further sessions or even alternative treatments, conducted with the same precision you'd expect from plastic surgery procedures.

Can I pluck hairs after an IPL?

Here's a deeper look at why: Right after a treatment, the follicles are inflamed and vulnerable. Plucking or waxing too soon can damage these delicate follicles and lead to complications like infection, hyperpigmentation or scarring. You also want to avoid plucking out hairs that are in the process of shedding.

Why is my hair growing back 2 days after laser?

This is a sign that the laser successfully treated the follicle, and it's clearing out the dead hair shaft. This shedding process, also called “peppering,” can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. In some cases, it may feel like the hair is growing back because it's breaking through the skin.

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