Hair Falling with IPL Method: "Permanently" Gone?

Question

2 weeks after I had my first session using IPL method in the bikini area, I noticed that most (not all) hair went away without much effort. And my question is: the hair that fell out happened to be in active growth phase and their follicle has been destroyed (so they are “permanently” gone) OR all the hair are meant to fall out and the ones that have been destroyed won't grow back? If the second is true, why haven't all the hair fallen out? Maybe my beauty therapist has missed some spots?

Hannah Vargas, MD · Answer

With IPL hair reduction multiple sessions are needed as the laser effects hair that are in different growth cycles differently. Hopefully, your provider explained that you would need multiple treatments. Be patient and get more sessions. Good luck!

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

These treatment should always be called laser hair reduction not removal... I always like to advise my patients that a series of 4 to 10 treatments is normal depending on the area.  Treatments are usually spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart and they are never to expect 100% hair removal.  A fair expectation is 80% reduction.  You may have to shave once a month or so after a series of treatments but it will never be as hairy as the area was prior to any treatments.

	Hope this helps.

	Dr. Grant Stevens

J. Gregory Kjar, M.D. (retired) · Answer

You will also want to discuss with your skin care specialist - realistic expectations. IPL - is more commonly referred to as permanent hair reduction; not permanent hair removal, as it does not get rid of all your hair but will reduce the majority( 80 - 90%) of the hair or cause enough damage to the root making the hair it produces grow in much finer and lighter.

Hair Falling with IPL Method: "Permanently" Gone?

Answers (3)