The desire for lasting smoothness is driving demand for hair reduction treatments across UK clinics and salons. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal has positioned itself as an accessible option for those seeking to reduce unwanted hair without invasive procedures. But an important question remains: is IPL hair removal truly permanent, or does regrowth eventually return?
Table Of Content
01. How Does IPL Hair Removal Work?
- Science behind IPL: IPL uses a broad spectrum of light which targets the melanin inside hair follicles. The light converts into heat, disrupting the hair growth cycle and aiming to leave skin hair-free for extended periods.
- Session format: Typically, 6–8 treatments are required at 4–6 week intervals for most skin and hair types. Discover more in our IPL explainer.
Is IPL Hair Removal Permanent or Temporary?
While IPL delivers impressive, long-term hair reduction, it is not classified as permanent by leading experts and medical authorities. The process damages hair follicles, resulting in finer, lighter regrowth—or, for many, months of smoothness. However, no method except electrolysis is licensed as truly permanent, and hair may eventually return due to hormonal or genetic factors.
According to Wikipedia and clinical data, IPL can reduce hair growth by up to 67% at six months post-treatment, compared to up to 72% for advanced diode laser technology.
| Comparison | IPL Results | Laser Results |
| Immediate Smoothing | Yes, after several sessions | Yes, typically faster |
| Permanent Hair Removal | No, but long-term reduction | No, but greater and longer-lasting reduction |
| Maintenance Needed | Yes, typically annually | Yes, but less frequently |
- Best for: Clients with fairer skin and darker hair who are open to periodic maintenance. Find more on the best IPL results on our blog.
- Not suitable for: Those seeking complete, one-off permanent removal.
02. What Factors Affect Durability?
- Hair and skin type: Denser, darker hair and paler skin produce the best results. Hormones, medication, and genetics can influence regrowth speed for any client.
- Number of sessions: Adhering to the recommended course (6–8, spaced correctly) optimises the longevity of results. Find answers to session timing on IPL side effects and expectations.
- Maintenance: Most clients need annual or biannual top-ups as new hair cycles develop.
Why Do Many Clinics Prefer Laser for Long-Term Reduction?
The UK aesthetics market shows nearly 40% of providers offer IPL or laser solutions. Yet, the professional trend is toward laser hair removal machines, such as the Nu TriLaze Plus or Nu TriLaze Lite. Laser offers focused energy, better selectivity, and unrivalled versatility for a much broader spectrum of hair and skin types. Results are typically faster and more sustained, with less need for frequent maintenance visits.
03. Choosing the Right Solution for Your Clinic
- Comprehensive training: Every device from the British Institute of Lasers is delivered with free certified training—ensuring quality, safety, and council compliance. Read about our Laser Protection Advisor service for safe, compliant practice.
- Demo support: Book a live demo online or at our Coventry headquarters to compare IPL with latest-generation laser equipment.
- Client confidence: Ongoing, expert support and a 24-hour swap guarantee backup every device—helping you deliver the results clients expect.
For a deeper look at the advantages of both technologies, explore our IPL vs laser guide or enquire about machine details and finance.
While IPL does not deliver genuine permanent removal, it reliably achieves smooth, hair-reduced skin—especially with quality machines and professional protocols. For those wanting maximum longevity and advanced performance across all hair and skin types, industry-leading laser systems now offer the benchmark for modern clinics.
