IPL hair removal: how it works and what to expect

Tired of shaving every other day or booking in for a wax every few weeks? IPL hair removal is a popular option for long-term hair reduction, and it’s one of the most common questions we hear in our clinics.

Here’s everything you need to know, from how IPL actually works to how to prepare, what to expect on the day and how to get the best results.

First things first: your free consultation

A free consultation is required before any IPL treatment at Believe in Beautiful. This applies to every client, for every area.

Your consultation is where your therapist gets to know your skin and hair, checks that IPL is suitable for you and talks you through what to expect. It’s also the perfect time to ask questions. Let your therapist know if you’re pregnant, taking any medications or using skincare like retinoids, as these can affect whether treatment is right for you.

Once your consultation is done, you’re ready to start your course. You can book your free consultation online or at any of our clinics.

How IPL works, and why it takes a course

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. During treatment, light energy is directed at the skin, where it’s absorbed by the pigment in the hair root. This targets the hair follicle and works to reduce its ability to grow hair over time.

Because IPL relies on pigment in the hair, it works best on darker hair. It isn’t suitable for white, grey, red or very fair hair, as there isn’t enough pigment for the light to target. Your therapist will assess your hair colour during your consultation.

IPL offers long-term hair reduction rather than instant results, which is why it’s done as a course.

Not all of your hair is growing at the same time. Each hair moves through its own growth cycle, and IPL is most effective on hairs that are in the active growth phase. At any one session, only some of your hairs will be at that stage.

That’s why IPL is done as a course of treatments, usually spaced every 4 to 8 weeks. Each session catches a new group of hairs in their growth phase. Your therapist will recommend the right timing for you and the area you’re treating.

Sticking to your schedule is one of the best things you can do for your results. Skipping or delaying sessions can mean missing hairs at the right stage of growth.

How to prepare for your IPL treatment

Good preparation makes a real difference to your results. Before each session:

• Shave the area 24 hours before. The hair needs to be in the follicle, but not on the surface of the skin.
• No waxing or plucking for 4 weeks before. These remove the hair from the root, which is exactly what the light needs to target.
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 2 weeks before. This includes fake tan and spray tans.

If you’re switching from waxing to IPL, plan ahead so you have that 4-week gap before your first session. You can shave in between.

What to expect on the day and aftercare

Your therapist will check the area is prepared, then treat it with the IPL device, talking you through each step as you go.

Afterwards, look after your skin and protect it:

• Avoid sun and tanning for 2 weeks after treatment, including spray tans.
• Soothe the area with our Afterwax & IPL Lotion ($30), designed for use after hair removal.
• Keep shaving between sessions if needed, but don’t wax or pluck, as this works against your course.
• Follow your therapist’s advice, as they’ll give you aftercare guidance tailored to your skin and the area treated.

5 tips for better IPL results

• Stay consistent. Book your sessions at the interval your therapist recommends.
• Shave, don’t wax. Shaving keeps the root in place for your next treatment.
• Protect your skin from the sun. Wear SPF 50+ daily and skip tanning around treatments.
• Be honest at your consultation. Tell us about any medications or skin changes, as they can affect suitability.
• Prepay to stay on track. Booking your course in advance makes it easier to stick to the schedule (see our packages below).

IPL prices and ways to save

Here are prices per treatment for some of our most popular areas. See the full list on our IPL hair removal page.

• Underarm: $45
• Bikini: $59
• Brazilian: $99
• Brazilian & Underarm (female): $130
• Lip & Chin: $80
• Full Face: $90
• Half Leg: $70
• Full Leg: $90
• Full Arm: $80
• Male Brazilian: $160
• Female Full Body: $320
• Male Full Body: $345

Because IPL is a course, it pays to plan ahead. There are a few ways to make it more affordable:

• New client offer: new clients receive 50% off their first IPL treatment (after your free consultation).
• Buy 4 or 6 and save: prepay for 4 of the same treatment and save 15%, or 6 and save 20%. Packs are valid for 6 months. Learn more.
• Beauty Pass: pay monthly and receive extra credit to spend on IPL and other treatments. For example, a Brazilian IPL ($99) fits within the Maintenance pass ($99 a month for $125 credit), and a Brazilian & Underarm IPL ($130) fits within the Complete pass ($149 a month for $200 credit). See all options on our memberships page. There’s a 6-month minimum commitment.

You can also pay with Afterpay.

Ready to book? Start with your free IPL consultation and we’ll build a plan that suits your skin and hair. Book online or find your nearest clinic on our clinics page. We have six clinics across Brisbane, open six days a week.