IPL Not Working: What Could Be the Problem?
You're aiming for silky-smooth skin and are on the right track with your at-home IPL handset treatments.
Unfortunately, you’re not seeing the results you expected. What could be the issue?
Chances are, it’s not just you. There are a few totally rational reasons IPL might not be working for you, and many of them have straightforward solutions you can try.
If your IPL hair removal is not working, read on to discover why that may be the case and what you can do to make IPL work for you.
Why Is IPL Not Working?
If IPL isn’t delivering the results you expected, the issue might lie with your skin, how you’re using the device, or the device itself. Here are some common reasons why IPL might not be working as well as anticipated:
It’s Too Early to See IPL Results
You know that feeling when you hit the gym after a long break, do a few squats, and immediately check the mirror to see if you’ve gained muscle? It’s a bit like that with IPL treatments!
If you’ve just started using your IPL handset and aren’t seeing immediate results, that’s perfectly normal. Generally, it takes 3-4 sessions to begin noticing changes and about 12 sessions to achieve full results.
Keep in mind that everyone’s response to IPL varies. Some people may see results sooner, while others might need more than 12 treatments to reach their desired hair-free outcome. Additionally, different areas of the body may require different amounts of treatment—so if you’re not seeing results on pubic hair or underarms, you might need additional sessions
What to try:
Patience, grasshopper! IPL hair removal is gradual, and progress isn’t always visible right away. Trust the process and be consistent. If you still haven’t seen any results with consistent use, reach out to customer service.
Your IPL Treatment Schedule is Off.
IPL hair removal effectiveness often boils down to two things: frequency and consistency. We recommend doing at-home IPL treatment once a week for twelve weeks, or twice a week for six weeks. If you’ve been doing IPL for a long time but had long gaps in between treatments, that might make it so you don’t see results as quickly.
What to try:
Consistency is how to make IPL more effective. Plan on consistently using IPL once or twice a week for a few weeks and see if that makes a difference in results.
You’re Not Prepping the Skin for IPL Treatment Properly
One of the top reasons why IPL hair removal isn’t successful? Waxing.
Shaving is an important step in preparing your skin for IPL treatment. Shaving takes your hair down just enough to prevent burns while leaving the root intact under the surface so your IPL handset can target it. Other forms of hair removal, such as waxing, tweezing, or epilating remove the hair root entirely, inhibiting IPL treatment.
What to try:
Instead of waxing, tweezing, or epilating, use a razor or the 4D Shaver to prep your skin for IPL treatment.
You’re Not Using IPL As Intended
At-home IPL treatment takes some getting used to. If you’re not seeing the results, you want or your IPL device is not flashing, check your user manual to make sure you’re using the device properly. Note that for safety purposes, most IPL devices will not flash or pulse unless they’re placed flush against the skin.
What to try:
Try, try, again! Learn how to use IPL hair removal. If you’re using a different IPL handset, refer to the device instructions.
You Have a Hormonal Imbalance Affecting IPL Treatment
Another common reason why IPL hair removal doesn’t work boils down to hormones. While IPL can be a great fit for PCOS hair removal, in other cases hormonal conditions can lead to ineffective hair removal. This may be the case if IPL’s not working on facial hair. A hormonal imbalance (especially involving a higher level of testosterone, which encourages hair growth) can result in coarser, faster-growing hair that is more difficult to remove.
What to try:
If you’ve tried IPL hair removal multiple times, followed the instructions to a T, and are a good candidate for IPL hair removal, speak to your doctor to see if you may have a hormonal imbalance.
You’re Not a Candidate for IPL Treatment
When IPL hair removal works, it really works. Unfortunately, IPL doesn’t work for everyone. IPL technology requires contrast between hair and skin to work its magic since it targets pigment in the hair follicle. Does IPL work for your skin tone? If you have light blonde, red, or gray hair, or if your skin tone is very dark, IPL may not be a good fit for you.
Your IPL Device Just Isn’t Working
This might be one of those moments where you’ll say, “It’s not me, it’s you.” Maybe you’ve carefully followed all applicable instructions and your IPL doesn’t work – it’s not flashing, won’t turn on, or just seems to be malfunctioning in some way. You just can’t get those awesome permanent hair removal results with a faulty device!
