Intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser hair reduction

Experience since the introduction of laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments for long-term hair reduction has shown that almost all skin types, including European, Asian and Middle-Eastern, respond well to treatment (Johnson and Dovale, 1999; Dierickx, 2002). Varying cultural influences, including traditional factors, fashion, sport, personal feelings of wellbeing and health requirements, have dramatically increased demand around the world, from both women and men, for long-term hair reduction.

Only very dark skin types, particularly Afro-Caribbean and some South Asian skin types, are problematic because the high levels of melanin in the epidermis absorb light energy in competition with the targeted melanin or haemoglobin in the hair follicle. Ginger, blonde and grey/white hair responds poorly to light-based treatments in hair reduction.

The need for a rapid, non-invasive method to remove unwanted body and facial hair led to the use of lasers by medical practitioners in the late 1980s and to the development of professional intense pulsed broadband light devices, which first entered the US market in 1994 (Grossman et al, 1996). Since then, numerous manufacturers have developed competitive systems resulting in a dramatic price reduction. Lower prices, technological advances and a lack of regulatory controls on IPL devices have popularised their use among beauty therapists and salon owners as well as many private medical practitioners in many countries. Miniaturisation of opto-mechanical components and recognition that low-energy hair-reduction appliances were effective in achieving hair-growth delay also led to the development of simple, portable home-use devices entering the market in 2006 (Kline, 2019; Town et al, 2019).