How long does IPL take to work?

When you start using IPL at home, one of the first questions is almost always the same: when will I start seeing results?

The answer depends on several factors, such as the treated area, hair colour and thickness, skin tone, and the hair's growth cycle itself.

But there's one important thing to understand from the start: IPL doesn't remove all hairs in a single session.

That's why results appear progressively over the weeks.

Why doesn't IPL remove all hairs at once?

Our body hairs go through different growth phases.

IPL technology is most effective when the hair is in an active growth phase because there's a stronger connection between the hair and the follicle.

The problem is that, in a given area, not all hairs are in this phase at the same time.

While some are actively growing, others are in a resting or transition phase.

This is why several sessions are needed: each use allows new hairs to be targeted as they enter the most suitable phase for treatment.

When do the first results start to appear?

Some people start to notice changes in the first few weeks.

These changes may include:

• hair growing more slowly;
• some areas with less density;
• hair starting to appear finer;
• longer intervals between hair removal sessions.

With MUSE, hair growth reduction happens progressively and may start to become visible during the first few weeks of use.

However, results vary from person to person.

What can I expect during the first few weeks?

Initially, it's perfectly normal to continue seeing hair grow.

This doesn't mean that IPL isn't working.

The hairs that appear might simply be entering a new phase of the growth cycle and haven't yet been targeted in a previous session.

Over the sessions, the goal is to progressively treat different follicles.

Over time, you may start to notice that some areas become smoother for longer and that growth becomes less uniform.

Why do some areas take longer than others?

Not all body areas respond in the same way.

Hair thickness, density, hormonal influence, and growth cycle vary from area to area.

For example, legs, underarms, bikini line, and face may show different response rates.

It's also possible for one area to have a very noticeable reduction while another still shows regular growth during the first few weeks.

Therefore, it makes more sense to evaluate the progress of each area individually rather than expecting exactly the same result across the entire body.

Does hair colour influence the results?

Yes.

IPL relies on the melanin present in the hair to absorb light energy.

Therefore, darker hairs tend to provide an easier target for the technology.

Very light, white, grey, or red hairs contain little melanin and may not respond adequately to IPL.

The contrast between hair and skin tone is also important, so you should always consult the compatibility chart before using MUSE.

Does intensity influence the speed of results?

Using an appropriate intensity is important, but higher intensity doesn't automatically mean faster results.

The goal is to use the highest level that is suitable and comfortable for your skin, always following MUSE's instructions.

Starting at a lower intensity can help you understand how your skin reacts before gradually increasing it.

You should never increase the intensity simply to try to speed up the process.

How often should I do IPL?

The frequency of sessions is especially important during the initial phase.

Always follow the protocol indicated in the MUSE manual, because doing additional sessions without respecting the recommended intervals does not mean you will get results faster.

Treatment needs to follow the natural hair growth cycle.

After the initial phase, sessions usually become less frequent and primarily serve as maintenance.

Why is regularity important?

IPL works best as a progressive process.

If you do one session and then leave too much time before the next, you may miss opportunities to target hairs that have entered the active growth phase in the meantime.

Following the recommended protocol during the first few weeks helps treat different hair cycles.

Later, when growth is already reduced, maintenance can be done less frequently.

What if I have hormonal hair or PCOS?

Hormonal factors can influence the speed and amount of hair growth.

In people with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), for example, hormones can continue to stimulate new hair even after a reduction in previously treated hair.

This means that some areas may require more time or more regular maintenance.

IPL acts on the hair and follicle, but it doesn't treat the hormonal cause responsible for growth.

Discover how IPL acts on hormonal hair associated with PCOS.

Does IPL or laser give faster results?

Some professional laser devices use more concentrated energy and can provide faster results in certain situations.

Home IPL tends to offer a more gradual reduction, with the advantage that you can perform sessions in the comfort of your home.

If you are still deciding between the two methods, you can read:

IPL or laser: which is better?

How to tell if IPL is working?

Don't just look at the amount of hair immediately after each session.

There are other signs that can indicate progress:

• it takes longer until you need to shave again;
• there are areas where some hairs stop appearing;
• growth becomes less dense;
• some hairs appear finer;
• certain areas remain smooth for longer.

A good idea is to take photos before starting and photograph the same area again, with similar lighting, a few weeks later.

It's much easier to notice progressive changes that way than by looking at your skin every day.

And when I achieve the results I want?

After the initial phase, the goal shifts from frequent sessions to maintaining results.

The body can continue to develop new hair over time due to factors such as hormones, genetics, and age.

Therefore, an occasional maintenance session can be helpful when you start to notice new growth.

Meet MUSE

The MUSE is an IPL hair removal device for home use, with 5 intensity levels, Ice Cooling technology, and 500,000 flashes, designed to make hair reduction simpler to integrate into your routine.

You can perform sessions at home and continue to use the device whenever you need maintenance.

Discover MUSE and start your at-home IPL hair removal routine.