How Many IPL Sessions Do You Need? A Week-by-Week Timeline
The most common question our team gets on WhatsApp is simple: how many IPL sessions do you need before you can stop shaving? The honest answer is that IPL works over a few weeks, not one night, and the timeline depends on your handset, your hair and how consistent you are. This guide walks you through it week by week, so you know exactly what to expect and when.
Why IPL needs several sessions
Hair grows in cycles. At any moment, only part of your hair is in its active growth phase, and only that hair responds to light. A session treats the hair that is growing now; the next sessions catch the hair that comes through after. That is why the routine is weekly at the start: each week you reach a new wave of follicles, until most of them have been treated.
The short answer: how many IPL sessions you need
- Starting phase: one session a week for 6 to 12 weeks.
- Each session: go over each area 3 times.
- Maintenance: a quick touch-up every 2 to 3 months, or whenever you notice regrowth.
Most people stop at the lower end for areas with fine hair, and use the full 12 weeks for thicker hair such as legs or underarms. Results vary from person to person.
When you will notice a difference, by handset
| Handset | Flash speed | When results usually show |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra Sapphire IPL | 0.5 s, unlimited flashes | About 30 to 40% of users see a visible reduction after the first session; clear results in 1 to 2 weeks |
| ICE IPL | About 1.5 s, 999,999 flashes | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Classic IPL | About 2 s, 500,000 flashes | 6 to 8 weeks |
All three follow the same weekly routine. The difference is comfort and speed: the Ultra Sapphire's cooling window and fast flashes make a full-body session about 10 minutes, so it is easier to stay consistent.
Your week-by-week IPL timeline
Before week 1: shave and spot test
Shave the area the day before or the same day. Never wax, pluck, thread or epilate during your IPL routine, because the light needs the root in place to work. Then do a spot test: 1 to 2 flashes on each level on a small area, and wait 2 to 4 hours to check how your skin reacts. Start your sessions at the highest level that felt comfortable.
Weeks 1 to 3: the shedding phase
You will not see hair disappear right after the session. Treated hairs usually shed 1 to 3 weeks later; they may look like stubble growing back, then fall out on their own or when you exfoliate. This is normal and a sign the routine is working. A gentle exfoliating glove once or twice a week helps the shedding along.
Weeks 4 to 6: patchy, slower regrowth
Around here most people notice they shave less often. Regrowth comes in patchy and finer. Keep treating weekly, even if an area looks smooth, because new hair is still entering its growth phase.
Weeks 7 to 12: smoother for longer
By now regrowth is clearly lighter and slower. When an area stays smooth for a couple of weeks at a time, you can move it from weekly sessions to maintenance. Thicker areas may need the full 12 weeks.
After week 12: maintenance
Treat each area every 2 to 3 months, or whenever a few hairs come back. Hormones, season and stopping the routine can all bring some regrowth, so a quick touch-up keeps your results long-lasting.
What can slow your results down
- Skipping weeks: missing sessions in the first phase lets growing hairs slip past untreated.
- Waxing or plucking: removing the root leaves nothing for the light to reach.
- Using a level that is too low: use the highest comfortable level that passed your spot test.
- Hair colour: IPL works on brown, black, blonde and red hair, but not on grey or white hair, which has no pigment for the light to target.
Safety reminders
Always wear the safety glasses, and do not use IPL on tattoos, dark moles, tanned, sunburnt or irritated skin. Pause your sessions during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Our handsets are suitable from age 15. If you are unsure whether IPL suits your skin tone or hair, message our team before you start.
Start your routine with confidence
Not sure which handset fits your timeline? Compare all three on the IPL handsets page. Every device comes with a one-year warranty, lifetime servicing and our 90-day money-back guarantee, so you have more than enough time to finish your first 12 weeks.
FAQ
How many IPL sessions do you need for full results?
Most people do one session a week for 6 to 12 weeks, then a touch-up every 2 to 3 months. Results vary depending on your hair and skin.
Can I do IPL more than once a week to get results faster?
No. Weekly is the right rhythm, because it matches how hair grows. Treating more often does not reach more follicles and can irritate your skin.
Why is hair still growing after my first sessions?
Treated hairs shed 1 to 3 weeks after a session, and hair that was resting comes through later. Keep going weekly; it is all part of the timeline.
Is IPL permanent?
IPL gives long-lasting hair reduction rather than permanent removal. Regular maintenance sessions keep your skin smooth.