Philips Support

How does IPL hair removal work?

Published on 24 August 2026

IPL works by delivering pulses of light into the hair root, causing hairs in their active growth phase to shed naturally and reducing hair regrowth over time. 

Details: IPL devices, such as Philips Lumea, release gentle pulses of light that are absorbed by the pigment in the roots of hairs during the active growth phase. This process stimulates the hair follicle to enter a resting phase, after which the treated hair sheds naturally.

Because hair grows in cycles and not all hairs are active at the same time, treatments need to be repeated at regular intervals. Philips Lumea IPL is designed to guide this process with a structured routine and personalized settings, helping you gradually reduce hair regrowth and maintain results at home. Following the recommended treatment schedule helps achieve progressive, long-term hair reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Philips

We are happy to help you

Contact Philips

We are happy to help you

Looking for something else?

Discover all Philips Support options

Our site can best be viewed with the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Firefox.