Philips Support

Does IPL work on thick or coarse hair?

Published on 24 August 2026

Yes, IPL can be effective on thick or coarse hair, as long as the hair contains enough pigment to absorb the light. Please note that Lumea is not suitable for use on the male face or neck.

Details: IPL works by delivering pulses of light that are absorbed by the pigment in the hair root. Naturally dark blond, brown, dark brown and black hair can respond well to treatment, regardless of whether the hair is fine or coarse. Philips Lumea IPL is designed to adapt to different hair types and guide you in selecting the right intensity for your skin, helping ensure effective and comfortable use.

With consistent treatments, coarse hair can become finer and less dense over time, supporting smoother skin with less frequent hair removal.

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.