Hair Removal With Intense Pulsed Light

From 2002 to 2003, a study involving 210 patients (207 women and 3 men) with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) for hair removal. After three to five IPL sessions at 6-week intervals, followed by a 6-month post-treatment evaluation, the study reported an approximate 80% reduction in hair across various body areas. The treatment was found to be very effective and safe, with better results in terminal hair compared to villous hair. Side effects were minor, including transient erythema and mild perifollicular oedema, and no serious adverse effects were reported. The study concluded that IPL is an efficient and safe hair removal method, although it may occasionally activate dormant hair follicles in nearby untreated areas.