No, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment does not increase hair growth.
How IPL Works and Affects Hair Growth
The common misconception is that IPL somehow stimulates hair to grow faster or thicker, but this is not true. IPL works by targeting the melanin (pigment) in hair follicles. The light energy is converted into heat, which damages the follicle and inhibits future hair growth.
IPL's Impact on Hair Follicles
According to the provided reference, "IPL treatment does not cause hair to regrow any quicker". Instead, it forces hair follicles into a dormant state for an extended time.
- Dormancy: The damaged follicles are unable to produce new hairs for a considerable period, resulting in smoother, hair-free skin.
- No Growth Stimulation: IPL treatment does not stimulate the follicles to grow hair faster; the opposite is true – it slows down and inhibits hair growth.
- Hair-Free Period: The dormancy induced by IPL creates the effect of long-lasting hair removal, not increased growth.
Understanding the Myth vs. Reality
The idea that IPL might increase hair growth likely comes from the fact that hair can sometimes appear to regrow after treatment. However, this isn't due to increased growth; it is because:
- Untreated Hairs: Some follicles might have been in a dormant phase and not targeted by IPL.
- Regrowth Cycles: Hair grows in cycles; some follicles may start a new growth cycle after the IPL treatment.
- Incomplete Treatment: In some cases, a single IPL treatment may not be sufficient to target all the hair follicles effectively.
| Feature | IPL Effect |
|---|---|
| Hair Growth | Does not increase |
| Hair Follicles | Enters dormant state |
| Duration | Hair-free for extended period |
| Common Myth | Increases growth, which is untrue |
Key Takeaway
- IPL inhibits hair growth by placing hair follicles into a dormant state, not by accelerating their growth.
In conclusion, IPL does not cause hair to grow faster or thicker; instead, it works to reduce hair growth over time.
