Why is IPL Not Working on Pubic Hair? What Went Wrong?
Hair Removal

Why is IPL Not Working on Pubic Hair? What Went Wrong?

Many people now opt for IPL hair removal because of its long-lasting results. It works well for the whole body, so you will not have to try different hair removal methods for various body areas. It has reduced the need to get hair removal done every other day. Furthermore, the development of FDA-cleared at-home IPL devices has made the treatment more accessible to everyone. Are you one of the IPL users, but it is not working the same for you? Are you confused about why IPL is not working on pubic hair? Let’s find the possible reasons! Table of Contents: Part 1: How Does IPL Hair Removal Work? Part 2: Why is IPL Not Working on Pubic Hair? In this section, we will explore the specific reasons why IPL may not be effective for removing hair in the pubic area, focusing on factors like skin tone, hair color, and hormonal influences. Factors like skin tone and hair color can significantly influence the effectiveness of IPL in the pubic area. Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing IPL treatment and achieving desired results. Optimizing IPL treatment can lead to better outcomes, especially when considering individual characteristics. Part 1: How Does IPL Hair Removal Work? IPL device IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology targets hair follicles by using light energy, which is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. This process helps in reducing hair growth over time. By using light energy, IPL technology aims to effectively hinder hair regrowth, but results can vary based on individual factors. Why are we suddenly discussing a pigment? Because the IPL light enters our body through absorption by this melanin pigment in the hair follicles. Through the follicles, it travels down to the root of the hair, turns into heat, and damages the hair follicles, thus stopping hair regrowth. Therefore, its effectiveness depends mainly on the skin and hair colors. It is similarly effective for all body areas. You just need to be careful about using it on delicate areas since it can cause burns.  It is essential to follow instructions carefully to ensure safety and effectiveness when using IPL on sensitive areas. Safety precautions are crucial when using IPL on sensitive areas to prevent unintended injuries. Skin and hair colors significantly influence IPL effectiveness. Darker hair typically responds better, while care must be taken in delicate areas to avoid potential burns. Understanding the impact of skin and hair colors can help users optimize their IPL treatment for better results. This means that individuals with lighter hair colors may find IPL treatments less effective due to lower melanin levels. This highlights the importance of personal hair characteristics in determining IPL treatment success. Part 2: Why is IPL Not Working on Pubic Hair? Hair Color The absorption of IPL depends upon the concentration of melanin in the hair. Darker hair colors have more melanin, so the light can easily travel down the roots. In contrast, red, blonde, or gray hairs have little melanin. The effectiveness of IPL is largely determined by the amount of melanin in the hair, which can impact treatment outcomes. Higher melanin levels in hair generally lead to more effective IPL treatment outcomes. The effectiveness of IPL largely hinges on the melanin concentration in hair. Darker hair absorbs light more efficiently, while lighter shades may not respond as well. Recognizing the role of melanin concentration can help users set realistic expectations for IPL effectiveness. This means the IPL light finds no pathway to get absorbed into the hair, rendering it ineffective. So, if your hair color lies in any of these categories, then IPL hair removal on pubic hair or any other body part will not suit you. Skin Tone and Pigmentation If you have a dark skin tone that matches your hair color, the IPL device will not be able to differentiate between the hair and skin. It will not affect your pubic hair but only cause burns down there. This indicates that skin and hair color matching can complicate IPL treatment, making it less effective in certain cases. Understanding hair color is vital, as IPL is more effective on darker shades that contain more melanin, leading to better light absorption. When using IPL, skin tone is crucial. A close match between dark hair and skin can hinder the device's ability to distinguish between them, leading to ineffective treatment. If you have a lighter skin tone but IPL still does not work, it can be due to pigmentation. Since the thickness of the pubic area changes over time, the skin can become thin and darker. So, IPL will not be very efficient in any case of dark skin tone.  Hormonal Influences Hormonal imbalance can also explain why IPL is not working on your pubic hair. This hormonal imbalance causes excessive hair growth. One such example is PCOS, in which the level of androgens is higher in the body. This leads to faster and thicker hair growth. As a result, IPL will not work very effectively on these hairs. You might need more than the usual treatments to see any results.  Factors such as hormonal fluctuations can lead to the presence of finer hairs that are less responsive to IPL treatment, necessitating a more comprehensive approach for effective results. The effectiveness of IPL can be significantly impacted by hormonal changes, requiring tailored treatment approaches for optimal results. Hormonal changes can lead to variations in hair growth patterns, making it necessary to adjust treatment frequency or methods for optimal results. Understanding hormonal influences is essential, as they can alter hair growth dynamics, requiring adjustments in treatment to achieve the desired outcomes. Hair Thickness and Texture The pubic hair is mostly thicker and coarser, so IPL hair removal can be quite effective for this area. However, if your hair is finer or lighter, the amount of IPL energy reaching the hair follicles might not be enough to burn them. So, IPL hair removal highly depends upon the thickness and texture of your hair. They should neither be too thin and short nor too thick or long to cause pain during hair removal.  For optimal IPL results, hair should ideally possess a moderate thickness and texture that allows efficient light absorption without causing discomfort. For the best outcomes, hair should have a balanced thickness and texture. Hair that is too thin may not absorb enough light, while very thick hair can cause discomfort during treatment. Insufficient Treatment Sessions IPL devices cannot give you results within a single treatment session or just one day of use. Everyone requires multiple sessions, depending on the efficiency of the devices and the type of skin and hair you have. Therefore, if you are expecting complete pubic hair removal and retardation of regrowth just after one use, then it is not going to happen. Related reading What Happens if You Never Shave Your Pubic Hair? Multiple sessions are often required to effectively reduce hair growth; skipping sessions can hinder progress. Consistent treatment sessions are crucial, as missing appointments can significantly delay desired hair reduction outcomes. Why Does Pubic Hair Grow So Fast? Understanding hair growth rates can help in planning treatment sessions for more effective IPL results. Regularly assessing hair growth patterns can enhance the timing of your IPL treatments, leading to better results. Why is My Facial Hair Blonde? Hair color and texture can influence IPL effectiveness, as different hair types respond differently to treatment. Different hair colors, such as blonde or gray, may be less responsive to IPL, necessitating tailored approaches for effective treatment. However, you can surely get quicker results using highly efficient devices like the Ulike Air 10 IPL hair removal handset. It can show you visible results within one to two weeks. Insufficient Energy Output If the device has insufficient energy output, it might not be effective enough to work on the coarse pubic hair. Therefore, buy a device with high energy outputs to achieve desirable results.  Higher energy outputs are essential for effectively targeting and treating coarse hair, especially in sensitive areas. Higher energy outputs are essential for effectively targeting and treating coarse hair, especially in sensitive areas like the pubic region where hair may be thicker and more resistant. High energy outputs ensure that the device can effectively penetrate coarse hair, making it more suitable for areas like the pubic region. High energy outputs ensure that the device can effectively penetrate coarse hair, making it more suitable for areas like the pubic region, where traditional methods may fall short. One such device is the Ulike Air 10, which has 26J energy output and 4 full-body modes. The SHR mode works well for stubborn hair, while the high mode can also be used for thicker hair. A normal body can be used for fine hair removal. Improper Device Contact An IPL device needs to be in proper contact with your skin to detect pigments, produce flashes, and work correctly. If the device is not in proper contact, it will not flash or emit energy. Proper positioning of the device can significantly impact its ability to perform effectively and produce desired results. Proper positioning of the device can significantly impact its ability to perform effectively and produce desired results, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Ensuring the device is well-positioned allows it to function optimally, which is vital for achieving hair reduction in sensitive areas. Ensuring the device is well-positioned allows it to function optimally, which is vital for achieving hair reduction in sensitive areas, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment. As a result, it will not affect the pubic hair even after being used multiple times. So, ensure you use the device correctly before expecting any results.  Correct usage is crucial; if the device is not used properly, you may not see any hair reduction even after repeated attempts. Correct usage is crucial; if the device is not used properly, you may not see any hair reduction even after repeated attempts, underscoring the importance of following instructions closely. Using the device correctly is essential; improper usage can lead to ineffective treatment, even with multiple sessions. Device Quality and Age The quality of a device and its age can be a deciding factor in the efficiency of IPL devices for eliminating pubic hair. Higher-quality devices usually have more advanced features and better components to target the hair more precisely.  Choosing a high-quality IPL device can significantly enhance treatment effectiveness, especially for coarse hair in sensitive areas. Selecting the right device can greatly influence the results, especially for sensitive areas where hair might be coarser. Investing in quality devices can make a difference in treatment outcomes; advanced features can enhance effectiveness. Quality matters significantly in treatment outcomes; higher-quality devices often incorporate advanced technology for better results. In comparison, low-quality devices do not have enough energy output or features to work well against coarse pubic hair. However, if you use a very old device, its components might have degraded over time.  Old devices may struggle with energy output, making them less effective for hair removal, particularly on tougher hair types. Older devices often lack the necessary power to effectively remove hair, especially for coarse types, making newer models more desirable. Device maintenance is important; older devices may not perform as well due to wear and tear on their components. Regular maintenance ensures devices function optimally; neglect can lead to decreased performance over time. Skin Conditions like Tattoos or Moles Any tattoos or moles around the target area can affect the working of an IPL device. Since these are darker in color than other areas of the skin, the IPL device can mistake them for excessive melanin and burn the whole area. Therefore, an IPL device must not be used in such areas. The treatment will not only be unsuccessful but may also damage your skin.  Using IPL on sensitive skin conditions can lead to adverse effects; always ensure the area is safe for treatment. Using IPL on tattoos or moles can lead to skin damage, highlighting the importance of understanding safe treatment areas. Skin safety is paramount; using IPL on sensitive areas can lead to adverse effects, making it essential to avoid such treatments. Medical Conditions or Medications Certain medical conditions or medications can also hinder the normal operation of IPL devices. These can cause excess hair growth or stimulate new hair growth, making the previous session completely useless.  It is important to note that both medical conditions and specific medications can significantly alter hair growth patterns, which may affect the results of IPL treatments. Understanding your medical history is crucial, as certain conditions can significantly impact IPL treatment outcomes. Certain medical conditions can disrupt the effectiveness of IPL treatments. For instance, hormonal imbalances may lead to increased hair growth, making it challenging for IPL devices to deliver desired results. Hormonal imbalances can lead to unexpected hair growth, creating challenges for effective IPL treatment and necessitating ongoing assessment. The medications include anabolic steroids, cyclosporine, glucocorticoids, and phenytoin. In addition, disorders of the pituitary gland, ovary tumors, or insulin resistance can affect hormone production, resulting in excess hair growth.  Medications can alter hair growth patterns, complicating the effectiveness of IPL treatments and requiring careful consideration. Specific medications like anabolic steroids and glucocorticoids may interfere with hair removal processes. Understanding these factors can help in addressing the reasons for IPL's ineffectiveness. Identifying the impact of these medications on hair growth can be critical for improving IPL effectiveness and achieving desired results. Conclusion IPL hair removal usually works equally well for all areas of the body. However, if it does not work for a particular area, it might be due to the wrong hair removal technique. There is a possibility that the device might be too told to work efficiently now. In addition, hormonal imbalance, medications, and some medical conditions like ovary tumors can also be deciding factors for the efficiency of IPL. So, before using IPL, ensure that your skin tone and hair color are compatible with this technology and that you are using it correctly. Laura
Nov 26, 2025
Share:

Up to 40% Off
& Free Gifts

Learn More
Table of Contents

Many people now opt for IPL hair removal because of its long-lasting results. It works well for the whole body, so you will not have to try different hair removal methods for various body areas. It has reduced the need to get hair removal done every other day.

Furthermore, the development of FDA-cleared at-home IPL devices has made the treatment more accessible to everyone. Are you one of the IPL users, but it is not working the same for you? Are you confused about why IPL is not working on pubic hair? Let’s find the possible reasons!

Table of Contents:

  • Part 1: How Does IPL Hair Removal Work?
  • Part 2: Why is IPL Not Working on Pubic Hair?
  • In this section, we will explore the specific reasons why IPL may not be effective for removing hair in the pubic area, focusing on factors like skin tone, hair color, and hormonal influences.

    Factors like skin tone and hair color can significantly influence the effectiveness of IPL in the pubic area.

    Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing IPL treatment and achieving desired results.

    Optimizing IPL treatment can lead to better outcomes, especially when considering individual characteristics.

Part 1: How Does IPL Hair Removal Work?

pubic hair

IPL device

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology targets hair follicles by using light energy, which is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. This process helps in reducing hair growth over time.

By using light energy, IPL technology aims to effectively hinder hair regrowth, but results can vary based on individual factors.

Why are we suddenly discussing a pigment? Because the IPL light enters our body through absorption by this melanin pigment in the hair follicles. Through the follicles, it travels down to the root of the hair, turns into heat, and damages the hair follicles, thus stopping hair regrowth.

Therefore, its effectiveness depends mainly on the skin and hair colors. It is similarly effective for all body areas. You just need to be careful about using it on delicate areas since it can cause burns. 

It is essential to follow instructions carefully to ensure safety and effectiveness when using IPL on sensitive areas.

Safety precautions are crucial when using IPL on sensitive areas to prevent unintended injuries.

Skin and hair colors significantly influence IPL effectiveness. Darker hair typically responds better, while care must be taken in delicate areas to avoid potential burns.

Understanding the impact of skin and hair colors can help users optimize their IPL treatment for better results.

This means that individuals with lighter hair colors may find IPL treatments less effective due to lower melanin levels.

This highlights the importance of personal hair characteristics in determining IPL treatment success.

Part 2: Why is IPL Not Working on Pubic Hair?

Hair Color

Hair Color

The absorption of IPL depends upon the concentration of melanin in the hair. Darker hair colors have more melanin, so the light can easily travel down the roots. In contrast, red, blonde, or gray hairs have little melanin.

The effectiveness of IPL is largely determined by the amount of melanin in the hair, which can impact treatment outcomes.

Higher melanin levels in hair generally lead to more effective IPL treatment outcomes.

The effectiveness of IPL largely hinges on the melanin concentration in hair. Darker hair absorbs light more efficiently, while lighter shades may not respond as well.

Recognizing the role of melanin concentration can help users set realistic expectations for IPL effectiveness.

This means the IPL light finds no pathway to get absorbed into the hair, rendering it ineffective. So, if your hair color lies in any of these categories, then IPL hair removal on pubic hair or any other body part will not suit you.

Skin Tone and Pigmentation

Skin Tone and Pigmentation

If you have a dark skin tone that matches your hair color, the IPL device will not be able to differentiate between the hair and skin. It will not affect your pubic hair but only cause burns down there.

This indicates that skin and hair color matching can complicate IPL treatment, making it less effective in certain cases.

Understanding hair color is vital, as IPL is more effective on darker shades that contain more melanin, leading to better light absorption.

When using IPL, skin tone is crucial. A close match between dark hair and skin can hinder the device's ability to distinguish between them, leading to ineffective treatment.

If you have a lighter skin tone but IPL still does not work, it can be due to pigmentation. Since the thickness of the pubic area changes over time, the skin can become thin and darker. So, IPL will not be very efficient in any case of dark skin tone. 

Hormonal Influences

Hormonal imbalance can also explain why IPL is not working on your pubic hair. This hormonal imbalance causes excessive hair growth. One such example is PCOS, in which the level of androgens is higher in the body. This leads to faster and thicker hair growth.

As a result, IPL will not work very effectively on these hairs. You might need more than the usual treatments to see any results. 

Factors such as hormonal fluctuations can lead to the presence of finer hairs that are less responsive to IPL treatment, necessitating a more comprehensive approach for effective results.

The effectiveness of IPL can be significantly impacted by hormonal changes, requiring tailored treatment approaches for optimal results.

Hormonal changes can lead to variations in hair growth patterns, making it necessary to adjust treatment frequency or methods for optimal results.

Understanding hormonal influences is essential, as they can alter hair growth dynamics, requiring adjustments in treatment to achieve the desired outcomes.

Hair Thickness and Texture

Hair Thickness and Texture

The pubic hair is mostly thicker and coarser, so IPL hair removal can be quite effective for this area. However, if your hair is finer or lighter, the amount of IPL energy reaching the hair follicles might not be enough to burn them.

So, IPL hair removal highly depends upon the thickness and texture of your hair. They should neither be too thin and short nor too thick or long to cause pain during hair removal. 

For optimal IPL results, hair should ideally possess a moderate thickness and texture that allows efficient light absorption without causing discomfort.

For the best outcomes, hair should have a balanced thickness and texture. Hair that is too thin may not absorb enough light, while very thick hair can cause discomfort during treatment.

Insufficient Treatment Sessions

IPL devices cannot give you results within a single treatment session or just one day of use. Everyone requires multiple sessions, depending on the efficiency of the devices and the type of skin and hair you have. Therefore, if you are expecting complete pubic hair removal and retardation of regrowth just after one use, then it is not going to happen.

Related reading
  • What Happens if You Never Shave Your Pubic Hair?
  • Multiple sessions are often required to effectively reduce hair growth; skipping sessions can hinder progress.

    Consistent treatment sessions are crucial, as missing appointments can significantly delay desired hair reduction outcomes.

  • Why Does Pubic Hair Grow So Fast?
  • Understanding hair growth rates can help in planning treatment sessions for more effective IPL results.

    Regularly assessing hair growth patterns can enhance the timing of your IPL treatments, leading to better results.

  • Why is My Facial Hair Blonde?
  • Hair color and texture can influence IPL effectiveness, as different hair types respond differently to treatment.

    Different hair colors, such as blonde or gray, may be less responsive to IPL, necessitating tailored approaches for effective treatment.

However, you can surely get quicker results using highly efficient devices like the Ulike Air 10 IPL hair removal handset. It can show you visible results within one to two weeks.

Insufficient Energy Output

If the device has insufficient energy output, it might not be effective enough to work on the coarse pubic hair. Therefore, buy a device with high energy outputs to achieve desirable results. 

Higher energy outputs are essential for effectively targeting and treating coarse hair, especially in sensitive areas.

Higher energy outputs are essential for effectively targeting and treating coarse hair, especially in sensitive areas like the pubic region where hair may be thicker and more resistant.

High energy outputs ensure that the device can effectively penetrate coarse hair, making it more suitable for areas like the pubic region.

High energy outputs ensure that the device can effectively penetrate coarse hair, making it more suitable for areas like the pubic region, where traditional methods may fall short.

One such device is the Ulike Air 10, which has 26J energy output and 4 full-body modes. The SHR mode works well for stubborn hair, while the high mode can also be used for thicker hair. A normal body can be used for fine hair removal.

Improper Device Contact

An IPL device needs to be in proper contact with your skin to detect pigments, produce flashes, and work correctly. If the device is not in proper contact, it will not flash or emit energy.

Proper positioning of the device can significantly impact its ability to perform effectively and produce desired results.

Proper positioning of the device can significantly impact its ability to perform effectively and produce desired results, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

Ensuring the device is well-positioned allows it to function optimally, which is vital for achieving hair reduction in sensitive areas.

Ensuring the device is well-positioned allows it to function optimally, which is vital for achieving hair reduction in sensitive areas, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

As a result, it will not affect the pubic hair even after being used multiple times. So, ensure you use the device correctly before expecting any results. 

Correct usage is crucial; if the device is not used properly, you may not see any hair reduction even after repeated attempts.

Correct usage is crucial; if the device is not used properly, you may not see any hair reduction even after repeated attempts, underscoring the importance of following instructions closely.

Using the device correctly is essential; improper usage can lead to ineffective treatment, even with multiple sessions.

Device Quality and Age

The quality of a device and its age can be a deciding factor in the efficiency of IPL devices for eliminating pubic hair. Higher-quality devices usually have more advanced features and better components to target the hair more precisely. 

Choosing a high-quality IPL device can significantly enhance treatment effectiveness, especially for coarse hair in sensitive areas.

Selecting the right device can greatly influence the results, especially for sensitive areas where hair might be coarser.

Investing in quality devices can make a difference in treatment outcomes; advanced features can enhance effectiveness.

Quality matters significantly in treatment outcomes; higher-quality devices often incorporate advanced technology for better results.

In comparison, low-quality devices do not have enough energy output or features to work well against coarse pubic hair. However, if you use a very old device, its components might have degraded over time. 

Old devices may struggle with energy output, making them less effective for hair removal, particularly on tougher hair types.

Older devices often lack the necessary power to effectively remove hair, especially for coarse types, making newer models more desirable.

Device maintenance is important; older devices may not perform as well due to wear and tear on their components.

Regular maintenance ensures devices function optimally; neglect can lead to decreased performance over time.

Skin Conditions like Tattoos or Moles

Any tattoos or moles around the target area can affect the working of an IPL device. Since these are darker in color than other areas of the skin, the IPL device can mistake them for excessive melanin and burn the whole area.

Therefore, an IPL device must not be used in such areas. The treatment will not only be unsuccessful but may also damage your skin. 

Using IPL on sensitive skin conditions can lead to adverse effects; always ensure the area is safe for treatment.

Using IPL on tattoos or moles can lead to skin damage, highlighting the importance of understanding safe treatment areas.

Skin safety is paramount; using IPL on sensitive areas can lead to adverse effects, making it essential to avoid such treatments.

Medical Conditions or Medications

Medical Conditions or Medications

Certain medical conditions or medications can also hinder the normal operation of IPL devices. These can cause excess hair growth or stimulate new hair growth, making the previous session completely useless. 

It is important to note that both medical conditions and specific medications can significantly alter hair growth patterns, which may affect the results of IPL treatments.

Understanding your medical history is crucial, as certain conditions can significantly impact IPL treatment outcomes.

Certain medical conditions can disrupt the effectiveness of IPL treatments. For instance, hormonal imbalances may lead to increased hair growth, making it challenging for IPL devices to deliver desired results.

Hormonal imbalances can lead to unexpected hair growth, creating challenges for effective IPL treatment and necessitating ongoing assessment.

The medications include anabolic steroids, cyclosporine, glucocorticoids, and phenytoin. In addition, disorders of the pituitary gland, ovary tumors, or insulin resistance can affect hormone production, resulting in excess hair growth. 

Medications can alter hair growth patterns, complicating the effectiveness of IPL treatments and requiring careful consideration.

Specific medications like anabolic steroids and glucocorticoids may interfere with hair removal processes. Understanding these factors can help in addressing the reasons for IPL's ineffectiveness.

Identifying the impact of these medications on hair growth can be critical for improving IPL effectiveness and achieving desired results.

Conclusion

IPL hair removal usually works equally well for all areas of the body. However, if it does not work for a particular area, it might be due to the wrong hair removal technique. There is a possibility that the device might be too told to work efficiently now.

In addition, hormonal imbalance, medications, and some medical conditions like ovary tumors can also be deciding factors for the efficiency of IPL. So, before using IPL, ensure that your skin tone and hair color are compatible with this technology and that you are using it correctly.

Laura 150x150
Laura
Previous
IPL Hair Removal Aftercare: Do’s and Don’ts After an IPL Session
Next
Can You Wax or Epilate Before IPL Hair Removal at Home?
Share:
5 Dermatologist Recommended At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices 2025

5 Dermatologist Recommended At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices 2025

With the advent of technology, you can now be free from waxing, shaving, or tweezing. The latest ...
Nov 24, 2025
Hair on Female Breast: Causes, How to Remove, And More

Hair on Female Breast: Causes, How to Remove, And More

While many of us were growing up, we were told that women are not supposed to have body hair. Onl...
Nov 24, 2025
PCOS: What is it, Symptoms, and Management

PCOS: What is it, Symptoms, and Management

Polycystic ovary syndrome is often associated with abnormal levels of androgens in the body...
Nov 26, 2025

Need guidance?

Get a free one-on-one consultation

TALK TO AN EXPERT

Explore Beauty

Ulike Air 10

2 weeks to silky smooth skin.

96% Hair Density Reduction in 2 Weeks

Ulike Air 3

3 weeks to silky smooth skin.

93% Hair Density Reduction in 4 Weeks

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Back to top