Introduction:
If you have thick, coarse, or hormonal hair growth, you’ve probably asked this:
“IPL works for normal hair… but will it work for my hair?”
That question is especially common among women with:
-
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
-
Chin and upper-lip hair
-
Fast regrowth even after laser or waxing
Let’s be honest:
Hormonal hair behaves differently — and not all hair removal methods work the same way on it.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
-
How IPL reacts to thick and hormonal hair
-
What results you can realistically expect
-
Which Philips Lumea models perform best
-
Whether IPL can replace laser for PCOS hair
👉 View Philips Lumea models here:
Philips Lumea IPL Devices in Pakistan – Lumia London
First: Why Hormonal Hair Is Harder to Treat
Hormonal hair is different because:
-
Hair follicles are stimulated by androgens (hormones)
-
Even damaged follicles may reactivate
-
Growth cycles are more aggressive
That’s why women with PCOS often experience:
-
Fast regrowth
-
Thick chin and jawline hair
-
Hair returning even after laser sessions
So no technology can promise permanent removal of hormonal hair.
The real goal is long-term control and thinning.
Does IPL Actually Work Better on Thick Hair?
Surprisingly — yes.
IPL works by targeting melanin in hair.
Thick, dark hair contains more melanin, which means:
-
Better light absorption
-
Stronger follicle heating
-
Higher chance of follicle damage
So technically, thick hair responds very well to IPL.
The challenge is not thickness — it’s hormonal stimulation that keeps waking follicles up again.
So… Does IPL Work on PCOS Hair?
Let’s answer honestly, not emotionally.
What IPL CAN Do for Hormonal Hair
-
Slow down regrowth
-
Reduce hair thickness
-
Reduce frequency of shaving/threading
-
Improve skin texture (less ingrowns)
What IPL CANNOT Do
-
It cannot stop hormone-driven regrowth permanently
-
It cannot “cure” PCOS hair
So the realistic expectation is:
👉 Management, not permanent elimination
But that management can still be life-changing if you currently remove hair every few days.
IPL vs Laser for Hormonal Hair – Which Is Better?
This is where many people get confused.
Laser for Hormonal Hair
Pros:
-
Faster initial results
-
Strong follicle damage
Cons:
-
Hair often returns after months
-
Maintenance sessions required
-
Expensive long-term
IPL for Hormonal Hair
Pros:
-
Ideal for long-term maintenance
-
Easy to repeat at home
-
No session costs
Cons:
-
Slower initial results
-
Requires consistent use
That’s why many women:
👉 Do laser initially
👉 Then use IPL for ongoing control
We explained this in detail here:
IPL vs Laser Hair Removal in Pakistan – Full Comparison
Which Areas Respond Best to IPL for Hormonal Hair?
Not all hormonal hair areas behave the same.
Best Response Areas
-
Underarms
-
Bikini area
These areas usually show strong reduction even in hormonal cases.
Moderate Response Areas
-
Chin
-
Upper lip
-
Jawline
Results improve with consistency but may need:
-
More frequent maintenance
Which Philips Lumea Models Are Best for Thick & Hormonal Hair?
For hormonal hair, you want:
-
Strong consistent output
-
Face and sensitive attachments
-
Good intensity control
✅ Best Overall Choice
👉 Philips Lumea BRI955
-
Face attachment
-
Sensitive area attachment
-
Excellent control
Product Link: Philips Lumea BRI955
✅ Smart Guided Option
👉 Philips Lumea 9900 Series
-
App-guided routines
-
Faster sessions
-
Full attachments
Product Link: Philips Lumea 9900 Series
⚠️ Not Ideal for Hormonal Facial Hair
👉 Philips Lumea BRI921
-
No face attachment
-
Not designed for chin or lip
Skip this model if facial hair is your main concern.
How to Use IPL for Best Results on Hormonal Hair
This is where most people fail.
✅ You Must Be Extra Consistent
Hormonal hair requires:
-
Strict 2-week initial schedule
-
No skipping sessions
Missed sessions = follicles recover faster.
✅ Never Wax or Thread Between Sessions
IPL needs the root to work.
Threading removes the root and resets progress.
Stick to shaving only.
✅ Use Proper Intensity
Low intensity = weaker follicle damage.
Use the highest level your skin comfortably tolerates.
✅ Expect Maintenance Forever (But Less Often)
Once reduction is achieved:
-
Maintain every 4–6 weeks
This is still far easier than weekly threading.
Realistic Timeline for Hormonal Hair with IPL
Let’s set expectations properly.
Weeks 1–4
-
Growth slows slightly
-
Hair still visible
Weeks 6–8
-
Patchy regrowth
-
Hair becomes softer
After 3 Months
-
Slower cycles
-
Less frequent grooming
Long Term
-
Ongoing maintenance needed
-
Thickness usually stays reduced
This is slow, yes — but also sustainable and affordable.
Can IPL Make Hormonal Hair Worse?
No. IPL does not stimulate growth.
However:
-
Inconsistent treatment may feel like “no progress”
-
But it does not increase hair density
Any worsening usually comes from:
-
Hormonal fluctuations, not IPL itself
When Should You Consider Medical Treatment Instead?
If you have:
-
Rapid worsening facial hair
-
Other PCOS symptoms
-
Irregular cycles
Hair removal alone may not be enough.
Medical management can help reduce:
-
Hormonal stimulation
But even with medical treatment, hair removal methods are still required — IPL simply makes that easier.
Is Philips Lumea Worth Buying for PCOS Hair?
Let’s be blunt.
If you expect:
-
Permanent elimination → you’ll be disappointed
If you want:
-
Fewer grooming sessions
-
Softer regrowth
-
Better skin condition
Then yes — Philips Lumea is absolutely worth it for hormonal hair management.
And financially, it’s far cheaper than endless clinic visits.
We covered pricing here:
👉 Philips Lumea Price in Pakistan – Cost vs Salon Laser
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IPL Work on Beard-Like Chin Hair?
It can reduce thickness and slow growth, but full elimination is unlikely. Maintenance is required.
Can I Use IPL Every Week for Faster Results?
No. Hair must be in growth phase. Overuse does not speed results and may irritate skin.
Should I Combine IPL with Laser?
Some women start with laser and use IPL for maintenance. This can be very effective.
Does IPL Affect Hormones?
No. IPL only targets hair follicles, not hormone levels.
Final Truth About IPL and Hormonal Hair
There is no magic solution for hormonal hair.
But there is a smart management strategy.
IPL with a high-quality device like Philips Lumea gives you:
-
Control
-
Convenience
-
Lower lifetime cost
-
Less emotional stress around hair removal
And that alone is a huge upgrade for many women dealing with stubborn regrowth.
Where to Buy Original Philips Lumea in Pakistan
If you’re investing in long-term hair control, authenticity matters.
At Lumia London, you get:
-
Original Philips devices
-
Face and sensitive attachments
-
Model-wise options
-
Reliable customer support
👉 Browse Philips Lumea IPL Devices in Pakistan:
Buy once. Maintain easily. Stop fighting hair growth every week.