IPL can reduce hair growth, most effectively in darker, coarser hair. There are many names and devices for pulsed light treatments such as E-Light, ELOS, and M-Light. IPL should not be confused with laser hair removal , a different procedure using coherent, monochromatic laser light.

Protocol
Broad- spectrum light is applied to the surface of the skin , targeting melanin. This light travels through the skin until it strikes the hair shafts or hair follicle . The follicle is usually where the highest concentration of melanin is located. As the light is absorbed, the bulb and most of the hair shaft are heated, destroying the hair-producing papilla . It is also claimed that heat conversion occurs directly in the darker capillaries that bring blood to the follicle.

At any one time, not all hair follicles are 'active', and only active hair follicles can be affected by the treatment. 'Inactive' hair follicles can be treated as they become 'active' over time. For IPL treatments, an average of 8–10 treatments are required to remove most visible hair.  No common treatment protocol exists and it depends on the equipment used and patient skin type. The area to be treated should be clean shaven and free of sunburn. Treatment sessions are usually 4 to 6 weeks apart. Treatments are often given in doctors' offices and so-called "medspas" by trained practitioners.

Contrary to what is often claimed, photoepilation is not a permanent hair removal method but a permanent hair reduction method. Although IPL treatments will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in a permanent removal of all hair. This distinction is only relevant in the USA because of FDA wording.

Certain skin conditions, health irregularities, and medications can impact whether it is safe for a person to receive a light-based hair removal treatment. Photo-sensitizing medications, or damage to the skin are contraindications to treatment. According to Remington , manufacturer of an IPL device, all IPL and laser devices should only be used on light to medium skin tones, and work best on darker hair. 

Efficacy
The first use of a specific IPL system developed for hair removal is reported in the literature in 1997. Hair count reduction was found to be ~60% (12 weeks), 75% (1 year).

In evaluating these results it is also important to remember that even a reduction of 75% indicates that 25% of the hair regrew after treatment. Permanent hair removal in these studies, as defined by the FDA, means the "long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime". The number of hairs regrowing must be stable over time greater than the duration of the complete growth cycle of hair follicles, which varies from four to twelve months by body location. No treatment to date has shown the ability to permanently eliminate all hair growth, however many patients experience satisfaction with a significant and permanent reduction.