IPL Skin Tone and Hair Colour Guide

At-home IPL is not suitable for every combination of skin tone and hair colour. Before your first treatment, use the chart and safety guidance supplied with your exact handset. This guide explains why that check matters and how to approach it.

Why hair colour matters

IPL targets pigment in the hair. Hair with more melanin generally absorbs light more readily than very light hair. Blonde, red, grey or white hair can contain too little of the target pigment for many IPL devices to work effectively. Colour can vary across the body, so assess the hair in the area you plan to treat rather than relying only on the hair on your head.

Why skin tone matters

Skin also contains pigment. If a device is not suitable for your skin tone, too much light may be absorbed by the surrounding skin instead of the hair. That is why an IPL handset’s skin-tone chart, permitted intensity levels and patch-test instructions are essential safety steps rather than optional suggestions.

How to use the suitability chart

Check your natural skin tone in the treatment area in clear, neutral light.
Compare it with the chart supplied in the current manual for your device.
Check the natural colour of the hair in that same area.
Use only a setting permitted for that combination.
Complete the required patch test before a full treatment.

If you cannot confidently match your skin tone or hair colour to the chart, pause and contact Go Bare support or a qualified professional before using the device.

Tanning and changes in skin colour

A tan changes the amount of pigment in the skin. Do not assume a setting that suited you previously is still appropriate after sun exposure or self-tanning. Follow the manual’s waiting periods and restrictions for tanned or recently exposed skin, and patch test again when directed.

Areas that need extra care

Do not flash over tattoos, very dark marks or any area the manual tells you to avoid. Keep the device away from the eyes and use it only on body areas approved for your model. Never use IPL simply because an area appears to tolerate a test flash if the manual lists that area or situation as unsuitable.

Choosing a Go Bare handset

The Classic IPL Hair Removal Handset has seven intensity levels and automatic and manual modes. The CoolPro IPL Hair Removal Handset has five intensity levels, 990,000 flashes and Sapphire Cooling Technology designed for comfort. Whichever model you choose, its current user manual determines suitability.

Your pre-treatment checklist

Your skin tone and natural hair colour are shown as suitable in the manual.
The skin is not recently tanned and no tanning product remains.
The treatment area is clean, dry and prepared as directed.
You have completed the patch test and waited the required period.
You are not treating over an excluded area.

Next, follow our step-by-step at-home IPL guide and read how IPL differs from laser hair removal. This article is general information only and does not replace your device manual or professional medical advice.