Consumer-Use IPL Hair Removal Services Market

Market Overview

The global consumer-use IPL hair removal services market share is estimated to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period (2024–2032). In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and concern regarding beauty, which has increased the emphasis on grooming, especially amongst the younger demographics. This grooming session also involves hair removal procedures, thereby driving the demand for IPL hair removal services as they offer several advantages over other hair removal methods.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal services are a cosmetic process that employs light to reduce or remove undesired hair. This technique is different from traditional laser hair removal, even though the basic idea is still the same. These devices emit a wide range of light wavelengths, unlike lasers, which emit only a single wavelength.

IPL hair removal is frequently selected due to its adaptability and capacity to treat greater regions effectively. It applies to multiple body areas, such as the face, arms, legs, bikini line, and others. Salons, spas, and dermatological clinics offer professional IPL treatments. Moreover, home IPL devices allow users to perform hair removal treatments on themselves. However, it is worth noting that these devices may possess lower energy levels than professional-grade equipment.

Market Dynamics

Global Consumer-Use IPL Hair Removal Services Market Drivers

Increasing Awareness of Personal Grooming

An important factor contributing to the growth of the consumer-use IPL hair removal services market is the rising consumer awareness and expenditure on personal care and aesthetics. Consumers, particularly women, are increasingly aware of their physical appearance and desire to improve their beauty and self-assurance by eliminating undesired hair from several areas of their bodies, including the face, legs, arms, bikini line, and underarms.

A 2017 poll by Philips in 11 countries indicates that the percentage of women using beauty equipment or products increased from 85% in 2015 to 90% in 2017. This suggests an increasing dependence on beauty appliances, especially those used for hair removal. According to the same source, the utilization of IPL hair removal also rose from 4% in 2015 to 6% in 2017. Moreover, the increasing disposable income and urbanization in emerging economies like China, India, Brazil, and Mexico facilitate greater affordability and accessibility of IPL hair removal treatments.

Advantages of IPL

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal procedures have become prevalent due to their numerous advantages over traditional hair removal methods. IPL can provide durable hair removal by explicitly targeting the hair follicles and impeding the development of new hair in the future. Through multiple sessions, many persons observe a notable decrease in hair growth. It is a versatile device that may be used on multiple body locations, such as the face, arms, legs, bikini line, and others. This makes it a convenient choice for anyone seeking to treat hair on various body areas.

IPL is a rapid and efficient hair removal technique that may treat bigger areas in a single session, surpassing the coverage of older procedures such as waxing or electrolysis. This feature provides a time-efficient alternative for individuals with hectic schedules. In comparison to hair removal techniques such as waxing or epilating, IPL is often regarded as less unpleasant. Moreover, several individuals characterize the experience as a gentle stinging or cracking sensation. Home-use IPL machines offer a handy alternative for individuals who desire the flexibility of performing treatments in the comfort of their residences. These benefits of IPL are expected to propel the global market.

Global Consumer-Use IPL Hair Removal Services Market Restraint

High Cost and Maintenance of IPL Devices and Equipment 

A significant limitation of the consumer-use IPL hair removal services market is the high expenses and maintenance associated with IPL devices and equipment. IPL devices and equipment entail significant costs for purchase and functioning since they require frequent replacement of lamps, filters, and other components, in addition to professional calibration and servicing.

Furthermore, IPL devices and equipment are subject to stringent rules and standards across nations and regions. This might present difficulties for market participants regarding adhering to and obtaining certification. Moreover, IPL devices and equipment are susceptible to malfunctions, damages, and theft, potentially leading to financial losses and legal responsibilities for service providers and consumers.

Global Consumer-Use IPL Hair Removal Services Market Opportunities

Technological Advancements

The rapid development and innovation in IPL devices and equipment are generating lucrative opportunities for the market of consumer-use IPL hair removal services. Over the years, IPL devices and equipment have undergone advancements in sophistication, efficiency, and user-friendliness, resulting in improved outcomes and increased client satisfaction. Recent IPL devices and equipment have smart skin sensors, cooling mechanisms, several intensity options, and wireless connectivity, all of which improve the safety, comfort, and convenience of IPL hair removal treatments.

For instance, Philips Lumea Prestige includes smart skin sensors that analyze the skin and recommend an appropriate light level, indicated by a blinking white light. Moreover, several IPL devices and equipment are specifically tailored for use at home, enabling consumers to carry out IPL hair removal at their choice and in privacy without needing assistance from a professional. For instance, Foreo recently introduced its latest product, Peach 2, for IPL devices. As per the brand's claim, this product provides at-home hair removal treatments that require only 10 minutes to complete.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global consumer-use IPL hair removal services market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Europe is an important market for consumer-use IPL hair removal services, characterized by robust demand and supply of IPL devices and equipment and widespread awareness and acceptance of IPL hair removal among customers. The IPL hair removal services market in Europe is experiencing increased demand because of a growing need for hair removal in the region. As per the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), a total of 916,869 hair removal treatments were conducted in 2018. Germany accounted for around 4,208 procedures, while Italy accounted for 30,784 procedures. Moreover, well-established dermatology clinics in developed nations, such as Germany, Italy, and Spain, play a significant role in driving the regional market. The growing positive perception among consumers towards hair removal products, spas, dermatological clinics, and beauty salons, including the European Skin Spa, the European Laser Clinic, and the AITEC Beauty Clinic, is driving up the demand for IPL hair removal services.

Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of at-home hair removal devices and the expanding online distribution channel are also driving market growth. Various types of IPL hair removal products are readily accessible on e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon. The region is experiencing increased demand for permanent hair removal due to improved living circumstances and increased purchasing power. Moreover, the market for consumer use of IPL hair removal services is expanding because of the increased demand for non-surgical treatments and the rise in disposable income. The expanding demographic of young individuals and the increasing acceptance of non-invasive cosmetic operations are also key factors propelling the market's growth.

Asia-Pacific is projected to experience the highest growth rate in the market. This is due to its rapid emergence and expansion as a market for IPL hair removal services. The region has an increasing population of young and middle-aged consumers adopting Western lifestyles and values. These consumers are also willing to invest in personal grooming and aesthetics. Moreover, the Asia-Pacific region exhibits a limited adoption of IPL hair removal services, mostly because of inadequate knowledge, limited accessibility, and high costs associated with IPL devices and equipment.

Additionally, cultural and religious factors inhibit hair removal in this region. Hence, there is a significant opportunity for market participants to enhance their market share and customer reach in this area by providing cost-effective, easily accessible, and personalized IPL hair removal services. Data from Mintel, a global consumer research firm, shows that men accounted for one out of every five recipients of personal care and beauty products introduced to the Indian market in the five years leading up to July 2022. This represents the highest share of male recipients in the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, market players may further establish their position by educating and persuading customers about the advantages and safety of IPL hair removal.

Segmental Analysis

The global consumer-use IPL hair removal services market is segmented by service provider and gender.

Based on the service provider, the global consumer-use IPL hair removal services market is bifurcated into beauty clinics/salons or aesthetic centers, dermatology clinics, and others.

Dermatology clinics are specialized medical establishments that treat various skin illnesses and disorders, including but not limited to acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and skin cancer. Dermatology clinics are projected to have the most rapid expansion in the market due to their highly specialized and expert IPL hair removal services, mainly catering to consumers with sensitive skin, medical issues, or cosmetic considerations.

In addition, dermatology clinics may provide supplementary or alternative therapies, such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or botox injections, that can improve the results and contentment of IPL hair removal services. Consequently, dermatology clinics are anticipated to draw in a larger number of customers seeking top-notch, secure, and dependable IPL hair removal services, thereby stimulating the expansion of this market segment.

Based on gender, the global consumer-use IPL hair removal services market is segmented into men and women.

The women's segment of the consumer-use IPL hair removal services market pertains to the market that specifically caters to the demand and preferences of female consumers seeking hair removal services. The market is experiencing substantial growth in the women segment, primarily driven by women's strong demand for hair removal services. This demand is influenced by societal and cultural expectations and conventions that place greater emphasis on female hair removal.

The women's segment also offers a broader selection of products and services designed to meet women's hair removal requirements. These include creams, waxing products, razors, epilators, and IPL devices and equipment. These products and services cater to various body parts and provide a wide range of choices for women based on their skin type, hair type, budget, convenience, and desired outcomes. Consequently, the women's segment is anticipated to possess a significant portion of the market and propel the expansion of the consumer-oriented IPL hair removal services market.

Recent Developments

• August 2023- Ulike, a reputable at-home hair removal technology brand, introduced its newest product, the Limited Edition Pink Air 3 IPL Hair Device. This product is designed for people seeking a safe, efficient, and painless method of permanently removing hair.
• January 2024- Braun is introducing advanced technology to the personal care industry with the Skin i·expert IPL. Braun's Skin i·expert IPL is marketed as the world's inaugural "truly connected" smart IPL system, which acquires knowledge with each use and offers tailored guidance to achieve swift and enduring hair removal outcomes in the comfort of one's home.