Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices use xenon flash lamps to generate multi-wavelength, noncoherent light for hair removal. By using cut-off light filters, only longer energy wavelengths in the range of 600-1200nm are passed through the hand piece, and pulsed singly or in pulse trains with variable delay between pulses, into the skin. The parameters are controlled by software in the machine. All the technician does is enter the patient's skin type and hair characteristics into the machine and the machine calculates the appropriate settings. A chilled hand piece cools the skin and a transparent gel provides optical coupling as well as additional cooling.

These systems deliver the widest range of light wavelengths; 515 nm to 1200 nm (including yellow, green, red, and infrared light). The duration of the light energy delivered can vary significantly from very short (1millisecond) to very long (1200 milliseconds) exposures and from 1 to 4 pulses or segments of light in succession. The intense pulsed light sources are effective for dark hair, both fine and coarse and for darker skin types.

Strictly speaking intense pulsed light devices are not lasers. They provide a range of light wavelengths that can be controlled with filters. Intense pulsed light machines are becoming more popular in laser hair removal clinics as they can provide a range of settings for different types of skin and hair. This means the clinic does not need to keep a range of different laser machines each producing one type of light wavelength. The IPL macine can cover many of the light wavelengths that lasers produce. However, while they are a good compromise in terms of the range of light they produce, laser machines can still provide a better quality hair removal experience for people with particular hair removal needs.