Laser VS IPL: Which Is Better For Hair Removal? | SEV (2024)

FAQs

Laser VS IPL: Which Is Better For Hair Removal? | SEV? ›

Both IPL and lasers are effective in hair removal. IPL often requires more treatments and may not achieve the same final hair reduction as a laser can. Due to this, hair removal using a laser usually produces faster results. IPL is effective in not only hair removal, but also treating rosacea and facial flushing.

While both technologies have their advantages, laser hair removal is faster, more precise and can cater to darker skin tones while delivering permanent hair reduction. IPL and laser technology are also both available for safe, self-administered home use on the face, arms, legs, bikini line, chest and hands.

Pain factor

Most patients report that laser treatment is less painful than IPL; but the process does still pose some opportunity for discomfort. Your individual hair and skin type will determine your experience during the procedure.

IPL manufacturers are not allowed by law to claim that hair removal is permanent. Studies have shown that areas of the skin targeted by the IPL procedure experience temporary removal of hair but not total or permanent elimination. IPL only acts on active hair while it is in the Anagen phase of growth.

The pulses of light emitted during IPL therapy are less concentrated than a laser beam, so IPL treatment is much less risky than laser skin resurfacing. Most people who have a photofacial can apply makeup immediately after their appointment and return to work within 24 to 48 hours.

IPL hair removal is a progressive treatment that offers full body hair removal - but you can use IPL to treat separate areas, such as your arms, legs, or pubic area, depending on your individual needs. When using IPL, you'll hold a flashgun device that delivers a spectrum of light to the skin.

Both IPL and lasers are effective in hair removal. IPL often requires more treatments and may not achieve the same final hair reduction as a laser can. Due to this, hair removal using a laser usually produces faster results. IPL is effective in not only hair removal, but also treating rosacea and facial flushing.

IPL treatments tend to be more affordable than laser treatments. IPL is not effective or safe for treating darker skin tones, as dark skin is apt to over-absorb IPL's light energy.

Conclusion: The IPL has been shown to negatively impact the effectiveness of a diode laser. This is linked with the way non-coherent light weakens and thins the hair that impedes the absorption of laser light by the melanin and adversely affects the treatment results. Keywords: IPL; diode laser; hair reduction.

Why is my hair growing back after IPL? ›

The number one factor that may trigger new hair growth is hormones. It could be hormones due to pregnancy, menopause or a hormonal condition. We must make clients aware that this is a possibility after their treatment, as no hair removal can be classed as 'permanent'. IPL is semi-permanent and does need maintenance.

How does IPL remove hair? The Intense Light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the melanin in the hair. This absorption treats the hair, with the heat being transported to the nourishment structure of the hair (follicle). This is heated to 70°C for a millisecond thus destroying the follicle.

Using IPL too often can be ineffective and painful. IPL is most effective while your hair is in the growth phase –if you treat your skin multiple times a week, your hair can become dormant and IPL treatment won't work as well. Additionally, while IPL is a gentle treatment, too much of it can be a bad thing.

A BBL hair removal treatment uses multiple wavelengths of light to target the melanin in hair follicles resulting in the removal of hair. It's quicker and more comfortable than IPL and laser hair removal treatments.

IPL treatment, or intense pulsed light therapy, is a cosmetic procedure to improve the skin's texture. The goal is to give your skin a clearer and more even, youthful look. IPL therapy treats a range of skin pigment and blood vessel issues on areas such as your: Face.

IPL might be more appropriate if you aim to treat conditions including hyperpigmentation, redness, and vascular lesions. On the other hand, Microneedling could be more suitable if your priority is to boost skin texture, reduce scars, and eliminate fine wrinkles.

Alexandrite laser treatment is most effective for individuals with fair to olive skin tones. It is often used for larger areas such as the legs or back. Whereas for people with lighter skin tones, ruby laser is the most effective. It also works well on smaller, more sensitive areas such as the face or underarms.

Electrolysis is considered a more permanent solution than laser hair removal (it stops hair growth completely while laser hair removal slows and reduces hair growth), but it requires more individual sessions (closer to 14), and the sessions can take longer. You might not see full results for nearly 18 months.