IPL vs Laser Hair Removal

What’s the Difference Between IPL Hair Removal and Laser Hair Removal?

The main differentiating factor between an IPL and a laser is the way light source. IPL delivers a broadband light source while laser emit one singular direct light to the hair follicle. Both methods of hair removal introduce heat to the hair follicle that targets melanin.

Both laser hair removal and IPL hair removal devices are designed to target the follicle while limiting heat to surrounding skin, though burns and blistering can still occur if the device is misused or the wrong settings are used. (Blistering is a side effect commonly associated with laser hair removal)

Laser hair removal is more selective and focuses directly at hair follicles, while IPL hair removal devices targets the hair and surrounding area.
In other words, lasers use specific light rays on predefined wavelengths depending on your skin and hair color, while IPLs produce multiple wavelengths in each flash.
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Light produced from either device is much rather similar to natural light and is visible to the naked eye as a reddish/orange glow when flashed.
ipl vs laser

How Does Laser Hair Removal Works In Comparison to Using An IPL?

Laser and IPL light pretty much works the same when it comes to hair removal
  • Light emitted from an IPL Device or Laser targets dark hair filled with melanin at the root.
  • Hair follicles absorbs the light energy which creates heat along the root and the entirety of the follicle.
  • The right amount light energy causing the hair follicle to separate from the cells walls at the root level, cutting off the supply of nutrients to that hair follicle. This causes the hair to stop growing (goes dormant) and fall out.
  • Laser and IPL Hair removal method are somethings claimed to be permanent but that is not the case for everyone.

Comparing IPL vs Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Treatment Time
  • Laser light portals are smaller since the light is more laser focused (no pun intended) therefore you can expect this to take much longer to cover the entire surface area you want to treat.
  • IPL devices have light portals like that of a flashlight. They cover more surface area with each flash making the treatment process much quicker than a laser.

Painfulness
  • Laser is often reported as more painful than using an IPL due to the concentrated light source.
  • Many people find IPL less painful than laser, partly because the larger window spreads the light over a wider area, but pain varies from person to person.

Cost of treatment
  • Laser hair removal can be very expensive to say the least. Prices range from $90 per sessions for a small area treatment to over $800 per session for larger areas.
  • IPL Hair removal devices generally have a lower upfront cost than a course of clinic treatments, though total cost depends on the device and how often it is used.

How long results last
  • Laser treatments may last longer for some people, which can mean touch-ups are needed less often to stay hair-free. Perks of having a hefty upfront cost to get treatments started.
  • With IPL Hair removal you will need to do touch ups a bit more often than if you were suppose to have laser treatments but, you won’t have to keep paying because you own your own IPL device.


Safety
  • Once more, laser emit highly concentrated, powerful rays of light, ultimately making it the more dangerous choice.
  • IPL hair removal handsets deliver significantly less energy per square inch of surface area making it generally lower-risk for at-home use when used as directed, though burns and eye injury remain possible risks if misused.

IPL vs Laser Hair Removal – Which is Better?

In conclusion, using an IPL “intense pulsed light” device can give some people results closer to professional laser hair removal (if your skin and hair color fits the criteria), though results vary and clinic treatments are usually more powerful. If you keep up with treatment schedules and stick through the session even when you don’t see any great results in the first few weeks, you may save money compared with clinic sessions, in return for your patience and commitment. The best part is you don’t have to keep leaving your house to drive to the clinic or a salon to have treatments done. You can do it from your own living room.

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