Laser hair removal Vs IPL

Every woman is in search of the ideal hair removal method: the more permanent and effective, the better. Many women swear by the Laser Hair Removal method, while some prefer IPL (which stands for Intense Pulsed Light). But which method works best, is safer, more sophisticated and will provide you with the results you are looking for? Let’s take a look!

In order to determine which method is better, we need to understand the difference between laser treatment and IPL. Hair removal by IPL uses a lamp, which produces multiple wavelengths (between 500 and 1200 nanometers) of light that are distributed throughout the skin. The hair absorbs this light which then becomes very hot and kills the living cells that produce hair. Laser treatment, on the other hand, makes use of only 1 specific wavelength that targets a particular area of concern.

IPL treatment is therefore very diffused and not as powerful and targeted as laser technology. The equipment used in this method is also much cheaper than that used in laser technology. IPL treatment is also only recommended to people with dark hair and very fair skin. Laser, by contrast, is suitable for all skin types and tones.

The reason that IPL is not recommended for people with darker skin tones is that the light produced by the IPL lamp does not penetrate deep enough to effectively treat thicker and coarser hairs. As a result, light can be absorbed into the dermis, leading to the skin’s pigment being heated and a risk of burning. With laser technology, only the hair follicle is targeted and heated, with the skin not being affected.

Since hair removal by laser is extremely specific, an exact wavelength can be set according to the color of the client’s hair. For instance, for the most effective results, brown hair is best removed at 800 nanometers. Every pulse of a laser is only the mere fraction of a second and it can treat many hairs at once and even a large surface area of the body, making it the ideal solution if you have a large area of hair (such as the legs, back or arms) to remove.

So if laser is more effective, is it more painful?

In terms of pain, laser treatment is actually far less painful than IPL, waxing or electrolysis. Many women describe the feeling of laser treatment similar to that of being flicked lightly by a hot rubber band, although the sensation differs from laser to laser. The majority of laser devices today are also equipped with cooling fans to assist the sensation of heat and pain, thereby further decreasing any discomfort.

While many people favor IPL due to the attractive low price, laser treatment (which only requires up to 5 sessions in most cases for a permanent hair loss solution) is better in the long run due to its effectiveness.

Of course, IPL treatment is a wonderful tool and has its place in the beauty industry. It is an excellent way of treating fine blood vessels as superficial pigmentation.

At Cocoon Medical Spa, we recommend laser technology for all your hair removal needs.