Laser vs IPL Hair Removal - Which Is Better? [Pros & Cons] (2024)

FAQs

Laser vs IPL Hair Removal - Which Is Better? [Pros & Cons]? ›

The importance of accurate targeting. In terms of accuracy in targeting unwanted hair, lasers can pinpoint their energy on the hair follicle, whilst ensuring that the surrounding skin is minimally affected. Because, IPL treatment is broad spectrum, more of the surrounding skin is exposed to the light energy.

Laser technology is simply much more effective, and achieves substantially better results than IPL with most clients achieving optimal results of permanent hair removal of 80% or greater after four to eight treatments. However, IPL machines do have an important place in the treatment of skin.

Laser is collimated, meaning it's slow to diverge or spread out. This makes laser light very powerful as nearly 100 per cent of the light can be effective in treatments. IPL is not collimated, so it is quick to spread out making it less effective in treatments.

The goal of each treatment session is to decrease the growth of new hair, eventually leading to the complete elimination of all hair. IPL treatment does not cause hair to regrow any quicker, despite what the myth may have you believe. It causes the hair follicles to go into a state of dormancy for a considerable time.

No, IPL hair removal is typically less painful than professional laser treatments in-clinic because it uses lower-intensity light. However, both technologies feel the same when used in a portable, home use device engineered with advanced cooling air systems and UV sensors to minimize discomfort.

Electrolysis can permanently remove unwanted hair. Once your hair is gone, you won't need maintenance treatments. It works on all hair types, including light-colored hairs, which lasers cannot remove.

Although side effects of IPL are typically rare and minimal in severity, the most common adverse events include pain and erythema. Other reported side effects include edema, bullae, hematoma, crusting, hyper- or hypopigmentation, leukotrichia, scarring, keloid formation, and infection.

It can treat a range of skin conditions at the same time. After IPL, you may look younger because your skin tone is more even. And since the light doesn't hurt other tissue, you can get better quickly.

While IPL can significantly reduce hair growth, it does not guarantee permanent hair removal. Many users notice a significant reduction in hair density and thickness, making regrowth finer and lighter.

What are 3 disadvantages of laser? ›

Pregnant women and people who are on blood thinners, for example, should avoid IPL. Other factors that make people unsuitable for IPL treatment include: currently or recently taking the acne drug Accutane. having active acne.

You can overuse at-home IPL. If you use your device too often, you won't speed up your hair removal treatments and could set yourself up for side effects. Like nearly everything in life, IPL works best when following the recommended treatment plans. That's typically twice a week over 8 weeks, for starters.

One significant concern is the potential for player burnout due to the hectic schedule. With players participating in multiple domestic and international competitions throughout the year, IPL adds to their workload, increasing the risk of injuries and fatigue.

Safety on skin

While the light is not as focused as a laser, to heat deeper targets, IPL requires higher energy levels. This energy is also absorbed by the surrounding tissue. It can lead to skin damage such as burning, hyperpigmentation, blistering and scarring.

After IPL hair removal

After the hair falls out you should have a hair free period for approximately 3 to 6 weeks. New growth will appear, though there will be a certain percentage of hairs that don't grow back. This percentage will increase with each session.

You'll need to factor in a number of considerations as you try to determine which hair removal treatment is best for you. If you're short on time or cash, you may be best served by laser treatment; if you're fine with frequent trips to the salon and don't want true permanent hair removal, IPL is the way to go.

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.