Laser hair removal or IPL – Which one performs best?

Laser Hair Removal vs IPL

You may be wondering whether to have laser hair removal or IPL hair removal, especially as both may seem the same at first glance. For example, they both use a light source to remove hair. The light energy is converted into heat energy which causes damage to the hair follicle. This prevents further hair growth. Therefore, they are both long-term solutions to unwanted hair growth, and both reduce the growth speed and thickness of any hairs that remain.

However, there are differences between the two which you need to know before making an informed decision about which one you’ll use.

The difference in technology used
The main difference between laser and IPL hair removal is the technology that they use. With IPL, broad-spectrum visible light is used. The light has a broader field, moving outwards as well as downwards. The light is designed to target melanin pigments. However, because the light spreads wider, this can also target melanin in the skin, such as a mole or freckle, as well as the hairs.

However, how laser hair removal works is by using laser light instead. Again, this targets the melanin in the hair. The advantage of laser light is that it has a much narrower and focused beam with light travelling downwards without spreading out. This allows for the hair removal to be much more focussed, avoiding the pigmentation in the surrounding skin and the light can travel further down into the hair follicle.

Treatment time

Treatment times of laser hair removal and IPL do vary. With a broader light area, an individual IPL treatment can be quicker than a singular laser hair removal one. However, because of this, IPL also tends to be less effective and therefore requires a longer series of treatments making it more time-consuming in the long term. Laser hair removal also requires fewer top-up treatments.

Skin types
As the light in IPL hair removal treatments can target the melanin pigment in the skin, it is recommended that those with darker skin tones should avoid IPL as it can cause trauma to the skin. On the other hand, laser hair removal is suitable for all skin types because the light source is much more targeted. However, it’s essential to ensure that you are attending a reputable clinic who will be able to adjust the treatment to suit your skin tone.

Europe’s Number One Clinic
As you can see, there are numerous benefits to having laser hair removal treatment rather than IPL. While laser hair removal at-home treatments are available, for safety reasons, the lasers are significantly reduced in intensity, so you don’t get anywhere near the quality of the result.

If you would like laser hair removal, then we can offer this at all our salons in the UK. Our staff are highly trained and experienced, and we offer the most affordable prices. Find out about our guarantee here.

To book your treatment call 08000 121 565 or visit us online.