Laser Hair Removal vs IPL
What is the difference between laser and IPL?
There is often some confusion when it comes to understanding the difference between IPL and Laser Hair Removal.
The main differences between laser and IPL hair removal, lie in the technology that each use to generate the light.
Laser technology is much more effective, and achieves substantially better results than IPL
IPL is a cheaper and less effective technology for reducing body hair.
Lasers are far more precise, and can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
Each laser pulse takes a fraction of a second and can treat several hairs at a time.
Laser hair removal can be used to treat larger body areas.
Laser settings can be adjusted to suit your specific skin tone and hair colour
Lasers are safe for all skin colours, whereas IPL can cause burns on darker skin tones.
Laser machines produce a single wavelength of light (pure light consisting of one single colour and form), which has a very concentrated beam and specific target (the melanin in the hair follicle).
The type/colour of your hair and skin will determine the tuning settings of the machine and will be discussed with you during your test patch consultation. Laser machines are tuned to emit the exact wavelength required to treat your hair.
Laser machines create more heat directed at the hair follicle than IPL systems, hence achieving better results.
The heat is absorbed by the follicle and not the skin, therefore there is a decreased risk of burning when usinglLaser machines – this also makes laser a safer option for darker skinned individuals.