What is the difference between IPL and Laser Hair Removal?
If you are thinking about getting laser hair removal, you may have come across the term “IPL” hair removal and are probably wondering.. what is the difference and which one will give me the best results?
IPL and Laser Hair Removal use different wavelengths of light and deliver this light in a different manner. While these may seem like subtle differences, they have a big impact on the treatment results. Keep reading to learn more.
First we need to answer the question: How does laser hair removal work?
During the treatment, when the laser is zapped into the skin it gets attracted to the pigment in the hair follicle. It then turns into heat and burns the hair follicle to damage it.
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light that is only absorbed by the targeted hair follicles, leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. Laser energy penetrates deeper than IPL and is able to target and damage the hair at its root, destroying the follicle to prevent future growth.
IPL uses a diffused, scattered light that is weaker and less focused than laser energy. During treatment, much of the light is absorbed by the surrounding skin and other superficial structures, making it harder to reach the correct temperature in the hair follicle. Because of this, it cannot deliver the amount of heat required to permanently stop hair growth, it may only slow down hair growth.
Laser hair removal has other advantages over IPL, like: quicker treatments that are less painful, precisely targets unwanted hair, and the most important of all, it safely and effectively treats ALL skin tones and types.
This also leads us to the next question: Which type of laser is best for me?
There are 2 gold-standard lasers and we carry both of them!
The Alexandrite laser (755nm wavelength) is the gold-standard laser for lighter skin tones, skin types I – III. This laser has the highest melanin absorption, meaning it can easily target hair that is finer/lighter but it cannot get rid of hair that is blonde, red, white, or grey (no laser can!).
The Nd:YAG laser (1064nm wavelength) is the gold-standard laser for darker skin tones, skin types IV-VI. This laser penetrates deeper into the skin so it cannot get confused between hair pigment and skin pigment, making it a very safe and effective treatment for our melanin rich babes!
Laser hair removal technology has come a LONG way.
Thanks to modern technology, laser hair removal is now:
✔️ Safe and effective for all skin tones
✔️ Gentle on the most sensitive skin
✔️ Faster treatments
✔️ No downtime
✔️ Best of all.. waayyy less painful!! (provided you go to a clinic that uses the latest tech). We use the award winning Zimmer system, it continuously blows out -30 degrees cold air to keep the skin cool + numb throughout 🥶
With these lasers, we can treat all skin types safely & effectively, giving you the best results. Book in for a free consultation to learn more about laser hair removal and to see if you are a good candidate for this treatment.
