IPL or Laser Hair Removal?

Which is better: laser or IPL treatment? It's a question people have been asking themselves since the mid '90s.

Even some of the most ardent supporters of these two most popular cosmetic care alternatives to waxing don't seem to realise they need to choose either IPL or laser hair removal when they decide to have their hair removed permanently.

The two techniques ultimately use light energy to disrupt the hair follicle's growth once absorbed into the dark pigment. They're also far less painful than waxing or electrolysis, and they don't damage any of the surrounding tissue. So, they have much in common when it comes to their effect and scope, but they differ significantly in all other respects. Here's why:

Laser Treatment

In short, a laser is a beam of light that amplifies and concentrates intensely and precisely on a very narrow target. The laser can be fine-tuned for specific skin types and shades, and is, therefore, more widely used. Laser treatment usually follows a test patch consultation, so that the right settings are selected for the laser machine.

Another advantage over IPL is the fact that it sends short pulses with cooling intervals in between, so that the heat doesn't build up on the skin's surface. As the beam is very precise, it also tends to target dark hair selectively, making the results visible instantly.

Also, laser treatments can be carried out on larger areas, such as the back, the hands or the legs, because the wave lengths are shorter and able to work on several hair strands at a time.

IPL Treatment

IPL stands for Intense Pulse Light, and is not a type of laser beam. In other words, the light waves can't be focused into a concentrated beam, as is the case with laser. Therefore, IPL treatment is virtually painless, whereas true laser ones may cause some discomfort.

When it comes to IPL treatment, the energy comes from a lamp that diffuses the light waves over a broad spectrum. These are emitted at various depths into the skin, so not all of them will have an effect on the hair, especially the darker or deeper strands.

Also, because the light isn't concentrated on a very fine target, some of the light will be absorbed by surrounding tissues, which will cause the pigments in the skin to heat up. When used inappropriately on darker skin tones, the technique can even cause burns. Therefore, technicians recommend IPL laser treatment for fair skin types.

Does IPL hair removal work?

IPL laser treatment is effective, and is a technique used by private clinics in partnership with authoritative medical bodies. Clinics, spas and NHS hospitals across the UK use IPL technology. Hair clearance may take one or two more sessions with the IPL technique than with the laser version, but it's considerably cheaper than laser hair removal cost.

Is IPL hair removal permanent?

Though laser and IPL hair removal have been around for over two decades, no manufacturer has, as yet, been given permission to claim that one machine or another can ensure 'permanent hair removal'. Not enough studies have been carried out to date to attest to this, according to  ConsultingRoom.com, and not enough time has passed to prove that the treatment lasts a lifetime.

Instead, manufacturers and technicians are allowed to use the phrase 'permanent hair reduction', because the effectiveness of both treatments is substantial. Following treatment, hair will continue to fall on its own for a few weeks, and the amount will depend on the area of the body.

The long-term effects of laser and IPL hair removal usually fall into one of these categories:

• permanent hair loss, particularly in areas with thinner skin
• reduction in re-growth, with thinner or patchy hair
• hair depigmentation, making it less noticeable

Your choice of IPL or laser hair removal will ultimately depend mainly on the type of hair, skin and the area of the body you'd like your treatment to focus on. Your local clinic or salon will be able to carry out tests and reveal your options. To find out what options for laser and IPL hair removal Birmingham holds, drop in for a free skin consultation courtesy of our specialists at the Beyond Beauty, or give us a ring at 0121 643 4433.