Hair removal is incredibly common and is becoming more accessible as a permanent form of hair removal. This isn’t a new trend, as hair removal has historical precedence, especially among women. However, what is new is how hair removal can be done.
Indeed, technology has made hair removal easier than ever. While several new procedures are geared toward hair removal, two stand heads and shoulders above the rest: intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser hair removal.
Before you head to an establishment that offers laser hair removal near you, it would be in your best interest to learn more about these two processes, as they differ vastly.
To help you, we’ve prepared a brief discussion on hair removal procedures and what makes them unique. If you want to learn more about this, read on as we break down how IPL differs from laser hair removal.
WHAT IS IPL?
Contrary to popular belief, IPL isn’t actually a laser treatment. While the two treatments may look the same, they are pretty different. First, you must understand that IPL uses a wide spectrum of light with several wavelengths for hair removal.
Basically, IPL uses multi-spectrum lights. Lasers use single-spectrum lights (more on this later).
Mostly, IPL will require at least eight treatments for results to become noticeable. However, it may take a little longer, depending on the thickness of the hair, hair colour, and colour of the person’s skin.
WHAT IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
As we’ve stated above, laser hair removal uses single-spectrum lights to remove hair. The way this works is quite simple. The energy from the light heats the hair to the bottom of the root, destroying the hair without damaging the skin and tissue around it.
Like IPL, laser hair removal will take around six to eight treatments to take effect fully. However, the time it takes to take effect is not affected by hair or skin colour. Once you start treatment, you can expect most hair reduced (if not removed) by the eighth session.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IPL AND LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
The critical difference between these two treatments is the technology used. IPL uses multi-spectrum lights to get rid of hair, while laser hair removal uses single-spectrum lights. This makes a vast difference, as IPL emits scattered wavelengths of light, making it less effective on certain skin and hair types. While it is still a valid hair removal procedure, it is significantly less flexible than laser hair removal.
CONCLUSION
While both treatments are valid for hair removal, laser hair removal is a better option. It will take less time to make it effective, and lasers are also more efficient in a wide range of skin and hair types.
Perhaps the only advantage IPL has over laser hair removal is the price. But considering how demanding it can be for effectiveness, you are better off going with laser hair removal, as the results are more consistent. Harper’s Bazaar Magazine concluded:
Prices can vary greatly depending on the location or technology used.
IPL will typically be cheaper than laser, given that the results are less effective and require many more treatments.
Calveo offers the best laser hair removal in the UK because our team of specialists uses only the latest technology for superior results.
In the clinic, we use Venus Epileve and Lumenis LightSheer diode lasers, both of which use industry-leading technology. This ensures superior results with minimal discomfort, as both systems have in-built cooling technology and deliver rapid treatment times.
Here at Calveo, we treat the coarsest hairs and have highly skilled laser technicians with a wealth of experience.
If you are local to Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Peterborough or Lincolnshire, then Calveo is easy to find and get to. We have clients that travel as much as 2 hours for treatment because they trust us with their beautiful skin. Contact us now to book your consultation!
