What Is The Difference Between Laser And IPL Hair Removal?（partⅠ）

IPL and laser hair removal are both long-term procedures for reducing hair growth. They work in similar ways, and can both be very effective. In addition to preventing hairs from re-growing, both treatment methods can significantly reduce the growth speed of remaining hairs, as well as hair thickness.

Many patients and clients of both IPL and laser hair removal achieve very successful results, but to attain the best results, it is important to decide which method is more suitable for you.

IPL Vs. Laser Hair Removal, What Is The Difference?

Laser and IPL hair removal both work on the same principle. That is that light energy is absorbed by areas of high pigment such as hairs, which are therefore heated up. The heat damages the follicle, slowing hair growth and even preventing it completely. The main difference between IPL and laser hair removal devices is the light source used. IPL uses broad-spectrum visible light whereas laser hair removal utilizes the properties of a laser.

It is important to understand however how areas of skin which have higher pigment, such as freckles and moles, as well as darker skin generally, will also absorb more light energy and heat as a result. This may affect which hair removal method is best for you. To help you decide, here is some information on how both technologies work:

How IPL Hair Removal Works

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and uses a source of broad-spectrum, visible light. This light is specially controlled to remove shorter wavelengths and devised to target specific structures. In hair removal, it is designed to target the melanin pigment in the hairs, while in other uses such as the treatment of spider vein it targets the hemoglobin in the blood. The light energy is absorbed, transferring as heat energy which warms the hair, causing damage to the follicle.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal also uses the ability to heat hairs and damage follicles by blasting them with light energy. However, it is slightly different to IPL in that is utilizes the specific properties that lasers possess. Lasers can be extremely controlled so that they can be focussed into a small area and travel a large distance without spreading out like light normally would. They can also produce beams that only contain one color of light. These characteristics of lasers can, therefore, be utilized for the benefit of laser hair removal. The laser can travel deeper down into the pore, giving a concentrated blast of light to the follicle, and can therefore be more specific in the treatment it gives.