IPL Vs. Laser Hair Removal: What's The Difference?

In the hair removal world, the popularity of IPL (which stands for Intense Pulsed Light technology) and laser hair removal are neck and neck. You'd be forgiven for thinking the two are the same, because that's a pretty common misconception. However, they are different — and how is all in the name.

IPL uses strong light pulses to treat different skin issues and it doesn't involve a laser. We may know it best for removing unwanted hair, but the technology has many uses. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy can also be used to treat the likes of melasma, age spots, and rosacea. Regarding hair removal, it works because the light pulses get absorbed by the melanin we all have in our hair. That turns into heat, which then destroys the follicle making the hair less likely to grow back, leading to semi-permanent to permanent hair removal. It uses multiple wavelengths to do this and is perfect when you're tired of waxing pain or the soreness that can come with an epilator. 

As for laser hair removal, as the name suggests, it's only used for hair removal. Instead of the light pulses used in the IPL method, it uses the light of the laser and only one wavelength on a smaller skin surface area, making it more precise. Similar to IPL though, that light is absorbed by the hair's melanin, which, again, damages the follicle.

While these methods may be similar, there are a few key differences between the two, the main one being the speed of results. Lucy Xu, a skin specialist and founder of London Premier Laser & Skin Clinic, told Harper's Bazaar that laser hair removal tends to be more effective than IPL and may also be more comfortable. "New laser technologies we work with in clinics are more advanced and effective than IPL counterparts with less discomfort (as they are fitted with integrated cooling systems)," she shared.

There's also a difference in how long it takes to see results. Treatment times will differ from person to person, though Ghyllmount Cosmetics recommended six to 10 IPL treatments, around four weeks apart. As for laser hair removal, the American Academy of Dermatology suggested two to six sessions, which should be around four to six weeks apart. That's because IPL wavelengths don't penetrate the skin as deeply as the lasers with laser hair removal, rendering the latter quicker overall.

With that can come different costs. The price depends on several factors, such as the salon/clinic, how much hair needs to be removed, and the number of sessions required. Healthline reported that IPL's accumulative cost could be somewhere between $700 and $1,200. As for laser hair removal, Healthline suggested that could cost a total of around $1,830 for six sessions.

Another main difference between IPL and laser hair removal is who can use them. Lucy Xu told Harper's Bazaar that the new technology in laser hair removal machines means they can now be used by a larger population. That includes those with darker skin tones, as these methods have traditionally only been suitable for people with lighter skin and darker hair. That's because the light needs to seek out the melanin in the hair, not the skin. Because of that, it's important to check with your dermatologist before treatment. There are also at-home versions of IPL and laser treatments, so it's imperative to consult the chart provided with your product to see if the contrast between your hair and skin color is enough to see results. It's worth noting too, that these are unlikely to be as effective as professional treatments.

Another difference between IPL and laser? The risks. Though you should always visit a trusted professional for the best and safest treatment, both have possible side effects. Healthline reported some people may see mild swelling or redness, while bruising, blistering, infections, and a change in skin color may also happen. When it comes to laser hair removal, all of the above could occur, as well as the potential for scars or burns. But, remember, if you're not willing to take the risk, body hair is 100% a personal choice, and you should never feel pressured to remove it.