Nowadays you’ll find a wide range of devices and salon services for light-based hair removal.

All methods will leave your skin smooth and hair-free, yet how do you decide between laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal methods? Is it necessary to always go to a salon or can doing it yourself at home being just as effective?

The difference between laser and IPL

The key difference between laser and IPL is the type of light. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a broadband pulsed light source, whereas laser is a monochromatic coherent light source. Both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle and permanent results can be expected from both. Professional laser treatment is working more selective and therefore the very high energy will focus on the hair follicle rather than surrounding skin. Therefore Professional laser will lead to fast results as well as being suitable to darker skin tones. Energy, frequency and hair colour are all determining factors in the efficacy of the treatment, while the light source, whether it is a laser or an intense pulsed flash light plays a minor role.

Laser Monochromatic coherent light source

IPL Broadband pulsed light source

The methods

Both IPL light and laser impulses reach the root of the hair via the melanin. This stimulation has a ‘damaging’ effect on the root and after a few treatment sessions, will inhibit the root to produce new hair. Dark hair and fair skin are the perfect combination to get the most effective results.

Are hair removal salons worth it?

Which do you prefer, hair removal at home or in a salon? Doing it yourself at home will save time, yet you’ll have to do it more regularly to begin with. Having hair removal treatment in a salon requires the know-how from a professional and can lead to faster results. In either case, results will be similar – a considerable reduction in body hair.