Introduction
Laser hair removal and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology have been popular methods for achieving long-term hair reduction for many years. In fact, IPL first gained recognition in the 1990s as an effective hair removal method. Since then, advancements in technology have made it easier to achieve lasting results, and laser treatments have emerged as the superior option for many.
Considering that the average woman spends around £23,000 on hair removal over a lifetime, it’s no surprise that many seek a long-term solution to unwanted hair.
At Smooth Kitty, we believe in educating our clients about their options so they can make informed decisions. If you’re deciding between laser and IPL treatments, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
Key Questions About Laser vs. IPL Hair Removal
When exploring your options, you might ask:
- What is the difference between Laser and IPL?
- Which method offers the best results and value?
- Which is faster and safer for my skin type?
- Is laser or IPL better suited for my needs?
Many people mistakenly believe laser hair removal and IPL are the same. While both use light to target hair, their technologies and results differ significantly. Let’s dive into the specifics of each method.
Understanding Energy Based (IPL / Laser) Hair Removal
Laser and IPL Hair Removal works via Selective Photothermolysis (SPTI), which is basically the absorption of light by the specific skin components (also known as chromophores), which in this case is melanin/hair, to be converted into heat.
Different skin components have different primary colours and physical factors, making them more sensitive to certain wavelengths. The skin component we are targeting is the melanin found in the hair follicle. Melanin is a naturally occurring pigment in our skin and hair is associated with determining colour.
When light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, it heats the entire hair shaft, including the hair follicle. The follicle is connected to blood capillaries through the dermal papilla, which supplies nutrients essential for hair growth. By heating the hair follicle to a temperature of 70–80°C or higher, this connection is disrupted.
As a result, the blood supply is cut off, effectively disabling the hair follicle and preventing long-term hair growth.
What is Soprano Titanium Laser Hair Removal
At Smooth Kitty, we use the Soprano Titanium ICE by Alma Lasers, to perform Laser Hair Removal Treatments. The machine uses 3 different wavelengths, to target the melanin in the hair.
755NM (Alexandrite) : Suitable For Light Skin Tones
810NM (Diode) : Suitable For Light and Light/Medium Brown Skin Tones
1,064NM (ND:YAG) : Suitable For All Skin Tones
By customising the combination of laser wavelengths used, Smooth Kitty is able to provide the best results for all skin tones, while minimising any risk of adverse outcomes.
What is IPL Hair Removal
IPL also known as intense pulsed light, is not a laser treatment. Unlike laser hair removal, it uses a broad spectrum of light (400nm to 1800nm). Unlike lasers, the light waves are not in phase and unfocused, and the power delivery is uneven across the entire wavelengths.
By using a broad light spectrum, it allows for simultaneously treating various skin conditions, however, it comes with much higher probability of adverse effects and burns. This also results in the power level being reduced, resulting in far less effective treatments.
At Smooth Kitty, we do not use IPL for hair removal treatments, as it is far less efficient or effective compared to laser hair removal.
Other Differences Between IPL and Laser Hair Removal
Other than those stated above, there are several other key differences that result in IPL giving final results that are much worse than a laser. Let’s explore the laser and IPL comparison in greater detail:
- Area of Target
When light penetrates the skin, it is absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair follicle. This absorption generates heat, disrupting the hair growth cycle. Laser technology uses concentrated light to precisely target and disable hair follicles. With its focused approach, the laser strikes only the follicle, ensuring effective treatment. In contrast, IPL emits broader, scattered light, making it harder to reach the critical temperature needed to impact the follicle. Much of the energy is absorbed by smaller, superficial targets instead, which also results in higher probability of burns and adverse effects.
- Safety On Skin
IPL use of a broad spectrum of light also causes the other surrounding skin components to absorb the light. As the light is not as focused as a laser, to heat deeper targets, IPL requires higher energy levels. When absorbed by the other surrounding skin components, it can lead to skin damage such as burning, hyperpigmentation, blistering and scarring.
With laser as specific wavelengths are used, deeper penetration occurs and the energy directly targets the hair follicle and is not absorbed by the other chromophores in the path of the beam, resulting in the surrounding skin components being unharmed.
FAQs
1. Is IPL hair removal safe for all skin types?
IPL works best for lighter skin tones due to its broad-spectrum light. When being done for darker skin tones, the risk of burns and adverse effects increases, unless the power levels are significantly reduced, resulting in much slower results.
Unlike IPL, as laser uses a specific wavelength that can directly and only target the melanin in hair follicles, it results in much better results regardless of skin tone, while having minimal risk.
2. How many sessions will I need for permanent results?
Laser hair removal typically requires 5 to 8 sessions for significant reduction. IPL usually need up to 30 sessions for significantly results.
3. Does Laser Hair Removal or IPL hair removal hurt?
Most people describe IPL/Laser Hair Removal as a mild stinging sensation, similar to a rubber band snap. For the first session its usually the most intense, as the hair is thickest then, however after 2-3 weeks when your hair grows again, it will be much finer and softer and so you will find the second session onwards to be much more comfortable.”
4. Can I do laser hair removal at home?
Home devices are available but are far less powerful and lack the effectiveness of professional treatments. Professional centres like Smooth Kitty, ensure safe, high-quality results, while minimising any chance of burns etc.
5. Which is more expensive: laser or IPL hair removal?
These days both treatments tend to cost around the same price, making Laser Hair Removal a superior solution.
Embrace Smooth Skin Today
Smooth, hair-free skin boosts confidence and simplifies your routine. Laser and IPL hair removal can give good results for laser hair removal.
Having said that, from our experience and after understanding the science behind both treatments, the most effective treatment by far when it comes to hair removal, is by using lasers instead of IPL.
Here At Smooth Kitty, we do not use IPL for hair removal treatments, instead we use the Soprano Titanium ICE Laser Hair Removal Machine, which is the gold standard and most advanced when it comes to laser hair removal.Using these state of the art equipment, our fully certified laser technicians can deliver optimal and GUARANTEED results. Book your consultation today at Smooth Kitty. Take the first step towards smooth, flawless skin and enjoy the freedom from unwanted hair!
