Which Is Better For Hair Removal: IPL Or Laser? | 2022

There are many ways to remove hair, but two of the most popular methods are IPL and laser. Both of these methods use heat to damage the hair follicle and inhibit future hair growth, but they work in different ways.

IPL uses a broad spectrum of light that is pulsed onto the skin, while laser uses a single wavelength of light that is focused onto the hair follicle. So, which method is better for hair removal?

There are pros and cons to each method. IPL is said to be less painful than laser, but it can be less effective on very dark hair. Laser is more expensive than IPL, but it can be more effective on very dark hair.

So, which is better for you? IPL or laser?

The answer may depend on your individual needs and preferences. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which hair removal method to choose. I personally tried both methods, and I’m happy to share my experience.

What Is IPL Hair Removal?

IPL (intense pulsed light) hair removal is a popular method of hair removal that uses pulses of light to damage the hair follicle and inhibit future hair growth.

IPL devices emit a broad spectrum of light that is pulsed onto the skin. The light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle, which damages the hair follicle and inhibits future hair growth.

IPL is said to be less painful than laser hair removal, but it can be less effective on very dark hair. I can confirm that it’s less painful. It compares to the feeling of having a rubber band pinching your skin.

What Are The Benefits Of IPL Hair Removal

IPL hair removal is less painful than laser hair removal, but it can be less effective on very dark hair.

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a popular method of hair removal that uses a single wavelength of light that is focused onto the hair follicle. The light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle, which damages the hair follicle and inhibits future hair growth.

Laser is more expensive than IPL, but it can be more effective on very dark hair. I can confirm that it’s more expensive and more painful than IPL.

What Are The Benefits Of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is more expensive than IPL, but it can be more effective on very dark hair.

How Do IPL And Laser Hair Removal Work

IPL and laser hair removal work by damaging the hair follicle. IPL uses a broad spectrum of light that is pulsed onto the skin, while laser uses a single wavelength of light that is focused onto the hair follicle. The light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle, which damages the hair follicle and inhibits future hair growth.

Comparison: IPL Vs Laser

Wondering which is better? The answer may depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you have dark hair, laser hair removal may be a better option for you. If you have light hair, IPL hair removal may be a better option for you.

The main difference is the light source used during the treatment. IPL might not be as effective or could require more sessions to achieve permanent hair removal. While the laser treatment is usually faster. For example, after one session, you can expect a reduction of 60% of hair growth with laser – which is already great.

After trying two IPL sessions and three laser sessions, I believe I had more results with the laser hair removal sessions. While I’m not done with the treatments, I can see fewer hair with the laser. I’ll make sure to update this guide once my treatment is over.

Cost Of IPL And Laser Hair Removal

How much does IPL and laser hair removal cost?

The cost of IPL and laser hair removal varies depending on the treatment area and your location.

For example, in Mexico, IPL sessions for smaller areas were very affordable (it can cost anywhere between $20-50 for a small area). I could get a discount by treating multiple areas.

The cost of laser hair removal is higher. In Bulgaria (where I live), I spent around EUR 350 for multiple areas while in the Czech Republic, I had to double this amount for one session on the same number of areas.

Although it’s important to note that you do all your treatments in the same clinic, you could have a discount. As I’m traveling often, I had to switch up the locations and try both IPL and laser.

What To Expect From IPL And Laser Hair Removal Treatments

IPL and laser hair removal treatments can take anywhere from minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.

Smaller areas like the upper lip or armpits can be done within minutes, while the bikini area or the legs can take much longer.

You will likely need multiple sessions to see permanent hair removal results. The number of sessions you’ll need depends on your individual hair growth cycle.

During the treatment, the technician is going to apply a cold gel to your skin. Then, you may feel a warmth or tingling sensation. Some people compare the feeling to that of a rubber band snapping the skin.

After the treatment, you may have some redness and swelling in the treated area. This is normal and should resolve within a few hours.

In general, laser hair removal is more painful than IPL hair removal. However, both treatments are tolerable and the discomfort is usually short-lived.

Some areas can be more painful than others. For example, intimate areas are more painful than the legs.

If you have a low pain threshold, you can ask your technician to take breaks when you need them. I struggle with the pain during laser hair removal sessions, but usually, the technicians are friendly and can talk to you to keep your mind busy.

Before The Treatment

Before the treatment, you should avoid sun exposure, as it can make the treatment less effective.

Usually, the technician will want to inspect your skin and hair before starting the treatment. This is to ensure that you are a good candidate for the treatment and to help them determine the best settings for you.

If you have any concerns, this is also a good time to ask questions about the procedure.

The technician might request you shave between 1-3 days before the treatment. This is to allow the laser light to better target the hair follicle.

If you have a lot of hair, you might be asked to trim it down before the treatment.

It’s important that you avoid any other hair removal methods (waxing, plucking, etc.) between 4-6 weeks before the treatment.

After The Treatment

After the IPL or laser hair removal treatment, it’s important to avoid sun exposure. Wear sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher and wear protective clothing if you’ll be spending time in the sun.

It’s also important to avoid hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms. These can irritate the skin and increase the risk of side effects.

After the treatment, it will feel like you’re getting more hair. This is because the treatment causes the hair to shed from the follicle.

It can take around 10 days for all the hair to fall out. Once it does, you’ll likely see a reduction in hair growth.

You’ll need multiple sessions to see permanent hair removal results. Many clinics recommend doing another session per year to keep the results.

Depending on the area, you may need sessions every 3 weeks, or 3 months. For example, I do laser hair removal on my armpits every 3-4 weeks, while I do my legs every 3 months. It depends on your hair, skin type, and the treatment area.

My Experience With IPL Hair Removal

I had two IPL sessions in Mexico. While it was affordable and almost pain-free, I saw a small reduction in hair growth. The treatment was quite fast, but it felt like I would have needed much more sessions to get a permanent result.

The technician made me feel comfortable during the treatment.

My Experience With Laser Hair Removal

I had a total of three laser hair removal sessions so far. I did one session in Bulgaria, and two sessions in the Czech Republic. Both technicians made me feel comfortable.

In Bulgaria, I felt like the technician was taking her time to ensure better results, while in the Czech Republic, it was faster. As laser hair removal is not painless, I like the quick version better.

The results were better than with IPL, but I still need to get more sessions.

I think it’s important to find a good technician that makes you feel comfortable and is experienced.

My Pick: Laser Hair Removal

I think laser hair removal is the better choice, as it has given me better results. It’s also more common, so it’s easier to find a good technician even though it’s more expensive.

At the end of the day, I prefer to have to do fewer sessions for better results than having to find an IPL clinic every time I visit a new country. As I’ll be heading to Asia soon, I’m curious to see if I’ll be able to pursue my treatment there.

Hair Removal At Home

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, there are at-home devices that you can use. I haven’t tried them myself, but they could be a great option for you.

The main downside of at-home hair removal is that it takes longer, as you have to go over the same area multiple times.

The upside is that it’s more affordable and can be done in the comfort of your own home.

If you’re considering at-home hair removal, make sure to research the device thoroughly before purchasing it. There are a lot of devices on the market, and not all of them are created equal.

Some devices also come with a risk of burns if not used properly, so it’s important to be careful.

Braun IPL Hair Removal

The Braun IPL Hair Removal is voted as the best overall at-home IPL device. It is efficient in permanently reducing hair and is safe to use with the SensoAdaptTM technology.

The device is easy to use and can be used on various areas of the body including the legs, arms, and bikini area. It is also suitable for men to use on the chest, back, arms, stomach, and legs.

The Yachyee Laser Hair Removal Device

The Yachyee Laser Hair Removal Device has a number of benefits over other devices on the market. First, it has an ice-cool feature which makes the experience more comfortable for the user.

Second, it has a long device life, meaning that it can be used for many years. Third, it is effective in removing hair, with an energy output of 16J/4CM2. Finally, it has two modes which make it suitable for use on both small and large areas.

IPL Hair Removal At-Home Device

This IPL hair removal device promises permanent results and uses advanced technology to break the cycle of hair regrowth. It is safe, fast, and efficient, and can be used on a full body in as little as 15 minutes.

There are nine adjustable energy levels for different areas of the body, and the device has a lifetime supply of 999,900 flashes. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a long-term hair removal solution in the comfort of their home.

Final Thoughts On Permanent Hair Removal

Permanent hair removal is a process that many people undergo to get rid of unwanted hair. There are multiple methods available, such as laser hair removal and IPL hair removal.

Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks. Laser hair removal is more expensive but can provide better results, while IPL is less expensive but may not be as effective.

It’s important to consult with an experienced technician to see which method is best for you. And, be sure to have realistic expectations for the results. Multiple sessions are usually needed for any method to be effective.

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