The Differences Between Laser and IPL Hair Removal - Get Rid of Unwanted Hair

Are you tired of shaving, waxing, and tweezing? Did you get enough pain, red bumps, ingrowing hairs, and cuts? Using traditional hair removal methods can seriously irritate the skin. If you are ready to take the next step and go for a more permanent solution, you may already be considering light-based hair removal treatments, such as IPL or laser hair removal to get rid of unwanted hair on your body. A few years back, light-based hair removal treatments were only available in a beauty salon costing a small fortune. Nowadays, there is a wide range of portable at-home hair removal systems that are affordable and safe to use.  

The question is, which one is the best for you? These two treatments are many times mistakenly seen as being the same. Although they look very similar, there is a major difference between these two treatments.

TOUCHBeauty IPL Hair Removal Device 

What is the actual difference between these light-based hair removal treatments? 

At the end of the day, both treatments have the same purpose, targeting hair follicle pigment to disrupt its growth to reduce hair thickness and prevent growth. The major difference between these two treatments is the type of light they use. While IPL hair removal works by sending a broad spectrum of light with different wavelengths that are sent to the skin to be absorbed by the hair follicle pigment, laser light targets hair pigment only. Because hair grows in several phases, you cannot get rid of your hair in one session only. Hair goes through different phases called anagen, catagen, and telogen. Light-based hair removal treatments can only destroy active growing hair follicles, and that is when they are in the anagen phase. Both technologies require 5-6 treatments for effective and more permanent results.   

Which treatment is safer and more effective for home-use?

Both light-based hair removal treatments aim to reduce hair growth and thin out hairs. But if you are looking for an at-home hair removal treatment device, we strongly recommend choosing an IPL system. There is a reason why most at-home devices use IPL technology. Laser treatments can be very strong, and even dangerous if handled the wrong way. You are more likely to have side effects using laser hair removal. This is why laser treatments are typically performed in a salon by professional estheticians. IPL is gentler on the skin, and safer to use at-home. The light also covers broader areas of the skin, which means treatment will be faster and more effective. Side effects are less common on IPL, user-friendly.