The Difference Between IPL Hair Removal And Laser Hair Removal

Choosing a permanent hair removal procedure is much more complicated with the variety of solutions available today. Patients must weigh the pros and cons between IPL (intense pulsed light) and different methods of laser hair removal, to determine which treatment will meet their individual needs the best. 
Both laser hair removal and IPL are usually considered safe and effective hair removal solutions. Some claim that IPL is a faster hair removal solution than laser, because it can take larger areas at once. Others claim that laser is by far more efficient, especially the Diode laser, and that IPL hair removal is often more time consuming and costly than laser hair removal. Many practitioners favor laser, while others believe IPL is more beneficial. Some choose to combine the two to achieve better results.
IPL and lasers work in similar ways by sending light into the hair follicles. The light absorbs in the hair follicle, turns into heat and destroys it. The main technological difference between the two is that laser uses one specific wavelengths of light, while IPL uses a full spectrum. This means that unlike lasers, which can only deliver a wavelength, IPL can release light over a wide wavelength range. In short, IPL uses intense light pulses instead of laser rays.
Both methods can cause discomfort, though some claim that the laser can be more painful. It is possible to apply a numbing cream, when using either one. Though newer technology has made it possible for ipl or laser hair removalto treat all kinds of hair, they are not the most effective hair removal solutions when there is no pigment in the hair. This means that light-colored hair, such as white, grey and red hairs do not respond that well to IPL or laser treatments. Both IPL and laser hair removal generally works best by delivering light to dark hair follicles.
No matter if you choose IPL or laser hair removal, it is important to know that neither can permanently remove hairs in one session. Both methods require multiple treatments, as many as 5-7, before satisfactory results can be achieved.