Laser hair removal or Intense Pulsed Light? What’s the difference? Which to choose?

Are you considering a long-lasting hair removal method, but wondering what the difference is between laser hair removal and pulsed light?
You’ve come to the right place.
To help you choose the one that best suits your needs, here’s everything you need to know about laser hair removal and Intense Pulsed Light, their advantages and limitations.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a hair removal method that uses a concentrated beam of light, the laser, to selectively target hair follicles.
This beam of light is absorbed by the hair pigment, melanin, generating heat and destroying the follicle at its root, thus preventing further hair growth.
The lasers used in this procedure are specially designed to emit a specific wavelength that effectively targets the hair’s melanin while preserving the surrounding skin.
All for long-lasting results with minimal discomfort and risk to the skin!

How does pulsed light work?

Intense Pulsed Light( IPL ) is another hair removal method that emits a wide range of intense light wavelengths.
This light is then absorbed by the melanin present in the hair, as in laser hair removal, but IPL acts more diffusely, covering a wider area of the skin.
Intense pulsed light works on the same principle as laser hair removal, destroying hair follicles to prevent hair regrowth.
The main difference lies in the way heat is generated: the heat produced by pulsed light disperses light energy over a larger surface area of the skin, which can result in less concentrated heat absorption in the hair follicles than with laser hair removal.
Thanks to this, pulsed light can be used both to remove hair permanently and to treat other skin problems, such as pigmentation spots or dilated blood vessels.
It should be noted, however, that because IPL disperses light over a larger surface area, it may require more sessions than laser hair removal for comparable results!

Laser or Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal: effectiveness and results

When it comes to comparing the effectiveness of laser hair removal with that of pulsed light, the first thing to know is that both methods aim to permanently reduce hair growth by targeting the hair follicles.
However, the characteristics of each method remain different, influencing in particular the number of sessions required to achieve concrete results. With laser hair removal, results are generally visible after just a few sessions, between 6 and 8 sessions, spaced a few weeks apart.
The exact number of sessions may vary, however, depending on additional factors such as your skin type, hair color and hair density.
Intense pulsed light often requires a higher number of sessions to achieve results comparable to those of laser hair removal. Between 8 and 12 sessions are required for optimal results.
Periodic maintenance sessions may also be recommended to maintain results over the long term.
To help you choose between electric and laser hair removal, here are the main points to bear in mind:

	Laser hair removal	Intense Pulsed Light
Recommended number of sessions	6-8	8-12
Duration of results	Durable, for years and eventually indefinitely	Durable, but may require periodic maintenance sessions
Effective	Permanent hair removal	Refines and lightens hair, but is only definitive in certain subjects

Tips for choosing between laser and pulsed light hair removal

Here are a few tips for choosing the
for your personal needs:

	Laser hair removal	Intense Pulsed Light
Skin type and hair color	More effective on light skin with dark hair, as the laser targets melanin, although some types of laser are also suitable for darker skin (Nd:YAG laser).	Works best on a range of skin types and hair colors, but may be less effective on very light or gray hairs.
Effective	Longer-lasting results, with a permanent reduction in hair regrowth after 6 to 8 sessions.Fewer maintenance sessions required.	May require more sessions (8 to 12) for similar results, and periodic maintenance sessions to maintain long-term results.
Skin sensitivity and comfort	Laser hair removal is designed to minimize pain, but some people may still experience discomfort during treatment.An anaesthetic cream can be applied to sensitive areas if required.	Generally perceived as less painful than laser, pulsed light hair removal spreads heat over a larger surface area of the skin, reducing discomfort.
Budget	Initially more expensive per session, but due to the reduced number of sessions required and the durability of results, this may be more economical in the long term.	Less costly per session, but the higher number of sessions and maintenance treatments can increase the total cost.
Accessibility and convenience	Often carried out in clinics by professionals, guaranteeing safe and effective treatment. Regular appointments required!	Available both clinically and as home-use devices, providing flexibility.

For personalized advice on the best hair removal method for your needs, don’t hesitate to book an appointment online with our teams.
The first appointment is free!
You’ll get all the information you need on each method.