There is some confusion among our patients in understanding the difference between Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). Commercially viable since the 90s, both treatments typically involve light energy production absorbing into the pigment of the hair, hence damaging the hair follicle. Consequently, hair growth is reduced without harming the surrounding tissue.
Although IPL Hair Removal is relatively cheaper, Laser Hair Removal technology has several prominent advantages.
- Lasers are more precise and can selectively target dark, coarse hair while leaving the surrounding area undamaged.
- Laser Hair Removal can be done on both fair and tanned skin unlike IPL Hair Removal which burns darker skin tones.
- Laser settings can easily be adjusted to suit one’s specific skin tone and hair colour.
- Laser is considerably more effective because each pulse takes only a fraction of a second. Results are also substantially better than IPL Hair Removal and majority of our patients experience permanent hair reduction within 3-6 sessions*.
*results varies from individual to individual.
Laser Hair Removal
Upon assessment, the setting of the laser machine can be tuned to one’s type and colour of both hair and skin. The exact wavelength of light emitted then specifically targets the melanin in the hair follicle. Each single wavelength is a ray of pure light consisting of one single colour and form, is a very concentrated beam.
Intense Pulsed Light
Firstly, IPLs’ are not lasers. Similar to a lightbulb, IPL machines produce a broad range of wavelengths unlike laser’s concentrated beam. Since a spectrum of varying wavelengths are dispersed at different depths, only some of these wavelengths are effective for hair reduction. Also, IPL penetrates at a shallow depth so deeper and thicker hairs are not treated effectively. Additionally, IPL carries increased risk of skin burns for darker skin types. During the treatment, some of the light gets absorbed into the surrounding tissue, leading to heating of the skin pigmentation.
At The Chelsea Clinic, we offer both IPL and Laser Hair Removal treatments and use only medical grade machines.
-Laser Hair Removal is available at our Rochester outlet.
This treatment is performed by a doctor only upon consultation.
-Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Hair Removal is available at our Wheelock outlet.
This treatment is performed by qualified clinic assistants, only upon consultation with our doctors.
