Laser hair removal or pulsed light: which to choose?

Laser hair removal and pulsed light are two effective methods for getting rid of hair in a lasting way, which explains the craze they generate.

Many people don't know the difference between these two permanent hair removal methods. While they may seem similar, there are some important differences. They don't use the same technology and don't offer the same results. So, which one should you choose?

SSSKIN looked into the matter and explains What is the difference between laser hair removal and pulsed light ?

Laser and pulsed light (IPL) hair removal

Before seeing the differences between a laser hair removal device and pulsed light , let's understand how these two methods work.

What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?

The IPL or the pulsed light (or flash lamp) consists of producing a broad-spectrum, multi-colored light beam, called polychromatic. This means that the light beam is sent in several directions. It is therefore less concentrated and precise compared to a laser.

The light emitted by IPL is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, creating a surge of energy that converts into heat. This heat travels through the hair to the follicle, damaging it and slowing or even stopping hair growth altogether.

What is laser hair removal?

Medical lasers used for laser hair removal emit a highly concentrated beam of light to target a specific area. Thanks to its high precision, this light is only absorbed by the melanin in the hair and does not affect the skin.

The laser light heats the hair and damages the root, preventing hair growth.

To better understand how it works permanent hair removal , Check out the Laser Hair Removal Treatment page!

Now, let's discover the differences between these two permanent hair removal methods.

What is the difference between laser hair removal and pulsed light?

Laser hair removal and pulsed light differ on 5 fundamental points:

1. Technology and type of light

As mentioned above, the first point that distinguishes laser hair removal from pulsed light is the technology and type of light used.

Laser devices produce a light beam of a precise, targeted, and highly concentrated wavelength. This beam is projected very selectively towards the hair only, and converts into intense and extremely powerful heat, completely destroying it.

IPL devices, on the other hand, have a broad spectrum of light that covers a considerable area. The disadvantage is that the energy and intensity of this light are scattered all over the place, thus reducing the effectiveness of IPL compared to permanent laser hair removal.

2. Laser hair removal results are faster

Laser technology is much more effective and offers significantly better results, given its ability to penetrate the different layers of the hair. Most people achieve up to 95% results after three to eight permanent laser hair removal sessions.

In contrast, pulsed light technology emits a broad spectrum of different wavelengths and is not concentrated into a single beam. Only a few are effectively absorbed by the hair follicles. Therefore, you will need to perform several sessions to reach all the roots and layers of the hair to achieve satisfactory results.

3. The laser is of higher precision

Again, with the broad spectrum of IPL, the pulsed light beam is imprecise compared to laser. This has the effect of weakening the hairs and delaying their regrowth, but does not permanently destroy them.

The laser emits a monochromatic light beam with a concentrated and highly selective wavelength. This allows it to effectively target and disintegrate the hair root.

4. Laser hair removal is less painful than pulsed light

Pulsed light hair removal is generally less comfortable, whereas laser hair removal is now virtually painless. The latest generation of laser machines are equipped with a high-performance cooling system, making the treatment very pleasant all over the body, even in the most sensitive areas like the bikini line and underarms.

5. Laser is less dangerous than IPL

In addition to being painless, laser hair removal treats all skin types, unlike IPL, which is not recommended for dark/dark skin. Pulsed light poses a high risk of burning even darker skin tones.

Thanks to the cooling systems integrated into the lasers, the treatment protects your skin from burns and injuries.

Conclusion 

We therefore conclude that both laser hair removal and IPL use a beam of light to destroy hair; however, the type of light beam, the results and the technologies used are not the same in terms of intensity and effectiveness.

Diode laser hair removal technology used at SSSKIN

Our beauty salons in Lausanne and to Geneva use hybrid diode lasers, a benchmark technology in the field of permanent hair removal.

Our machines laser diode Hybrids combine three laser wavelengths: Alexandrite (755nm), Diode (808nm), and the 1064nm laser, making them compatible with all skin types.

The results obtained reach an efficiency percentage of up to 95%, which proves the quality and reliability of our machines.

Find out how our Diode laser technology works!

In addition to our cutting-edge technology, our pricing policy is unrivaled. To make our treatments accessible to everyone, we offer several packages and packages with the option of paying in installments (in 1 to 12 installments)!

Book your free initial consultation today! Our therapists will be happy to guide you and answer any questions you may have about the difference between laser hair removal and IPL.