In brief
- IPL works with a broad spectrum of light and is mainly suitable for dark hair on light skin; the effect is limited on light hair.
- Laser uses a focused wavelength; the Spectra Inwave 4 laser at Dermacare combines four wavelengths.
- Laser is usually somewhat more expensive but needs fewer sessions than IPL and can therefore be cheaper in the long run.
- The laser is suitable for all skin types, including tanned or darker skin.
Unwanted body hair can be a nuisance in everyday life. Regular shaving, waxing or epilating not only takes time but often leads to skin irritation as well. Anyone looking for a long-term solution quickly comes across two proven methods: IPL and laser hair removal. Both technologies promise a marked reduction in hair growth, but how do they differ?
In this article you will learn what benefits IPL hair removal offers, how it differs from laser treatment and which method best suits your needs.
What is IPL hair removal?
IPL hair removal (Intense Pulsed Light) uses broad, intense light to destroy the hair roots and thus inhibit hair growth. Unlike laser hair removal, which uses a precise wavelength, IPL works with a broader spectrum of light. The light is absorbed by the hair pigment (melanin) and converted into heat, which damages the hair follicles.
Benefits of IPL
IPL is particularly well suited to larger areas of skin such as the legs or arms. The method is comparatively inexpensive and can be carried out at home or in professional studios. During treatment most people feel only a slight tingling or a sensation of warmth that is perceived as pleasant.
Disadvantages of IPL
Unfortunately, the effectiveness of IPL is limited, especially with lighter hair or darker skin types. The method works best for people with dark hair and light skin, as the light targets the melanin. More sessions are also needed to achieve a lasting result. Depending on skin and hair type, up to eight treatments or more may be required.
What is laser hair removal?
In contrast to IPL hair removal, laser hair removal uses a single, focused wavelength that specifically targets the hair roots. At Dermacare Vienna, the state-of-the-art Spectra Inwave 4 laser is used for this. This technology combines four different wavelengths (755 nm, 810 nm, 940 nm and 1064 nm) to remove hair effectively at different depths of the skin. Thanks to the double power of 1800 W and advanced cooling, the treatment is almost painless and extremely effective.
Find out how laser treatment works and what results to expect
Benefits of laser treatment
This method is considered more precise and more effective, especially for hair that is hard to remove, such as blonde, grey or very fine hair. Thanks to the different wavelengths of the Spectra Inwave 4 laser, different layers of skin can be treated at the same time, which leads to faster and longer-lasting results. Another major advantage is that this hair removal method is suitable for all skin types, even tanned or darker skin. You can undergo laser treatment even in summer without having to fear side effects.
At Dermacare we offer hair removal using laser for all areas of the body, including:
Disadvantages of laser treatment
Laser hair removal is generally somewhat more expensive than the IPL method. In return, however, you need fewer sessions, which can make the method more cost-effective in the long run.
IPL and laser hair removal compared
Treatment areas and hair colours
The choice between IPL and laser hair removal depends strongly on skin and hair type. While IPL hair removal is particularly effective for dark hair on light skin, laser technology offers more flexibility. The Spectra Inwave 4 laser at Dermacare can efficiently remove not only dark but also light and fine hair. In addition, the laser penetrates deeper into the skin, so that stubborn hair in hard-to-reach areas can also be treated.
Speed and sessions
Another advantage of laser treatment is the smaller number of sessions compared with IPL hair removal. Thanks to the high power of the Spectra Inwave 4 laser, larger areas can be treated more quickly, which shortens the overall treatment time. IPL hair removal, on the other hand, often requires several sessions to achieve the desired result.
Sensation of pain
Both methods are considered low-pain, but the Spectra Inwave 4 laser stands out for its advanced cooling technology, which continuously cools the skin during treatment and thus minimises the sensation of pain. The treatment is therefore particularly comfortable and well suited to sensitive skin types.
Cost
Although the cost of laser treatment may appear higher at first than that of IPL hair removal, fewer sessions are often needed because of the faster and more lasting results. In the long term, this option can therefore turn out to be the more cost-effective choice.
Which method suits you?
Both methods have their merits, but for those looking for a precise, fast and versatile solution, laser treatment offers clear advantages. Thanks to modern technologies such as the Spectra Inwave 4 laser, which we use at Dermacare, we can offer you a gentle and effective solution for permanently smooth skin – regardless of your skin type or hair colour.
If you are interested in a permanent solution for annoying body hair, laser hair removal at Dermacare is the ideal choice. Whether you want hair removed from the face, intimate area, bikini line, legs or the whole body – we offer tailor-made treatments for every need. Our experienced professionals make sure that every session is as pleasant and efficient as possible.
Experience the benefits of modern laser hair removal at Dermacare and enjoy smooth skin in the long term. Book your consultation today and let our team advise you on your individual needs!
Frequently asked questions
The term permanent hair removal is defined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration USA) as a significant reduction of hair for a period longer than the hair cycle in the region. The oldest method by which permanent hair removal can be achieved is needle epilation. For some years now, however, laser and IPL epilation have been used for permanent hair removal with increasing success. The SHR method with 3 wavelengths is the state of the art in laser technology for permanent hair removal.
Long-term studies over several years have proven that the effect of professionally performed hair removal is of long-term duration: once hair follicles have been destroyed, they will no longer produce hair.
Most people have no side effects. A normal reaction is that the skin turns red immediately after the treatment. These skin reactions usually disappear within a few hours or a few days.
