How many hours do you devote to removing unwanted hair per week? Well, the average woman spends 72 days shaving her legs over the course of a lifetime.^[1] If you consider regular hair removal techniques to be a waste of your precious time, and feel that you are ready to throw out the razor, then why not opt for a more long-lasting solution? Laser hair removal and IPL are two effective long-lasting hair removal options that are often confused with one another.

Let’s take a look at the differences between the two treatments. Once you discover which method you prefer, you’re going to have a lot more time on your hands in the future!

What is IPL?

Intense Pulsed Light Technology (IPL) is a safe and non-invasive hair reduction approach that uses pulses of light that beam on the hair follicles in order to remove undesirable hair. IPL uses light across a broad spectrum, with filters that target the dark pigment of the unwanted hairs^[2]. Because hair is removed directly from the root, there’s less chance of regrowth. If it does grow back, hair is often much finer than before, although, as with any kind of hair removal treatment, a permanent solution isn’t always guaranteed. IPL treatment is available in many cosmetic salons, but since its invention, a wide range of quality at-home devices have also hit the market.

However, IPL does not suit all skin types. Sensitive skin, particularly, does not do well with IPL. It is better to consult a dermatologist before opting for it. Some women report darker skin patches after undergoing IPL.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a non-invasive hair removal treatment that uses a single highly concentrated wavelength to penetrate the hair follicle in order to disrupt the hair-growth cycle. The laser is delivered from a handheld device to the surface of the skin. Here, it targets the unwanted hair without damaging the surrounding skin. Just like IPL, laser treatment doesn’t guarantee permanent results but some specialists claim that this method can be more effective when it comes to long-term hair reduction.^[3] As with IPL, ensure you have the laser treatment carried out by a professional technician. However, if you find a good use-at-home device, you can try it after studying its instructions for use.

The Differences between Laser and IPL

• IPL hair removal can only be used on those with lighter skin as the IPL light is attracted to darker pigment and may cause darker skin to burn and eventually scar. However, advanced laser hair removal devices, as used in salons, can be tailored for use on both light and dark skin tones, so the technician can adjust their treatment to suit their individual client’s hair and skin tone. This makes for a much more personalised experience. But the success of the technique depends on the technician’s skill and the skin tone and health.

• When it comes down to which treatment offers the quickest results, there are arguments both for and against the issue. For example, many experts will say that laser treatment is more effective, because its precise nature tackles each hair individually, and therefore thoroughly. However, because IPL can treat wider areas as a time, some say that it works more time-efficiently.^[4]

• When it comes to salon treatments, laser hair removal tends to be more expensive than IPL^[5]. However, if you’re on a budget, there are some very effective budget-friendly home devices available too. For instance, the Veet Sensitive Touch Beauty Trimmer hair shaving device is great for carrying out some salon-style hair reduction in the comfort of your own home, without the cost of multiple trips to the salon.

 Thanks to modern technology, you can now have more time to sit back and forget about the rigmarole of daily hair removal! If you want soft, hair-free skin, then IPL or laser hair removal can be just the ticket. But maybe you’d rather spend less of your daily beauty routine on hair removal? Then IPL or laser treatment could be the way to go. Whichever kind you opt for, unruly hairs need not be a nightmare any more.