IPL vs Laser Hair Removal: Pros and Cons

IPL or laser - both treatments are a good solution for long lasting hair removal. What is the difference between IPL and laser hair removal methods and which technology is right for you?

For long lasting smooth skin, effective hair removal is a must. Laser vs IPL, which is your preferred choice, though? After all, both methods ensure smooth, hair-free skin. How do you decide whether you're in favor of laser or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)? What's more, is it always necessary to go to a beauty salon or could a home treatment be just as effective?

To determine whether IPL or laser treatments are more suited to you, we'll cover the most important differences between the two methods. With the knowledge needed to make a well-considered choice, you'll be able to protect your skin and achieve excellent hair removal results at home or in the studio.

To kick off, the main difference is the type of light used. While IPL works with a pulsed light source, laser utilizes a monochromatic, coherent light source.

In both methods, the light energy is intended to heat the hair follicles in order to reduce hair growth. To this end, the light targets melanin in the hair follicles. The most decisive factors affecting the efficiency IPL or laser hair removal treatments are the energy of the light, the frequency of it and the individual's skin and hair tone. Therefore, the choice of light source - laser or IPL - only plays a secondary role.

When comparing laser vs IPL, effectiveness and cost are both important criteria when making your decision. Since a treatment in a beauty salon requires the expertise of a professional, a booking for professional laser treatment can be quite expensive compared to an IPL treatment at home. What's more, the time required is longer if you book an appointment first and then visit the beauty salon later. Another disadvantage of laser hair removal in a beauty salon is the lack of privacy, which is particularly noteworthy for intimate hair removal treatments. Normally, five to eight sessions are needed and only after these initial treatments are complete will the skin remain smooth in the long term.

On the other hand, you are also likely to be impressed by the benefits of IPL hair removal at home. With one of Braun's innovative IPL hair removers, you can carry out the treatment yourself - conveniently and safely. In the long run, this is more practical and cheaper than professional salon-based laser hair removal, even if you perform IPL at home more frequently. Moreover, at-home IPL hair removal means enjoying a private atmosphere and greater flexibility.

Both treatment methods are characterised by a high level of safety and achieve long-lasting results. IPL just takes a little longer, but you benefit from a more affordable and simpler treatment plan at home.

IPL technology is used in various dermatological treatments and has proven to be particularly effective in achieving long lasting hair removal. The targeted, pulsating light used is not as strongly focused as a laser beam, which has a positive effect from the point of view of safety.

A Braun IPL device, with its intelligent SensoAdapt™ skin tone sensor, enables safe hair removal. When looking for the right hair removal method for your particular skin tone, you will also find helpful tips from Braun. Therefore, if you have light to medium brown skin and dark hair, IPL is a good, safe choice for your hair removal at home.

With light skin and light hair (grey, white, blonde or red), the contrast between skin and hair colour is sometimes not great enough to achieve effective results with IPL hair removal.

If you opt for IPL, start with one treatment per week in the initial period. After three to twelve weeks, a single IPL treatment every one to two months will be enough to give you silky smooth skin for up to 2 years¹ - depending on your individual circumstances. With convenient and fast IPL hair removal at home, you'll benefit from an efficient and practical solution.

Laser hair removal involves the use of special devices that work with particularly targeted and controlled pulses of light. This means that only very small areas can be treated. Lasers desolate the hair follicles and inhibit growth. Some laser devices work with a greater range of skin tones and hair colours, allowing more people to be treated. For example, if you have a relatively dark skin tone, then there are suitable laser devices available that will enable safe and effective treatments.

IPL vs Laser Hair Removal - A Brief Overview

Safe and skin-friendly hair removal makes you feel attractive - but which method is best for you? The answer depends not only on your preferences and budget, but also on your hair color and skin tone. Find out how you can carry out IPL treatments at home and find out more about its benefits. IPL works particularly well on light to medium skin tones and dark hair. However, if you have dark skin and light-colored hair, a professional laser treatment in a studio would be advisable.