Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) are often mentioned when discussing professional hair removal treatments, which can lead to confusion between the two.
At our beauty and aesthetic academy, we usually find that there is more confusion for those who want to complete accredited training to offer hair removal services professionally.
Both laser and IPL methods can reduce unwanted hairs with their distinctive technologies.
However, they are not the same and, in fact, work very differently.
This blog will explain how lasers and IPL machines work and their differences and similarities before guiding you on where to receive professional training in these advanced hair removal methods.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a non-medical aesthetic procedure that uses a laser that emits light energy converted to heat to remove unwanted hair directly from the follicles. The targeted approach allows the laser to penetrate and damage the hair follicle to delay future hair growth. Laser can be used all over the body except in the super delicate area surrounding the eyes.
The most common treatment areas for the procedure are legs, arms, face, and the bikini line. The colour of the hair and the skin type influence the success rate of hair reduction.
Traditionally, lasers needed a distinctive difference between the pigment of the hair versus the pigment of the skin to ensure the laser was targeting the hair. Think dark hair and light skin.
As technology has progressed, laser treatments can now be tailored to various skin tones and hair types. However, there are still more risks associated where there is little contrast between the colour of the hair and skin.
Lasers are also not as effective in specific hair colours like grey, blonde, ginger and white due to their inability to absorb light well.
What is IPL Hair Removal?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths to target the pigment/melanin in the hair follicles.
The light is absorbed by the melanin at the root of the hair, then converted to heat, damaging the follicle and causing the hair to get destroyed, which in turn prevents future hair growth. Unlike the concentrated light of lasers, IPL disperses multiple wavelengths, which makes it less focused and requires more sessions for long-term hair reduction. Still, it is better and faster for treating larger surface areas.
For the most successful and safe IPL results, it should be done on light to medium skin with dark hair. This is because the broad spectrum light heats the melanin in the hairs and surrounding skin. If used on darker skin, it is likely to heat the skin surrounding the hair, leading to hyperpigmentation, burns and other skin damage.
The Differences between Laser and IPL
- Light Source – Lasers emit a single concentrated wavelength that targets hair follicles precisely. On the other hand, IPL uses a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths, allowing a larger surface area to be treated.
- Concentration of Light – Lasers are more focused, which allows for deeper penetration of the skin and can be focused on the individual hair follicles rather than the surrounding skin.
- Costs – Laser treatments are considered more advanced in equipment and marketing, so it is more expensive to book laser hair removal treatments. However, as IPL requires more sessions, you may spend just as much in the long run.
The Similarities between Laser and IPL
- Pain and Discomfort – IPL is often marketed as being pain-free. However, both treatments cause the client discomfort, usually described as a rubber band snapping sensation.
- Shaving Required – For either treatment to be effective, you must shave the hair beforehand. This is because it needs access to the roots, but you can’t wax or pluck the hair as the root needs to be there.
- Multiple Sessions Required – Whether you choose laser or IPL for your hair removal treatment, you will need multiple sessions to see hair reduction results.
Laser vs IPL: Summarised
Laser
- Laser uses a focused light to target the hair follicles.
- Laser hair removal requires 6 – 8 treatments for long-term hair reduction results, followed by twice-a-year maintenance appointments.
- It is more suitable for a range of skin colours, especially those with darker skin tones, as it targets the hair follicles specifically rather than the surrounding skin.
IPL
- It uses a less precise, broad-spectrum light to target the melanin in the hair follicles.
- IPL requires at least 10 regular sessions every 4-6 weeks to see hair reduction results and then maintenance sessions every couple of months.
- It is more suitable for those with lighter skin tones and darker hair due to the risks of targeting the melanin in the surrounding skin in darker skin tones.
Where to Train in Laser and IPL?
Now, if you’re not a client looking to get long-term hair reduction treatments but a beauty therapist looking to train in the most popular hair removal treatments, you’re in the right place!
At Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetic Academy, we are London’s leading laser and IPL training provider.
Our comprehensive Level 4 Laser and IPL training course will prepare students to offer both treatments professionally by teaching in-depth theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience on the latest equipment. Our course is fully accredited and OFQUAL-regulated, meaning it is accepted internationally.
Students certified with our Level 4 Laser and IPL can offer laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation treatments to the highest standards, putting them at the forefront of advanced aesthetic treatments.
Find out more about our VTCT Level 4 Laser and IPL training course on our course page, or you can get in touch with our office on
0203 856 8886, where our friendly course advisors can help you!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which treatment is more cost-effective/affordable: Laser or IPL?
IPL treatments usually work out cheaper when broken down into per-session prices compared to laser treatments. However, because you may require more treatments in IPL to achieve long-term hair reduction, laser hair removal may be more cost-effective in the long run.
Most laser clinics will offer package deals on sessions, especially around popular sales holidays. So, if you prefer to get laser done, it is worth holding out until these sales come around and taking advantage of them!
2. How many sessions are required for laser or IPL treatments?
Many factors will impact the number of sessions required, including hair type, density, skin tone and the area that is being targeted. Regardless, a benchmark laser typically requires 6-8 sessions for optimal results, whilst IPL often requires around 8-12 sessions to achieve similar hair reduction.
3. Is laser hair removal or IPL safer for darker skin tones?
Laser hair removal is usually safer and more effective when it comes to treating skin tones with more melanin/pigment. More advanced laser machines, such as Nd:YAG lasers, have been created to treat darker skin tones safely by bypassing the melanin in the skin and targeting just the hair follicle.
4. What are the aftercare steps for laser and IPL hair removal treatments?
After your session, your therapist should provide detailed dos and don’ts for the best results.
You can expect them to include:
- Avoid direct sun exposure to the treated areas.
- Apply sunscreen, at least SPF 30+ and above, for maximum coverage and protection.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas and swimming pools for at least 48 hours following your treatment.
- Avoid harsh skincare products with active acid ingredients and retinol for at least 48 hours before and after your treatment to minimise the risks of your skin burning.
