The constant struggle with removing your hair, which you repeat every week, makes you tired of this unwanted body hair, right? Everyone feels this way. You endure the pain and invest a lot of time and money, but neither waxing nor shaving bring the desired results. So what can you do?
There are hair removal methods such as IPL and laser that offer you a long-term solution to unwanted body hair and give you smooth skin for years. Laser hair removal is usually done in salons, while for home hair removal, IPL devices are the most effective option.
But the debate doesn't end there, because it's not about availability, but about effectiveness for you. In this article, we've considered several factors for these two techniques to ensure you choose the most convenient, cost-effective and suitable option for you.
Table of contents:- Part 1: Similarities between IPL and laser hair removal in the salon
- Part 2: IPL vs. laser hair removal in the salon
- Part 3: Comparison table
- Part 4: Conclusion
Similarities between IPL and laser hair removal in salon
IPL and laser hair removal are often confused as the same method of hair removal, but there are a number of differences. Before we make a comparison, let's see what they have in common:
- IPL and laser hair removal devices depend on the melanin concentration in your hair follicles
- These hair removal methods are not permanent but show long-lasting results
- Both devices are not suitable for blonde, red or grey hair as they have a very low melanin concentration.
- IPL and laser hair removal are dangerous during pregnancy, eczema, skin infections, tattoos, suntans, keloid scars and herpes
- If used improperly, they can cause redness, burns, scarring, hyperpigmentation and bumps on the skin
- These non-ablative methods of hair removal require several sessions before you see full results
IPL vs. laser hair removal in the salon
method
Both laser hair removal and IPL destroy your hair follicles, but they work differently. IPL hair removal devices use a broad-spectrum beam of light to destroy hair, while laser hair removal uses a precise beam of light that penetrates the skin and reaches the hair follicles.
Additionally, laser hair removal devices used in salons are usually more effective than home IPL or laser devices because they are more precise and powerful.
Cost
Both IPL treatment and in-salon laser hair removal will give you useful results by destroying your hair follicles, but they have a big price difference. Most IPL devices cost between $150-$400. For example, the Ulike Sapphire Air3 handheld device costs only $329. With an unlimited number of flashes, this device can work for your entire life.
Laser hair removal in a salon, on the other hand, costs a fortune. Hair removal for larger areas can cost up to $600 per session, while for smaller areas it can cost up to $350 per session.
A laser hair removal session in the salon costs almost as much as an IPL device, which gives you unlimited sessions for at least 10 years, making IPL more cost-effective than laser. For more information , see How much does laser hair removal cost? ” .
precision
If we compare both methods of hair removal in terms of precision, laser is the winner whether it is laser hair removal at home or in salon. As mentioned earlier, laser hair removal uses a precise beam of light that reaches only the target area without spreading and affecting other areas.
IPL, on the other hand, uses polychromatic, broadband and non-coherent light sources. This means that the light spreads out more, which reduces precision. Additionally, laser hair removal is performed in a salon by a professional, which means it is more accurate and error-free.
Practical benefits
Laser hair removal in a salon sounds convenient at first because you don't have to make a mess at home and we don't feel too tired to clean up after hair removal. But when we think about it, the treatment in a salon is more difficult.
The travel costs, the time it takes to get to your salon and waiting for your turn - all these things cost you a lot of energy and money. Plus, you have to go to the salon every two weeks and not everyone has enough time for regular visits.
This is why IPL hair removal is convenient because it saves you travel costs and time. It is also hassle-free because all you need is your device and a comfortable place to sit.
privacy
When you undergo laser hair removal in the salon, you have to be prepared for strangers to touch you. Especially if you are undergoing a full leg, chest or back treatment, you will only be able to wear your underwear. This is not comfortable for everyone and is the reason why most people avoid it.
So the better solution is IPL hair removal because it allows you to treat your own body at home. The Ulike Sapphire Air3 handheld device is easy to use and can be used on any part of the body, so you don't need outside help. So you can have IPL hair removal without compromising your privacy.
Skin and hair color compatibility
This is where laser hair removal in salon beats IPL technique. IPL technology is dependent on melanin and if your body has more melanin, it can cause burns, scars and hyperpigmentation. That's why people with dark skin should avoid this method. Also, gray, blonde and red hair have less melanin so IPL is not effective on them.
Unlike IPL, laser hair removal comes in different types of lasers so it's suitable for all hair types and skin tones. For example, if you have a dark skin tone, the practitioner will use a Nd:YAG laser, while an Alexandrite laser is suitable for skin tones up to level 4.
Time required
The Ulike Sapphire Air3 allows you to remove hair from your entire body in just 7 minutes. It features a thumbless, automatic glide mode that transmits the flashes every 0.7 seconds, allowing you to quickly treat any body area with unwanted hair.
Unlike IPL hair removal, laser hair removal takes anywhere from a few minutes to even hours depending on the area being treated. For example, the upper lip only takes a few minutes, while the legs are the larger areas and require at least an hour per session. Therefore, IPL hair removal has the edge here, as a laser is much more time-consuming. The more time your hair removal takes, the more exhausting it will be for you.
effectiveness
Laser hair removal in salons is more effective than IPL. Firstly, the laser is more precise as it uses a single wavelength. This makes it more targeted and effective. That's why the results of laser hair removal last for years and rarely need touch-ups. IPL, on the other hand, only lasts 6 months or a few years, but you need touch-ups more often.
Secondly, the treatment is performed in salons and the laser hair removal devices in salons are more efficient than home devices. And finally, a professional can do a better job because he has spent part of his life learning this technique, while you only know the instructions in the manual.
Number of sessions
With the Ulike Sapphire Air3 handheld device, you need two sessions per week. After three weeks, you will start to see results. If you continue your sessions, you will see your body become completely hairless after 12 weeks.
Laser hair removal in a salon requires almost 6 sessions, with at least 4 to 6 weeks between each session. You can start seeing results after the first session and they get better with each subsequent session.
Comparison table
|
parameter |
Salon Laser Hair Removal |
IPL hair removal |
|
principle |
Uses a monochromatic, coherent light source to reach the hair follicles |
Uses a polychromatic, non-coherent light source to reach the hair follicles |
|
Cost |
$250-800 per session |
$329 |
|
precision |
More precise |
Less precise |
|
privacy |
Unavailable |
Available |
|
Skin color compatibility |
All skin colors |
Light skin |
|
Hair color compatibility |
All except blonde, red and grey hair |
All except blonde, red and grey hair |
|
Time required per session |
10-60 minutes |
7 minutes |
|
Required sessions |
2-6 total |
2 sessions per week |
|
Time needed to achieve long-lasting results |
9-12 months |
4 months |
|
Results hold for |
At least one year |
At least six months |
Conclusion
Salon hair removal is a hassle-free, precise and effective way of hair removal that is suitable for all skin types, but it is very expensive. IPL, on the other hand, is a time-saving, inexpensive, almost painless and convenient way of hair removal, but it is not suitable for dark skin. Therefore, laser may be the best solution for some, while IPL may prove to be better for others. Since both methods are FDA approved, you can choose either method based on your preference and tolerance.
In addition to these two methods, there is also electrolysis for permanent hair removal. Would you like a detailed comparison between these two methods and electrolysis? Click on “ Laser, IPL, electrolysis or waxing ”.
