Laser hair removal has become one of the most popular choices for removing unwanted hair. Whether you’re looking to eliminate hair growth on your arms, legs, upper lip, or neck, laser hair removal is a viable treatment option. Compared to traditional methods like shaving or waxing, laser hair removal saves time and effort in the long run. It eliminates the need for frequent hair removal sessions, allowing you to enjoy smoother skin for more extended periods. Saying goodbye to razor burn, ingrown hairs and money spent on razors is also a bonus!
Laser hair removal is efficient, relatively painless, and offers long-lasting results on treated areas. By using concentrated beams of light to target hair follicles, it inhibits hair growth over time. Compared to traditional methods like shaving or waxing, laser hair removal is preferred for its effectiveness and convenience. Laser hair removal is suitable for various skin tones and body areas, and advancements in technology have made this treatment safer and more effective than ever.
What is IPL Hair Removal?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) works by emitting broad-spectrum light pulses onto the skin. This light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, converting it into heat. The heat damages the hair follicle, stopping further growth and causing the hair to fall out. IPL laser hair removal is most effective on coarse, dark hair and requires multiple sessions spaced over several weeks for best results. It’s become a common service offered for long-term unwanted hair reduction as a non-invasive alternative to shaving, waxing, or other hair removal methods.
Why We Don’t Offer IPL Laser Hair Removal at You Derma
You may have noticed that we don’t offer this specific laser hair removal treatment at our advanced laser clinic. While IPL hair removal can be effective for some, its effectiveness can vary depending on factors such as skin tone and hair colour, making it less reliable for certain individuals. It also is not as effective for long-lasting unwanted hair removal and requires more sessions than other laser hair removal methods. Between these factors, as well as the chance of negative side effects like burns around the treatment area or changes in skin pigmentation, we have chosen not to offer IPL laser hair removal option at You Derma.
Instead, we offer laser hair removal services using Nd:YAG technology. Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser hair removal is often considered superior to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). Nd:YAG lasers utilize a specific wavelength of light that targets the melanin in the hair follicles with precision, effectively destroying them without damaging the surrounding skin. This technology offers several advantages over IPL, including deeper penetration into the skin, making it suitable for all skin types, including darker skin tones, where IPL might be less effective or even risky.
IPL Hair Removal Downfalls
While IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal is a popular alternative to laser hair removal, it does have some drawbacks compared to laser technology.
Skin Types
IPL Laser Hair Removal is Not Effective on All Skin Types
IPL laser hair removal’s effectiveness can be inconsistent across different skin tones and hair colours. Your skin type plays a role in how you will respond to certain laser technology. It works best on individuals with fair skin and dark hair, since the contrast allows for better absorption of the light energy by the hair follicles. However, those with darker skin tones or lighter hair colours may not see significant results with IPL laser hair removal treatments, as the light may not be effectively absorbed by the hair follicles, leading to poor results.
While IPL devices are generally considered safe when used correctly, there is a higher risk of burns, blisters, and other adverse reactions compared to laser hair removal. This risk is particularly relevant for individuals with darker skin tones, as IPL may inadvertently target the melanin in the skin, leading to potential complications.
Nd:YAG is Effective for a Wider Range of Hair Types
Nd:YAG lasers are widely recognized for their effectiveness in treating hair on darker skin tones, as well as finer and lighter hair, making them a versatile option compared to IPL laser hair removal. IPL laser hair removal treatments may be less effective on darker skin tones or lighter hair colours, since they need more contrast to target the hair follicle for best results. Nd:YAG lasers are often preferred for individuals with darker skin tones, providing more reliable and consistent hair removal results. Nd:YAG laser hair removal is safe on all skin tones and creates long-lasting results for those who may not be a candidate for IPL.
Sessions Required
Many Sessions are Required
To see results with IPL, most patients require several treatments. This tends to be more than other laser hair removal methods. Although this common laser hair removal treatment initially seem like the more cost effective option, the cost of multiple sessions over time can add up quickly!
Another key factor to consider is that IPL hair removal does not provide permanent hair removal. Instead, it can only reduce the growth of treated hair. This is important to consider when balancing the upfront laser hair removal cost with the ongoing investment needed for hair reduction vs a slightly higher investment for less sessions and longer-lasting hair removal with other methods.
While IPL may offer temporary reduction in hair growth, maintenance sessions are often required to sustain results over time. These maintenance sessions will be more frequent compared to Nd:YAG laser hair removal, which can offer longer-lasting results with fewer follow-up treatments.
Nd:YAG Offers More Value for Your Dollar
Nd:YAG laser hair removal typically comes with a higher price tag compared to IPL, but it offers much better and longer-lasting results due to its advanced laser technology. With Nd:YAG laser treatments, fewer sessions are usually needed to achieve the desired outcome compared to IPL, making it a cost-effective option in the long run despite the higher initial cost.
The need for fewer sessions not only saves money but also reduces the inconvenience and time spent on multiple appointments, making Nd:YAG laser hair removal a more convenient option for many individuals. Many people opt for Nd:YAG laser hair removal because it is such an effective treatment, resulting in less visits and ultimately saving both time and money.
Side Effects
IPL Side Effects and Discomfort
One common discomfort experienced during IPL hair removal is heat sensations or mild stinging. Some people describe it as a warm pinprick sensation. This sensation occurs because the IPL device emits pulses of light that target the melanin in the hair follicles, generating heat to disable them. The intensity of this sensation can vary greatly from person to person, depending on individual pain tolerance levels.
Also, there’s a higher chance of skin sensitivity, leading to temporary redness, swelling, or blistering in some cases as the skin surrounding the hair follicle may also be affected. It’s important for those considering IPL laser hair removal to assess the benefits and risks and consult with a trained professional to ensure it’s suitable for their skin.
Nd:YAG as an Alternative Option
The specific wavelength of Nd:YAG laser hair removal works by penetrating deeper into the skin, targeting the hair follicle more accurately, while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. This means that Nd:YAG laser treatments typically result in less discomfort during the procedure and less likelihood of side effects like skin irritation or blistering compared to IPL.
Feel Confident About Laser Hair Removal at You Derma
Overall, while IPL hair removal can be a viable option for some individuals, it may not offer the same level of effectiveness, safety, or convenience as laser hair removal for many people.
At our advanced laser clinic, we prioritize safety and effectiveness by carefully selecting the best laser hair removal equipment for every laser treatment. This commitment means that our clients receive the best care with minimal risk and optimal results. By choosing Nd:YAG for our laser hair removal treatments instead of IPL laser treatment, we’re able to produce the best results for clients of all skin tones and hair colours.If you’ve been wanting to get rid of unwanted hair but aren’t sure if laser hair removal treatment is right for you, come in for a consultation. Our free laser hair removal consultation with a certified medical aesthetician can help determine your suitability for this hair removal treatment and answer any questions you might have about laser hair removal. If you’re ready to get the smooth, hair-free skin you’ve been wanting, book a laser hair removal treatment at You Derma today!
