Laser Hair Removal
Posted on 7th August 2016 by Dr Rekha Tailor
Laser hair removal targets hair follicles with pulses of light with the aim of destroying the hair at the root. This reduces hair growth in the treated area for prolonged periods of time.
Laser and IPL hair removal are very popular alternatives to waxing and shaving.
There is confusion when it comes to understanding the difference between laser and IPL hair removal.
Both treatments produce energy to disrupt the growth cycle of the hair follicle to reduce hair growth without damaging the surrounding tissues. However, this is where the similarity ends.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser machines produce a single wavelength of light (pure light consisting of one single colour and form). This beam of light is concentrated and works on a specific target (the melanin in hair follicle). Laser machines also create more heat directed at the hair follicle than IPL systems. The heat is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle and not the skin, which then heats up the hair follicle and destroys it.
Hence better results are achieved with laser hair removal. There is also a decreased risk of burning when using Laser machines – this also makes laser a safer option for darker skinned individuals.
Soprano ICE laser hair removal is the only laser hair removal procedure that works on all hair colours and all skin tones including tanned. In addition the treatment is virtually painless.
IPL Hair Removal
IPL for hair removal this treatment isn’t as effective as laser removal methods. IPL’s are not lasers. The machines produce a broad spectrum of wavelengths (like a light bulb) and cannot be focused to a concentrated beam. Because a range of different wavelengths are dispersed at a variety of depths only some of these will be effective for hair reduction.
A more shallow penetration in comparison to laser means that deeper, thicker hairs are not treated effectively. In addition, some of the light will be absorbed into the surrounding tissue as well, leading to heating of the pigment in the skin. This is why there is more of a risk of burns and pigmentation for a darker skin type.
The cost of a Laser treatment in comparison with IPL may be slightly higher. However, this may be due to the different costs of the machines (a laser machine is much more expensive to purchase) and the different efficacy of the treatment (laser is much more effective than IPL).
health + aesthetics is a multi-award winning clinic of excellence. We are very proud to have received numerous accolades from industry experts since we opened in 2008.
We are confident that we offer the safest and most effective treatments available on the market.
Contact us for more information or to book a consultation.