As summer approaches, hair is often a headache. Which should you choose: pulsed light or laser? First and foremost, the two techniques differ in the way they act on hair. Both target melanin by removing the hair root, the bulb. As a result, the hair stops growing. Find out which permanent hair removal technique is right for you!
Understanding the differences between pulsed light and laser hair removal
Intense pulsed light and laser work in different ways, and their results are not identical.
How the two technologies work
Pulsed light and laser hair removal target the melanin in the hair, with the aim of destroying or weakening the hair bulb. The difference between the two technologies lies in the wave sent to the hair root. The laser uses a monochromatic wave. The light beam sent is more precise and more powerful. As a result, the bulb is destroyed and hair does not grow back.
Pulsed light, on the other hand, uses polychromatic waves. The beam is less intense. The hair is not destroyed, but it is not destroyed, because the light does not reach the dermis.
Difference in results: weakening versus destruction
The results between the two hair removal methods are not equivalent. Intense pulsed light weakens the hair bulb, and it takes around ten sessions to get rid of it. After that, schedule a few maintenance sessions if you notice slight hair regrowth. Intense pulsed light also treats fair skin more easily. Laser treatment completely destroys the hair follicle. In the long term, it's less cost-effective, but 90% effective.
Avantages and disadvantages of each method
Each of the two methods of long-lasting hair removal has its advantages and disadvantages.
Intense pulsed light: advantages and limitations
Intense pulsed light has a considerable cost advantage. The budget ranges from 40 to 50 euros for an underarm session to around 130 euros for a half-leg session. Count on 10 sessions for optimal results.
If you opt for at-home IPL hair removal, you'll enjoy even greater convenience. You choose the time that suits you to get rid of your hair. There's no need to make an appointment or leave your home.
However, you do need to be aware of your skin type. Light-colored hair is less effective. Also, if you have dark skin, avoid this method, which may not be right for you. Skin that's too dark is more likely to burn.
Laser: advantages and limitations
The laser has the advantage of being precise and reaching the hair at its root. This makes it more effective. Darker hairs are more likely to disappear permanently. What's more, laser hair removal is safer because it is reserved for health professionals with specialized training. This justifies the higher cost of laser hair removal compared to IPL.
Criteria to consider when choosing an epilator
There are a number of features to consider when choosing your epilator. Skin type, areas to be epilated, budget and pain are all points to consider carefully.
Skin type and hair color
If you have fair skin with dark hair, pulsed light is ideal.
For darker skins or other skin types, laser treatment works perfectly. If your hair is light, blond, white or red, laser or pulsed light treatment is unlikely to work.
Treatment area and hair type
Laser hair removal is suitable for a wider range of profiles. The treatment is accessible to darker skin types. The monochromatic beam shows positive results on fine hair, thick hair and sensitive areas. This permanent hair removal technique is ideal for the face. For legs, armpits or the rest of the body, the two methods are identical. In fact, pulsed light offers similar results to laser hair removal on light skin with dark hair.
Budget and cost of sessions
Expect a lower budget for Intense Pulsed Light than for laser. The number of sessions is equivalent. Just be aware that a few maintenance sessions may be necessary after a pulsed-light treatment if a few hairs appear.
With laser, the result is definitive, with a slightly lower number of sessions. Of course, the duration of treatment varies from patient to patient. Everyone's hair system is different! In all cases, the most economical solution is pulsed light.
Pain and safety
It's important to note that some people feel intense pain, while others experience only mild discomfort. A flash of light is often compared to a tug on an elastic band. It is possible that the sensation of pulsed light on sensitive areas is more painful. However, thanks to the cold gel applied to the area to be treated, the pain is much less. In fact, the advantage of in-office laser equipment lies in the fact that it is equipped with a cooling system to reduce pain.
Comparison of pulsed light and laser devices
When choosing a pulsed-light device, it's essential to compare products on the basis of several criteria. First, is the device intended for home or professional use? How many flashes are emitted? What accessories are supplied? There's no need to make a hasty choice.
Popular IPL devices
Commercially available home IPL devices often deliver good results. The Bloomy can treat all areas of the body. It offers 500,000 flashes and is not equipped with accessories. The Skill expert pro 5 adapts to every part of the body. However, it is less suitable for sensitive areas. This device has 400,000 flashes. The Lumea is a good device, with its curved tips and 450,000 flashes, but it takes longer to achieve results.
Laser devices for home and professional use
Some devices can be used for both domestic and professional purposes. A laser device can only be operated by a professional. However, pulsed-light devices such as the E-one Clinic RC are designed for beauty professionals and feature IRPL. This technology enables light power to be regulated for better control of the heat generated on the area. This improves the safety of the flashes sent. One session every two months is sufficient.
The device comes with a kit containing a 3,000-flash optical cassette, a gel, a pair of glasses, a pen, a delimitation plate and a sheet of self-adhesive patches. You can use this device at home, as it comes with a user manual and is very easy to handle.
Frequently asked questions about pulsed light and lasers
Long-lasting hair removal takes time, and it's important to be aware that some side effects may occur.
How many sessions are required for each method?
For optimal permanent hair removal, several sessions are required. Of course, this depends on the individual and the areas to be treated. However, to get rid of hair for good, you'll need about 6 to 10 sessions with pulsed light, compared with 8 to 12 for laser hair removal.
What are the potential side effects?
- Before starting your treatment, don't hesitate to consult your dermatologist to make sure you don't have any skin or hormonal problems.
- Don't take any risks if you're pregnant.
- And don't expose yourself to the sun for a month before or after a session.
- Essential oils, tanning supplements and photosensitizing drugs are prohibited during treatment.
Among the side-effects common to both methods of permanent hair removal, burns may occur if the device is incorrectly adjusted.
Redness or irritation may occur if the heat emitted causes slight inflammation of the epidermis. The skin may become itchy or hot a few hours after the session.
Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) are two hair removal methods that can be used as long-term treatments to get rid of unsightly hair. Laser treatment takes slightly longer than pulsed light, and is suitable for all skin types. Over time, laser treatment lasts longer, whereas pulsed light requires a few maintenance sessions a few years down the line. Financially, IPL hair removal is more affordable, and can even be performed at home. It's up to you to take these different criteria into account to make the choice that's right for you.
You may also be interested in the following articles:
- What is the best permanent hair removal method? Which one to choose?
- Pulsed Light VS Ultra Sonic Hair Removal: What's the Difference?
- What are the differences between electric and pulsed light hair removal?
- Facial Hair Removal: Which Method to Choose?
- No more painful hair removal: discover the best methods
- Which hair removal method should I choose for best results?