Do you have unwanted hair on your body? No matter how much you shave, it just grows back, sometimes much itchier and more irritated than before. When it comes to laser hair removal technologies, you have a couple of options to choose from. However, you might receive wildly different answers depending on who you ask, especially when it comes to diode laser hair removal and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal treatments.
Not sure what either of those can do for you? That’s okay. We’re here to break down the differences between the two hair reduction methods and answer which option may be more effective for hair reduction:
The Basics of Laser Hair Removal Technologies
Laser hair removal uses concentrated beams of light to remove unwanted hair. The light from the laser is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair. Once absorbed, the light energy is converted into heat and damages the hair follicles in the skin. The result? Inhibiting or delaying the growth of unwanted hair.
What Is Diode Laser Hair Removal?
Now that you understand the basics, diode lasers use a single wavelength of light with a high abruption rate that impacts the surrounding tissue around the melanin. As the location of the unwanted hair heats up, it breaks down the follicle’s root and blood flow, resulting in permanent hair reduction.
Is It Safe?
Diode laser removal is safe for all skin types as it delivers high-frequency, low-fluence pulses that provide positive results. However, while diode laser removal is effective, it can be quite painful, especially with the amount of energy needed for completely hairless skin. We use Alexandrite and Nd: Yag lasers that use cryogen cooling that delivers more comfort during the lasering process.
What Is IPL Laser Hair Removal?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is technically not a laser treatment. Instead, IPL uses a broad spectrum of light with more than one wavelength. However, it can lead to unfocused energy around the surrounding tissue, which means much of the energy is wasted and not as effective when it comes to follicle absorption. In addition, using a broadband light can also increase your risk of experiencing side effects, especially without integrated cooling.
Potential Side Effects
Minor side effects, such as redness/irritation and slight changes in skin pigmentation may be common. Some more severe and uncomfortable side effects may include:
Blistering
Scarring
Hypopigmentation
Hyperpigmentation
What’s the Difference Between a Diode Laser & IPL Laser?
Integrated cooling methods play a big part in determining which of the two laser treatments is better preferred. IPL laser hair removal will most likely require more than one session, while using a diode laser may work more effectively. Diode laser hair removal is more comfortable because of the integrated cooling and treats more hair and skin types, whereas IPL is best suited for those with darker hair and lighter skin.
Which Is Better for Hair Removal?
At one point, of all the laser hair removal technologies, IPL was the most cost-effective go-to. However, its power and cooling limitations proved less effective when compared to diode laser hair removal. IPL is also considered a more uncomfortable treatment and increases potential side effects.
Diode Lasers Produces Better Results
A diode laser has the power needed for faster treatments and can deliver each pulse at a rate faster than IPL. The best part? Diode laser treatment is effective on all hair and skin types. If the idea of destroying your hair follicles seems daunting, we promise you that there’s nothing to fear. Diode hair removal treatment provides integrated cooling technology that keeps your skin feeling comfortable throughout the session.
How To Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
Before you undergo treatment, there are a few things you need to do, such as:
The treatment area must be shaved 24 hours before your appointment.
Avoid makeup, deodorant, or moisturizer on the treatment area.
Don’t use any self-tanner or spray products.
No waxing, threading, or tweezing in the area of treatment.
Post Care
You may notice some redness and small bumps after laser hair removal. That’s perfectly normal. Irritation can be soothed using a cold compress. However, there are other factors you need to be mindful of after you’ve received hair removal treatment.
Avoid Sunlight: We’re not asking you to be a complete shut-in, but it’s pivotal to avoid sun exposure. Use sunscreen at all times for the first couple of months.
Keep the Area Clean: You can wash the treated area gently with mild soap. Always ensure that you’re pat drying the area instead of rubbing it. Don’t put any moisturizer, lotion, deodorant, or makeup on the area for the first 24 hours.
Dead Hairs Will Shed: You can expect dead hairs to be shed from the area within 5-30 days from the treatment date.
Exfoliate Regularly: As the dead hairs begin to shed, use a washcloth when washing the area and shave to get rid of the hairs pushing their way out of your follicles.
Are you searching for effective laser hair removal in Surrey, B.C.? Spotless Laser Medical Aesthetics can provide comfortable treatment for your hair removal needs. Book a laser hair removal appointment with our clinic today to receive smooth, silken skin.
FAQs
IPL laser hair removal will most likely require more than one session, while using a diode laser may work more effectively. Diode laser hair removal is more comfortable because of the integrated cooling and treats more hair and skin types, whereas IPL is best suited for those with darker hair and lighter skin.
Is laser or IPL more effective for hair removal? ›
Both IPL and lasers are effective in hair removal. IPL often requires more treatments and may not achieve the same final hair reduction as a laser can. Due to this, hair removal using a laser usually produces faster results. IPL is effective in not only hair removal, but also treating rosacea and facial flushing.
What is the most advanced laser hair removal? ›
The Soprano ICE is the latest and most advanced laser hair removal system in the market, preferred by top clinics and physicians worldwide. It offers painless treatment for all hair types and a wide range of patients thanks to its advanced technology, including multiple laser wavelengths.
Can diode laser permanently remove hair? ›
Is Diode Laser Hair Removal Permanent? Diode laser hair removal can be permanent following a course of treatment customized to your needs and hair type. Since not all hair is in a growth phase at the same time, it may be necessary to revisit certain treatment areas to permanently remove hair.
Can you do IPL and diode together? ›
Conclusion: The IPL has been shown to negatively impact the effectiveness of a diode laser. This is linked with the way non-coherent light weakens and thins the hair that impedes the absorption of laser light by the melanin and adversely affects the treatment results. Keywords: IPL; diode laser; hair reduction.
Is diode laser hair removal better than IPL? ›
IPL laser hair removal will most likely require more than one session, while using a diode laser may work more effectively. Diode laser hair removal is more comfortable because of the integrated cooling and treats more hair and skin types, whereas IPL is best suited for those with darker hair and lighter skin.
Which hair removal laser is the most effective? ›
The Best Technology AND The Best Machine
- Alexandrite laser: Alexandrite lasers are very effective at removing dark hair on light skin. ...
- Nd:YAG laser: Nd:YAG lasers are safe for all skin tones, and they are effective at removing both light and dark hair.
The Kardashian-Approved Laser Treatments
Kim often does her treatments late at night and is believed to use at-home laser devices. Khloe and Kylie, on the other hand, visit Sev Laser for Candela GentleMax Pro treatments.
What is the most effective permanent laser hair removal? ›
IPL stands for intense pulsed light. IPL laser hair removal is arguably the most effective hair removal technique around (even more so than your epilator) – namely because it's a permanent hair removal system for both legs and hard-to-reach areas.
What is the best laser for pubic hair removal? ›
JOVS Venus Pro™ II IPL Hair Removal Device
Whether you're looking to remove hair on your face, arms, legs, or bikini area, this at-home laser can get the job done. This device uses Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT)—an advancement in IPL technology—which emits higher intensity light to speed up the hair removal process.
The most common side effects of laser hair removal include:
- Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours.
- Pigment changes. Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin.
BBL and IPL can help improve the appearance of your skin, but BBL is generally considered more effective for treating more complex issues. If you have sun spots, rosacea, age spots, broken capillaries, or wrinkles that you would like to reduce or eliminate, then BBL may be the best option.
Why is diode laser the best? ›
Benefits of Diode Laser Treatments
Precision: Diode lasers can target specific cells without harming the surrounding tissue, making them highly precise and effective for aesthetic treatments.
What is the major limitation for diode laser? ›
Laser diodes also have some severe disadvantages, including: Multi-mode beam quality is typically low when compared with solid-state or gas lasers. Single-mode devices offer better beam quality. Ultraviolet (UV) and deep infrared (IR) diode lasers can be difficult and expensive to make.
Will hair grow back after diode laser? ›
Laser cannot target strands in the shedding and resting phases, so these hairs will grow back. Another possibility is if you have a low contrast between your hair color and skin tone. The laser may only damage the hair follicles but not destroy them. So, they will likely grow back, albeit lighter and less noticeable.
What is the success rate of diode laser? ›
In this study, the clinical success rate for diode laser pulpotomy was 92.9% (at 12 months), and for FC pulpotomy was 90.9%. There was no significant difference between these two groups (P = 0.265). The radiographic success rate for diode laser was 78.6% (at 12 months) and 72.7% (at 12 months) for FC.
Which laser technique is best for hair removal? ›
The Alexandrite laser is superior to other types of lasers because it can penetrate deep into the skin and remove hair follicles from the root. Alexandrite laser is a better alternative to Diode laser. It is more effective on skin type 3 and 4.
What are the advantages of IPL over laser? ›
Pros of IPL
IPL can treat a wider range of skin conditions than lasers. IPL handpieces have a larger surface area than most lasers, making it more efficient to treat a broader area of skin. IPL treatments tend to be less expensive than laser treatments. IPL recovery is typically faster than laser treatments.
Does IPL really remove hair permanently? ›
Neither treatment is permanent permanent, but the results for both IPL and laser hair removal can last for months, and both devices are FDA-approved for reducing the amount of hair regrowth over time. The IPL treatment might save you some discomfort compared to laser, though.
Is IPL better than laser for hirsutism? ›
Conclusions: Both laser and IPL are efficient, safe, and tolerable procedures in treating PCOS-related and idiopathic facial hirsutism, and both have been shown to have a low rate of side effects. However, the Alex and Nd: YAG lasers guaranteed better hair removal results.
