Your Ultimate Way to Get Summer Body Goal
Botox or Dermal Fillers? Which One Treats Your Wrinkles Better?
Not All "Laser Hair Removal" is the Same: The Key Differences Between IPL and Real Laser
Have you ever wondered why some aesthetic clinics in Bali have huge price gaps on laser hair removal treatments? Some clinics offer these services at surprisingly much lower than average prices, but is it real laser hair removal?
The fact is, not all treatments advertised as "laser hair removal" use actual laser technology. Many clinics use IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and label it as a laser to attract more customers. Even though IPL can help to reduce hair growth, real laser delivers more significant results. Let's explore the key differences between IPL and laser hair removal, so you don't fall for marketing claims.
What is IPL Hair Removal?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a technology that is quite popular in anti-aging treatments. It brings various benefits for skin rejuvenation, including stimulating collagen, treating acne, and reducing pigmentation. IPL is also widely used for hair removal.
Unlike a real laser, IPL uses a broad-spectrum light to target the hair follicles. The light energy is absorbed by melanin in the hair and converted into heat, damaging hair follicles and slowing hair growth. IPL's spectrum light covers wider areas, offering a faster procedure than laser.
Many choose IPL hair removal because it's cheaper and faster. However, its effectiveness compared to laser and its risk for specific skin types are important factors.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Real laser hair removal uses medical-grade lasers such as long-pulsed Nd: YAG, Alexandrite, and Diode. A laser emits a single wavelength of focused light that penetrates deeply to target hair follicles with greater precision, minimizing the risk of damaging surrounding tissues.
One of the most effective laser hair removal systems in Bali is the Fotona laser. This device uses advanced long-pulsed Nd: YAG and FRAC3® technology—a unique fractional selective thermal pulse technology designed for high-precision targeting while minimizing skin overheating. This Fotona's signature laser mode is especially effective for reaching deep hair roots and treating thicker or hormonally driven hair. It also works well on all skin tones.
IPL vs Laser Hair Removal: Key Differences
IPL and laser are effective for hair reduction; however, key differences include their technology, number of sessions, suitability, and results.
1. Light Source
The significant difference between IPL and laser is their light sources. As mentioned earlier, IPL spreads broad light across a wider skin area. Meanwhile, a real laser emits a single, focused wavelength of light.
2. Precision and Skin Penetration
When it comes to precision, lasers are more beneficial than IPL. Using focused light, laser is designed for deeper penetration and higher accuracy, resulting in more precise and effective at reaching the root of hair follicles without affecting the surrounding tissue. Contrarily, IPL works on the surface level with broader coverage, making the procedure faster, yet it may not be as efficient as laser for long-term hair reduction.
3. Suitability
IPL energy is not ideal for darker skin tones. This device targets melanin in both skin and hair follicles. Darker skin that contains more melanin than lighter skin absorbs more light energy, increasing the risk of discoloration and sunburns. On the other hand, medical-grade lasers—especially Nd: YAG—are designed to be safe and effective for all skin tones, including darker complexions.
4. Session Needed
IPL and laser hair removal need multiple sessions because hair follicles cycle through different growth phases, and only those in the active phase can be effectively targeted. However, laser offers more precise and deeper penetration than IPL. That's why laser provides longer-lasting results in fewer sessions.
5. Operator
Laser hair removal is performed by a licensed doctor or trained nurse, as the technology uses a medical-grade device and requires professional expertise to operate a safe and effective procedure. Meanwhile, IPL devices are commonly operated by therapists because they are less regulated and don't require medical oversight like an actual laser.
In short, while IPL and laser hair removal can reduce hair growth, laser offers better precision, deeper penetration, safer results for all skin tones, and a more effective outcome, especially when performed by trained professionals using advanced technology.
How to Know What You're Getting
Before booking an appointment, ask their technology whether it's IPL or a real laser. You can also check the laser brand and model. Is it performed by a doctor, a nurse, or a therapist? Don't be deceived by vague marketing terms like "laser-like" or "light-based treatment".
Both IPL and laser are effective for hair reduction. However, laser provides safer, longer-lasting results, and are more suitable for all skin tones with fewer sessions. Now that you understand the key differences between IPL and true laser hair removal, you can choose wisely, despite the many promotions that label IPL as laser. Trust only licensed professionals and medical-grade technology for high-precision treatment tailored to your skin.
