There are some things to consider when deciding between IPL or LASER hair removal. Below are some popular questions clients ask when making their choice.
Is IPL as strong as LASER?
The short answer is yes. IPL is as strong in terms of delivering results. The amount of sessions required are similar with both systems. In other words, you get the same results in the end. The main different between IPL and LASER is the type of light they are emitting. LASER uses a single beam, whereas IPL delivers a broad spectrum. This means that the system delivers different types of treatments because you have more range in that light spectrum.
What are the advantages of IPL over LASER?
If we are basing it on results, they are on par with each other. Now, based on the comfort level of the service, IPL tends to be more gentle with the surrounding tissue. The reason for this is that broad spectrum we mentioned earlier. Within that spectrum, depending on the person’s hair tone, skin tone, and the number of sessions they’ve had, the machine will filter out a specific depth of penetration that will only affect the target so that the surrounding tissue is not compromised.
Do IPL and LASER hair removal feel similar?
IPL and LASER do not feel similar. With IPL, the system wIll make direct contact with the person’s skin, whereas LASER will hover over the skin.
Another difference is that LASER typically uses a hose that outputs cold air to cool the skin. On the other hand, with IPL, depending on the system, the technician may use an ultrasound jelly to keep the skin cold. Other systems, for example the Sharplight system that we use, uses contact cooling, via the actual window that touches the skin.
Yes, you can safely switch because they are both light based treatments. Some differences you may notice are the way the treatments are delivered. Examples include the cooling mechanism, the sitting time, and possibly the frequency of treatments.
When it comes to your currents results, it should not have an effect on your current results or cause any regrowth to happen. If this happens, it’s most likely not the system. However, it could be that your settings are not set accordingly. This is why it’s important to let your technician know that you have had previous treatments, how many treatments you’ve had and also the efficacy of those treatments.
Located in Edmonton, Dérmica offers waxing and IPL hair removal options.
Waxing- Short term hair removal
Traditionally, waxing involves the use of warm wax, typically honey or pine resin-based and cloth strips. The esthetician first preps the area by disinfecting and applying a protective barrier to the skin. The warm wax is then applied using a wooden spatula and covered with a cloth strip; this is referred to as strip waxing or soft waxing. The strip is then quickly pulled off parallel to the skin and voilà your skin is left smooth and hair free!
Prior to booking a wax service ensure your hair is at least ¼ inch long, and has not been sunburned, treated with AHA/BHA, or prescription acne medications. Avoid caffeine for a couple hours before your appointment to reduce sensitivity. Results are visible for about 2 weeks, with 4-6 weeks before you are ready for your next visit. After care for waxing includes: avoiding heat, sun exposure, strong/fragranced, lotions, and washes for 24 hours and frequent skin exfoliation.
IPL- Long term hair removal
For a permanent solution, opt for IPL hair removal treatments. These advanced treatments should only be performed by trained and certified technicians. They are somewhat of an investment and can cause injury to your skin if not delivered properly, so do your research and make sure operational requirements are met by both the business and technician.
If you choose to have your treatment performed by the experts at Dérmica, here’s what you can expect:
Our tech begins by disinfecting your skin, she provides you with your protective eyewear, then off she goes zapping away.
Some lasers, like ours, are equipped with cooling systems, making your service a breeze. The cooling system makes your treatment significantly less painful (if at all), and 100% less messy than other lasers.
For the following 24-48 hours you will be required to avoid direct heat, perspiration, sun exposure, strong/fragranced soaps, lotions and washes. Ensure your skin has not been sunburned, treated with AHA/BHA, or medications/vitamins that may affect your skin.
Typically you will notice a stunt in the growth of hair, followed by what seems to be continued growth, then towards your 4-6 week the hair will begin to fall out. At this point you are ready for your next session.
Results vary and can last between 1 – 5 years before a touch-up is required. Although IPL / LASER hair removal are considered methods of “permanent hair removal”, these treatments often require touch-ups. The typical span is 1 to 5 years.
One of the main reasons for this vast range is the varying degrees of hair growth throughout the body. Some areas grow long/ thick hair, whereas other areas may grow short/ fine hair.
When narrowing down how long your IPL / LASER hair removal results will last, we begin by classifying the treatment areas into one of two major categories:
CLASS 1 – Includes: lip, chin, underarms, chest, back, and bikini.
CLASS 2 – Includes: scalp, hairline, arms, legs, hands, and feet.
These 2 categories have pre-indicators we use when making our assumptions for results. For example, hair texture, intensity of the growth, and hormonal influences that affect growth.
Touch-up Requirements
CLASS 1 | Lip | Chin | Underarms | Chest | Back | Pubic Region
Results last 1-3 years before touch-up is required. The growth in these areas is largely driven by hormones and continues to progress through our adult years. For this reason, you may require touch-ups sooner than other areas of the body.
CLASS 2 | Scalp | Hairline | Arms| Legs | Hands & Feet
Results last 3-5 years before touch-up is required. Because these areas are not as affected by hormones in our adult years, they typically require fewer touch-up sessions and, the results last longer.
Although results vary depending on your hair and skin type, proper aftercare and scheduling are vital.
Q: “My body hair ranges from dark blonde – light brown… Does IPL / LASER work on blonde hair?” – N.N
A: Yes, you can achieve results! Advanced IPL / LASER operating systems can now effectively treat lighter hair tones.
Hair colour plays an important role when setting expectations for treatment outcomes. The light energy pulsed by the operating system targets pigment cells found in the hair bulb. As a result, the more pigment cells present, the more energy is absorbed and therefore, producing optimal results.
Those with dark blonde – light brown hair tones are categorized as “Light” hair on the treatment scale. Light natural hair tones usually contain enough base pigment to properly absorb the energy into the hair bulb. In most cases, there is enough pigmentation to achieve significant hair reduction. Therefore, you can expect 25 – 75% reduction given proper aftercare.
In conclusion, IPL/ LASER treatment offers optimal results for those looking for carefree maintenance and to clear their skin of unsightly stubble. In addition, it saves the skin from the routine of painful removal procedures.
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Hair growth is present in most areas of the human body. It can range from thick/coarse textures to peach fuzz. Some hair becomes more evident with hormones during puberty and, some hair is only present in our fetal stage. The purpose of hair is to protect us from the elements, a means of skin lubrication. In other words, it aids in temperature regulation, and other bodily functions.
Different IPL/ Laser hair removal treatment areas see varying degrees of success.
Bikini | Underarms | Face | Chest | Back
The pubic, underarm, lower facial region, chest, and back grow what is known as terminal hair. Terminal hair is present at birth and grows throughout the years. Some hair starts as vellus hair (fine hair) during childhood and develops into coarser hair during puberty.
Because of the colour content and thickness of the bulb, these areas tend to get quick and dramatic results within the first couple of sessions. The downside is that these areas are hormonally influenced and may require touch-ups sooner than other areas.
Hairline | Scalp | Arms | Legs
These regions of the body also contain terminal hair growth. Because these areas are not as affected by hormones in our adult years, they typically require fewer sessions and, the results last longer before touch-ups are necessary.
Although results vary depending on your hair and skin type, proper aftercare and scheduling are vital to ensuring your treatments are successful.
How are IPL/ LASER Hair Removal and Hair Color related?
HAIR TONE
Let’s review IPL/ laser hair removal and hair color: Your hair tone/type plays an important role when predicting the results of your IPL Hair Removal treatments. This is because the energy emitted into the root of your hair is attracted to and absorbed by the melanin cells. Melanin cells are responsible for adding colour to our hair, skin, and eyes. So, the higher the content, the darker the colour.
Therefore, we understand that the higher the melanin content and thickness of the hair shaft, the more energy is absorbed and the higher predictability of destroying the bulb of the hair. As a result, it can be predicted that darker hair tones will see higher success rates.
Can light hair be removed with IPL/ LASER?
Advanced IPL / LASER operating systems can now effectively treat lighter hair tones.
The light energy pulsed by the operating system targets pigment cells found in the hair bulb. As a result, the more pigment cells present, the more energy is absorbed.
Light natural hair tones usually contain enough base pigment to properly absorb the energy into the hair bulb.
