Is Ipl Or Laser Hair Removal Better?Hair removal is a multibillion dollar industry with almost infinite alternatives. Waxing, sugaring, shaving, electrolysis, and laser hair removal are all viable options. Which option best suits your needs? Each of these approaches has advantages and disadvantages, but they share two major drawbacks: they are time-consuming and costly. In order to break down the pigmentation beneath the skin’s surface, lasers can be focused on extremely specific regions, as was stated above. Unlike laser treatments, IPL cannot be targeted precisely, hence it is typically reserved for cosmetic purposes like hair removal.

Why not give ipl hair removal a go then? It’s a quick, painless, and cheap way to treat individual hairs all over your body with light energy. Large areas like the legs and arms can be treated in a single session that lasts less than 15 minutes. Little areas, such as the top lip and chin, can be treated in just a few minutes at a time. What sets it apart from other techniques of removing unwanted hair?

YoLaser hair removal is a permanent hair removal solution that works by blasting a laser at the melanin in your hair. This stops the production of vellus hairs, and over time thick dark hairs will not grow back. If you’ve spent any length of time researching laser hair removal or Ipl treatments, you will have noticed that these two words are often used interchangeably. You’ll also see that there are a lot of so called “experts” who are trying to convince you to choose their treatment over another. Read on to learn more on ipl vs laser for pigmentation and braun ipl hair removal.

Is Ipl Or Laser Hair Removal Better

Temporary methods such as plucking, waxing, shaving, epilation, depilation creams etc removes the visible hair shaft and leaves the hair bulge and hair bulb intact.

Semi-permanent methods such as intensed pulse light (IPL) and lasers disrupts the hair bulge and hair bulb. This disruption results in reduced hair growth.

Underarm hair removal treatments nowadays are largely focused on semi-permanent methods.

It is good to note that use of IPL or laser does not mean complete removal of hair. After the appropriate number of sessions, the treated area may have small amount of residual hairs, but they are usually sparse, finer and lighter in colour.

IPL &  Laser Hair Removal

IPL and lasers work by emitting light energy which is absorbed by the pigments in our hair. This causes the pigments to heat up and it is this heat which disrupts the hair bulge and hair bulb.

The difference between IPL and lasers lies in the wavelengths of light used.

IPL uses a broad spectrum of light whereas lasers uses a single wavelength of light.

Different laser systems utilizes different wavelengths but they all target melanin, which is the pigment mentioned above. Hence, lasers are more precise and are considered safer as they have less risk of causing damage to surrounding structures.

Both IPL and lasers remove hair, so which is the best treatment?

IPL:

• Less costly
• Less risk of hyper-pigmentation and swelling

Laser:

• More costly
• More significant hair reduction
• Safer for darker skin tone

In terms of cost, IPL is definitely less costly as compared to lasers. However in terms of efficacy and safety, lasers are far better.  4-6 sessions of laser are needed to achieve significant underarm hair reduction. Larger number of IPL sessions are needed to achieve comparable results. For people with darker skin tone, lasers are much safer than IPL. Mild side effects such as erythema, swelling and hyperpigmentation can occur with lasers, but compared to IPL which can cause burns, the former is preferable.

As to which is the best treatment for you, it really depends on factors such as costs, skin type and expected duration of treatment all play a part. It is best to have an in-dept discussion with your treating physician before deciding on which treatment is optimal for you.

Can I remove armpit hair permanently?

After a course of laser hair removal treatment, the hair growth in can be reduced to a great extent, and majority of the treated area does not even grow hair anymore.

However, a few fine hair might appear here and there –  you can easily manage them with maintenance sessions once in six months or longer.

Braun Ipl Hair Removal

As explained above, lasers can target very specific areas in the skin, effectively breaking down the pigmentation below the surface. IPL cannot be focused in such a way, and is usually recommended for other skin treatments, such as hair removal.

Braun IPL hair removal is a form of permanent hair removal that uses intense pulsed light technology to destroy the hair follicle, preventing regrowth. It is a popular treatment for removing unwanted facial hair, especially on the upper lip, chin and cheeks.

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is used in a variety of different applications. In medicine, it is used to treat certain skin conditions such as vitiligo and psoriasis. In dentistry, it can be used to remove dental stains and tattoos. In cosmetics, it can be used to treat rosacea or sun damage by targeting specific pigments in the skin.

In the context of hair removal, IPL works by targeting melanin in the skin and converting it into heat energy which destroys the hair follicle. The process works by directing light at the skin which is absorbed by melanin pigment within the hair follicle causing localized heating which destroys it. As each hair follicle requires individual treatment, this technique requires multiple sessions before results can be seen and maintained over time.

Braun iPL Premium Hair Removal System

Braun’s iPL Premium Hair Removal System is an at-home laser treatment for unwanted hair. The device uses a hand-held light to treat large areas of the body such as the face, legs or underarms.

In this review we will take an in-depth look at the Braun iPL Premium Hair Removal System and see if it’s worth buying.

The Braun iPL Premium Hair Removal System is a cordless device that you can use at home to treat large body areas such as your face or legs. It’s designed to be used on skin tones from light to dark, but not on people with darker skin tones than medium brown (see below). The iPL system uses a laser technology called Intense Pulsed Light, which is commonly referred to as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light).

Women with PCOS have to deal with a range of distressing symptoms including excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism) throughout their lives. Hirsutism is usually treated with anti-androgen medications and oral contraceptives. Long-lasting hair removal methods, such as electrolysis and laser therapy, have shown promising results when combined with hormonal treatments. But, do they work for everyone?

Permanent Hair Removal for Hirsutism 

Hirsutism is a common clinical condition affecting women of all ages.¹ It is characterized by excessive hair growth appearing in a male-type pattern.² Affected women, especially young women, may experience a large psychological burden and an impact on their social life.³ Most women seek treatment mainly for cosmetic reasons, because excess facial hair outside of cultural norms can be very embarrassing.

Why does PCOS cause Hirsutism?

Hirsutism is not a disorder, but a symptom of an underlying medical condition. The majority of women with hirsutism may have PCOS.⁴ If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, your ovaries are producing excessive amounts of androgens, such as testosterone (which is also called hyperandrogenism). However, testosterone per se is not directly responsible for the formation of unwanted hair growth but rather its more powerful byproduct called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).⁵

Can Hirsutism Be Cured Permanently?

Hirsutism can be treated by addressing the root cause of the condition. However, not all causes of hirsutism are reversible. Some women with unwanted facial or body hair have no identifiable cause (idiopathic): their androgen levels are normal; their menstrual cycles are normal; their ovaries appear normal on ultrasound.⁶ Fortunately, most women with unexplained hirsutism have mild symptoms, which can be treated with a variety of hair removal techniques. 

With regards to PCOS, one type of treatment may not be enough. Medications, on their own, may not make the hair go away completely, but will stop it from getting worse. Mechanical hair removal methods like waxing, laser epilation, and electrolysis will further enhance the effects of hormone therapy. 

How does Electrolysis work?

Electrolysis is a common hair removal technique that uses electrical pulses to target the root of the hair in order to permanently destroy each hair follicle and prevent regrowth. This method works best when treating small areas, although larger areas such as the legs or back may be treated with multiple sessions over time.⁷

There are two types of electrolysis based on the electrical current used: high-frequency (thermolysis), direct (galvanic), or a combination of the two (blend). Galvanic is the oldest and most widely used method of the two because of its high success rate and safety profile.

Effectiveness 

Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method approved by the FDA⁸, but its success depends on the skill of the operator. Regulation of the process varies from state to state.⁹ In contrast with laser techniques, electrolysis is expensive and more time consuming because it treats each individual hair. 

Electrolysis can be performed in all types of hair, but studies show that it is most effective on hair in the active or growing phase (anagen)^10,11, as this stage is where the newly formed hair starts to grow. Hairs treated in the resting phase (telogen) tend to regrow. You may be advised to shave 1-3 days prior to treatment.

Side Effects

Post-treatment side effects, which include redness around the treated area, pain, and swelling, are generally temporary. Scarring, depigmentation of skin, burns, and keloid formation in susceptible patients are possible. Make sure to check in with a healthcare professional about side effects you’re concerned about.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser-assisted hair removal is a generally safe and effective technique for women who desire a long-term reduction of hair growth. It works by focusing a beam of light to induce selective damage to hair follicles. This technique produces a gradual but permanent reduction of hair regrowth and can be used in larger areas of the body. 

It works best on light skin and black coarse hair.¹² This is because light hair with very little to no dark pigments do not absorb sufficient light photons emitted by the laser, so it’s impossible to completely destroy them.  

Effectiveness

While electrolysis has been approved as a “permanent hair removal” method, laser epilation is classified as a “permanent hair reduction” technique. Providers should inform their patients that it will require 8-12 sessions plus maintenance treatment every 6-12 months to provide satisfactory hair removal. 

With laser treatment, finer and lighter hair often remain after treatment. In many patients, the treatment may be ongoing. Still, laser treatment has surpassed electrolysis because it’s effective, fast, and relatively less painful. 

Side Effects

The most common side effects of laser epilation are swelling and redness, which typically resolve within 24 hours. The procedure itself can be slightly painful but an anesthetic cream can be applied in advance. Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation may also occur depending on your skin color. If you’re concerned about any side effects of the laser treatment, make sure to check in with a healthcare professional.

Ipl Vs Laser For Pigmentation

IPL and lasers are used for different purposes. A dermal clinician will recommend either one based on things like:

• Your skin concern
• The sensitivity of your skin
• Lifestyle factors
• Medication you may be taking which can interfere with the treatment

Lasers

Lasers use a special type of light with three characteristics that identify it as the brightest, most powerful light available. Laser light is monochromatic (one colour) which means it is almost 100 per cent one pure colour. Using a pure light source like this delivers laser energy to a precise location and structure which minimises damage to surrounding tissue.

In summary:

• It’s highly precise
• Virtually pain-free
• Highly effective

IPL

Intense pulse light (IPL) is NOT monochromatic. IPL has many different colours which subjects the skin to a wide range of light energies. The unpredictability of intense pulsed light systems can expose patients to unnecessary and ineffective wavelengths, resulting in a higher rate of complications and offer overall inferior outcomes when compared to laser light.

In summary:

• IPL is a gentle alternative to laser energy
• Requires less downtime as a result
• Can treat large surface areas

Difference between IPL and laser for pigmentation

Lasers have a well-earned reputation of precision and power and are proven and established in cosmetic dermatology. Laser stands alone as an effective treatment for hair reduction, vascular treatments, pigmentation and non-invasive skin tightening.

As explained above, lasers can target very specific areas in the skin, effectively breaking down the pigmentation below the surface. IPL cannot be focused in such a way, and is usually recommended for other skin treatments, such as hair removal.

What’s the difference between IPL and laser hair removal?

Because IPL emits multiple wavelengths of light, it affects a larger area in a more diffused way. This makes it a good option for hair removal. It’s also a more gentle treatment than laser energy, so your dermal clinician may suggest IPL as an option if you have particularly sensitive skin.

Laser is collimated, meaning it’s slow to diverge or spread out. This makes laser light very powerful as nearly 100 per cent of the light can be effective in treatments. IPL is not collimated, so it is quick to spread out making it less effective in treatments.

Electrolysis is a method of removing individual hairs from the face or body. Today’s medical electrolysis devices destroy the growth center of the hair with chemical or heat energy. After a very fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle, the hair is removed with tweezers.

Most areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis, including the eyebrows, face, abdomen, thighs, breasts, and legs. There are generally no permanent side effects, but sometimes a temporary, slight reddening of the skin may occur.

What Causes Unwanted Hair Growth?

Hair growth is the result of heredity and hormone levels. Also, some drugs, temporary methods of hair removal, and illnesses can stimulate hair growth. Electrolysis may be an option when hair growth is in an area of the body where it may not be desired such as on a woman’s upper lip, chin, or bikini line.

How Many Electrolysis Treatments Will I Need?

Many factors influence hair growth, so you will need to return for several electrolysis visits. The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person. Most clients return once a week or every other week as needed. But the unwanted hair will be gone forever once the series of treatments is complete. Each treatment lasts between 15 minutes and one hour.

Myths About Electrolysis

Myth: Electrolysis is very painful. For most people, today’s methods don’t cause a lot of pain, but it can hurt. If you find it too uncomfortable, your doctor may be able to give you an anesthetic cream.

Myth: The electric tweezer method is permanent. The FDA and the American Medical Association recognize only electrolysis as a permanent method of removing hair. Some states prohibit those using or selling the electric tweezer from claiming it provides permanent hair removal.

Myth: Temporary methods of hair removal can be better. Chemical depilatories (liquids or creams) are often used to remove body hair. These products contain irritating chemicals and can be time-consuming and messy. Likewise, bleaches contain harsh chemicals and do little to disguise dark hair. They may also discolor skin. Waxing is another temporary method of hair removal and is usually done in salons. A hot wax is applied to the skin and removed once it has dried over the hair. The hair is stripped off when the wax is removed. Waxing can be painful and costly. Home waxing kits are available, but they can be messy and difficult to use. There are electrolysis devices available for home use, but they are often unsafe for use by anyone who is not trained in electrolysis.

How Do I Choose an Electrologist?

Electrologists are people who have special training to perform electrolysis. If you are considering electrolysis, it is important that you do your research before committing to sessions. The wrong decision can mean extra sessions and cost along with unnecessary discomfort and scarring.

• Know the professional’s qualifications. Many states require electrologists to be licensed or certified within the state to practice. If you live in one of those states, be sure the practitioner’s certificate is current and on display. For states that do not regulate electrolysis, look for electrologists who have certification from an accredited electrology school.
• Ask around. One of the best ways to find good services is to ask friends and family as well as your doctor for recommendations. If you know anybody who has undergone electrolysis, ask for their input.
• Get a consultation. Many places will give you a free consultation. During the consultation, be sure all of your questions are answered. Some things you may want to ask about include: how the procedure will feel; how many visits you will likely need; how much each visit costs; how long each session lasts; how long the practitioner has been in business; and the number of clients they have treated.
• Make sure the electrologist uses the right technique. The practitioner should use needle electrolysis, which is the only permanent form of hair removal. Some places may advertise electrolysis but use electronic tweezers or photoepilators instead. These are not permanent hair removal procedures.
• Use common sense. When you go to your consultation, look around. Does the place look clean? Do the workers look clean? Do they use disposable gloves or needles? Ask to meet the person who will be performing the electrolysis. Do they strike you as professional? If you are not comfortable with somebody, look for someone else to do the procedure. Personal comfort is essential to knowing you have made the right choice.