What is IPL Hair Removal?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices are used to offer anyone a safe and effective hair removal. These devices use a strong, intense beam of light that targets dark pigment around hair follicles. The dark pigment is very dense at the hair root and absorbs the light pulse from the IPL machine. The heat energy delivered damages the hair follicle and reduces hair regrowth.
IPL laser hair removal is an effective and permanent hair reduction solution for all body hair types. Please note that this hair removal method isn’t for everyone. It’s only suitable for those who have dark hair and fair skin. Since these systems target dark pigmentation, there has to be a contrast between hair color and skin pigment.
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IPL and laser hair removal have a few significant differences, the main one being the type of light used. IPL uses a broadband pulsed light source while laser consists of a monochromatic coherent light source. Both methods target skin pigment and melanin within the hair follicle.
Other differences include:
- -IPL is more affordable. These small machines can be used from the comfort of your home. It’s a one-time purchase as opposed to several visits to a salon.
- -IPL is more convenient. With an IPL device, you don’t have to move your schedule around to attend your salon appointment. You can remove hair anywhere, anytime.
- -IPL is more comfortable. Hair removal done in the privacy of your home is ten times for comfortable than going to a salon.
In short, an IPL hair removal machine is made for anyone to use at home. Laser hair removal requires a skilled and trained laser operative. It’s true that IPL takes longer to see results than with laser; however, at the end of the day, results will be very similar. IPL has the advantage that it’s less expensive and can be used from the comfort of one’s home.
Are IPL Devices Safe to Use at Home?
Yes, IPL devices are safe for at home use. They are designed by dermatologists to offer a safe, convenient, fast, and effective way to remove unwanted hair. The best IPL hair removal devices will use simple controls that absolutely anyone can navigate.
Any quality model is also designed with a skin contact sensor that makes sure the very intense light being emitted is released only when the sensor makes sure the light window is fully covered. Without this sensor, users run the risk of causing serious damage to the eyes.
How Do Personal IPL Devices Compare to Salon Treatments?
IPL devices compare to professional salon treatments in a few ways. Let us break it down for you.
Design
Both IPL and salon treatment devices aim to do the same thing: remove hair. The main difference between the two is the size and complexity of the machine used. Salon treatment devices are usually more powerful and complex; therefore, they require a professional to use it. IPL machines are smaller and designed to be safe for at home use.
Results
You will achieve faster results if you go to a salon because of the size and power of the laser hair removal device. An at-home IPL device is much smaller with simpler controls. This handheld device is designed with the general public in mind. As long as they read user instructions, anyone can operate this device.
Cost
Hand in hand, faster results mean a more expensive option that an IPL device. Keep in mind that these machines must be operated by a trained, knowledgeable professional, adding to the final cost of laser hair removal. It will always be cheaper to use an IPL device versus seeking a salon treatment.
All in all, you’ll get amazing results from both an at-home device or professional treatment – the deciding factor for most people is the price!
What Features Should I Look For in an IPL Machine?
With dozens of IPL machines on the market, it can be difficult to find the best one for you. Before you purchase an IPL system, consider the following features:
- -Skin Contact Sensor. IPL devices emit very intense light. A skin contact sensor makes sure the light window is completely covered before releasing the light flash. This is vital to protect your eyes from this bright light.
- -Skin Tone Detection. To avoid skin damage, skin tone detectors will only activate when it senses a suitable skin tone. Some devices are even able to set the right light intensity for your skin tone. These are more popular since they’re more advanced.
- -Attachment Caps. These caps are used for smaller areas like the bikini line, facial area, or underarms. Their purpose is to offer precise body hair removal in specific areas.
- -Light Intensity. You need a device that lets you adjust the light intensity. This will ensure the safe operation of this machine on your skin. You can change the settings depending on the treatment area, skin type, or sensitivity.
- -Single Flash Mode. Single flash treatment modes give off one single flash when you click a button. This mode is ideal for small areas like the underarms, face, or knees.
- -Multi Flash Mode. Then you have the multi-flash mode, which releases more than one flash in a row. This option is great for larger areas like the back of your legs.
Before you invest in an IPL device, you need to ensure it has the features you need. The more advanced ones on the market will offer all the above features resulting in a safer to use, more effective device.
Conclusion
Hair removal at home is less expensive and more comfortable than going to a salon. Surprisingly, you’ll be able to achieve similar results with an IPL hair removal device. Doing this yourself will save you quite a bit of money! It will take longer than going to a professional salon; however, because of the huge difference in pricing, it’s worth it for a lot of people.
An IPL device offers a great way to get rid of body hair. Whether you’re looking for a more permanent solution than shaving, waxing, or epilating, this is a suitable method for you!
FAQs
What is the best IPL device on the market? ›
Most powerful: SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device
The Pure Fit is an easy to use IPL device that achieves up to 99% hair reduction in 12 weeks, and visible results in just 2 weeks. It stands out as one of the most fast and powerful hair removal devices on the market.
- 1) The lifespan. First and foremost, it's important to check the number of 'flashes' your device will emit. ...
- 2) The power. ...
- 3) The speed. ...
- 4) The treatment heads.
- 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.
If you're looking for more immediate results, a chemical peel may be a better option. And if you're looking for more precise targeting and dramatic results, laser therapy may be the best choice. There are many options available when it comes to cosmetic treatments.
What is better than IPL? ›A BBL hair removal treatment uses multiple wavelengths of light to target the melanin in hair follicles resulting in the removal of hair. It's quicker and more comfortable than IPL and laser hair removal treatments.
Can you use IPL on pubic hair? ›IPL hair removal is a progressive treatment that offers full body hair removal - but you can use IPL to treat separate areas, such as your arms, legs, or pubic area, depending on your individual needs. When using IPL, you'll hold a flashgun device that delivers a spectrum of light to the skin.
Are all IPL devices the same? ›Not all IPLs are created equal.
There are different levels of quality of IPL machines. You can find them for as cheap as 10K or as expensive as over 100K. You get what you pay for. I believe my IPL from Lumenis Lasers is the best (and most expensive) on the market.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, these IPL and other devices do work to remove unwanted hair, but it often takes many sessions, and the results are rarely permanent. IPL devices are generally safe, and they have been approved by the FDA for hair removal.
What is the only FDA approved permanent hair removal? ›Electrolysis is the only FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved method of permanent hair removal. Electrolysis works on ALL body parts, ALL hair types, and ALL skin complexions.
What is the FDA approved permanent hair removal? ›Is electrolysis permanent? Yes, electrolysis safely and permanently removes hair from all skin tones. It is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal treatment. Because electrolysis permanently destroys the growth cells in the hair follicles, the hair will not grow back.
What is the best hair removal that lasts the longest? ›
Electrolysis is permanent—and thus, longest lasting. Laser hair removal lasts up to six months and can be permanent with repeated applications, but works better on some people than others. Plucking hairs individually with tweezers lasts up to eight weeks.
Do home IPL machines work? ›"Over time and with continuous IPL treatment, the pulsed light stops the hair from reaching the surface of the skin, eventually stopping regrowth." This means that with consistent use, you'll eventually see similar results to in-salon laser hair removal.
Which at home laser hair removal actually works? ›- Best Overall: nood The Flasher 2.0 at Amazon ($199) Jump to Review.
- Best User Friendly: RoseSkinCo. Lumi at Roseskinco.com (See Price) ...
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Ulike Sapphire AIR+ at Amazon ($299) Jump to Review.
- Best Wireless: Jovs Venus Pro II at Amazon ($300) ...
- Best for Travel: Smoothskin Pure Mini at Amazon ($119)
Electrolysis is considered a more permanent solution than laser hair removal (it stops hair growth completely while laser hair removal slows and reduces hair growth), but it requires more individual sessions (closer to 14), and the sessions can take longer. You might not see full results for nearly 18 months.
Do any home IPL machines work? ›Efficacy. Most at home IPL devices cannot deliver the amount of heat required to destroy the hair follicle permanently.
Do any at home IPL devices work? ›Efficacy. Long-Term Reduction: Home IPL devices offer long-term hair reduction. With consistent use, they can significantly reduce hair growth over time. Traditional methods provide temporary results, requiring frequent maintenance.
Are home IPL devices worth it? ›Due to their high-tech nature, the best IPL hair removal devices tend to be expensive, but it's worth considering the savings in the long-term — you won't need to splurge on trips to the salon or new razors, and you'll also be cutting down on environmental waste.
Are all IPL machines the same? ›Not all IPLs are created equal.
There are different levels of quality of IPL machines. You can find them for as cheap as 10K or as expensive as over 100K. You get what you pay for. I believe my IPL from Lumenis Lasers is the best (and most expensive) on the market.