Laser Hair Removal Versus IPL Hair Removal

How Does Laser Hair Removal Compare with IPL Hair Removal?

This post discusses the differences between Laser and IPL hair removal. At Fiji Skin Clinic, we offer laser hair removal, as our clients prefer the results for the following reasons.

The Difference Between Laser Hair Removal & IPL Hair Removal

Which Hair Removal Treatment is Best?

We have the world’s number-one Laser, the latest model, the Soprano Ice Titanium. The reason it is superior to other laser and IPL hair removal systems is that it can safely treat all skin tones. This also means that we can treat clients with active tans; however, it is not possible to treat over fake tan. With old traditional Laser & and all IPL, it is not possible to treat clients who have been in the sun in the last 4 to 6 weeks.

This means that your hair removal course must be stopped if you use sunbeds or go on a sunny holiday. If you get a tan, it will take much longer to achieve hair-free, smoother skin. Hair removal will also be less effective when courses are not performed at the optimal interval of six weeks to the body and four weeks to the face. This is because hair is only destroyed when it’s in its active growing stage, so the times when you get your hair removal treatments are essential. It’s not a problem if you have breaks in your course; it just means that you may need more treatments after your course.

With the Soprano Titanium, we can safely treat 48 hours after sun exposure. The Laser is safe enough that we can treat clients 30 to 45 minutes after the patch test, depending on Fitzpatrick skin type. With IPL & traditional Laser, you need to wait 7 days after your patch test before your treatments can start.

With the Soprano Titanium, there is much less risk of burns compared to traditional lasers and IPL. This also means that there is far less risk of any hyperpigmentation. IPL hair removal is not suitable for all higher skin tones, either. 

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt More Than IPL?

The Soprano Titanium is pain-free, making it much safer than traditional Laser and IPL hair removal systems. It has a sapphire-iced tip, which cools the skin as the area is treated.

Most other lasers & IPL systems can be painful, depending on the individual’s pain threshold. People describe it as hot fat splattering the skin or being flicked with elastic bands. This is why the Soprano Titanium is so much more popular, as it’s pain-free.

Is Laser Hair Removal More Effective Than IPL Hair Removal?

Traditional hair removal uses only one wavelength to target hair. The Soprano Ice Titanium uses three wavelengths simultaneously to treat hair at different levels and stages. This is why the Soprano Ice Titanium is superior to most other hair removal systems.

The effectiveness of IPL all depends on the power of the IPL system. Traditionally, IPL has a bad reputation, as you can purchase a poor-quality, low-strength IPL hair removal system from the High Street. These systems are low-energy and safe for home use, but are not effective. Low-energy treatments can also stimulate even more hair growth, actually making your unwanted hair worse.

With any hair removal system, it’s the technician’s training and experience that are as important as the power of the laser/device. At Fiji Skin Clinic, we regularly do refresher training and ongoing advanced training for practitioners. This creates peace of mind and reassurance that results will be achieved safely and promptly.

Both Laser & IPL are semi-permanent hair removal. Many clinics advertise permanent hair removal, which is misleading to clients. During laser treatments, hair follicles are destroyed for good. However, in time, new hair follicles may be stimulated and grow. This means that clearance may be achieved after a course of treatments, but as a client ages, develops Polycystic Ovaries (PCOS), has a stressful period, falls pregnant, etc., new hair may start to grow. This is because hormones stimulate hair. 

Is Laser Hair Removal Faster Than IPL Hair Removal?

Titanium Laser Hair is the latest and fastest device released to date. Our Laser was upgraded from the Soprano Ice Platinum in March 2023. This laser hand piece is twice the size of the previous Soprano Ice Platinum laser. This means that it significantly reduces treatment time for the client. There is no need to be in the clinic for two hours or more for a full-body laser hair removal treatment, as before.

In comparison, IPL is much slower than laser hair removal, even when being performed by an experienced practitioner.

Which Is A Safer Treatment?

Because of the type of Laser we use, there are fewer risks than with traditional laser hair removal and IPL hair removal. The Soprano Ice Titanium has a sapphire-iced tip that cools the skin during treatment. This reduces burns, blistering, and/or hyperpigmentation. The Soprano Titanium is documented to be one of the safest lasers on the market.

There are much higher risks with traditional lasers and IPL. This means the practitioner’s experience, along with thorough pre- & post-care, is essential. Risks include burns, which could blister, scar, and/or hyperpigment.

Number Of Sessions Needed

We would always recommend a course of eight to start with for hair removal. This is because the hair can only be treated in its active/growing stage. Top-ups are also required in time as hormones, stress, pregnancy, PCOS, etc., stimulate new hair. A course of 8 takes a full year to complete, so we recommend you start in advance of your hair-free goal!

We offer interest-free payment plans so you can spread your payments out.

Book a patch test today! The £25 booking fee is fully redeemable against your laser treatment or course.

We treat both ladies and gentlemen in the clinic.