Depending on who you ask you can get conflicting responses to the differences between IPL and diode laser hair removal technologies. The majority noting the effectiveness of the diode laser as opposed to the IPL as the main difference, but where does this come from? We take a look at what you need to know about laser hair removal technologies as it’s important to understand the differences between the diode lasers and IPLs.
Understanding Laser Hair Removal Technologies
The key principle behind laser hair removal is matching specific wavelengths of light and pulse duration to a specific target, namely the melanin in a hair follicle whilst avoiding the surrounding tissue area.
Melanin is the naturally occurring pigment in our skin and hair associated with colour.
Understanding Diode Laser Hair Removal
The key to successful laser hair removal is to deliver high energy into the skin to be selectively absorbed by the melanin surrounding the follicle whilst protecting the surrounding tissue. Diode lasers use a single wavelength of light that has a high absorption rate in melanin. At the same time it incorporates skin cooling to protect the surface of the skin. As the melanin heats up it destroys the root and blood flow to the follicle and disables the hair permanently. Diode lasers with an ability to delivery high frequency low fluence pulses can be safely used on all skin types
Understanding IPL Laser Hair Removal
IPL (intense pulsed light) technology is technically not a laser treatment. It uses a broad spectrum of light with many wavelengths which leads to unfocused energy around the hair and skin area. As a result there is much wastage of energy and less selective absorption in the follicle resulting in less effective destruction of the hair. Using broadband light also increases potential for side effects, particularly if integrated cooling is not used.
What’s the Difference between Diode Laser Hair Removal and IPL?
The treatment methods outlined above mean that, typically, IPL technology will require more regular and long-term treatments for hair reduction, while diode lasers may work more effectively with less discomfort (with integrated cooling) and will treat more skin and hair types than the IPL which is best suited to light skin and dark hair individuals.
What is the best for hair removal
IPL was popular in the past as it was a lower cost technology however it has limitations on power and cooling so treatment can be less effective, carry higher potential for side effects and is more uncomfortable than the latest diode laser technology.
