Intense pulsed light is just one of many methods of hair removal, and is also one of many clinic or salon based and light based treatments available. It is an alternative to traditional hair removal methods such as shaving, its particular advantage being that the hair reduction is permanent; however, there are also alternatives available if you are not suited to IPL which can also provide permanent hair reduction, including laser hair removal and electrolysis.
IPL vs. Traditional Hair Removal Methods
Some usual traditional methods of hair removal, which do not involve lasers, light, or any electronic equipment, include shaving, waxing, hair removal creams, epilation, plucking, and so on. Their main advantages is that they are relatively cheap, mostly easy to use, and provide flexibility – removal of the hair is not permanent and can be grown back. Many people can also be put off by the use of lasers and machines in their beauty routine and prefer to have more personal control over it. On the other hand, you may not want to give hairs in a certain area the opportunity to grow back, in which case a permanent reduction method may be a better option. Having to constantly remove hair through shaving or waxing can also be seen as a hassle, and a more permanent method such as IPL can save time or hassle in the long run. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin which may react to waxes and removal creams or be prone to shaving rash. Spending money on a few IPL sessions can also work out to be more cost efficient than continually buying hair removal products over time.
How are Laser Hair Removal and IPL Hair Removal Different?
Both laser hair removal and IPL hair removal work in very similar ways, using light to target pigment in the hairs and heat up and destroy the follicle. The key difference, however, is that IPL is able to deliver hundreds more wavelengths than lasers, which only use a narrow spectrum of light. Filters are used with IPL so that the absolute optimum wavelengths are delivered, depending on whether the light is being used to target hair, skin, blood vessels, and so on. Using filters also means that there is minimum damage to the skin. IPL tends to be more popular and widespread than laser treatment, and is usually cheaper.
IPL vs. LHE Hair Removal
LHE, or light heat energy, hair removal is very similar to IPL hair removal. The only difference is that as well as low levels of light, it also delivers low level heat, in order to target and destroy hair follicles.
IPL Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis
Another, even more widely available method of permanent hair removal or reduction is electrolysis. In electrolysis, a small needle is inserted into the hair follicle, allowing a shot of electricity to reach the root of the hair, preventing the follicle from any more. Its advantages over IPL hair removal (and laser hair removal) are that it has the lowest rate of regrowth, it is cheaper, and it is thought to be the safest. It can also be performed on people of all skin and hair colours, including blonde or red hair and dark skin, which are unsuitable for IPL. Disadvantages of electrolysis, however, are that it can take a much longer length of time to perform (as each hair must be targeted individually), there is a greater risk of scarring if the needle is not inserted properly, and the jolts of electricity can be more painful than light or lasers.
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