June 16, 2025

If you’re tired of shaving, waxing, or plucking unwanted hair, you’ve likely considered more permanent solutions like laser hair removal or an at-home IPL device. Both methods use light to target and disable hair follicles, but they’re not the same, and neither are their results. How Do IPL and Laser Hair Removal Work? IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) IPL devices use a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths. Some of this  light (the IPL soft light, not a laser) is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in your hair, which converts to heat temporarily reducing hair growth and hair coarseness. Because IPL isn’t a laser, some weaker versions are available and gentle enough to DIY, unlike actual laser hair removal which requires a doctor’s supervision. Because it disperses so many wavelengths, the light beams are not specific or targeted, and much of the energy is absorbed by the skin, not the hair. At home devices are usually very weak light that affects the skin rather than the follicle.  Laser Hair Removal Professional laser hair removal uses a single, focused wavelength of light to target hair follicles. The laser’s precision allows it to deliver high energy directly to the follicle without affecting the surrounding skin. This results in more effective and longer-lasting hair reduction. Why You Should Rethink the IPL Inconsistent Results: Many users report that IPL results are less predictable and less long-lasting than those of professional laser treatments. More Sessions Needed: Most people need to use IPL devices more frequently to maintain results. Limited Effectiveness: IPL is less effective on certain hair and skin types, and not suitable for blonde, red, or gray hair (not to mention brown skin). Potential Side Effects: While generally safe, IPL can still cause burns or pigmentation changes, especially if not used correctly or on unsuitable skin types. The IPL is NOT Safe for Tan, Brown, and Black Skin If you have medium to brown skin and are considering the IPL, please keep reading. Melanin, the molecule that makes skin tan, absorbs light waves very efficiently, which is why tan and brown people simply get darker in the sun and don’t burn easily. When the IPL sends its many wavelengths onto your skin, the melanin absorbs it. It is not targeted at your hair follicles like a true laser. Not only can this result in burns or hyperpigmentation, but it’s harmful to the skin and simply not meant to be absorbed like this. Because of its relative gentleness, the IPL’s hair-removing effects don’t last very long, resulting in frequent touch-ups. Key Differences Between IPL and Laser Feature IPL (At-Home/Clinical) Professional Laser Hair Removal Light Type Broad spectrum Single, collimated, coherent, focused wavelength. Effectiveness Results vary. Poor/aderse  results on tan-dark skin Highly effective, long-lasting Precision Not precise Very precise, targets follicles Pain Level Vary depending on wavelength Controlled Cost Lower upfront, more sessions Higher per session, fewer sessions Safety Generally safe at home for certain skin types Safe with professional oversight Skin Types Best for light skin only Works for all  skin types Hair Types Best for dark hair Best for dark hair but effective on most hair colors Maintenance Requires frequent touch-ups Less frequent, long-lasting results Why Choose Professional Laser Hair Removal? 1. Precision & Effectiveness Professional laser treatments are more powerful and precise, targeting hair follicles with high energy for maximum results. Studies show that long-term hair reduction is significantly higher with professional lasers compared to IPL. 2. Lasting Results With professional laser hair removal, you typically need fewer sessions (often 6–8) to achieve lasting results. Many people experience years of smooth skin with minimal maintenance. IPL, while less effective and requires frequent touch-ups and may not provide long-lasting results. 3. Broader Suitability Professional lasers can be adjusted to safely treat a wider range of skin and hair types, including some darker skin tones, thanks to advanced technology and expert oversight. IPL is generally only recommended for those with light to medium skin and dark hair, as it carries a higher risk of side effects for darker skin. 4. Safety and Expertise Professional treatments are performed by trained technicians or dermatologists who can tailor the procedure to your skin and hair type, minimizing risks like burns, pigmentation changes, and scarring that can be caused by the IPL. 5. Time and Convenience (With a Caveat) While IPL at home is convenient, professional laser treatments are efficient—each session is quick, and you’ll need fewer of them. Plus, you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself or scheduling at-home sessions. At Laser Affair, a bikini session only takes 15-30 minutes, and underarm appointments are 10 minutes or less! Final thoughts Sure, at-home IPL is handy and easy on the wallet, but if you’re after results that really last—with less fuss and fewer touch-ups—professional laser hair removal is the way to go. It’s not just about smooth skin; it’s about peace of mind, too. Professionals know how to tailor treatments to your unique skin and hair, so you get the best outcome with the lowest risk. If you’re ready to say goodbye to razors for good, it’s always smart to chat with a qualified provider first to figure out what’s right for you.

If you’re tired of shaving, waxing, or dealing with stubble, laser hair removal probably sounds like a dream come true. But how does it actually work—and why does it seem to work miracles for some, but not for others? Let’s break it down in plain terms. The Science Behind the Beam Laser hair removal uses a focused beam of light to target the pigment (melanin) in your hair. When the laser pulses, the melanin in the hair absorbs that light and turns it into heat. This heat travels down the hair shaft and damages the hair follicle—the little tube in your skin that sprouts new hairs. The idea is to damage the follicle enough that it can’t grow new hair, or at least not for a long time. This process is called selective photothermolysis—fancy words for “selective heating with light.” The laser targets the hair and not the skin, so it’s safe and time-tested, especially when done by a professional. Why Does It Work Better for Some People? You might have heard that laser hair removal is “best for dark hair and light skin.” There’s truth to that, but it’s not the whole story. Hair Color Matters The laser needs something to grab onto—that’s the pigment in your hair. Dark, coarse hair has lots of melanin, so the laser can easily find and zap it. Blonde, red, gray, or white hair has less pigment, so the laser can’t do its job as well. Skin Type Plays a Role The best results come when there’s a big difference between your skin color and hair color. That’s why people with light skin and dark hair usually see the most dramatic results. But thanks to advances in laser technology, people with darker skin can also get great results. Just make sure you’re seeing someone who knows how to use the right equipment. We use the Nd:Yag laser, the gold standard for removing hair on tan, brown, and dark brown skin. Hair Growth Cycles Not all your hair is growing at the same time. Hair goes through different phases, and the laser only works on hairs that are actively growing (the “anagen” phase). Typically ⅓ of your hair is in the anagen phase at one time. That’s why you need several sessions—to catch all the hairs as they cycle through growth–and those cycles should be timed strategically to catch each cycle of hair at the right time. Hormones and Health If you have hormonal issues (like PCOS) or are going through big changes (like pregnancy), your body might keep sprouting new hairs, making the laser less effective or requiring more sessions. This is also why fewer treatments are typically required on the arms (non-hormonal) than on the bikini area, which is hormonally controlled. A Few Things to Consider if Your Treatments Aren’t Working If you’ve had a few sessions and don’t see much difference, here’s what could be happening: Your Hair or Skin Color Isn’t a Good Match: If your hair is too light or your skin is too dark (without the right laser), the treatment might not be effective. Examples include: Someone with a skin tone of Fitzpatrick type 6 whose hair is nearly the same color as their skin. People with grey or white hair. Peach fuzz – it’s way too light to guarantee results! You’re Not in the Right Growth Phase: Since hair grows in cycles, some hairs might be “sleeping” during your session and not get zapped. For example, getting treatments apart from each other (in the same area) wouldn’t leave enough time for new hairs to come in, making the second treatment ineffective. Your Hormones are Taking Control: Hormones can trigger new hair growth, so even if you’ve had successful treatments, new hairs can pop up later. Lasers will work on existing hairs, but they don’t prevent hormones from creating new ones. Your Technician is Using the Wrong Equipment: The type of laser and the skill of the person doing the treatment matter a lot. At-home devices and inexperienced providers will not give you the best results. You’ll want your provider to use a diode laser like the Candela (typically with a goldish-yellow tip). If you have brown skin, they should be using the Nd:Yag for the best results. When Should You See Results? Don’t expect to walk out of your first session hair-free. Here’s what usually happens: After the First Session: You might notice some or most hairs falling out. These hairs were hit by the laser and are dead or damaged (yay!) After a Few Weeks: Your next cycle of hairs will grow in. These hairs likely weren’t impacted by the laser, and they may appear normal thickness and color. After a Few Sessions: Most people start to see a real difference after 3–6 sessions, spaced a few weeks apart. Hair grows back slower, finer, and sparser. Many report little to no hairs growing back at all! You may require more sessions for a full “hairless” look. Long-Term Results: After your initial round of treatments, many people report lasting results for years, after which you’ll probably need occasional touch-ups. The goal is “permanent hair reduction,” not necessarily “permanent removal”. The Bottom Line Laser hair removal is a game-changer for a lot of people, but it’s not magic. It works best when you stick to the recommended schedule and when you’re treated by someone who knows what they’re doing using the best equipment. If you’re not seeing results, it could be due to your hair type, skin tone, hormones, or even the equipment being used. If you’re curious about whether laser hair removal is right for you, talk to a qualified provider at Laser Affair. We can help you figure out what to expect and how to get the best results for your situation.