Laser Hair Removal

Beware of IPLs

Be aware of hair removal systems that use traditional light for treatment. Intense Pulse Light machines or IPLs are not true hair removal lasers. These devices use a concentrated beam of traditional incoherent light, often in conjunction with a cream or gel, to burn the hair shaft.  

A serious flaw with IPLs is that they lack the laser's ability to produce a selective bandwidth of light that will only affect the hair shaft (selective photothermolysis). These devices produce a wide bandwidth of light that can heat up all of the surrounding tissue as well as the hair folicle itself.  

IPLs are generally cheaper devices and are used for various skin procedures first and foremost, with hair removal as more of an afterthought. Judging from consumer feedback, true lasers usually achieve better and faster results for hair removal purposes. Most clinics do not use a true laser for hair removal, and try to claim that IPL is an equal substitute.  Be sure the treatment you choose is with a laser and not an IPL.