Is IPL or laser hair removal for me? No longer feel like slaving in the bathroom several times a week for a set of hairless legs and prefer to stay permanently smooth? Then IPL and laser are good alternatives! But like any other hair removal method, they naturally have their pros and cons. These I list for you. That way you can find out for yourself if these so-called “permanent” hair removal methods are for you. (And, of course, I also explain to you why permanent is in quotation marks.)

The difference between IPL and laser

Both laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) and flash lamp (Intense Pulsed Light, IPL) use selective photothermolysis. This means that light energy is converted to destroy hair follicles. So the effect is the same, but the methods differ greatly. Thus, the laser emits a powerful, thin energy beam of one wavelength/color. As a result, no light is lost and the treatment is extremely effective. The light in IPL, on the other hand, is emitted in different wavelengths (colors), just like a regular lamp. This makes the light less strong, which reduces the destruction of hair follicles. So even though IPL is faster because you do large areas at once, you do need more treatments. Moreover, with IPL, there is also a greater chance that your hairs will grow back, while laser treatment ensures that up to 80% of hairs are permanently removed.

Myths about IPL and laser hair removal

It always works and the results last forever! That’s what many people believe. However, this is not entirely accurate.

Myth 1: IPL and laser always work

IPL and laser are tremendously effective, but that everyone can enjoy these technological hair removal methods is unfortunately not true. For example, the hair should be darker than the skin. So older women with white or gray hair are out of luck. Also, people with very blonde coupes better look for another option.

Myth 2: Results last forever

That the result is forever is also not quite true. In addition to the thin hairs that cannot be removed by the laser, dormant or inactive hair follicles can also be awakened by hormones. In particular, testosterone. This sometimes creates new hairs over time. Fortunately, this can take years!

A dangerous nightmare or a hairless dream?

Visit the beauty salon a few times and then enjoy silky smooth legs for years to come? That sounds ideal! Unfortunately, nothing in life is perfect (although sometimes we would like it to be.) And despite the benefits that IPL and laser bring, of course, these hair removal methods are not equally suitable for everyone. Read on and find out what the pros and cons are.

Pros

Durable form of hair removal

IPL and laser may not remove your body hair forever and ever, but both options offer long-lasting effects. They drastically reduce hair growth and after a few sessions, 70-90% of unwanted hair is gone permanently.

Less maintenance

You may have to go long every 6 weeks for a session for several months, but that’s nothing compared to applying depilatory cream weekly (or even daily), right?

Bye bye strawberry skin

A strawberry skin has nothing to do with the sweet taste of strawberries. It’s about the dots and pits you see on your legs after shaving. These arise from skin’s own oils, bacteria and dead skin that get clogged in the hair follicle and then turn black when exposed to oxygen. During an IPL or laser treatment, the hair root is destroyed. So there is no more chance of clogging the follicles. (Would you like more tips to avoid strawberry skin? Then read this article!)

Use anywhere

Legs, back, underarms, bikini line, abdomen or face: IPL and laser can be applied anywhere.

Cons

Auwch!

Whether IPL and laser are painful depends mainly on your personal pain threshold. The feeling can be compared to a rubber band being shot against the skin. Furthermore, it can leave a burning sensation and there is a risk of burns if used incorrectly.

A lengthy process

Because your hair doesn’t all grow at the same rate, you need several sessions. This is because during each treatment you destroy only the hair follicles of the hairs that are currently in the first growth phase. The average number of turns is 6 to 10, but this also depends on your skin tone, hair color and hair texture. Furthermore, between each treatment you need to take a 6-week rest period.

Duration

The treatments themselves are fairly expensive, but when you consider that you’ll never have to buy wax strips or razor blades again, it’s not too bad in the end. Think of it as a beauty investment!

Not for everyone

For laser and IPL, the hair must be darker than the skin. As a result, it is not suitable for people with blonde, white or gray hair. The contrast between hair and skin is insufficient in these cases. Furthermore, laser treatment can also cause pigmentation problems, leaving you with white or dark spots. This is not overly common, but people with darker skin tones should take extra care.

You have to grow the hair

For treatment, hair must be at least one-fourth its length. This means that starting at least a week before the treatment, you should stop shaving and let your hair grow for a while.

IPL and laser are perfect for women who…

• Have a low pain threshold and therefore cannot epilate or wax
• Do not have overly sensitive skin that discolors easily
• Wanting to invest in their hairlessness
• Want to enjoy their results as long as possible

In my opinion, IPL and laser are not my thing….

• Do you have sensitive skin? Then shaving is a better option.
• Do you have a high pain threshold but your skin discolors quickly? Then epilation is a good idea.
• Don’t mind having to get to work regularly as long as the job is done quickly? Then hair removal cream might be for you.

Every woman is unique and depending on your schedule, wallet and pain threshold, there is a hair removal method that is perfect for you. However, finding them sometimes requires some work, effort and time. Here I am happy to help you further! So in the future you can expect more blogs in which I highlight the various hair removal options for you. So together we find the method that suits you and makes you feel Beautiful, Sure, Yourself. For example, are you curious to know if waxing suits you better? Then read this article. Or do you think it’s better to just stick to shaving? Then make sure you definitely avoid these typical shaving mistakes! And also apply these 6 proven tips so you get an even more beautiful and smooth result after shaving.

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