For decades women and men alike have spent countless hours grooming themselves, especially when it comes to getting rid of unwanted hair. Razors, creams, waxes and more time than anyone would like to admit go into making skin smooth and free of hair. It’s not just on the legs either. Many people remove hair on their arms, face, back and bikini line, and some even choose to remove all the hair on their body. It’s no wonder that when more permanent ways of removing hair became available, the procedures became some of the most popular cosmetic treatments on the market.
Hair Removal Grows in Popularity
Last year, hair removal was the No. 4 minimally invasive cosmetic procedure performed, with 1.1 million procedures, according to the National Laser Institute. Since 2000, that number has risen by 51 percent. And it’s no wonder why, with one study citing close to 80 percent satisfaction rates after having hair removed through a permanent procedure like laser or intense pulsed light.
Over the years, laser hair removal has become a term used interchangeably for many methods of hair removal in the beauty industry. Many people don’t realize there are actually several methods of hair removal, including laser and intense pulsed light, or IPL, removal. Which treatment is best for each patient often depends on their skin type, according to Dr. Christy Walker, a cosmetic surgeon in Plano, Texas.
Laser Hair Removal
Cosmetic lasers first joined the hair-removal scene in the 1990s. After the FDA approved them, their popularity soared almost overnight. Now, there are a number of different laser types with different wavelengths and properties to stop hair growth by damaging the hair follicle.
“Laser is actually an acronym for ‘Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation’,” said Walker. “In laser hair removal, a single concentrated beam of light targets the hair follicle in order to make it harder for it to regrow hair.”
When it comes to different lasers, the type of laser that is best for each person depends on their skin and hair type. People with fair skin and fine hair only need lasers with shorter wavelengths, while those with darker skin tones and thicker hair see better results from lasers with longer wavelengths.
Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal
Both laser and IPL hair removal use light-based treatments to remove unwanted hair, and both procedures require multiple treatment sessions in order to obtain optimal results. So what is the difference?
Unlike laser hair removal, which uses a single concentrated beam of light, intense pulsed light hair removal uses a light with multiple wavelengths. IPL can also be used to treat skin imperfections such as hyperpigmentation, acne or sun damage.
“We use the intense pulsed light method at my practice because it helps reveal smooth, beautiful skin for all skin types,” said Walker.
Some patients choose IPL over laser therapy due to its affordability. The treatment can last up to six months.