Difference Between IPL and Diode Laser Hair Removal

Depending on who you ask, you may get conflicting answers about the differences between IPL and diode laser hair removal techniques. Most people note that the effectiveness of diode lasers versus IPL is the main difference, but where does this come from? Let's take a look at what you need to know about laser hair removal technology. Knowing the difference between diode lasers and IPL is key before investing in a laser hair removal business.

Learn about Laser Hair Removal Technology

The key principle behind laser hair removal is to match a specific wavelength of light and pulse duration to a specific target, the melanin in the hair follicle, while avoiding the surrounding tissue area. Melanin is the natural pigment associated with color in our skin and hair.

Diode laser hair removal

The key to successful diode laser hair removal is the delivery of high energy into the skin. The energy is selectively absorbed by the melanin around the hair follicle without affecting the surrounding tissue.

Diode lasers use a single wavelength of light and have a high exfoliation rate in melanin. When melanin heats up, it disrupts the roots and blood flow to the follicle, permanently stopping hair growth. High-quality laser hair removal machines such as the Eneka PRO use refrigerated contact cooling to protect the skin surface, allowing patients to enjoy a comfortable, pain-free treatment experience. Diode lasers provide high frequency, low energy density pulses that can be safely used on all skin types.

IPL Laser Hair Removal

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology is not technically a laser treatment. It uses broad-spectrum light with multiple wavelengths, which means it creates unfocused energy around areas of hair and skin. As a result, there is a lot of energy wasted and less selective absorption in the follicle, resulting in less effective damage to the hair. Using broadband light also increases the potential for side effects such as burns or hyperpigmentation, especially if integrated cooling is not used. In most cases, IPL is usually only indicated for lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick scale 1-3).

What is the difference between diode laser hair removal and IPL?

The treatments above mean that, generally, IPL techniques require more regular and long-term hair loss treatments. Diode lasers work more efficiently with less patient discomfort (integrated cooling) and treat more skin and hair types simultaneously than IPL.