If you are one of those people who are so tired of shaving and making sure that you have hair-less skin all the time, you may already know how does laser hair removal works.

Sure, there is shaving or waxing, but hair goes back quickly. Hence, the reason why you look for other ways to make sure that hair is removed permanently – and this is by laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal works by destroying the follicle of your hair. The laser penetrates your skin and targets the hair shaft which inhibits the growth of the hair, thus resulting in more permanent hair removal.

With this result, many people are choosing laser hair removal as their option in removing unwanted hair. There are two options of laser hair removal treatments – clinic-based and at-home IPL devices.

What are their differences?

Traditionally, IPL pr intense pulsed light is left for the professionals to perform. But because of technology, it was made accessible in the form of at-home IPL devices.

So, let me break down some important differences:

Professional treatments

When doing your laser hair removal treatment in clinics, you’ll get the latest technology with all the advanced latest configurations for all skin colours and skin types. You will also receive treatment from trained professionals.

Additionally, most body areas are treatable and some include treatment on men’s beard which IPL home devices can’t do and is not safe for treatment.

However, the downside of professional treatments is – they can be more expensive than at-home IPL devices. It can also take a lot of your time because you need to schedule your visits and it will depend on how many times you have to go back to achieve better results.

At-home IPL devices are convenient and easy to use. They are not as expensive as going to clinics and you may also achieve the same results as going to the clinic.

Longer-lasting results

Because at home IPL devices use a much lower intensity than in clinics, some people say that hair grows back much faster than treatments from clinics, but that will depend from person to person.

While professional treatments have high intensity, IPL devices provide the flexibility to change the settings depending on your needs. You can modify it based on your skin tone and type while also providing longer-lasting results.

Pain level

Since IPL devices have low intensity and you can adjust the setting, the pain level is tolerable and to some, they don’t experience pain at all. That is the reason why it became a reasonable option in removing excess hair.

In clinics, the professional will need to use a topical anesthetic to reduce the pain or discomfort you might experience during treatment.

Costs

Hair removal might still need maintenance treatment every year to keep the hair from growing back, and yes, the treatment doesn’t come cheap. Professional hair removal treatments can be expensive because you may need a dozen treatments before you see permanent results.

Meanwhile, IPL devices can be expensive at first when you buy the device. But in the long run, it is a better investment because you can save a lot of money since you can use it for as long as you want, as long as you need it.

Safety

Side effects are rare on both processes. Hair removal is safe in clinics since professionals handle the treatment. On the other hand, IPL devices are also safe because each device is designed to keep you safe with safety features to protect your eyes and skin.

Takeaways

If you can afford to have professional treatments, then you can find the right clinic that suits you and do it. But if you don’t have the budget to do it regularly, IPL home devices are an amazing and affordable alternative.

Choose an IPL device that suits your needs and you may want to check out the reviews before you purchase.

But if you want to go to a professional but still want to save a few bucks, you can do both. After going for professional treatment, use an IPL device for continued maintenance at home. Many people are doing this to keep their expenses low while keeping hair growth at bay.

Author

Nicola is always on the lookout for the best beauty tools and skincare products. She believes in "prevention is better than cure" so she is always trying to perfect her beauty routine to avoid premature aging. Fun fact about Nicola: She owns a lot of sunscreens as she carries a mini sunscreen in each of her handbags and backpacks.