LASER vs. IPL Hair Removal: What’s the Difference and Which One’s Right for You?
- House of Clio
- Oct 25, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 24
When it comes to hair removal, the battle between IPL and laser is often misunderstood. One way to think about it is this: “IPL is like throwing a grenade at a target, while laser is like a sniper - precise and focused.”
At House of Clio, we believe in giving you the best results, which is why we use advanced laser technology for hair removal. But, many people still wonder - what's the real difference between IPL and laser? Let us break it down for you.
What Is IPL Hair Removal?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses a broad spectrum of light pulses to target hair - but it might also affect the surrounding skin and blood vessels. This less focused approach means that while IPL can remove hair, it’s not as precise. Its shorter beam might struggle to destroy the roots of deeper hairs effectively, meaning more sessions and slower results.
Who is IPL for? IPL isn't suitable for everyone. It’s generally not recommended for darker skin tones (darker than Mediterranean), as there’s a higher risk of skin darkening or pigmentation issues. Plus, because IPL hits multiple targets at once, it often takes more sessions than laser treatments to achieve the same results.
What About Home IPL Devices? (HPL)
You may have seen home IPL devices, often called HPL (Home Pulsed Light), which promise salon-like results. However, while you might see some initial success, hair regrowth is usually quicker. That’s because these home devices don’t have the same energy levels as professional systems, so they can’t reach the hair root effectively. They may slow down hair growth, but they might not be a permanent solution.
Why Laser Hair Removal Stands Out
Laser hair removal is a more focused, precise treatment. A laser targets the hair follicles at different depths in the skin, leaving the surrounding skin untouched. This means quicker, more effective results - especially for larger areas like legs or back.
Laser hair removal has become the go-to solution for many people, replacing more time-consuming methods like electrolysis. While it works wonders on most skin and hair types, it’s important to note that certain hair colours - such as white, grey, and some shades of red - don’t respond well to laser treatment.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You? If you're after a permanent, efficient solution for unwanted hair, laser hair removal is your best choice. With fewer treatments required compared to IPL and less risk to your skin, it’s a modern and effective option for most people.
Making the Right Hair Removal Decision
When choosing a hair removal method, it’s crucial to consider your long-term goals and safety. Here are a few key things to think about:
Quality Matters: Ensure the clinic uses high-quality, medical-grade equipment for your treatment.
Expertise is Key: Make sure your practitioner is qualified and experienced, especially in assessing your specific skin and hair type.
Safety First: Always enquire about the risks and ensure aftercare advice is available to help with recovery.
Test First: A patch test is essential to make sure your skin reacts well before committing to full treatment.
Why Choose House of Clio?
At House of Clio, we’re committed to offering the safest and most effective treatments. Our state-of-the-art medical-grade laser system, 3D Trilogyice, uses triple wavelength technology to target even the deepest-rooted hairs with minimal risk to your skin. Fewer sessions are needed compared to IPL, making it a more convenient and cost-effective option for you.
Our trained and experienced practitioners can safely treat most skin types with precision, ensuring you get the best results with minimal discomfort.

Book your laser hair removal and patch test today.
House of Clio, 23 Sea Road Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset BH5 1DH United Kingdom
Telephone/WhatsApp: 07949183999
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm
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