The difference between ’pulsed light’ and ’laser hair removal’

Light is a form of energy. It is part of what scientists call the Electromagnetic Spectrum, different forms of energy that disperse by moving around. Other forms of energy are included in this spectrum, such as radio waves and microwaves.
What we usually consider to be ,light‘ (white light) is in reality made up of different colours, like those of a rainbow. In fact, the colours are a little bit more complex than the six or seven we can see and scientists use the term wavelength to designate each specific colour that makes up the light. Lasers and intense pulsed light devices produce a light capable of penetrating several millimetres of skin – enough to be able to remove unwanted hair or to treat blood vessels, acne and epidermal pigments. Lasers produce a single colour with photons (particles of light) that are all oriented in the same direction. This single-colour light carries considerable energy. It propagates in a straight line with very little divergence (notion of coherent light) Flash lamps (IPL or intense pulsed light) produce a whole range of colours. A filter placed at the end of the fibre eliminates most of any undesirable colours. The light quickly divulges and is no longer coherent. There is significant energy but part of it is lost because of the filter.

Laser

What is the difference between laser hair removal and other hair removal methods?

Laser hair removal allows you to treat large surfaces rapidly, and stay hair-free for longer as well as progressively influencing re-growth.

How does laser hair removal work?

The laser emits an invisible light which penetrates the skin without damaging it. The laser light is then selectively absorbed by the pigments in the hair follicle. This damages the follicle and inhibits its capacity to produce hair. At the hair follicle, the laser light absorbed by the pigments is converted into heat. This heat will damage the follicle without harming  the surrounding skin.

Is laser hair removal safe?

Laser hair removal is an efficient and proven method. The laser device can be finely adjusted to ensure efficient hair removal. However, it is essential that you follow any rules and instructions to ensure safe treatment.

Pulsed light

Pulsed light is the latest technology in hair removal. During epilation, the hair remover emits a flash of light. Its energy is transferred by the melanin in the hair right to the hair root. The resulting heat will destroy the hair follicle.

What is pulsed light hair removal?

Hair removal with pulsed light is done with a flash lamp. Strictly speaking, the ‘flash lamp’ is not a laser.

Advantages of pulsed light hair removal

Pulsed light hair removal is less expensive than its main competitor, laser hair removal.
Pulsed light hair removal provides permanent removal of the hair.
Pulsed light hair removal is faster than its two competitors, i.e. laser hair removal and electric hair removal.