IPL vs Laser hair removal

[Rollergirl]

Is IPL similar to laser? Which one should I get? I got a free consult at a clinic who said they had both machines and both are about the same? They were a bit wishywashy about it... When I asked for more details they said I could make an appointment to see their "doctor who comes in monthly" to get another consultation... I didn't really feel like waiting 3 weeks just to get a consult!

[LuckyLou]

Is IPL similar to laser? Which one should I get? I got a free consult at a clinic who said they had both machines and both are about the same? They were a bit wishywashy about it... When I asked for more details they said I could make an appointment to see their "doctor who comes in monthly" to get another consultation... I didn't really feel like waiting 3 weeks just to get a consult!

Hi Rollergirl. I got in straight away. Though I'm in Melbourne and laser hair removal is getting awfully fashionable and common down here. I wouldn't want to wait 3 weeks.

From what I can tell IPL hair removal uses intense pulse light to specifically remove the hair.

Laser hair removal uses laser light to specifically target the hair.

Now my husband did try to explain the difference between laser and normal light ... it was something to do with being in phase and coherent. But then I couldn't ditch physics fast enough when I got to uni so I'm probably not the best person to ask.