C-IPL Hair Removal Device vs Conventional Laser Hair Removal

We are living in the era where advancements in technology have made laser hair removal more affordable and accessible than ever—and it’s not just women who are rising to the occasion. Men are also seeking laser hair removal treatments, especially for larger areas like the back, chest, and shoulders. 

Hair removal lasers have come a long way since the 1960s. There are a few types of light sourced hair removal technologies in the market such as, the DIODE laser, the Nd-YAG and the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology all of which are available at the beauty salons.

With so many options in the market and so little insights about laser hair removal treatments, what are their differences and how do we know which is cost-effective and safe for us?

C-IPL Hair Removal vs Conventional Laser Hair Removal

Both laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) are forms of light sourced treatment that target pigments – whether that be hair, skin or hyperpigmentation.

“Laser and IPL treatments for hair removal depend on the presence of melanin in the hair shaft.” – Laser and IPL Technology in Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine.

We are going to look at the differences between the two acknowledged hair removal lasers out there (the Nd-YAG and DIODE laser) and the SHERO’s C-IPL Hair Removal technology.

What is C-IPL Hair Removal Technology?

C-IPL stands for Calibrated - Intense Pulsed Light, a modulated version of salon-grade IPL, which is suitable for home use and doesn’t require a professional handler to operate. Note that C-IPL or salon-grade IPL are not lasers, even though some people still refer them as “lasers”. 

C-IPL works by emitting light with a particular range of light spectrum (580nm -1100nm), suitable to target the melanin in the hair and is able to reach the depth of the hair follicles.

Nd-YAG and DIODE emit a single spectrum of light; 1064nm and 800nm respectively. The light energy being absorbed by high pigment such as hair, which then turns into heat energy. The heat damages the follicle, slowing hair growth and even stopping it completely.

Differences Between C-IPL and Laser Hair Removal

Other than the prices, the main differences of lasers and C-IPL are the depth which they can penetrate into and the intensity of the light spectrum being emitted. Here are some examples:

• Lasers give a concentrated, strong blast of light to a very small, focused area. They travel a large distance without spreading out like light normally would. The laser has to be appropriately adjusted (very technique sensitive) to ensure optimal destruction of the hair follicle without collateral damage to the surrounding skin as lasers are usually operated at a very high energy output. So, a safe and regulated laser in the hands of a skilled professional is recommended.
  
  
• Each laser session tend to take up more time compared to C-IPL as the focus area of the laser is small.

• C-IPL gives out a broader spectrum of light to a larger area and also penetrates into the depth of skin where lasers could. Therefore, C-IPL is relatively milder than lasers and is designed specifically into a hand size device and is safe to be used by untrained person. Due to the lower energy output compared to its laser counterparts, C-IPL would require more sessions to achieve the same result.
  
  
• As C-IPL operates in a wider spectrum, researchers have found that it can treat a number of skin conditions such as rosacea, hyperpigmentations and promote skin rejuvenation.
  
  
• C-IPL is suitable for people with pale to medium brown skin and dark hair
  
  
• Nd:YAG laser is suitable for people from pale to dark skin and people with dark hair
  
  
• Diode laser is suitable for people with pale to dark skin, blonde to dark hair

Pain rating of C-IPL, Nd-YAG laser and DIODE laser:

Rate of achieving hair reduction or permanent hair removal:

All 3 hair removal methods are long-term procedures for reducing hair growth. They all work in similar ways and can all be very effective in reducing the growth speed of the hair as well as hair thickness.

Whichever hair removal method you choose, you may need to occasionally have a top-up treatment every few months or yearly. You just have to choose what is right for your skin and hair type while considering other factors such as cost and convenience.