IPL and LHE: How Do They Differ from Laser Hair Removal?

When it comes to a more permanent hair removal method, laser hair removal is usually the first thing that comes to mind. It works by delivering pulses of laser light, which is absorbed by the hair’s pigment or melanin. The light is then converted into heat, destroying the follicles and disabling future hair growth.

Laser hair removal is a cost-effective way to remove unwanted hair without cuts, razor burns, and ingrown hair. It is the most common hair removal method, but there are also other safe and effective options. IPL and LHE hair removal also target the follicle to inhibit or delay future hair growth.

Let’s dig a bit deeper into these methods and find out how they differ from laser hair removal method:

IPL Hair Removal

Intense pulsed light or IPL hair removal uses a special light that targets the hair pigment. Unlike laser which uses a highly concentrated beam of light, IPL removes hairs using a broad-spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths. The IPL energy is scattered and cannot be focused into a concentrated beam like a laser. 

How it works and technology used: At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we use the Cutera Prowave IPL hair removal. This is a US FDA-approved hair removal device that uses a specially tailored light source for permanent hair reduction. IPL targets the hair pigment, which then absorbs the heat energy, destroying the hair follicle. 

Sessions needed: Just like laser hair removal, you’ll also need multiple sessions to see complete hair removal or reduction in an area. The typical number is 6 to 8 treatments, but this can still depend on the color of your hair and skin, as well as the thickness of the hair.

Ideal candidates: People with fair to medium skin tone and dark colored hair are good candidates for IPL hair removal. It is not ideal for those with darker skin, as the IPL may aim for or target the skin itself, which may then result in pigmentation or potential burning. It is best to ask your provider to find out if it’s suitable for you. 

LHE Hair Removal

As its name suggests, Light and Heat Energy or LHE hair removal gets rid of unwanted hair by combining light and heat. It transfers light and thermal energy to the hair follicles and not the skin. This means there is no damage to the skin during the hair removal treatment.  

How it works and technology used: Here at Cutis, we used the Touch Elite with LHE technology. It delivers flashes of broad-spectrum light that is drawn to the pigment  of the hair. LHE increases the temperatures of the follicles, which then results in their destruction, halting hair growth.

Sessions needed: Just like IPL and laser hair removal, you’ll also need several sessions to see desired results. An average of 5 to 10 treatments are needed to disable a majority of the follicles during the growth cycle. A single session can take around 30 minutes (or more) depending on the treated areas.

Ideal candidates: LHE hair removal enables the use of lower light and heat energy levels and increases the safety margin for those with darker and sensitive skin types. The method is also non-ablative, relatively painless, and has no downtime.

Which is right for you? 

The right hair removal method for you will depend on a number of factors, such as your:

• Skin tone
• Hair color
• Number of hairs
• Hair thickness
• Hair growth cycle

If you, for example, have dark hair and fair to medium skin tone, IPL may be the right choice. If you, on the other hand, have sensitive or dark skin tone, LHE is worth considering. It is advisable to schedule a consultation with your provider or aesthetic doctor to make an informed decision.

Be reminded that both methods, along with laser hair removal, cannot 100% guarantee complete hair removal. All three can lead to permanent hair reduction, with remaining hairs and new hair growth that should be light and fine. Make sure to complete the sessions required for effective and lasting results.

Schedule a consultation today 

Want to learn more about our permanent hair reduction methods? Browse through our website today or contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore to schedule a consultation with our Harvard-trained aesthetic doctor, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez.