Light Sheer Duet vs IPL

Before we talk about the Light Sheer Duet (laser) vs IPL for hair removal, let’s first define what each of these types of equipment are.

The Light Sheer Duet is a diode laser. That means it focuses light into a very strong and narrow beam by amplifying light in a coherent way. When we say “coherent” we mean the waves of light are in sync with each other. And the light has a wavelength of about 800nm, also a very narrow range.

IPL is short for Intense Pulsed Light. Although IPL also uses light, it is not a laser. The light is focused, but not amplified–and the light waves are not in sync. Intense Pulsed Light can be absorbed by skin, but it doesn’t have the narrow wavelength range that lasers do.

While IPL does work for a number of cosmetic and medical applications including hair removal, we know from peer-reviewed research that the laser is more effective, and especially the Light Sheer Duet diode laser.

The laser will target a deeper part of the hair shaft with a stronger light beam—a laser beam. This is probably why lasers are faster and more effective at hair removal.

As we mentioned in our last article, the Light Sheer Duet is appropriate for all different skin colors. The old saying that you can’t get laser hair removal if your skin is dark no longer applies. It’s a myth.

Keep in mind that not all IPL devices have been FDA-cleared. If you are untrained and plan on doing cosmetic procedures at home, try to buy good-quality equipment that you can trust. Velma Stevenson at Simply Flawless Laser has over 20 years of experience working with lasers.

If you have any questions about this article or laser hair removal, in general, or you want to make an appointment, please contact us at (778) 927-9000. Simply Flawless Laser is based in Surrey, BC.