If you’ve been researching hair removal options, you’ve almost certainly come across both IPL and laser — and probably wondered what on earth the difference is. The terminology gets confusing fast, and the internet is full of conflicting advice. So let’s cut through it with a clear, straight answer.
The Fundamental Difference
Both IPL and laser hair removal work on the same basic principle: light energy is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle, converted to heat, and the follicle is damaged to the point where it can no longer produce hair effectively.
The difference lies in the type of light used. Laser hair removal uses a single, focused wavelength of light — like a very precise beam. Different laser types (Nd:YAG, Alexandrite, Diode) use different wavelengths optimised for different skin and hair types. IPL — Intense Pulsed Light — uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths, more like a bright flash than a laser beam. Filters are used to target the right wavelengths for hair removal.
In practice, both technologies can deliver excellent, long-lasting hair reduction results. The key variable isn’t whether a machine says ‘laser’ or ‘IPL’ on the box — it’s the quality of the technology and the skill of the person operating it.
So Why Do Some People Say Laser Is Better?
The ‘laser is superior’ argument often comes from comparing professional laser systems to cheap, low-powered consumer IPL devices — the kind sold in supermarkets or online for £50. Those comparisons are fair: a clinical laser system will generally outperform a budget home IPL gadget.
But that comparison is meaningless when you’re talking about a high-end, medical-grade IPL platform like the Lynton Excelight® that we use at Brighton Bodyworks. The Excelight is the same technology deployed in NHS dermatology departments. It delivers controlled, high-energy pulses across a broad, clinically optimised spectrum — and produces results that rival or match many laser systems for patients with suitable skin and hair types.
Which Is Right for You?
The most important factor is your skin and hair type, not whether the machine uses laser or IPL technology.
IPL (like the Lynton Excelight) works best for: people with fair to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick types I-III) and dark hair. If you have naturally light or olive skin and dark brown or black hair, IPL can achieve outstanding results.
Laser — particularly Nd:YAG laser — is often recommended for: darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI). The longer wavelength of Nd:YAG laser passes through skin melanin more safely, making it a better-suited option for skin of colour.
Neither works well on: blonde, red, grey, or white hair. Without sufficient melanin in the follicle, the light has nothing to target. We’ll always be honest with you about this at your consultation.
What About Skin Tone and Safety?
The Fitzpatrick scale (types I to VI) is the standard used by clinicians to classify skin tone. Type I is very fair skin that always burns and never tans; type VI is deeply pigmented skin. The Lynton Excelight is clinically validated for safe use on skin types I through IV — covering the vast majority of the Mid Sussex population.
For skin types V and VI, we’d have an honest conversation at your consultation. In some cases, we may refer you to a clinic with an Nd:YAG laser rather than promise results we can’t safely deliver. Our priority is always your safety first.
The ‘Permanent’ Question
Neither IPL nor laser provides truly permanent hair removal in all cases — this is important to understand. The more accurate term, used by regulators, is ‘long-lasting hair reduction’. Most people see a significant reduction in hair growth — 80-90% is common after a full course — with hair that does regrow tending to be finer, lighter, and sparser. Many clients go years without needing to shave or wax at all.
Some areas, and some hormonal conditions (such as PCOS), may require maintenance sessions over time. We’ll discuss what’s realistic for your individual situation before you commit to anything.
What to Ask Any Clinic Before You Book
Whether you’re considering IPL or laser, here are the questions worth asking:
- What machine do you use, and is it a medical-grade system or a consumer device?
- Is the person treating me trained and insured for this treatment?
- Do you do a patch test before the first full session? (If the answer is no, walk away.)
- What happens if I have a reaction?
- Can you show me before-and-after photos from real clients?
At Brighton Bodyworks, we’re happy to answer all of these. We use the Lynton Excelight, Amy is fully trained and insured, every new client receives a patch test, and we have over 100 five-star Google reviews from real clients across Mid Sussex.
The Bottom Line
IPL and laser are both effective tools for long-lasting hair reduction — the quality of the machine and the skill of the practitioner matter far more than the label. For the majority of people in Mid Sussex — particularly those with fair to medium skin and dark hair — the Lynton Excelight IPL at Brighton Bodyworks will deliver excellent results in a safe, professional, and welcoming environment.
Not sure if you’re a good candidate? That’s exactly what the consultation is for.
? Ready to get started? Brighton Bodyworks is based in Hassocks, West Sussex, with easy access from Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Hurstpierpoint, Ditchling, Lewes and Brighton. Call us on 07881 958093 or book online at www.massagetherapy-brighton.co.uk. Your first consultation and patch test is just £30 — redeemable against your first treatment.