Hair Removal: IPL vs SHR vs DPL vs ICE Diode Laser
What is IPL?
IPL: Intense Pulse Light
IPL devices emit a broad spectrum of light in pulses. The melanin (pigment) found in hair follicles absorbs the light energy. Because of this absorption, light energy is converted into heat, which destroys the cells responsible for hair development.
A handheld device is used to transmit short bursts of light onto the treated area during an IPL treatment. Light pulses pass through the skin and preferentially target melanin in hair follicles. As the light energy is absorbed, it warms up the follicles, causing them to die. The treated hair falls off naturally over time, and growth is slowed.
IPL is effective in hair removal because it can target a wide range of hair colors and skin types. However, because IPL primarily targets melanin in the hair, it is less effective on lighter or finer hair.
Pain Level:
The level of pain felt during IPL hair removal varies from person to person. The majority of people describe the sensation as a minor snapping or rubber band-like sensation on their skin. During the treatment, some people may feel slight discomfort or a warm sensation. Overall, IPL is well-tolerated, with any discomfort being brief and mild.
Frequency to do IPL:
4 to 6 weeks.
Sessions required to see significant hair reduction:
6 to 12 sessions.
What is SHR?
SHR: Super Hair Removal
SHR is a cutting-edge technology that combines laser and pulsing light techniques. SHR, as opposed to traditional laser hair removal procedures, uses low fluence (energy) levels with a high repetition rate. The idea of SHR is to progressively and gently heat the hair follicles, limiting discomfort while successfully targeting hair growth.
SHR devices produce a series of fast pulses that gradually heat the targeted hair follicles. The sweeping action and repetitive pulse approach provide more equal heat distribution and improved treatment area coverage, which reduces the risk of burn or discomfort. Gradual heating damages the hair follicles and interferes with their ability to regenerate new hair growth.
Because SHR uses lower energy levels that are less likely to produce pigmentation changes, it is deemed safe for a wide variety of skin tones, including darker skin.
Pain Level:
SHR hair removal is well-known for being a gentle and comfortable treatment option. When compared to traditional laser treatments, the progressive heating of the hair follicles in SHR reduces the intensity of the sensation. During SHR treatments, most people report minimal pain or discomfort, describing it as a warm sensation or faint tingling. SHR is generally well-tolerated.
Frequency to do SHR:
4 to 6 weeks.
Sessions required to see significant hair reduction:
6 to 10 sessions.
What is DPL?
DPL: Dynamic Pulsed Light.
DPL technology is identical to IPL, however, the pulse duration differs. DPL devices use dynamically pulsed light, providing greater versatility in targeting certain hair and skin types.
The device emits a series of light pulses with adjustable parameters during a DPL treatment. The duration, strength, and latency between pulses are modified based on the individual’s hair and skin features. This personalization enables exact targeting of hair follicles.
DPL, like IPL, is based on the absorption of light by melanin in the hair follicles. Light energy is absorbed and converted into heat, which damages the follicles and inhibits their ability to grow new hair.
DPL treatments often require numerous sessions to adequately target hair in different development phases.
Pain Level:
The pain level during DPL hair removal is similar to IPL, as they both utilize pulsed light technology. However, since DPL allows for the customization of pulse parameters, including intensity and duration, it can be adjusted to individual comfort levels. With proper settings, DPL treatments are typically well-tolerated and cause minimal pain, but cause a little burning sensation.
Frequency to do DPL:
4 to 6 weeks.
Sessions required to see significant hair reduction:
6 to 12 sessions.
What is ICE Diode Laser?
ICE Diode Laser: Intelligent Cooling Experience.
ICE diode laser is a type of diode laser that has improved cooling mechanisms to improve comfort and safety during hair removal.
During an ICE diode laser treatment, the device creates a focused beam of laser light that particularly targets melanin in the hair follicles. Melanin absorbs laser energy, causing localized heating and hair follicle damage.
The built-in cooling system of the ICE diode laser is what distinguishes it. To reduce discomfort and protect the surrounding skin, the device employs a sapphire cooling tip and a continual cooling mechanism. The cooling effect numbs the skin, making the treatment more comfortable and lowering the chance of skin burns or adverse reactions.
ICE Diode Laser’s precision targeting of hair follicles and the simultaneous cooling of the skin contribute to effective hair removal with minimum discomfort and adverse effects. Due to continuous cooling, which decreases the need for cooling breaks, the ICE diode laser is also noted for its speed and efficiency in treating bigger areas.
Pain Level:
ICE Diode Laser’s cooling sensation acts as a countermeasure to reduce pain or discomfort caused by the laser pulses. As a result, ICE diode laser treatments are generally less painful compared to other hair removal methods.
Frequency to do SHR:
4 to 6 weeks.
Sessions required to see significant hair reduction:
4 to 8 sessions.
Conclusion:
IPL, SHR, DPL, and ICE Diode Laser are excellent hair removal treatments with distinct features and advantages.
IPL targets melanin in hair follicles with broad-spectrum light, whereas SHR combines laser and pulsing light for gentle and comfortable treatments. DPL allows for the modification of pulse characteristics for more precise targeting.
The ICE diode laser integrates cooling technologies for increased comfort and safety.
Each method offers advantages in terms of compatibility for different hair and skin types, comfort level, and treatment frequency. IPL and DPL may be limited to lighter hair colors, whereas SHR and ICE Diode Laser are generally appropriate for a broader range of hair colors and skin types. The ICE diode laser stand out from the rest of the other hair removal method, for its cooling mechanisms, which provide a more comfortable and pain-free experience.
The frequency of treatments can vary, but multiple sessions are typically required for long-lasting hair reduction.
Ultimately, choosing the most suitable method depends on individual needs, preferences, and consultation with a qualified therapist.
