IPL or laser hair removal: an honest guide Straight talk, no blurring
Written by the Mirabell team
, 5 min read
Search "laser hair removal Dublin" and half the results are salons offering IPL. Some call it laser, some blur the words, and most women end up unsure what they actually booked. You deserve a straight answer, so here it is, from a clinic that offers IPL.
What is the difference between IPL and laser?
| IPL | Laser | |
|---|---|---|
| Light | A broad band of light, filtered for hair removal | One exact wavelength |
| How it removes hair | Targets pigment in the hair, heats the follicle | Targets pigment in the hair, heats the follicle |
| Best for | Dark hair on lighter skin | Dark hair on a wider range of skin tones |
| Per session | Gentler | Can be stronger |
| Big areas | Covers them quickly | Depends on the device |
| Blonde, red, grey, white hair | Little or no effect | Little or no effect |
| Result | Long-term hair reduction | Long-term hair reduction |
The biggest point first: both work on pigment. Neither can see hair that has no dark pigment, so neither works well on blonde, red, grey or white hair.
Which is better?
It depends on your skin and hair, not on the name.
- Dark hair, lighter skin: IPL works very well, and sessions are gentle and quick.
- Deeper skin tones: IPL is limited, because the light can target pigment in the skin as well as the hair. Laser is usually the better choice. If that is you, we will tell you honestly at your patch test, and suggest laser elsewhere.
- Light hair: neither will do much. Save your money.
Is either one permanent?
No treatment can promise every hair is gone forever. Both give long-term hair reduction: after a full course, hair grows back much less, finer and lighter, with occasional top-ups. Be careful with any clinic that promises "permanent" or "for good".
How many sessions does each need?
Both need a course, because they only work on hairs in the active growth phase. For IPL, most clients need 6 to 8 sessions per area, with the face every 4 to 6 weeks and the body every 6 to 8 weeks. We explain why in how many IPL sessions do you really need?
What about price?
Hair removal is one of the most competitive treatments in Dublin. National chains advertise low per-session promotional prices for laser area bundles. Compare the price of a full course, not one session, and check:
- Which technology is used: IPL or laser? Ask by name.
- Is a patch test included or charged?
- Who carries out the treatment, and will it be the same person each time?
- What happens if your skin is tanned on the day?
At Mirabell, IPL starts from €30 per session for the face, for 12 areas on women and men, with lower prices per session when you book a course. Every area is live on our IPL hair removal page.
Does one hurt more than the other?
Both feel like a warm elastic band snapping on the skin. At Mirabell we use cooling gel, and most clients find IPL comfortable. The bikini and upper lip feel strongest.
Why does Mirabell use IPL?
Because for the women we see most, dark hair on lighter skin, IPL gives excellent long-term reduction with gentle, quick sessions. And because we would rather be honest about what it is than borrow a word that sells. Every course starts with a patch test, from €20, which comes off your first session if you book within 30 days. If your skin or hair suits laser better, you will hear it before you pay for anything.
The same rules apply to both: no sun, sunbeds or fake tan for 2 weeks before and after each session, shave 24 hours before, and never wax or pluck during your course. Timing matters too: see when to start IPL hair removal.
Book your IPL patch test and find out what your skin and hair can expect.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. IPL gives long-term hair reduction, and results vary from person to person.
Quick questions Short answers from this guide.
Is IPL the same as laser hair removal?
No. Laser uses one wavelength of light, IPL uses a broad, filtered band. Both target pigment in the hair. Mirabell uses IPL, which works very well on dark hair with lighter skin.
Which is better, IPL or laser?
It depends on your skin and hair. IPL works very well on dark hair with lighter skin and is gentle per session. Laser can be stronger and suits a wider range of skin tones.
Is IPL safe for darker skin?
IPL is limited on darker skin, because the light can target pigment in the skin as well as the hair. A patch test checks this, and we will tell you honestly if laser elsewhere suits you better.
Does IPL or laser work on blonde or grey hair?
Little or not at all. Both need dark pigment in the hair to work.
Is IPL or laser hair removal permanent?
No treatment can promise every hair is gone forever. Both give long-term hair reduction: after a full course, hair grows back much less, finer and lighter.
Does Mirabell offer laser hair removal?
No. For hair removal, Mirabell uses IPL. If your skin or hair suits laser better, we will tell you at your patch test.
More questions
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