Unlike laser which has a single wavelength of light, Intense Pulsed Light uses charges of pulsed white light. The advantage of this system compared to the laser system is that large areas can be treated relatively quickly and the pulse and filters can be changed and varied according to the skin-type and hair colour to increase efficiency and ensure maximum hair removal. Not only can each treatment be tailor-made to the client, but, where there are different hair colours and varying skin types on the same person, the settings can be adjusted during the treatment. With lasers, only dark hair on pale skin can be successfully treated.
People seeking laser treatments for hair removal should also be careful to check that the provider of the treatment is properly registered with the local health authority. Registered users are properly trained and insured: use of lasers by unskilled personnel could, potentially, cause blindness or severe skin damage. Intense Pulsed Light users do not require registration but you should check that treatment providers have been properly trained.