Technology
IPL, IPL hair removal and laser: what is the difference
In short
How does IPL differ from a laser?
IPL and IPL hair removal are one technology, intense pulsed light, while laser is another: it produces coherent radiation of a single wavelength. All of a laser's energy falls within a narrow range, and it is selected for the task. IPL produces broadband light: many wavelengths at once, which are cut by light filters. That is why a laser is more selective: its energy is concentrated where it is needed. IPL is more versatile across tasks: by changing the filter, one device can be reconfigured from hair to vessels or pigment. Research data on the results are mixed. In some studies, lasers, especially alexandrite, reduce hair more, while in others modern IPL devices are comparable. There is also an intermediate option: IPL with a narrow band. This is how IPLASER technology is built into Innovatione devices: narrow-band filtering and three pulses per flash. For a salon, the choice often depends less on the physics and more on how many different services you want to offer with one device.
How does IPL physically differ from a laser?
| Parameter | Laser | IPL / IPL hair removal | IPLASER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | One wavelength | Many wavelengths, cut by a filter | IPL band after the narrow-band filter |
| Coherence | Yes | No | As with IPL |
| Selectivity | Higher | Lower | Band narrower than in classic IPL |
| Versatility across tasks | Lower | Higher thanks to filter changes | Its own handpiece for each task |
| Energy delivery | Depends on the model | Depends on the model | Three pulses per flash |
IPL and IPL hair removal are a single name for one technology. It is not a laser.
A separate class is IPL with radiofrequency, known as ELOS. The analysis is in the article about diode laser and ELOS.
Why does IPL cover more tasks?
By changing the filter, one device switches between tasks: hair, vessels, pigment, skin tone. The range that the filter passes is what determines the goal.
This is how handpieces are divided in the Innovatione range: IPLASER 755 for hair removal, IPLASER 560 for phototherapy.
Why is a laser more selective?
All of the energy is concentrated in a narrow range. Nothing is spent on wavelengths that are of no use for the task.
How the range itself is chosen is covered in the article about 755, 808 and 1064 nm.
What do studies say about the results?
The data are mixed. In the 2006 Cochrane review, there are data on hair reduction of about 50% in the first six months for alexandrite and diode. At that time there was little evidence for IPL.
In the 2020 meta-analysis for skin types III–VI, alexandrite reduced hair more than IPL. The diode and 1064 nm laser gave results comparable to IPL. The 2012 review notes that modern IPL devices often perform at the level of lasers.
The number of treatments depends on the area, the hair and the protocol, not only on the type of source. The specialist gives this figure after a consultation.
Where IPLASER fits in
IPLASER is an Innovatione technology based on IPL. It differs from classic IPL by narrow-band filtering and three pulses per flash. This is how Innovatione devices have worked since 2013. The reason for three pulses is set out in the analysis of three-pulse energy delivery.
The hair removal handpieces of iPRO MINI are not a diode or alexandrite laser, but IPLASER. How the technology works and how it differs from lasers is set out on the IPLASER page.
Who this analysis is not for
- If you are looking for a treatment for yourself. The article is written for equipment buyers.
- If you need only one type of service. Then the versatility of IPL is not an advantage.
Questions and answers
Are IPL and IPL hair removal the same thing?
Yes. These are two names for one intense pulsed light technology.
Is IPL a laser?
No. A laser produces coherent radiation of one wavelength. IPL is broadband light cut by filters.
Which is more precise, laser or IPL?
A laser is more selective, because all its energy is concentrated in a narrow range for a specific task.
Why is IPL considered more versatile?
By changing the filter, one device is reconfigured between tasks: hair, vessels, pigmentation, skin tone.
Do you need more treatments with IPL than with a laser?
There is no single answer. In some studies, lasers, especially alexandrite, reduce hair more. In others, modern IPL devices are comparable. The number of treatments depends on the area, the hair and the protocol.
What is needed for phototherapy, as opposed to hair removal?
For vessels and pigment, IPL uses shorter-wavelength filters than for hair removal. In the Innovatione range, the handpiece for phototherapy is the IPLASER 560.
Can one device do both hair removal and phototherapy?
Yes, by combining handpieces. In iPRO MINI DUO both handpieces are IPLASER: 755 for hair removal and 560 for phototherapy.
How does IPLASER differ from classic IPL?
IPLASER is based on IPL. The difference is narrow-band filtering and three pulses per flash, which is how Innovatione devices have worked since 2013.
This material describes how the technologies work and is not a medical recommendation. Verified 14 October 2026.
