Flashlamp and laser compared

IPL hair removal or laser?

IPL hair removal uses a flashlamp and a broad spectrum of light, while a laser uses exactly one wavelength. Here you'll find out when IPL is enough and when laser is the better choice. Laserazor works exclusively with lasers and doesn't offer IPL.

Illustration: broad light of a flashlamp next to the focused beam of a laser
Comparison

IPL home devices, IPL in the studio and laser.

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection states that lasers and IPL share the same working principle; the differences lie in the light and energy used[1].

CriterionIPL at homeIPL in the studioLaser at Laserazor
Light sourceFlashlamp, usually lower energy densityFlashlamp with filtersone wavelength: 755 nm or 1064 nm
Skin typesmostly light to medium according to the manufacturerI to IVI to VI
Hair coloursdark to medium browndark to medium browndark to medium brown, partly red
Sessionsongoing, schedule according to the manufacturer10 to 158 to 12
Who performs the treatmentyourselfSpecialist with NiSV certificationSpecialist with NiSV certification
Costone-off for the device, around 100 to 500 € depending on the model20 to 80 € per sessionfrom 26,25 € a month
Decision

When IPL can be enough and when the laser is a better fit.

IPL can be enough if

  • you have light skin and dark hair,
  • you want to treat small areas,
  • you use the device regularly yourself for months,
  • slowing down hair growth is enough for you.

Laser is a better choice if

  • you have darker skin or very thick hair,
  • you want to treat large areas like your legs or back,
  • you want a professional to assess your skin and hair and set up the laser,
  • an at-home device hasn't given you the results you want so far.
Technology

Why flashlamps and lasers work differently.

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. The lamp emits broad-spectrum light, which filters narrow down to visible light from around 550 nm and parts of the infrared spectrum. As a result, the energy is spread more widely across the skin. A laser focuses its light into a single wavelength, which we choose to match your skin and hair. With darker skin, IPL increases the risk of burns and pigmentation spots because the skin pigment absorbs some of the light.

Lasers have the best-documented clinical evidence. A Cochrane review found around 50 percent less hair six months after just a few sessions with Alexandrit and diode lasers[2]. However, the studies are small and observe short timeframes.

Pricing

Here's what laser costs in the studio.

Compare the at-home device against these monthly instalments. The prices apply in all six studios; from a total price of 300 €, you pay in 12 instalments at 0 %.

ZoneMonthly instalmentSingle session
Bikini line5 sessions, total 315 €, 63 € per session26,25 €a month99 €
Full intimate area3 sessions, total 363 €, 121 € per session30,25 €a month149 €
Upper lip10 sessions, total 370 €, 37 € per session30,84 €a month59 €
Underarms10 sessions, total 480 €, 48 € per session40,00 €a month79 €
Full legs3 sessions, total 771 €, 257 € per session64,25 €a month319 €
Trial session

Try the laser with one zone for 0 €.

  1. Book online. You choose your area, the studio and an appointment in the calendar.
  2. Skin analysis and consultation. We check your skin and hair and adjust the laser to suit you perfectly.
  3. Laser the entire area. The area is fully treated, you pay 0 € and don't have to buy a thing.
  4. See the results. The hair usually falls out after 7 to 14 days. Then you decide if you want to carry on.

New clients can use the trial session once. You can choose from areas like underarms, bikini line, full intimate or face and neck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What people want to know.

No. IPL is a flashlamp with a broad light spectrum that is narrowed down using filters. A laser emits focused light of a single wavelength.
IPL in a studio can reduce hair long-term and usually takes 10 to 15 sessions. At-home devices generally have a lower energy density, tend to just slow down growth, and need to be used regularly. We explain what 'permanent' means under permanent hair removal.1
Laser is the better choice for darker skin, thick hair, and large areas because it works more precisely and needs fewer sessions. IPL can also work for fair skin and dark hair. An at-home device is cheaper to buy, while a studio offers supervision by a professional.
IPL isn't suitable for very dark skin because the risk of side effects is higher. Red, blonde, grey, and white hair contain very little pigment and hardly respond to it. Any unusual moles should be checked by a dermatologist beforehand.
The Federal Office for Radiation Protection advises following the instructions carefully and seeking medical advice if in doubt. Incorrect use can lead to burns and pigmentation issues. Your skin shouldn't be tanned.
Yes, you can do that anytime. During your skin analysis, we'll look at how your hair has grown back and then plan your first appointment. You'll need to put your at-home device away during your course of treatments.
No. In all six studios, we work exclusively with medical-grade Alexandrit and Nd:YAG lasers. You can test a complete area for 0 €.

Sources

  1. Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz (as of 04.08.2026). Dauerhafte Haarentfernung (Epilation). Official information. View source. Explains the operating principle, NiSV certification, and risks. At-home devices usually achieve a lower energy density than professional devices.
  2. Haedersdal M, Gøtzsche PC (2006). Laser and photoepilation for unwanted hair growth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD004684. systematic review. View source. Around 50 percent hair reduction six months after a few sessions with Alexandrit and diode lasers. The studies are small and observe short periods.

This page provides general information and does not replace medical advice. If you have skin conditions, take medication that increases light sensitivity, or experience unexplained hair growth, it's advisable to consult a doctor beforehand.

Free Trial Session

Test a complete zone for 0 €.

Medical Alexandrit and Nd:YAG lasers, contactless and for all skin types. Try it out with no purchase and no obligation.

Book your trial
Book 0 € trial sessionCall