Laser vs IPL: Understanding What Your Studio Uses
Brenda Cammo Team
When you book light-based hair removal, the words laser and IPL are often used as though they mean exactly the same thing. They do not. Both approaches use light and both are associated with reducing unwanted hair over a course of sessions, but the type of light, the way it is delivered and the planning behind each appointment can differ.
For anyone comparing options in Malta, the most useful starting point is not simply asking, “Which one is better?” It is asking, “What technology does this studio use for my area, hair colour and skin profile, and how will my sessions be planned?” A clear answer helps you choose a professional service with realistic expectations.
Laser and IPL are not the same technology
A hair-removal laser produces a concentrated beam of light at a specific wavelength. The pigment in the hair, called melanin, absorbs that energy. The aim is to affect the hair follicle while being mindful of the surrounding skin.
IPL stands for intense pulsed light. It delivers broad-spectrum light in short flashes rather than one focused wavelength. The FDA distinguishes IPL from laser technology, classifying it as a non-laser light-based device. This technical difference matters because a device’s settings, filters and suitability need to be considered carefully for the person and area being treated. FDA guidance on IPL and laser products
In everyday conversation, people may call any device that flashes light a “laser”. That shorthand can make comparison difficult. A studio should be comfortable telling you whether it uses a laser or IPL platform, rather than relying on vague wording.
A simple way to remember the difference
| Feature | Laser hair removal | IPL hair removal |
|---|---|---|
| Light delivery | A targeted wavelength of light | A broad range of light wavelengths |
| Device category | Laser-based technology | Non-laser, light-based technology |
| Planning | Settings should be selected for the individual and body area | Filters and settings should be selected for the individual and body area |
| What to ask | Which laser platform and wavelength are being used? | Which IPL system and filter are being used? |
The table is a starting point, not a promise that one technology will be right for every person. The quality of assessment, the device available and the practitioner’s approach all matter.
Why the technology question matters before you book
Hair has colour, thickness and a growth cycle. Skin has its own tone and sensitivity. The body area also changes the conversation. Underarms, lower legs, the bikini line, upper lip and facial areas do not all respond or need to be approached in precisely the same way.
That is why a professional appointment should not be reduced to a single label on a booking page. Whether the equipment is laser or IPL, a responsible studio needs to consider the contrast between hair and skin, recent sun exposure, your hair-removal habits and any relevant information you share before the session.
Hair-removal lasers work by targeting pigment in the hair, which is also why very light, grey, white or red hair may be less responsive to light-based methods. The American Academy of Dermatology also notes that experience across different skin tones is an important question to ask when considering laser hair removal. American Academy of Dermatology guidance on removing unwanted hair
At Becammo, laser hair removal is offered across a range of body areas for ladies and gentlemen. Your booking should begin with an honest discussion of the area you want to address and your individual profile. If the exact platform is important to your decision, ask before booking or at the start of your consultation. It is a sensible question, and a professional studio should answer it clearly.
Do not choose based on the word “laser” alone
It is understandable to assume that a service described as laser hair removal must automatically be more advanced, more suitable or more effective than every IPL option. In reality, that conclusion is too simple.
What matters is the full picture:
- the technology and device being used;
- the practitioner’s training and care with settings;
- your skin tone, hair colour and hair thickness;
- the body area being addressed;
- how consistently sessions are scheduled around hair growth;
- how you follow the preparation and aftercare guidance.
Likewise, an IPL device should not be dismissed simply because it is not technically a laser. It is a different technology, so the studio should explain it accurately and assess whether it is appropriate for you. Clear language is part of good client care.
Questions to ask a studio about laser versus IPL
You do not need to become an equipment expert before making an appointment. A short, focused set of questions can give you the clarity you need.
- Is this service performed with a laser or IPL device?
Ask for the straightforward name of the technology. Avoid accepting a vague answer such as “light therapy” if you are trying to compare services. - What information do you need from me before the first session?
A careful provider should want to understand the area, your hair and skin profile, and relevant recent exposure or routines. - Is a patch test or assessment needed?
The answer can vary by device, area and individual circumstances. What matters is that the studio has a process and explains it. - How should I prepare?
Ask specifically about shaving, waxing, threading, tanning products, sun exposure and skincare. Preparation is not an afterthought. It helps the session be planned safely and consistently. - What should I expect immediately afterwards?
You should receive practical aftercare guidance that reflects the area treated and your skin’s response. - How will we review progress?
Hair growth is cyclical, and visible change is gradual. A good plan leaves room to review how your hair and skin respond over time.
What a professional laser hair-removal appointment should feel like
A professional session should feel organised, not rushed. Before the light is used, the practitioner should confirm the area, discuss any relevant updates and make sure you understand the practical steps. Protective eyewear is an important part of light-based procedures. You should also be able to ask questions without feeling that you are delaying the appointment.
During the session, the sensation varies by person and area. Some people describe a quick warm flick or snap-like feeling. Sensation is influenced by hair density, the body area and the settings selected. It is more useful to plan for individual variation than to expect a completely identical experience every time.
Afterwards, the focus shifts to simple skin care. Follow the instructions you are given, protect the area from unnecessary irritation and share any concerns with the studio. The American Academy of Dermatology describes laser hair removal as a procedure that requires preparation and appropriate professional care, rather than a casual beauty shortcut. American Academy of Dermatology advice on preparing for laser hair removal
Why a course of sessions is usually discussed
Laser and IPL appointments are generally planned as a course because hair does not all grow in the same phase at the same time. Light-based hair removal is most relevant when the hair is in the stage where it can be effectively targeted, so one appointment cannot address every follicle in the same way.
The number and spacing of sessions vary. Body area, hair density, hair colour, skin profile and hormonal factors can all influence the plan. This is why a studio should avoid presenting a universal number as though it applies to every client.
It is also why the term “permanent” needs context. The goal is usually long-term hair reduction, but some people may need occasional maintenance as time passes. Keeping expectations measured is more helpful than making absolute promises.
How to compare two studios fairly
If you are deciding where to book in Sliema, Swieqi or elsewhere in Malta, compare more than the headline offer. Use the same questions with each studio and look for clear, consistent answers.
- Does the studio identify the technology accurately?
- Do they ask about your skin and hair before proceeding?
- Can they explain preparation and aftercare in plain language?
- Do they acknowledge that results and session plans vary?
- Do you feel comfortable asking about the device, settings and next steps?
A lower price or a stronger claim is not automatically a better fit. The value of a professional service includes individual assessment, a considered plan and the confidence to ask questions throughout your course.
Laser versus IPL: the practical conclusion
Laser and IPL are related in purpose, but they are not interchangeable names. Laser uses a focused wavelength, while IPL uses broad-spectrum pulses of light. Neither label alone tells you everything about your likely experience.
The best next step is to choose a studio that explains its technology honestly and considers your hair, skin and chosen area before beginning. If you are considering laser hair removal at Becammo, book the service that matches your area and preferred Malta location, then use your appointment to discuss the details that matter to you. A well-informed conversation is the right foundation for a personalised plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is IPL a type of laser?
No. IPL is intense pulsed light, a broad-spectrum light technology. A laser produces a focused beam at a specific wavelength. Both may be used for hair-reduction services, but they are technically different.
How can I find out whether a studio uses laser or IPL?
Ask directly before booking, “Is this performed with a laser or IPL device, and what is the name of the platform?” A professional studio should be able to explain this clearly.
Is laser hair removal suitable for every hair colour?
Suitability varies. Light-based methods rely on pigment in the hair, so very light, white, grey or red hair can be more difficult to target. An individual assessment is important.
Will I need the same number of sessions as someone else?
Not necessarily. Session planning can vary with the area, hair growth cycle, hair characteristics, skin profile and individual response. Your practitioner can discuss a realistic plan after assessment.
Can I wax between laser hair-removal sessions?
Ask your practitioner for guidance before using any hair-removal method between appointments. Since light-based sessions target pigment in the hair, preserving the planned preparation routine matters. Shaving is often discussed differently from methods that remove hair from the root.
What should I do if I am unsure whether laser hair removal is right for me?
Speak with the studio before booking. Explain the area you would like to address, your hair and skin profile, and any questions about preparation. A clear conversation is a better starting point than guessing from advertising language.
