Hair Removal

IPL vs Laser: How Painful are they?

Various methods of hair reduction have taken the world by storm. If you have considered using a laser or an intense pulse light device to remove unwanted hair, you might wonder whether it will be painful. In fact, this is one of the most common questions I receive when someone discusses laser hair removal as an option. To explain it simply, laser hair removal is a little more painful than at-home IPL device. This is because it uses higher energy, which delivers more light and heat energy to the target melanin in the hair root than its counterpart. Many patients say that the laser pulses feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin. A randomized control trial studied the effect of ND: YAG laser versus IPL for effective hair reduction and found that the pain score on the IPL-treated side was significantly lesser than the side treated with laser. Researchers also found that the side treated with laser had more redness, burning sensation, and swelling than the side treated with IPL. IPL hair removal However, one must remember that the quality and type of IPL device also play an important role. If I had to choose between IPL and laser hair removal a few years ago, I would not have recommended an at-home device because many devices available in the market then were notorious for causing burns and were not regulated. Luckily, with technological advancements, newer and safer devices like the Ulike Air 10 are available, making at-home hair reduction effective, pain-free, and very safe. The same is true with lasers as well. In conclusion, both are effective forms of hair reduction, with laser hair being more costly and causing slightly more discomfort than IPL devices. Discuss with your dermatologist to choose which one is best suited for you. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. References Comparison of hair removal efficacy and side effects of neodymium: Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser and intense pulsed light systems (18-month follow-up). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Dr. Sanober Doctor Sanober Pezad Doctor is a double-board certified dermatologist, & a leading expert in Integrative and holistic Dermatology. She is the face behind the popular YouTube channel- Healthy Aging with Dr. Doctor. She is also the founder & creator of ‘AGEnesis™- The Holistic Aging Blueprint’ & ‘Baby SkinWise™- the World's 1st Audiovisual Skincare Guide for Parents‘.

Jan 15, 2026

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Table of Contents

Various methods of hair reduction have taken the world by storm. If you have considered using a laser or an intense pulse light device to remove unwanted hair, you might wonder whether it will be painful.

In fact, this is one of the most common questions I receive when someone discusses laser hair removal as an option.

To explain it simply, laser hair removal is a little more painful than at-home IPL device. This is because it uses higher energy, which delivers more light and heat energy to the target melanin in the hair root than its counterpart.

Many patients say that the laser pulses feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin.

A randomized control trial studied the effect of ND: YAG laser versus IPL for effective hair reduction and found that the pain score on the IPL-treated side was significantly lesser than the side treated with laser. Researchers also found that the side treated with laser had more redness, burning sensation, and swelling than the side treated with IPL.

However, one must remember that the quality and type of IPL device also play an important role. If I had to choose between IPL and laser hair removal a few years ago, I would not have recommended an at-home device because many devices available in the market then were notorious for causing burns and were not regulated.

Luckily, with technological advancements, newer and safer devices like the Ulike Air 10 are available, making at-home hair reduction effective, pain-free, and very safe. The same is true with lasers as well.

In conclusion, both are effective forms of hair reduction, with laser hair being more costly and causing slightly more discomfort than IPL devices. Discuss with your dermatologist to choose which one is best suited for you. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.

References

Comparison of hair removal efficacy and side effects of neodymium: Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser and intense pulsed light systems (18-month follow-up). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology

Dr. Sanober Doctor

Sanober Pezad Doctor is a double-board certified dermatologist, & a leading expert in Integrative and holistic Dermatology. She is the face behind the popular YouTube channel- Healthy Aging with Dr. Doctor. She is also the founder & creator of ‘AGEnesis™- The Holistic Aging Blueprint’ & ‘Baby SkinWise™- the World's 1st Audiovisual Skincare Guide for Parents‘.