IPL or Laser Hair Removal: Complete UK Guide for Whole Body and Sensitive Areas
Hair removal is no longer just about looking polished for a night out. For many women, especially in their late twenties to forties, it is about saving time, feeling confident, and finding a routine that actually works. Over the past few years, searches for IPL or laser hair removal have jumped as more people look for something that lasts longer than shaving or waxing.
So which one is better? The quick truth is that laser treatments usually give longer lasting results, while IPL, including at home devices, is easier to fit into everyday life and is kinder to the budget. Your skin tone, hair colour, and even the body area you want to treat can make one option more effective than the other.
In this guide, I’ll share what you really need to know about both methods, from how they work to what they feel like on different parts of the body. I’ll also talk through costs in the UK, recovery time, and safety for sensitive areas like the bikini line. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of whether IPL or laser is the better match for your lifestyle.
Table of content
What’s the Real Difference Between IPL and Laser Hair Removal?
If you are deciding between IPL or laser hair removal, it helps to understand how the two actually work. Both use light to target the hair follicle, but the type of light and how it behaves makes a big difference to the results.
Laser hair removal uses a single, concentrated beam of light. It goes deeper into the follicle and is more precise, which is why clinics often get faster and longer lasting results. Different types of lasers are used for different skin tones, with Nd:YAG lasers being the safest choice for darker skin.
IPL (intense pulsed light) uses a broad spectrum of light, more like a flash from a camera. Because it spreads out, it is a little gentler and less powerful than laser. At home IPL devices work at lower energy than clinic machines, which makes them safe for personal use but usually means you need more sessions to see lasting smoothness.
In simple terms, laser is stronger and more targeted, while IPL is more flexible and widely available, especially if you want to treat yourself at home.
| Feature | Laser Hair Removal | IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Focused single-wavelength laser targets follicles precisely | Scattered multi-wavelength light pulses |
| Best For | Coarse, dark hair on lighter skin tones | Wider range of skin tones, but struggles with very light hair |
| Session Count | 6–8 sessions at a clinic (spaced weeks apart) | 10–12 sessions, plus top-ups (at home) |
| Pain Level | Moderate–high (like a rubber band snap) | Low–moderate (warm flick or tingle) |
| Cost in the UK | £100–£300 per session | £300–£400 total for device (e.g. Ulike) |
| Convenience | Requires travel, appointments | Use anytime at home |
| Speed of Results | Faster, more permanent reduction | Gradual improvement over time |
| Best For Lifestyle | Ideal for those ready to commit to clinic treatments | Perfect for busy or budget-conscious users |
My Personal Journey: Why IPL at Home Won Me Over
Like most women, I spent years bouncing between razors, wax strips and epilators. The result? Endless stubble, ingrown hairs, and a bathroom drawer full of half-used products. I wanted something that actually lasted without the hassle of constant upkeep.
Why IPL at Home Became My Go-To
When I discovered at home IPL, it felt like the holy grail. Here is what made the difference for me:
Clinic free convenience: No waiting lists, no awkward appointments. I could treat my legs in about 15 minutes while watching TV.
Cost smart: For less than the price of a single laser session in London (around £150–£300), I had a device I could use on my entire body for years.
Visible results: After six weeks of using IPL twice a week, my legs stayed smooth for more than a month. My bikini line and underarms showed around 70 percent less growth, which was far better than waxing ever gave me.
Zero downtime: With laser, I often left the clinic with redness and swelling. With IPL at home, I could treat and then get straight on with my day.
Tried Laser… But Went Back to IPL
I did try laser for my bikini area because I wanted faster results. While the results were good, the downsides were hard to ignore. Each Brazilian session cost around £250, the stinging sensation was tough to sit through, and I was told I needed at least six visits. In the end, I returned to my IPL routine. It required more patience, but I found the results comparable and much easier to maintain long term.
Real Results
Legs and arms: Noticeable reduction after three months, with only light regrowth.
Bikini line and pubic area: Progress was slower, but now I only do quick monthly top ups.
Pain Level: IPL vs Laser – Which Hurts More?
Let’s be honest, no method of hair removal is completely painless. The good news is that the level of discomfort is different depending on whether you choose IPL or laser, and it also varies by body area.
Bikini Line and Brazilian (Pubic Area)
Laser: Around 7/10. Many women describe it as sharp snaps, a bit like a hot rubber band against the skin. The pubic area is sensitive, so it feels more intense.
IPL at home: Around 4/10. More of a quick, warm prickling. Newer devices with cooling technology make it easier to tolerate. A numbing cream 30 minutes before treatment can help if you are extra sensitive.
Underarms
Laser: Around 6/10. Because the skin is thinner here, the zaps can sting more.
IPL: Around 3/10. Feels like a light flash or mild tingle.
Legs and Arms
Laser: Around 4/10. Usually described as mild discomfort, similar to light sunburn.
IPL: Around 2/10. Barely noticeable. Just a warm flash.
Why Sensitivity Varies
Some areas naturally feel more painful than others. The bikini line and underarms, for example, have thinner skin and more nerve endings, which makes them extra sensitive to heat. Laser also feels sharper because it uses a concentrated beam that penetrates deeper into the follicle. In contrast, IPL spreads light across a wider area, so the sensation is gentler and easier to tolerate.
How to Reduce Discomfort
There are a few simple tricks that can make either treatment more comfortable. Exfoliating before a session helps the light reach the hair follicles more effectively, which not only improves results but also reduces irritation. Cooling the skin straight after treatment with an ice pack or cold compress can quickly ease any lingering sting. And if you are using IPL at home, it is best to start on the lowest setting and slowly build up as your skin adjusts.
Long-Term Hair Removal Results: IPL vs Laser – Which Actually Lasts?
When you are deciding between IPL or laser hair removal, the big question is how long the smooth skin will actually last. Both methods reduce hair growth by targeting the follicle, but the strength of the light makes a big difference in long-term results.
| Time Period | IPL at Home Results | Professional Laser Results |
|---|---|---|
| First 4 Weeks | Noticeable slower hair growth (50% reduction) | Minimal visible change after 1 session |
| 3 Months | 60–70% hair reduction on legs/arms | 30–40% reduction after 2 sessions |
| 6 Months | 80% reduction with monthly touch-ups | 70–90% reduction in treated areas |
| 12 Months | 90% reduction with bi-monthly maintenance | 90% reduction but requires annual top-ups |
| Maintenance | 10 mins every 4–6 weeks at home | 1–2 clinic visits per year (£150+ per session) |
| Regrowth Quality | Finer, softer, sparser hair | Mostly permanent but some stubborn regrowth |
| Best For | Gradual, sustainable reduction | Faster initial results for those who can commit to clinic visits |
| Cost Over 2 Years | £200–£300 (one-time device cost) | £800–£1,500+ (including maintenance) |
It is also worth remembering that “permanent” hair removal is a bit of a myth. Both IPL and laser significantly reduce growth, but hormones, genetics, and hair type can cause some follicles to produce new hairs over time. The key difference is that laser usually stays effective with fewer maintenance sessions, while IPL requires a little more upkeep but is easier to do yourself at home.
Recovery Period & Side Effects: What to Really Expect
When I first started experimenting with IPL and laser hair removal, I noticed straight away that my skin reacted differently to each method. Both involve heat, but the after-effects and recovery time are not the same.
My Experience with IPL Recovery
After using my IPL device, the treated skin felt slightly warm, almost like I had sat in the sun for too long. The redness was faint and usually disappeared within half an hour. I could moisturise, put on clothes, and carry on with my day without any issues.
Even on sensitive areas like my bikini line, the reaction was mild. The convenience of being able to treat myself in the evening and head straight to bed without worrying about irritation is one of the reasons I stuck with IPL.
My Experience with Laser Recovery
Laser was a different story. After my first Brazilian session, the skin was red and puffy, with tiny red dots around the follicles. It felt like a sharp razor burn and stayed tender for most of the day.
The clinic advised me to avoid tight clothing, hot showers, and exercise for 24 hours, which wasn’t always practical. While the results were strong, the downtime made it harder to fit into a busy week.
The Facts Behind Skin Reactions
These experiences make sense when you understand the science. IPL spreads light across the skin, so the energy is gentler and less concentrated. That is why the reaction is usually mild and fades quickly. Laser, on the other hand, delivers a focused beam that penetrates deeper into the follicle, which creates more heat and inflammation. This makes it more effective for long-term results but also more likely to cause redness, swelling, and temporary sensitivity.
What This Means for Everyday Life
For me, IPL is the winner when it comes to recovery. I can treat in the morning before work or squeeze in a session at night with no impact on my schedule. Laser gave great results but came with restrictions. No gym, no hot baths, and sometimes needing a day to let my skin calm down. If you have a packed lifestyle, this is something worth thinking about before you commit.
Skin Tone & Hair Colour: Which Method Works Best?
When I first started looking into IPL and laser hair removal, I assumed it was a one-size-fits-all solution. It wasn’t until I spoke to a consultant and compared notes with friends that I realised how much your skin and hair colour can affect the outcome.
For me, with fair skin and dark brown hair, both IPL and laser delivered noticeable results. IPL in particular worked well on my legs, where the contrast between pale skin and dark hair made it easy for the light to target the follicles. Within a few weeks, the regrowth had slowed right down.
Things were different for my friend Emma, who has naturally blonde hair. She tried my IPL device and barely noticed a change. That’s because IPL struggles with lighter pigments like blonde or red. The device simply can’t “see” the hair in the same way it sees darker strands.
How Laser and IPL Adapt to Skin Tones
Clinics often use the Fitzpatrick scale, which rates skin from Type I (very fair) to Type VI (very dark), to decide which method is safest and most effective. Alexandrite lasers are usually recommended for lighter skin types (I–III), while Nd:YAG lasers are safer for darker tones (IV–VI) because they bypass surface melanin and reach the follicle without burning the skin. IPL works best on lighter to medium tones (I–IV) combined with dark hair, but it is less effective for very fair or very deep skin.
What Works Best in Practice
If you fall within Fitzpatrick Types I–III with dark hair, both IPL and laser are good options. IPL may be easier if you want the flexibility of treating yourself at home. If your skin is darker (Types IV–VI), professional laser is usually the safer and more reliable choice.
And if your hair is blonde, red, or grey, neither method is likely to be fully effective. Many UK clinics offer a free patch test, which is worth booking before committing, as it gives you a clear idea of how your skin will respond.
Convenience and Cost: At-Home IPL vs In-Clinic Laser
When I was deciding between IPL at home and laser hair removal in a clinic, money and time were just as important as the results. Both options can get you smoother skin, but they fit very differently into everyday life.
The Cost in the UK
Buying a quality at-home IPL device usually costs between £250 and £400. At first, that feels expensive, but it covers your whole body for years. By comparison, one laser session in a London clinic can cost £150–£300 for a single area like the bikini line or underarms. Since most people need six to eight sessions, the full course can easily pass £1,000, and that’s before yearly maintenance top-ups.
The Convenience Factor
For me, IPL won on convenience. I could do a full-body session in 30 to 40 minutes while watching TV, and I didn’t have to book appointments or travel anywhere. Laser appointments, on the other hand, meant arranging childcare, commuting into the city, and carving out at least an hour each time. It’s professional and precise, but it takes more planning.
What Fits Different Lifestyles
If you’re busy with work or family, at-home IPL is easier to fit in around your schedule.
If you want faster results and don’t mind the higher price or extra effort, laser in a clinic may be worth it.
Some women even combine the two: laser for tricky areas like the bikini line, and IPL at home for legs and arms.
For me, IPL made sense because I wanted control and flexibility. But if budget isn’t the issue and you prefer professional treatments, laser can give you results more quickly.
So, What Is Better – IPL or Laser?
After testing both, I found that IPL worked best for my lifestyle. It was affordable, easy to use at home, and gave lasting results on legs and underarms with just a bit of patience.
Laser gave me faster results on my bikini line, but the higher cost and clinic visits made it less practical long term.
IPL is best if:
You want a budget-friendly option at home
You’re happy with gradual results
Flexibility matters more than speed
Laser is best if:
You want quicker, professional results
You’re okay with higher costs and appointments
You have darker skin or finer hair IPL struggles with
For me, IPL is my go-to for most areas, while laser makes sense for stubborn spots if you can invest more.
Quick FAQ on IPL vs Laser for First-Timers
Does IPL or laser hair removal hurt more?
Laser usually feels sharper, especially on sensitive areas like the bikini line. IPL is gentler, particularly with devices that include cooling features.
How long before I see results from IPL or laser?
With IPL, most people notice visible reduction after 6–8 weeks. Laser often produces results faster, but still requires several sessions for long-lasting smoothness.
Is IPL or laser safe for all skin tones?
IPL works best on lighter to medium skin with dark hair. Professional laser treatments, especially Nd:YAG, are safer for darker skin tones.
Do I need maintenance after IPL or laser hair removal?
Yes. Both IPL and laser need occasional top-ups, but results last much longer than shaving or waxing.
Can you use IPL or laser on the pubic or bikini area?
Yes, both methods can be used on the bikini line and pubic area. Laser is often more effective on coarse hair, but it may feel more painful. At-home IPL can be a gentler option, though results may take longer.
