IPL vs. Laser Hair Removal in Malaysia: Which One Is Right for You?

Tired of short term measures for hair removal? Then you should consider permanent hair removal methods like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Laser Hair Removal. They are both pretty similar where both use light to heat up and damage the hair follicle, preventing it from growing again. The difference is the light source used. IPL uses broad-spectrum light whereas laser hair removal utilizes the properties of a laser. 

Both methods can target common areas with unwanted hair, such as the upper lip, underarms, and bikini line, as well as larger areas like the half arm and half leg. They can also be used on other areas, including the face, neck, chest, and back.

Before choosing a hair removal method, it is important to understand the differences between them, including their effectiveness, potential discomfort, cost, and other factors. This guide provides a comparison of both treatments and highlights locations in Malaysia that offer IPL and laser hair removal, helping you determine the most suitable option for your needs.

Disclaimer: The Beauty Insider platform does not promote or support any specific treatment. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only, and we strongly advise all readers to thoroughly research and consult with a doctor accredited by the Ministry of Health before undergoing any aesthetic or medical procedures.

What Is The IPL Hair Removal Method?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a popular hair removal treatment that uses a broad spectrum high-intensity light that emits light at multiple wavelengths generally in the 500nm to 1200nm range. Harmful shorter wavelengths of below 400nm are removed. Unlike laser hair removal, the IPL method can cover larger patches of hair. Also, IPL treatments are generally cheaper than laser treatments as it uses light beams and not laser lights.

The IPL hair removal targets the melanin pigment in the hairs, where the melanin absorbs the light energy, heats it up and damages the follicle. Hence, the IPL method works best for those with darker hair, as darker and thicker hair has more meaning to absorb light better and give deeper penetration. So, the results are more visible. The hairs will take around two weeks before it starts falling out, and the hair growth will be much slower after the first treatment. Furthermore, IPL is a highly effective method to remove hair permanently, but it may require a couple of sessions to get the same result as to laser treatment, as the hairs that are treated may be in different growth cycles.

According to a journal published in 2023, various laser and IPL systems are available as effective solutions for long-term hair reduction. These systems work by targeting melanin in the hair shaft, follicular epithelium, and hair matrix using light wavelengths between 600 and 1200 nanometers (nm), which are selectively absorbed by melanin.

What Is The Laser Hair Removal Method?

Laser Hair Removal method, on the other hand, produces a single precise wavelength of laser light that goes deeper into the skin to kill the base of the hair follicles. This method targets specific hair rather than a large group of hairs all at once. So, the process is targeted precisely at the hairs intended for elimination. The whole treatment tends to be the quickest and most efficient form of hair removal due to the heat and intensity of a single laser.

There’s also different types of lasers that can be used for different coloured hairs to produce optimum results. Laser hair removal also requires more than one session, but each session will take less time compared to IPL sessions as laser treatments are more intense and are performed in motions, and IPL sessions are performed in pulses.

But here’s the thing, lasers are a highly concentrated type of energy, Directing it straight towards the skin can be harmful to the skin especially if you have sensitive skin. The laser treatment works best with those who have darker or coarse hair but can still work effectively for most hair colours. Laser methods are more expensive than the IPL method, but it gives the most long-lasting result.

 IPL VS Laser Hair Removal: Which One is Better? 

Well, it is pretty debatable. Many will argue that laser is the better choice while some will beg to differ but the truth is they both pretty much offer the same solutions and utilizes heat to damage the hair follicles so they don’t grow back. The only difference between these two methods is the type of technology used. The IPL is a less intense treatment but the Laser treatment gives immediate impressive results. 

So, the choice is ultimately a personal preference and also largely depends on your skin tones and your hair colour. Whichever you choose, you will still get to enjoy smooth clean skin and will hardly ever need to shave ever again. Choose the treatment you think fits your needs best whether that budget or the type of hair you have. 

Below, we have a simple comparison of both the hair removal methods to help you make a better decision:

• The IPL method is cheaper than the laser hair removal method.
• The laser gives visible results in just one session but IPL may require more sessions.
• Lasers target individual hairs where IPL targets larger sections at once.
• Laser treatment is a shorter process and gives a more precise finish.
• IPL treatment is less painful and is less harmful to the skin.
• The laser method is more suitable for those with darker skin tone and any hair colour.
• The IPL method is suitable for those with a lighter skin tone and darker hair colour.

What is the Cost of IPL and Laser Hair Removal Treatment in Malaysia?

The cost of IPL and laser hair removal treatment in Malaysia varies, with IPL generally being slightly more affordable than laser treatment. Typically, laser hair removal costs between RM 500 and RM 2,000 per session, depending on the size of the targeted area. In comparison, IPL treatment costs around RM 200 to RM 800 per area, with prices varying based on the treatment area and the number of sessions required.

The List of Places that Offer Hair Removal In Malaysia

1. Dr Alice Clinic Ageless Medispa

Choose which type of laser hair removal you prefer at Dr Alice Clinic Ageless Medispa. With the Fotona laser hair removal therapy, it utilises a FRAC3 laser pulse that applies laser energy to your hair follicles over a deep and wide area of skin. What’s more, it uses Nd-YAG wavelength energy to do so. Thanks to its low frequency, it only targets the follicles. Thus, your other tissues remain undamaged as the Fotona laser procedure removes ingrown and surface hairs. Meaning that it requires little to no downtime! 

The Elysion Pro system, on the other hand, uses a diode laser device which has the benefit of employing 3 wavelengths of energy. As well as reaching a maximum output of 2000 watts, it helps tackle hair removal on several different skin tones. Furthermore, it uses ultra-short pulse laser technology to help facilitate more efficient hair removal. Aside from that, this system can also switch between Static and Dynamic mode which operates respectively at 3 Hz and 15 Hz. Offering better flexibility, it also has a cooling system to aid with recovery. 

For a Super Hair Removal, the ALMA SHR laser method is your choice. As it uses a multi-wavelength laser system featuring gradual heating via low-energy laser, it utilises a gliding motion to sweep across targeted areas. the ALMA SHR system actually targets a wide area of skin so there is little to no damage to the surrounding tissues. This is all thanks to the laser’s contact cooling feature and low energy laser. Furthermore, it requires minimal downtime and is suitable for those with darker skin tones. 

2. Hairy Mary

Hairy Mary is the very first hair removal centre in Malaysia to provide THOR light treatment! THOR light treatment is a Korean permanent hair removal technology that’s comfortable and pleasant. They promise a pain-free and effective experience, and they also offer free consultations so you can decide for yourself if this treatment is suitable for you. They now have six convenient locations throughout the Klang Valley as well as one branch in Penang and another in Johor, so drop by one of their centres to get rid of that unwanted hair today.

3. Dr Chong Clinic

Dr Chong Clinic provides all kinds of beauty and aesthetic treatments, ranging from facial and skin treatments, to body contouring treatments. They also offer diode laser hair removal treatment as well as the usage of the Q-Switch ND YAG laser to permanently remove hair. Schedule a consultation with Dr Chong Clinic to find out which is the suitable laser hair removal method for you.

4. MUSEE Platinum Tokyo

MUSEE Platinum Tokyo is Japan’s No.1 hair removal salon with 3.2 million satisfied customers worldwide. They’re known for providing SSC (Smooth Skin Control) Hair Removal services, which weakens the regenerative ability of the hair. They promise minimal pain, and it’s also a really fast procedure; it only takes 30 minutes to do both underarms! You’ll also have a first consultation that will last about an hour, so you can be rest assured that they will answer any questions that you might have regarding the procedure. They’re also committed to providing high-quality hair removal at a reasonable cost, and they even have student discounts. With six branches throughout the Klang Valley, you’re bound to have a MUSEE Platinum Tokyo outlet near you.

5. Da Vinci Clinic

Established in 2013, Da Vinci Clinic is a medical aesthetics and plastic surgery clinic with four locations in the Klang Valley. The clinic offers various treatments, including aesthetic dermatology and slimming procedures. Its laser hair removal treatment is designed to reduce hair growth over time. Sessions are typically scheduled every four to six weeks, aiming to minimise ingrown hairs and the need for frequent shaving.

6. Nexus Clinic

Founded in 2001, Nexus Clinic is an aesthetic clinic located in Kuala Lumpur, offering a range of non-surgical aesthetic procedures and laser treatments. The clinic provides laser hair removal using the Candela Gentle YAG Laser, which is suitable for various skin types and can be used for both men and women.

7. Klinik Dr. Inder

Winner of numerous accolades, Klinik Dr Inder is a medical aesthetic clinic, located in Petaling Jaya. The clinic is founded by Dr Inder Kaur an LCP holder with over 30 years of experience in the field. She is an American Board Certified in Aesthetic Medicine and also the founder of Hair Transplant Centre Malaysia. Her laser hair removal treatment can provide a permanent solution to all of your hairy situation. You can also get a free consultation to discuss your treatment plan.

8. Dermlaze Skin Laser Clinic

Dermlaze is a skin clinic located in Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, offering various aesthetic treatments, including laser hair removal, breast augmentation, scar reduction, and non-surgical facelifts. The clinic uses laser technology for hair removal, which is designed to target hair growth and reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs, aiming to minimise skin irritation compared to waxing and shaving.

9. WAI Clinic

Formerly known as Klinik Skin + Health, WAI Clinic was founded in 2004 by Dr. Sylvia Wai. The clinic offers laser hair removal treatments designed to require minimal downtime. Its services focus on aesthetic procedures aimed at improving skin appearance. WAI Clinic has locations in Subang Jaya and Puchong.

10. Pure Skin (M) Sdn Bhd

Pure Skin offers a distinct range of skincare services in a very cosy, safe, relaxing and comfortable environment managed by a team of qualified and professional skincare therapists. They are deeply passionate about what they do best and can even tailor the laser treatment to meet your every need. Pure Skin offers two kinds of permanent hair removal treatments; Sharplight Hair Removal Solution, in addition to Super Hair Removal (SHR). Consult with them to discover the most suitable permanent hair removal treatment for you.

11. CherryCo

Founded in 2012, CherryCo offers IPL hair removal services that use specially imported machines from Australia, for the face and body. They are specialists in providing the best and least painful permanent hair removal treatment at a very affordable price. You can get three sessions of underarm IPL treatment for just RM249.

12. CLÉO clinic

At CLÉO Clinic, a range of medical aesthetic, hair, and body treatments are offered under one roof. Available treatments include HIFU non-surgical facelift, Pico, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and fat freezing. The clinic also provides hair removal services, where a doctor assesses each patient’s condition before creating a personalised treatment plan based on their goals.       

For more information or to make a booking, click here.

13. Sliq Clinic

Sliq Clinic, founded by Dr. Steve Chia in 2014, offers a range of treatments for the face, body, and hair, as well as general health screenings. Their services include Hydrafacials, HIFU, CoolSculpting, and hair loss treatments. For laser hair removal, they use the Alma diode laser technology, which features a patented In-Motion technique with SHR. The treatment can be performed on specific areas or the entire body.

For more information or to make a booking, click here.

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