IPL Vs Laser Hair Removal In Malaysia: Which One Is The Best 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 help treat the usual unwanted hair areas, such as upper lip underarm and bikini lines, even larger surface areas such as half arm and half leg. Both treatments can cover other areas like the face, neck, chest and back. Both methods are safe and quick procedures that will leave your skin smooth for months. But, it’s important to know more details about both methods and what it can offer before giving your skin to it.

To help you know more about both these hair removal treatments, we have gathered all the information you need to know about both these hair removal methods and compared them in terms of longevity, pain, price and more. We have also included the best places that offer the best IPL and laser hair removal in Malaysia. In the end, you can decide for yourself which hair reduction method is the most suitable one for you.

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.

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 Are The Top Hair Removal Clinics In Malaysia?

If you are being treated at a salon or an aesthetic clinic, permanent hair removal can be expensive, but regardless, it is an expense you will be glad to have paid when you see the results! In the long run, you are likely to save a lot of money, not to mention the time you no longer have to spend shaving. Here are 10 of some of the best hair removal clinics that offer certified  IPL and Laser treatments.

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 best laser hair removal method for you. They have twelve locations throughout Malaysia, and are dedicated to optimise the treatments based on your needs and goals.

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, which now has expanded to four locations in the Klang Valley. They’re able to perform an array of beauty treatments, including aesthetic dermatology and slimming treatments. Their laser hair removal is a long-lasting and comfortable solution due to its safety and effectiveness, resulting in healthy, smooth skin and outstanding hair reduction. With one session every 4-6 weeks, they guarantee a result in no more ingrown hairs, reduced shaving and nourished skin. 

6. Nexus Clinic

Founded in 2001, Nexus Clinic is a top-notch aesthetic centred in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, providing a comprehensive range of non-surgical aesthetic procedures and advanced laser treatments. Their highly experienced doctors and expert medical staff will make sure you feel confident and knowledgeable about your laser treatment options and give you the results you seek. Their laser hair removal treatment uses the Candela Gentle YAG Laser, which can treat both men and women of all skin types.

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

Being an established skin specialist clinic in Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, Dermlaze aims to provide high quality and modern beauty care at an affordable price. Not only do they have laser hair removal, they also provide other aesthetic treatments like breast enlargement, scar reduction, and non-surgical facelift. They use high-quality laser beams to provide a permanent hair removal treatment that can even treat ingrown hairs without the skin irritation that you will usually feel from waxing and shaving.

9. WAI Clinic

Formerly known as Klinik Skin + Health, WAI Clinic was founded in 2004 by Dr Sylvia Wai. The clinic which stands for Wellness, Aesthetic and Indulgence, offers painless laser hair removal solution with minimal downtime to suit the client’s busy lifestyle. Their speciality in aesthetics medicine focuses will improve the outward appearance of the skin in no time. They have one location in Subang Jaya, and another in Pouching, so WAI not book an appointment today?

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.

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