Combining IPL with diode laser for laser hair removal may reduce the efficacy of the treatment, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy (June 9, 2021).
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Authors Magdalena Atta-Motte and Izabela Zaleska treated 45 healthy females (21–23 years old; skin type II–III). They underwent hair reduction treatment with a 805 nm diode laser and an IPL device with a wavelength of 640–1200 nm.
The subjects were randomly divided into three groups of 15. Group 1 received one IPL treatment followed by three diode laser treatments. Group 2 received two IPL treatments followed by three diode laser treatments. Group 3 received three IPL treatments followed by three diode laser treatments. Their outcomes were compared to a control group treated with only diode laser.
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The percentage of hair loss was greatest among the patients treated with a diode laser only. The authors posit that the initial treatment with the non-coherent light of the IPL weakened and thinned the hair, impeding the absorption of 805 nm wavelength by the melanin in the hair. Thereby, negatively impacting the effectiveness of the diode laser.
