08/22/2026
✨ IPL vs. True Laser Hair Removal: What’s the Difference? ✨
Although IPL is frequently advertised as “laser hair removal,” IPL is not actually a laser.
🔸 IPL — Intense Pulsed Light
IPL uses a broad spectrum of filtered light, meaning it releases many wavelengths at once. Because the energy is less specifically focused, IPL can reduce hair growth, but results may be less predictable depending on the client’s skin tone, hair type and the quality of the device. Some clients may also require more treatments and ongoing maintenance.
🔸 Alexandrite Laser — 755 nm
The Alexandrite laser uses one precise wavelength that is strongly absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. It is an excellent option for lighter skin tones and can effectively target coarse hair as well as finer treatable hair.
🔸 Nd:YAG Laser — 1064 nm
The Nd:YAG laser penetrates deeper and interacts less with pigment at the skin’s surface. This makes it the preferred laser wavelength for medium to deeper skin tones when treatments are performed with appropriate settings.
At The Zap Shack, the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus® gives us both the 755 nm Alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelengths in one advanced system.
Why is that important?
✓ A true laser delivers a precise, controlled wavelength
✓ The appropriate wavelength can be selected for your skin tone
✓ Settings are customized for your hair colour and thickness
✓ Both lighter and darker skin tones can be treated
✓ High peak power helps target coarse and finer residual hair
✓ Candela’s Dynamic Cooling Device™ protects and cools the skin before every pulse
✓ Treatments are fast, comfortable and highly customizable
IPL may provide hair reduction, but it does not offer the same wavelength precision or dual-laser versatility as the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus.
At The Zap Shack, your treatment isn’t based on a one-light-fits-all approach. Your wavelength and settings are carefully selected for your individual skin and hair characteristics—because better technology and proper customization matter.
📍 The Zap Shack Laser Hair Removal
Located in Bowden, Alberta
🔗 thezapshacklaserhairremovalltd.booksy.com/a/
Laser and IPL work by targeting pigment, so white, grey and some very light blonde hair may not respond effectively. Individual results vary.