Cost Comparison: At-Home IPL Devices vs Salon Packages

Should you go to a beauty salon or buy an IPL device for your hair removal needs? Read this cost comparison guide before taking the plunge. 

There are many ways to remove unwanted body hair — waxing, plucking and good ol’ shaving. Unfortunately, these are only temporary solutions and you’ll have to deal with hair again as soon as a few days later.

If you’re looking for more permanent results, it’s time to consider IPL treatment, also known as Intense Pulsed Light.  

What is IPL and how does it work? 

IPL works by using light energy to permanently reduce hair growth. 

An IPL device emits pulses of light onto the skin, which is absorbed by the hair follicles. The light transforms into heat energy, causing the hair to fall off and slowing down regrowth significantly for a period of time.

IPL is more effective compared to waxing or shaving, because it addresses the root cause of hair growth and destroys the follicles to the point where they can no longer produce hair.

After a series of treatments, you’ll be left with permanently smooth skin and you won’t have to wax/pluck/shave for the rest of your life. 

IPL is suitable for all areas of your body, including:

• Arms
• Brazillian
• Bikini line
• Face
• Chin
• Upper lip
• Underarms
• Legs

How long does it take for IPL to work?

It varies, depending on your hair and how often you go for treatment. As your hair grows in cycles, it will take multiple treatments to target each and every hair follicle. 

According to Japan IPL Express, it is recommended that you go for monthly sessions over a period of six to eight months, followed by yearly touch ups for optimised results. Do note that this is just an estimate, as the length of treatment varies from person to person depending on their own hair growth cycle. 

How many shots do you need?

Now, there are two ways you can get IPL treatment: By having a beautician do it for you, or buying a handheld device to zap away hair yourself.

The differences between at-home IPL machines and getting it done at a salon

Right off the bat, the main differences between the two are the size and power of the IPL machine, the person who carries out the treatment, and of course, the cost. IPL packages in salons can cost thousands of dollars (more on that later) whereas you can get a small device for around $200 to $500. 

Professional treatment 

Pros: Powerful machines with the latest technology and a skilled beautician to help you

When you choose to get professional treatments at a salon, you’re getting the latest technology and bigger machines. You’ll also have a trained beautician who can help you safely zap away all your unwanted hair. 

Cons: Cost and time 

As mentioned, the process doesn’t come cheap. IPL treatments can cost up to a few hundred dollars each session, and it might take around 10 to 12 sessions to see long-lasting results.

You could rack up some thousands of dollars in pursuit of a hairless body, depending on how many parts of your body you want hairless. 

Besides the treatment, you’ll have to factor in taking out time from your schedule for your appointment and also travelling costs, especially if your clinic is not within walking distance of your home. 

Estimated cost of IPL treatments in salon in Singapore

According to the chart by Japan IPL Express above, you’ll need around 570 shots per session, assuming you want a completely hairless body. That’s almost $600 per session, and around $7,200 for 12 sessions. 

At-home IPL Devices

It’s basically a scaled-down, small handheld device that works the same way as those machines at the salon. It’s got simple features and buttons so it’s pretty idiot-proof and can be safely operated by just about anyone.

Pros: Way cheaper compared to getting IPL treatments at the salon

You can order an at-home hair removal device online for a couple of hundred bucks. It is a much more affordable option in the long run as you can use it for a lifetime.

Even though you can get the results that you want quicker with a salon, there’s still a chance of dormant hair follicles activating months or even years afterwards. This is when a home device comes in handy whenever you need to zap those new hairs.

At-home IPL devices can be generally used on most of your body, like the stomach, arms, legs and underarms. However, do not use them near your eyes (it’s like a laser after all), over tattoos (as they might fade) or on the inner parts of the bikini area (bikini line is fine). 

Estimated cost of a hand-held IPL device in Singapore 

At around $400 per device and the fact that it can last a lifetime, an at-home IPL machine wins hands-down in terms of price and convenience because you can do it at home whenever you like. 

Cons: Less powerful, might not be able to reach some areas on your own, requires more sessions to get results

As these devices are small, they are less powerful and therefore less effective compared to IPL machines at salons. This means you’ll need more sessions to get the results you want. Yes, they will definitely reduce the amount of hair you have, but these devices may not be strong enough for you to be completely hair-free. 

It can also be difficult to zap inaccessible parts of your body like your back. You’ll have to struggle to do it yourself or enlist the help of a friend/partner/sibling to reach those areas.

Should you choose to DIY or go to a salon?

If you don’t mind taking a longer time to see results and have a loved one on standby who doesn’t mind gawking at your body hair, a mini device might be more practical for you in terms of cost. But if you don’t trust yourself to do a clean zap or want to get rid of hair from inner genital areas, and you have the budget, go to a professional.

Whether you choose to purchase a device or package, you’ll be spending at least a few hundred dollars. Check out some of the best credit cards that can help you gather rewards so that you don’t spend money without getting something in return?

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