Is laser or IPL better for a salon?
Laser is better when hair removal is a core service, throughput matters, or you treat Fitzpatrick V–VI, because a single coherent wavelength is more efficient and safer on dark skin. IPL is better for a broad treatment menu at lower cost, serving mostly Fitzpatrick I–IV clients.
Last reviewed 01 Feb 2026 by Hair Removal Machines
The technical difference
A laser emits one coherent wavelength — 755nm, 808nm, 940nm or 1064nm. IPL emits a filtered broadband band, typically 640–950nm or 640–1200nm. Because IPL spreads energy across wavelengths the follicle does not need, more of it is absorbed by the epidermis, which narrows the safe treatment window on darker skin.
Where laser wins
Skin-type coverage: 1064nm Nd:YAG is the standard wavelength for Fitzpatrick V–VI, and IPL cannot substitute for it.
Throughput: a 20 x 20 mm in-motion diode spot at 10 Hz treats a pair of full legs in around 20 minutes.
Course length: diode courses typically run six to eight sessions against eight to twelve for IPL.
Consumables: diode bars are solid-state with no consumable lamp; IPL lamps are rated in shots and must be replaced.
Where IPL wins
Entry cost: £4,800 ex. VAT against £7,700 for a 1064nm-capable diode platform.
Menu breadth: hair reduction plus pigmentation, vascular and skin-rejuvenation modes from one console, which is how a low-volume salon room reaches viable utilisation.
Footprint: IPL desktops are compact and easy to share a multi-use room with.
How to decide
Count how many of your clients are Fitzpatrick V–VI. If it is a meaningful share, the decision is made — you need 1064nm. If your client base is mostly Fitzpatrick I–IV and you sell across a broad menu, IPL is a sound commercial choice rather than a compromise.