Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light compared to diode Laser for hair removal: a randomized controlled trial

June 2026 in “ Lasers in Medical Science ”

Renata Taylor de Brito Barros, Olívia Harumi Araújo Sato Stella, Thais Rodrigues Galache, Luciana Camargo Khachikian, Richard Eloin Liebano, Christiane Pavani

intense pulsed light diode laser hair removal Fitzpatrick skin types perifollicular edema carbonization erythema IPL DL

TLDR Diode laser is more effective but more painful than intense pulsed light for hair removal.

This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) and diode laser (DL) for axillary hair removal in 48 women with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. Both treatments significantly reduced hair counts and shaft thickness over time. At the 4-week post-treatment assessment, no significant difference was found between the two modalities, but at the 30-week follow-up, DL showed more favorable outcomes with lower hair counts and thinner shafts. DL was associated with higher pain scores and more frequent perifollicular edema and carbonization, while IPL more commonly caused erythema. Satisfaction was higher with DL, although both methods were deemed safe and effective.

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