IPL vs soprano laser what's better for thick hair removal?

Hi Starfish.  We would not recommend IPL for your skin type.  For the first several treatments, you may have beneficial results on the coarse hair.  But as the coarse hair is removed and you move to more medium or fine hair, you will need a laser such as a Yag or Diode.  In addition, and regardless of what the practitioners say, for your skin type the highest risk of side effects is highest with IPL, then Alexandrite, then Diode and then long pulsed Yag.  Because we have an IPL, Diode and long pulsed Yag in our practice, we have the benefit of choosing the one that works best for each skin type (We are in Los Angeles and treat all skin types). The wavelength that we find most effective and consistent for our East Indian patients is the Diode.  It produces the best results with the lowest risk.  In addition, the most widely purchased laser hair removal device in the world (the Lumenis Lightsheer) is a Diode laser.  Good luck and do yourself a favor.  Stick with laser technology instead of an IPL.  IPL may be fast and cheap, but it doesn't work as well and increases your risk of side effects.  Finally, the Soprano is a Diode laser, but when used in the "high speed" mode it will be much less effective than in the traditional mode.

Diode, alexandrite and yag lasers work best for hair removal. It will take a series of treatments. I typically have patients do every 4 weeks for the first 3 times and then every 4-6 weeks for 3 times after. See an expert in laser hair removal for best results. Best, Dr. Emer

Based on your skin type, you should seek out a laser vs. IPL to help avoid complications.  Almost all newer lasers are safe for all skin types and have features built in (such as sapphire cooling tips) to make them more comfortable.  Some of the newer technology is also more efficient, allowing for lower energy settings to be used with better results and less discomfort.  With modern equipment, your treatment should only be mildly uncomfortable, but not painful.  We never use numbing cream for LHR.  We want our patients to be able to tell us if they feel pain or an unusual level of discomfort.We recommend finding an experienced and reputable provider in your area with updated equipment.  A consistent overlapping technique is the key to avoiding patchiness in LHR.   Calibration and power of the laser is important for a safe, comfortable and effective treatment.  Find out what laser they will use and if it is under a maintenance contract.  If their laser isn’t calibrated on a regular basis or is underpowered, your treatment may be painful or inefficient. After a series of 6-8 initial treatments, you may need a touch up every 3-5 years.Best of luck.