I am a trained therapist in Laser Hair removal.

As Kelly said, i would recommend Laser for hair removal over IPL. IPL works on many different wavelengths of light therefor making it harder to target the hair. Laser uses ine direct beam that basically is attracted to the pigment in your hair.

Laser will only be effective in killing the hair when its in an Anagen (growing) stage. There are three stages your hair goes through so that is why you need several sessions as not all hairs are in the right phase for permanent removal.

Also hair that is caused by an underlying hormonal imbalance such as on the face, may grow back as the hair growth is caused by hormones, where as "normal" areas such as underarms, bikini lines etc are more of a permanent form of reduction.

Sessions are usually every 4-6 weeks apart. Works best on dark hair/ fair skin as there is more contrast and easier for the laser to pick.

Emla cream is the topical anesthetic and works best if you leave it on for about 1.5 hours before laser treatment.

Hope that helps!
Any other questions, feel free to ask