IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a broad-based light which is different from a laser in that it has multiple wavelengths instead of one single wavelength of light. This means it targets many different things. Usually IPL devices have filters which can narrow the band of wavelengths that are being used to make the device more specific. In general IPLs have wavelengths which target melanin, and these wavelengths are what target the melanin in the hair shaft and the hair follicle to injure and destroy the hair.