Hair removal is no myth. Thing is not all equipment is created equal. Some are more effective than others, some are more comfortable than others. You kind of get what you pay for.

Let me clarify something though. Some places will charge a set price for a body part, no matter how many or how few sessions it takes. Let's say this place will do your full legs for $2000 and if you pay it all at once they give a discount of 20%. Now some places will charge for each session you do, let's say they may charge $300 each leg session. Well if you take 5 sessions to get rid of hair, you are better off going to a place that charges per session. If you take 6 sessions than you are now paying more than if you choose a place that charged a flat rate per body part (and paid all at once). If the IPL place charges per body part and that price is cheaper than a laser place that charges per body part, then it might be better to go with IPL. If the IPL place is charging by the session and it isn't as effective as a laser, then you may need more sessions and it may end up being more expensive than a laser place. So you see how the effectiveness and the pricing policy may dictate which is better for you?

As far as questions to ask, I would see what kind of guarantee they offer. Everything else is pretty standard. People who respond the best have dark hair and medium to dark skin. You have to space the sessions about 6-10 weeks apart because not all hair is actively growing and it has to be active for the process to work, there is some slight redness and swelling around the hair follicles for a couple of days after, you need sunscreen and to stay out of the sun for a few days after, you don't want to tan before treament, some drugs make your skin photo sensitive. Ask them about their money back policy if you don't respond to treatment.

I don't know where you live but where I live there has to be at least 150 places that do hair removal so the pricing is very competitive and there is a large selection of "methods." Try to do some "shopping."