Types of Laser Hair Removal

Getting rid of ugly or unwanted hair on our bodies might feel like an endless task, but laser hair removal lasts longer. But, not all types of laser technology used in hair removal are the same, and not all are appropriate for all skin types. 

In this blog, we'll check Different Laser Hair Removal Technologies, and why it matters that you pick the right one. There are many laser hair removal technologies available. Ruby, Alexandrite, IPL, Diode, and Nd: YAG are the five most prevalent hair removal laser systems types.

Whether you're seeking a bikini line that is always beach-ready, eradicating undesirable facial hair, or permanently flawless legs, several laser hair removal methods may be the ultimate solution.

Looking for velvety skin? Continue reading to learn all you need to know about Popular Types of Laser Hair Removal Methods.  

Understanding Intense Pulsated Light (IPL) Technology

Intense Pulsated Light is comparable to laser treatment in its operation. Multiple wavelengths of light will be directed to the skin by a medical practitioner. This light causes skin cells to heat up and break down. The injured tissue is then spontaneously removed by the body. IPL treatments a greater region of skin in less time than laser therapy. 

Advantages of IPL

• IPL is safe for the majority of people, but it doesn't work for everyone. IPL should be avoided by pregnant women and anyone taking blood thinners.

• Long-lasting: After a series of 6-8 sessions, IPL procedures can remove unwanted hair and limit body hair growth by up to 95%.

• Inexpensive: IPL treatments are relatively cheap, especially compared to other hair-removing methods.  

Disadvantages of IPL 

• Uneven outcomes: In some situations, people may have inconsistent hair reduction after IPL treatments. 

• Skin sensitivity: After each IPL treatment, the region treated may become painful for a few days.

Efficiency

Many factors influence IPL effectiveness. It is more effective on white or light brown skin than darker complexions. Another consideration is the type of equipment a healthcare practitioner uses throughout the process.

Everyone reacts individually to IPL, and the majority will require repeated rounds of treatment before seeing benefits.

Recovery Time

The treated region may appear red or pink immediately following the operation. This usually lasts between 4 and 8 hours.

A stinging feeling may also be felt between four and six hours after IPL. This sensation may be similar to a moderate sunburn. A damp cloth or ice pack can help relieve the stinging sensation.

Diode Laser Hair Removal System

Diode laser hair reduction is a powerful laser treatment. It efficiently reduces hair by damaging the hair follicle and resulting in long-term elimination of hair across a variety of areas of the body and skin types. The theory of selective photo thermolysis underpins Diode Laser hair removal.

To achieve the best results, dermatologists match the particular frequencies of light and duration of the laser pulses to the targeted tissue.

• The pigment melanin in the hair strands absorbs the laser's intense heat.

• This harms the hair follicle, preventing future hair development.

• Advantages and disadvantages: Laser Diode Hair Removal

Advantages of Diode

• Permanent hair removal: While laser cannot guarantee permanent hair elimination, it can provide permanent hair reduction to the point that you can stop shaving.

• Fewer ingrown hairs: The diode laser reduces the likelihood of persistent hair ingrowth by stimulating hair to become straight.

• Enhances quick healing: Laser increases collagen formation, which aids in the restoration of skin structure after dead cells have broken off.

Disadvantages of Diode

• Expensive: Diode laser treatment is not for everyone, but it certainly gives you a return on investment when you can pay for it.

• Safety: The diode laser comes with a tight safety margin. It can cause sunburn spots on the skin by destroying the skin's melanocytes (pigment cells). 

When Can I Expect to Get Results?

While the hair could come back identically after the initial session, you will notice a significant decline in the growth of your undesired hair follicles after three months and even additional variations afterward. It is critical to complete the entire set of treatment sessions to get the most significant degree of long-lasting hair removal.

Alexandrite Lasers: Speed and Efficiency

The Alexandrite laser makes use of the mineral alexandrite. It consists of chrysoberyl as well as chromium. It enables the highest melanin chromophore absorption. This is the most excellent solution for the most diverse variety of hair kinds and colors, skinny and light hair.

An Alexandrite wavelength laser provides precise destruction while protecting the surrounding tissue. It has a much broader coverage area and a higher repeat rate. As a result, Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal is an effective method of hair removal.

Advantages of Alexandrite

• The Alexandrite wavelength laser was created to cover bigger surface areas.

• It has a high penetration rate, which means fewer therapies are required.

• The high repetition rate of pulses for speedier treatment.

• The high repetition rate of pulses for speedier treatment.

• When it involves treating weaker hair, it is more effective.

Disadvantages of Alexandrite

• Because of the high penetration rate, the therapy might be somewhat unpleasant.

• Patients with dark-toned and tanned skin should avoid the laser since it may destroy the pigment and cause blisters.

Nd and LP Nd: YAG Lasers for Darker Skin Tones

It is the most technologically advanced hair removal laser technology available. It operates double-speed at wavelengths of 1064 nm, producing green light at 532 nm. It employs a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet crystal. It generates two wavelengths. 

The shorter wavelength helps treat finer hair, while the higher frequency can reach deeper follicles containing more terminal hair. It is regarded as the most secure solution for usage on dark skin tones.

Advantages of ND: YAG

• ND: YAG is quite good at removing thick, dense hair.

• It shields the darkly pigmented epidermis.

• All kinds of skin are treated.

The disadvantages of ND: YAG

• When treating patients with darker skin, extreme caution is required.

• Even if patients tolerate the treatment well, a higher frequency may render it unpleasant.

• Ruby

The Classic Choice: Ruby Laser Hair Removal

The Ruby laser became the first technology of hair removal to be created. This laser has a wavelength of 694 nm. The laser destroys the hair follicles while protecting the skin's surrounding cells and systems. Compared to other hair removal laser systems, the integrated cooling mechanism continually soothes the skin and is the least unpleasant.

Advantages of The Ruby Laser System 

• Has an abundance of clinical studies to back up its success in long-term hair reduction. 

• One of the most pleasant for hair removal systems due to its modest repetition rate.

• Smaller areas for treatment are good since slow repetition results in longer treatment times. 

Disadvantage Ruby Laser System's 

• People consider it outdated technology and prefer more modern laser systems. 

• It is unable to cure darker skin tones.

• Additionally, the Ruby laser is ineffective on lighter or grey hair.

Understanding Fitzpatrick Skin Types in Laser Hair Removal 

The critical distinctions between laser hair removal procedures are the kind of skin color, thickness and color of hair strands each method best suits. Learning the Fitzpatrick skin type index is essential for successful laser hair removal. The Fitzpatrick scale, from I to VI, assesses skin darkness. 

• Fitzpatrick skin type I has the lightest skin and never tans. Individuals with this skin tone typically have blonde and red hair.

• Fitzpatrick skin type II people have fair complexion and light brown/blonde hair.

• Fitzpatrick skin type III is a typical skin type featuring a medium tone that tans when exposed to UV light. Individuals with this kind of complexion frequently have darker hair.

• Fitzpatrick's skin type IV has dark brown hair and brown skin, which rarely burns.

• Fitzpatrick skin type V maintains dark brown skin that rarely burns, as well as black hair most of the time.

• Fitzpatrick skin type VI is the darkest, with black hair that never burns.

Conclusion: Picking The Right Laser Type For You

Choosing the Best Type of Laser for Hair Removal for your skin type is critical to having smooth, hair-free skin. Know your skin type, and hair color, analyze the pros and cons of professional laser treatments before making an informed decision. Remember to consult a dermatologist, and ask how many sessions you need, and the total cost of your treatment.

Whether you choose Professional Laser Hair Removal or go for alternative treatments like Electrolysis, the secret to success is persistence and patience. Going with the right type of laser hair removal can be a game changer, offering a sense of pride and freedom from the never-ending battle with unwelcome hair growth. 

FAQs

1. Does laser remove 100% hair?

Laser hair removal is a long-term hair removal method that damages or kills the hair follicle. It is only sometimes permanent.

Nevertheless, the hair may return if the follicle is injured but not eliminated throughout the laser hair removal operation.

2. Which laser hair removal technology is best for facial hair?

Individuals with fair skin and dark hair can benefit from an IPL hair removal device, Alexandrite laser, or diode laser. Individuals with darker skin and hair can benefit from a Nd: YAG and Diode laser.

A diode laser can be used on those with lighter hair.

3. How to decide the best laser technology for me?

The best type of laser hair removal can vary depending on the hair and skin type. Assess the region of the body that you would like to treat. Some lasers work better in smaller or more significant areas.  

Hair removal with lasers can be expensive, and the amount of sessions needed depends on factors such as the amount of hair and its growth cycle. Laser hair removal might be moderately unpleasant, resembling an elastic band breaking on the skin. Specific lasers have cooling devices to alleviate discomfort.

4. Which Laser Hair Removal is best for dark skin?

In darker complexions, 4 ND: YAG wavelengths are particularly effective for hair removal. This is because they have longer wavelengths than other lasers, enabling them to be adjusted to accommodate different skin tones.

5. Which Laser technology is the least painful for hair removal?

The Alexandrite technique has become one of the more popular laser hair removal methods, which is best suited for people with fair skin. It is less painful than other kinds of lasers. However, this is due to the lower wavelength of the laser, which means it does not penetrate as thoroughly.