Overview of laser hair removal devices
Laser hair removal is currently the number one procedure in the fight against unwanted hair. It is performed using a special device that destroys hair follicles and provides perfectly smooth skin. To achieve the maximum effect of the procedure, it is important to choose the right device, taking into account the stiffness and density of the hair, skin type, and individual characteristics of the body. Therefore, this article will help you make the right choice when selecting the optimal type of laser for hair removal.
What is laser hair removal and how does it work?
Laser hair removal is a procedure aimed at removing unwanted hair using light energy generated by a laser. It is used not only to remove hair, but also to eliminate side effects that occur after other methods of depilation, such as ingrown hair, black stumps, folliculitis, and irritation.
The mechanism of laser radiation's effect on the hair follicle is as follows: the device generates light energy, which, when it hits the skin surface, is converted into heat and absorbed by melanin contained in the hair follicle. As a result, the hair heats up, breaks down, and falls out by the root within two weeks after the procedure. Up to 40% of hair can be removed in one procedure, as the laser directly affects the hair that is in the active growth phase at the time of the procedure.
The main advantages of laser hair removal are:
- high efficiency;
- long-lasting effect;
- versatility, as hair removal is suitable for both men and women of all ages;
- painlessness and safety;
- no side effects.
Alexandrite laser
This method is considered the safest and most effective, as it removes hair almost instantly and painlessly. The light wavelength reaches 755 nm. The pulse duration is 2.5, 10, and 20 ms. After hair removal with the alexandrite laser, the amount of hair decreased by 66% by the end of the first month after the procedure, by 27% in 3 months, and by 4% in 6 months. Hair does not grow back for a long time after the procedure, the laser is suitable for dark skin and removes even light and red hair. Compared to the ruby laser, it works much faster.
Diode laser
Due to the wide range of light wavelengths - 792-1030 nm - it is used not only in cosmetology, but also in the treatment of various vascular pathologies, acne, and skin rejuvenation. The laser is considered the “gold standard” of laser cosmetology because it combines high efficiency and safety for the body. The main advantages of the device are:
- it is suitable for removing dark and light hair;
- can be used on any phototype due to the built-in cooling system;
- diode laser hair removal is comfortable and painless;
- no age or seasonal restrictions.
Neodymium laser: yttrium-aluminum garnet
This device is used in dermatocosmetology and is actively used for laser hair removal. The light wavelength reaches 1064 nm. This laser is considered the safest and therefore suitable for all skin phototypes.
It is absorbed primarily by the red blood pigment hemoglobin, which causes the capillaries that feed the hair to “stick together”. Since the light beam is poorly absorbed by melanin, hair removal can be performed even on tanned skin.
Ruby laser
The ruby laser generates radiation with a wavelength of 694 nm. It is a long-pulse laser that generates light pulses with a duration of about 3 ms. The light pulses are absorbed only by melanin, so the ruby laser is not suitable for use on tanned skin or light and red hair. The laser is most effective when treating skin types 1 and 2, while on tanned skin, hair is practically not removed.
Comparative characteristics of different types of hair removal lasers
|
Ruby laser |
Diode laser |
Neodymium laser |
Alexandrite laser |
Removes hair permanently |
|
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
Can be used on dark skin |
|
|
✔️ |
✔️ |
Removes tough hair |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
Absence of ingrown hair |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
Removes light, red and gray hair |
|
|
✔️ |
✔️ |
Efficiency |
⭐️ |
⭐️ |
⭐️⭐️ |
⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
The speed of the procedure |
⭐️ |
⭐️ |
⭐️⭐️ |
⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Painlessly |
⭐️⭐️ |
⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
⭐️⭐️ |
⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Price |
⭐️ |
⭐️⭐️ |
⭐️ |
⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Security |
⭐️ |
⭐️⭐️ |
⭐️⭐️ |
⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
How to choose the best laser type for my skin and hair type
To choose the most suitable laser, it is better to make an appointment with a specialist or a certified doctor. He or she will get acquainted with the patient's body characteristics, determine his or her skin phototype and hair structure, and only then will he or she select the optimal laser power and the most suitable operating parameters.
In order for laser hair removal to have no side effects and give the best results, it is important to simply know all the information about a particular type of laser. Therefore, if you still have any questions after reading this article, you can get additional information during a consultation with a specialist at the Center for Laser Cosmetology.
No reviews or questions yet