Laser Hair Removal Methods : Laser Hair Removal
A number of diverse machines and laser types are used by different spas and clinics to achieve laser hair removal. Each of these has its pros and cons, and it is worthwhile to find out about their benefits before committing to any particular method. Outlined below are the most common lasers, and you should also be able to speak with a specialist from your chosen clinic about more specific issues.
IPL: Intense Pulsed Light
Also known as ‘Ultimate Light,’ the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) machines are preferred by a majority of clinics and spas because of their relative cheapness, due primarily to the fact that the IPL method does not utilize genuine laser machines. This does not make them unsuitable for laser hair removal, and they provide gentle treatment for most skin and hair types (aside from unpigmented hair). Darker or tanned skin should generally be treated with an alternate method, and most IPL treatments will require a greater number of sessions than with real laser machines. It is a less accurate method than others, and can result in burns if not operated by a skilled professional.
Diode Laser
The second most widespread laser hair removal machine is the diode laser, a machine that is more effective on darker skin tones than any other method. Innumerable darker skinned people benefit from the diode laser due to its longer wavelength, which also offers better safety and deeper skin penetration. It is widely considered to be one of the most efficient all-round methods for laser hair removal on most types of skin. You may incur some pigmentation side effects such as reddening, burning, swelling or scarring, but these are mostly temporary. Talk to your clinic about any concerns.
Alexandrite Laser
Effectiveness of the Alexandrite treatment has been clearly demonstrated in a group of American clinical trials. The method has FDA approval and is the fastest available treatment for laser hair removal, especially on body parts with a large surface area. The Alexandrite laser can also eliminate thinner, finer hairs missed by other lasers. The comfort level is high. However, it is only recommended for use on white skin and can produce unwanted alterations in skin pigmentation. It is a short term solution.
Nd: YAG Laser
The YAG laser is one of the newer hair removal techniques, and thus less tested in the long term. However, it is designed to work on all skin types, particularly darker and tanned types. As with a number of methods, very light and white hair cannot be treated flawlessly. The YAG is reported to be a relatively painful treatment but the method makes claims for long lasting results (as shown in recent long term studies). Damage to the treated skin is usually minor.
Ruby Laser
Pioneering in the field of laser hair removal, the Ruby laser was the first system introduced. Gaining FDA approval in 1997, the machine is the most pain-free laser for hair removal and achieves long term results. It is unsuccessful on non-white skin and lighter hair. Burns are mostly guarded against by the Ruby’s cooling equipment. This method is not as effective as any of the methods discussed above, but it may be useful for patients particularly fearful of pain.