The Many Varieties Of Lasers Used For Permanent Hair Removal And How Each One Operates
Laser hair removal is quickly becoming one of the most popular and mainstream treatments for hair removal because it is one of the quickest, most painless, and most permanent methods available. Suppose you have heard a lot about this form of hair treatment and are considering becoming involved with it. In that case, it is helpful to know about different types of lasers for hair removal, the possibilities, and know which one works best for each skin type. Let’s talk about some of the information and specifics you need to be aware of before purchasing that laser hair removal device.
The following categories of laser hair removal systems are among the most common:
- IPL Laser Hair Removal
- Diode Laser Hair Removal
- Yag Laser Hair Removal
- Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal
Intense Pulse Light Therapy, Abbreviated As IPL
This is one of the most widespread approaches to getting rid of unwanted hair. The device is not a laser in the traditional sense, but it does create light harmful to the hair follicles. It does this by targeting the hair roots with a broad spectrum of light, which inhibits the formation of new hair.
Even within the realm of IPL, there are distinct varieties. The IPL utilized in the E-light is similar to the IPL used in regular treatments for hair removal and skin rejuvenation; however, the E-light is very effective in removing pigmentation. Another type, known as the SHR super hair removal, is a cutting-edge technique that combines IPL and a diode laser, maximizing the efficacy of both hair removal methods. Because it generates a high amount of energy at a relatively low temperature, this hair removal is more effective and less uncomfortable.
IPL uses a spectrum of light rather than a single frequency of light like lasers do, which results in the light being less focused and having a lower intensity. This indicates that IPL does not penetrate deeply enough into the skin, so it cannot remove tattoos entirely. The tattoo pigment can absorb light, but doing so frequently results in burns and a distorted appearance of the tattoo.
Because of this patient’s low energy level, they must undergo more treatment courses. The use of IPL will require treatment once every four to six weeks for a maximum of eight to ten sessions. It is also crucial to remember that the effects are not as durable and may require more frequent or annual treatment. Even though it is typically more effective for skin rejuvenation, in the hands of a licensed and qualified laser practitioner, it can be just as effective for hair removal, particularly in removing darker hair, because it targets melanin cells. This is especially true for the removal of lighter hair. It is possible that it is not as successful as the other choices. Still, it is one of the more affordable alternatives if you work with a limited budget.
Clients should shave the treated areas before receiving treatment, and they should avoid using cosmetics, deodorants, perfumes, or anything else that could irritate or prevent proper penetration of the cream. Tans should not be applied at least one month before sessions for hair removal, and all types of waxing should be discontinued at least two weeks or more before going in for treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and anybody taking drugs that can cause photosensitivity are ineligible for this treatment.
An average session can last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the area of the body being treated. There is typically some discomfort, a minor burning sensation. On occasion, the skin may become red or pink or swollen for a while; however, these side effects are not typically caused for alarm. According to medical professionals, after treatment, it is imperative to maintain adequate protection from direct sunlight and use sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 rating on any exposed portions of the body.
Diode Laser Hair Removal
This particular laser treatment generates light with a consistent frequency and wavelengths that are sufficiently extended to reach deeper layers of the skin. It works the same way as other laser treatments, killing the hair follicles while targeting melanin and pigment. Compared to other hair removal methods, this one typically involves a shorter treatment course and fewer sessions required due to its ability to penetrate the hair follicles deeply.
Depending on the type of hair, the color of the skin, and gender, a semi-permanent treatment may only require six or eight sessions, spaced out every four to six weeks, rather than the usual maximum of ten sessions. While it can treat people with light hair and pale skin, it is most effective for those with coarser hair and a skin tone that is medium to dark or brown. Therefore, patients whose Fitzpatrick scores fall anywhere between II and III are the ones who will gain the most from this therapy approach.
The length of time each treatment session takes will often be less than an hour but will primarily be determined by the skin region being treated. Diode lasers are notorious for causing significant pain and discomfort and redness, and, in rare cases, burns; nevertheless, there are no long-term adverse consequences associated with their use. Because of this, the operation should only be performed by an expert, such as a dermatologist, or a competent practitioner, such as a licensed esthetician, because the equipment calls for specialized training and a knowledgeable person to operate it.
It is essential to remember that the diode laser penetrates the skin deeply; as a result, it can reach the levels in the skin where the tattoo pigments are deposited and distort them. As a result, this technique can result in a lighter tattoo after treatment if the technician does not work around the tattoo.
The only restrictions on who can receive this treatment are that the patient must not be pregnant or have just given birth. They must not suffer from any conditions exacerbated or made more sensitive by exposure to light.
Shaving and avoiding materials that could impede the skin and reduce penetration, such as makeup, lotions, and other similar items, is necessary to prepare for most laser hair removal treatments right before appointments. Shaving is one of the preparations that is required. Tanning beds and waxing should be avoided two to four weeks before the event. Because the procedure makes the skin more photosensitive, sun protection and using an SPF is exceptionally crucial. In addition, annual touch-ups might be necessary to attain permanently smooth and hairless skin throughout a lifetime.
YAG Laser Hair Removal
The light emitted by the Neodymium YAG laser treatment has a high energy output and emits light with a long-pulsed wavelength of 1064 nm. It works its way below the skin’s surface, where it is then absorbed by the tissue beneath. One session of this therapy can sometimes run for as long as two hours, as it involves using a powerful laser and a very strenuous procedure. It is one of the hair removal treatments that is considered to be among the most painful. The treatment requires eight to twelve sessions, which should be performed at four to six weeks for optimal effects. They have the longest wavelength, which allows them to penetrate the deepest, ultimately reaching the very base of the hair and causing irreparable damage to the hair follicle. This one yields the most long-lasting and stable results compared to other laser treatments.
According to the opinions of several industry professionals, the long-pulsed Nd YAG laser treatment is most effective for patients whose Fitzpatrick scores fall in the range of IV, V, and VI. People with darker skin and coarser, thicker hair will benefit the most from this method since they are the ideal candidates for its application. This treatment option is not recommended for use in the treatment group consisting of patients with lighter skin or hair since it will not work.
In the case of this approach, patients can notice a significant change and slower hair growth as early as three sessions, and the results can continue to be noticeable for up to a year after treatment has been finished.
The location of the hair follicles is the primary factor determining the effectiveness of treatment with a YAG laser. In general, the hair follicles with thinner skin and areas less likely to be exposed to the sun, such as the underarms, have better results than the skin on the chin. This particular light wavelength effectively targets darker hair follicles and has a greater capacity for penetrating thin layers of skin.
Tattoo removal can also be accomplished with YAG laser treatment. It is recommended to use it with red and black ink, and you will need to participate in several sessions. It is important to note that if you have a tattoo you want to remove and want to do a laser hair removal procedure in the same area, the tattoo removal would have to go first before the hair removal could occur. You should keep this in mind if you consider either option. Because the tattoo pigment can absorb the energy emitted by the light, it can prevent the light from reaching the base of the hair follicles. If you tried to do both simultaneously, you would damage your skin.
One of the most common side effects of treatment, which can last anywhere from a few minutes to two hours every session, is pain. Redness may persist for some time, and scarring may develop, but these side effects are uncommon. The ideal candidate would have coarse hair, dark brown or black complexion, not be pregnant or breastfeeding, and have neither of those characteristics.
In general, the best way to be ready for each session is to limit the amount of time spent in the sun as much as possible, abstain from getting tanned or waxed in the weeks leading up to the appointment, and then show up for the treatment clean-shaven and unclothed. After receiving therapy, it is essential to have adequate cooling and sun protection to reduce photosensitivity and other unwanted consequences.
Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal
Removing unwanted hair is undoubtedly among the most widespread and widespread hair treatments. The Fitzpatrick scale is the gold standard for hair removal for lighter skin types with softer hair, ranging from I to III. It is also the treatment used for removing hair from large regions of the body, including the underarms, the bikini line, the face, the neck, the chest, the legs, and the back, and it may be used in any position.
It is a type of laser known as a red light laser. The alexandrite crystal either emits light or allows light to pass through it, producing a beam of a light wavelength of 755 nm. This light beam can be set on Q-switching mode with short pulses of high-energy light, and this light is then converted to heat, effectively removing hair.
Most other lasers have longer wavelengths, which allow them to penetrate deeper and cause more pain than the alexandrite laser, which has a shorter wavelength.
The shorter wavelength will require even more sessions to achieve permanent hair removal, and this is because the hair is darker. Depending on the area being treated, the coarseness of the hair, the gender of the patient, and any additional underlying issues, the whole treatment will require more than six sessions. Because treated areas may maintain their smooth appearance for up to six weeks, laser experts typically advise patients to wait between three and eight weeks between laser treatments for the best possible outcomes.
A client should follow the typical laser pre-treatment preparation before heading in for an appointment. This includes refraining from tanning and waxing for at least one month before treatment, shaving, and going au natural on the day of treatment.
Aches, redness, swelling, and itching are typical adverse reactions, but they do not typically remain for an extended period. A cooling agent applied to the skin’s surface during the treatment can help with the discomfort, and an ice pack can aid with the swelling. Scrubbing the affected region or using skin cleansers that are too abrasive should be avoided in the first few days after the treatment since doing either of these things can impede the progress made with the treatment. If hair removal therapy is performed on exposed areas, a bandage or a skin patch may help prevent abrasion of that area. Additionally, sun protection should be utilized to limit the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Using an alexandrite laser is another method that is considered the gold standard for tattoo removal. It works exceptionally well with the pigments used in black, blue, and green tattoos. Because areas with tattoos will be affected, laser hair removal with this particular type will have to be postponed later.
Laser Hair Removal Alternatives
Laser treatment has become the industry standard, and on a large scale, it is more effective than most other hair removal methods. No one truly desires to go through the uncomfortable and time-consuming process of waxing and sugaring their body hair, and everyone here favors the method that doesn’t hurt and lasts a long time. But before we get into that, let’s examine the differences and similarities between other techniques for removing hair, such as waxing, dermaplaning, and electrolysis.
Comparing Waxing And Laser Hair Removal
The most prevalent method for removing unwanted hair is still waxing. Waxing typically requires maintenance sessions once per week or monthly, in contrast to the semi-permanent or permanent results achieved with laser treatments once the whole treatment course has been completed. It does not produce stable or long-term effects, and the costs can become rather large throughout a lifetime. Therefore, even though it may be a more affordable alternative, it is not cost-effective. Waxing is another method of removing unwanted hair, but its agony cannot be compared to the discomfort caused by laser hair removal. Waxing is much more painful than laser hair removal. This procedure works best on parts of the body that cannot be treated with lasers, like the genital area, and places on the body that have tattoos, such as when removing tattoos.
Laser Hair Removal Vs. Dermaplane
Shaving with a dermaplane involves using a unique form of razor and a specific method. Dermaplaning is a variant of traditional shaving. A lengthy instrument that resembles a scalpel and has a single blade that is exceptionally sharp is used to scrape the skin of the face gently to remove the fine hairs on the front and dead skin cells. It can be thought of as shaving and exfoliating the skin in its most basic form. One potential drawback is that there is a chance of sustaining cuts and nicks. In addition, it can only be used on the face and on hair that is very fine and very short, whereas laser hair removal may be performed on most parts of the body and is effective even on hair that is longer and more coarse. Regarding expense, derma planning is considerably less expensive for each session; nevertheless, regular consultations and treatment are required to keep the procedure’s results. Because of the need for specialization, this process SHOULD NOT be undertaken in the comfort of one’s home.
Comparing Electrolysis And Laser Hair Removal
Electrolysis is another alternate hair removal treatment option; dermatologists are the best medical professionals to do this procedure. Radiofrequency energy is transmitted to the hair follicles through an excellent needle, which destroys the follicles. It is a process that requires only a small amount of discomfort but can potentially remove hair permanently. Electrolysis is a far more painful method of hair removal than laser hair removal, and the process may require the use of a minor anesthetic to be carried out. Laser hair removal is more accommodating than electrolysis, so it’s a better option for more people, even if the cost of both options is comparable or close. Electrolysis, on the other hand, has more limitations in this regard. It must be administered over an extended period and in more sessions, but it has fewer potential adverse effects and hazards. In contrast to laser treatment, electrolysis has the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) backing in the United States as a permanent remedy. Even while the results cannot be obtained in a single session, after the treatment is finished, there is no longer any need for maintenance because the hair follicles have been destroyed, and there is no longer any hair growth.
The following are some more comments on various areas of laser hair removal that deserve more significant consideration, which will help further break down the topic.
Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin
Lasers accomplish their purpose by homing in on the pigment found in hair; the contrast created by the darker hair against the paler skin enables the laser to strike its target and destroy the hair follicle more effectively. Because of this, laser therapy on darker skin can be somewhat challenging. To prevent dark or light spots, burns, and scarring, laser hair removal devices used on people with dark skin must be able to circumvent the pigmentation of the skin successfully. Lasers, particularly Nd YAG and diode lasers, are most effective for treating darker skin.
Hair Removal With Laser Technology For Blondes.
To reiterate, the operation of the lasers does not lend itself particularly well to light hair. The pigment in dark hair but not light blonde hair attracts the heat source emitted by the laser, and light blonde hair does not contain pigment. Because blonde hair lacks the pigment necessary to attract the heat generated by the laser, eliminating lighter hair can be more difficult. The laser devices used for successful hair removal in blondes are specifically developed to produce an illusion of different pigments on persons with light hair. This aids in the simplicity of hair removal in these people and makes it possible for successful hair removal in blondes. With the assistance of this illusion, high-intensity laser beams may now focus their energy and strike the hair follicles deep within the scalp. The Alexandrite laser is still considered the most effective method for removing hair from those with pale skin and light hair.
Laser Hair Removal For Grey Hair
Keep in mind that the pigment in the hair causes laser therapy to be effective. This pigment acts as an attractant for the heat produced by the light, which in turn causes damage to the hair follicle and prevents hair growth. Because grey hair lacks color, it is immune to the laser’s heat and light-damaging effects. The light from the laser cannot target any pigment because there is none. In other words, laser hair removal cannot be performed on grey or white hair. Electrolysis, which does not depend on the hair’s pigment since the electric current from the needles can directly destroy the hair follicles and permanently remove hair, is the method of hair removal that would be the best choice for persons who have white or grey hair.
Laser Hair Removal For Patients With PCOS
The medical disorder known as the polycystic ovarian syndrome is characterized by numerous cysts in a woman’s ovary and increased androgens produced by the body (male hormones). This hormonal imbalance can show up on the skin as persistent acne or excessive hair growth, both unsightly. Permanent hair removal with laser treatment is likely to be of great benefit to these individuals due to the rise in the amount of body hair they have. The therapy can help regulate hair growth and eventually halt it altogether, but the patient may need to undergo more treatment sessions and possibly shorter time intervals between treatments. Electrolysis is the only form of hair removal procedure regarded as a permanent way of removing hair. The whole treatment is also an option for removing hair permanently since women with PCOS suffer from excessive body hair and requires numerous sessions spaced out over an extended period to catch the hair development in different phases.
The Expense Involved With Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal treatment is not covered by medical insurance because it is not considered medically necessary for the health of the individual undergoing the treatment.
In the United States, the cost of hair removal per session might vary from state to state; nonetheless, the following is a general cost breakdown according to the treatment areas:
- Face and neck $300 to $600
- Back $300 to $700
- Bikini Area $250 to $500
- Legs $300 to $600
- Underarms $150 – $300
- Chin $100 to $300
- Upper Lip $100 to $300
- Buttocks $250 to $400
- Ears $100 to $200
- Head up to $1000
- Full body $2500 to $3000
These fees aren’t set in stone and are mainly determined by the practitioner.
Laser Hair Removal Quotes
”Life is short. Get laser hair removal”
“Fact: body hair won’t keep you warm… book a laser appointment now”
“Live. Laugh. Laser.”
Laser Hair Removal Hashtags For Instagram
#laserhair #laserhairremoval #laserhairremovaltreatment #hairremoval #laser #skincare #beauty #hairfree #laserclinic #laserhairreduction #smoothskin #lasertreatment #hairremovallaser #skin #laserhairdeals #medicalspa #spa #ipllaser #selfcare #diodelaser #nomoreshaving #permanenthairremoval #aesthetics #hairremovaltreatment #cosmetics #nomorewaxing
Conclusion
The kind of laser equipment used in your spa can impact its service level and the rate at which it expands its customer base. When selecting a device, it is essential to determine your audience and understand which device will serve their needs most effectively. The following are some of the factors that should be taken into consideration before making this choice:
Because you need to provide services that appeal to the people living in the area around your spa, the location of your spa is an essential factor that plays a role in determining your choice. The population’s racial composition and skin tone are important factors to consider. As was said previously, different technologies perform better on people with certain skin tones and vice versa. Suppose you live in a region where most of the population has light skin. In that case, it is in your best interest to use an Alexandrite laser rather than a YAG laser, which performs more effectively on darker skin tones so that you may better meet the needs of your customers. The price and the upkeep are factors that must be considered when determining the accessibility of your services. Pick up products that are simple to fix in your immediate area. Ease of use – as a technician, you are the most knowledgeable about your field of competence. Find out as much as possible about the tool you want to employ in your spa and become an expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any lasers that are best for removing hair?
Various lasers target hair follicles and accommodate different skin tones and body areas. A diode laser and an Nd: YAG laser is the most effective. These lasers target the pigment of hair follicles, destroying them down to the bulb.
What is better, diode laser or IPL?
According to clinical studies, diode laser hair removal is more effective and lasts longer than LPL. Beware of claims that IPL laser hair removal is faster or more effective than diode laser hair removal.
What is the newest technology for laser hair removal?
Did you know that diode laser hair removal technology is now old? This technology has been around for a long time and has been very effective, with visible results in just a few treatments. Fiber-coupled diode lasers are the latest hair removal technology.
At what age is laser hair removal most effective?
This treatment is effective at any age, and you can permanently reduce your hair, whether you are 19 or 89. You should seek treatment whenever you realize that you have unwanted hair that you would be happier without.
