Types of Laser Hair Removal Devices for the Best Results at Stadia (2024)

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  • February 7, 2024

Laser hair removal is a straightforward and relatively common treatment at a med spa treatment – but the machine used can make all the difference for your comfort, safety, and overall experience.

Stadia Med Spa highly recommends researching a med spa before you make an appointment. Many procedures – even simple ones like laser hair removal – are dangerous when not done professionally. One aspect you should always consider is the equipment.

Not only do you want the most up-to-date machines, but you should also consider each type of laser hair removal machine’s effectiveness, safety, and uses. All the machines we examine in this article have a specific purpose and suggested use.

Research is a crucial part of choosing a med spa, and Stadia Med Spa wants to make that process as easy as possible! This article is your guide to different types of laser hair removal machines. As you read, carefully consider your goals to determine if the laser hair removal treatment will help you meet them!

How Do Laser Hair Removal Machines Work?

All laser hair removal machines use a similar technology with slight variations. They all use light to target melanin (pigment) in your hair. The light penetrates the hair follicle and transforms into heat, which damages the follicle and causes the hair to fall out from the root.

The different types of laser hair removal machines we examine in this article include diode, alexandrite, Nd:yag, ruby lasers, and intense pulsed light (IPL). The first four are traditional laser hair removal treatments that employ varying wavelengths of light to target the hair inside the follicle.

The intense pulsed light treatment does not use a laser but applies broad spectrum light to target hair follicles for a similar result. IPL is a multi-purpose treatment that also improves the texture and smoothness of your skin, among other benefits.

Types of Laser Hair Removal Devices for the Best Results at Stadia (8)

Types of Laser Hair Removal Machines

In this section, we will explore the best use for each of the four lasers and IPL treatments. Stadia Med Spa only uses FDA-approved lasers and treatments for hair removal.

1. Diode Laser

The diode laser is known for having a long wavelength (810 nm). The longer wavelength helps it to penetrate deeper into the hair follicles. Diode lasers are suitable for a variety of skin types and hair colors, although they require a greater contrast between the skin and hair color for the best results.

A cooling gel is applied after treatment to aid with recovery and minimize any adverse effects like irritation, redness, or swelling. Overall, results from laser hair removal with a diode laser are good but many patients report greater discomfort and pain during treatment with the diode laser compared to alexandrite and nd:yag lasers. Stadia Med Spa does not offer services with the diode laser for this reason.

2. Alexandrite Laser

The Alexandrite laser is considered the gold standard for laser hair removal. It has a short wavelength (755 nm), which makes it better for fine hair and larger body areas like the legs, arms, stomach, and back.

This laser is known for speed and efficiency – treatments are relatively short and result in minimum discomfort. The Alexandrite laser contains a cooling spray that soothes the skin as it’s treated. Unlike the cooling gel used in diode lasers, the cooling agent cryogen is sprayed on the treatment area before the laser targets your skin to help the skin tolerate the heat and prevent adverse reactions like swelling, redness, and irritation.

3. Nd: YAG Laser

Diode and Alexandrite lasers target hair by detecting the difference between skin tone and hair color. So, the greater the contrast between your hair and skin, the better your results.

Unlike the first two lasers, the ND: Yag laser has the longest wavelength (1064 nm) of all those on this list, allowing it to penetrate deep into the hair follicle. The deep penetration makes the ND: Yag suitable for dark skin tones and coarse hair. The light is not absorbed by the skin around the hair follicle, which minimizes the risk of damage to the surrounding skin.

4. Ruby Laser

Ruby lasers have a short wavelength (695), which makes them more suitable for fine and light-colored hair. Individuals with fair or sensitive skin could benefit from using the Ruby laser designed for this specific type of hair.

5. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL uses broad-spectrum light rather than a laser to remove unwanted hair. It works just as well as laser treatments to target hair follicles and is acceptable for all hair types and skin tones.

Treatments with IPL are fast and efficient, ideal for large or small treatment areas. Discomfort is typically minimal as the IPL contains a cooling spray mechanism that is applied to the skin before the pulses of light (similar to the Alexandrite laser). This cooling agent soothes your skin and helps prevent adverse reactions like swelling and redness.

In addition to hair removal, IPL can reduce the appearance of sunspots and age spots. IPL’s versatile light spectrum can also address vascular issues like spider veins and redness, making it a popular choice for overall skin rejuvenation. Its ability to target multiple skin concerns in a non-invasive manner has established IPL as a go-to solution for achieving smoother, more even-toned skin.

Which Type of Laser Hair Removal Does Stadia Med Spa Recommend

Overall, laser hair removal machines rely on the contrast between the skin and hair color for effective hair removal. Choosing the right laser for your skin tone and hair type is essential if you want to get better results. While individuals with darker skin should always look for the Nd: Yag, those with finer or lighter hair might consider the Alexandrite or Ruby lasers instead.

If you are looking for a more versatile treatment to target uneven skin tone and remove unwanted hair, IPL may be the treatment for you! Stadia Med Spa is happy to answer any questions you may have about the types of laser hair removal during your free consultation.

Book Your Treatment Today!

Stadia Med Spa offers laser hair removal with Alexandrite and Nd: YAg lasers. We also offer hair removal and skin rejuvenation with IPL! Let Stadia Med Spa help you discover a beautiful, confident you with smooth, hair-free skin.

Contact Stadia Med Spa to schedule your laser hair removal treatment today! Or start with a free consultation if you want more information.

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Call 210-881-6270today!

Types of Laser Hair Removal Devices for the Best Results at Stadia (2024)

FAQs

Which laser hair removal machine is the most effective? ›

The Best Technology AND The Best Machine
  • Alexandrite laser: Alexandrite lasers are very effective at removing dark hair on light skin. ...
  • Nd:YAG laser: Nd:YAG lasers are safe for all skin tones, and they are effective at removing both light and dark hair.

What is the most effective form of laser hair removal? ›

For laser hair removal, the most popular devices are those using Diode, Alexandrite, Nd:YAG and IPL technology. These provide the safest and most effective results for permanent hair reduction.

Which laser hair removal works best? ›

Laser hair removal works best on people with light skin and dark hair because the contrast makes it easier for the laser to target the pigment in the hair follicle during treatment.

Which laser is better diode or Alexandrite? ›

Diode lasers are typically more effective for individuals with darker hair and fair skin, while alexandrite lasers are more versatile and can be used on a wider range of skin types and hair colors. Another factor to consider is the treatment area.

What is the number one laser hair removal product? ›

If you have light hair and are looking for the best at-home laser hair removal device, we found that the Iluminage Touch was effective on light hair.

What are the 3 types of lasers for hair removal? ›

There are various kinds, including diode, alexandrite, and Nd:YAG. “The diode laser is the Mercedes-Benz of all lasers,” says Fusco.

What is the best permanent hair removal laser or electrolysis? ›

Electrolysis is considered a more permanent solution than laser hair removal (it stops hair growth completely while laser hair removal slows and reduces hair growth), but it requires more individual sessions (closer to 14), and the sessions can take longer. You might not see full results for nearly 18 months.

What is super hair removal? ›

Super Hair Removal (SHR) uses low energy light via rapid pulses to safely traumatise the stem cells of any unwanted hair, helping prevent any regrowth. Compared to older, traditional hair removal treatments that use Laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), Super Hair Removal (SHR) is faster, gentler and more effective.

Are at home laser hair removal devices worth it? ›

At-home laser hair removal is a viable option for unwanted hair maintenance, but it's not always effective and doesn't guarantee long-lasting results. If you want a laser treatment, you should only trust the professionals who can provide safer and more effective hair removal results.

What are the negatives of laser hair removal? ›

Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.

Is at home laser as good as professional? ›

These devices are safe for amateurs to use at home, so you don't have to worry about singeing yourself in the name of smooth skin. (Still, make sure you follow the directions exactly — because laser.) But with less power also comes less effectiveness: The at-home devices don't work as well as the pro models.

What are the cons of Alexandrite laser? ›

Pain during treatment (reduced by contact cooling and if necessary, topical anaesthetic) Redness, swelling and itching immediately after the procedure that may last a few days after treatment. Rarely, skin pigment may absorb too much light energy and blistering can occur.

What are the pros and cons of Alexandrite laser? ›

Alexandrite lasers are known for their high repetition rates, allowing for faster treatment sessions and quicker results. However, as effective as alexandrite lasers are on lighter skin tones, they may not work as well on darker skin due to the risk of pigmentation changes.

What is the difference between IPL and Alexandrite laser hair removal? ›

*Unlike the IPL laser, technology like the Alexandrite laser uses a single, precise wavelength, to target the melanin the hair follicle exactly, so there is no 'hit and miss'. *This exact wavelength leads to a more effective treatment than IPL hair removal and therefore fewer treatments in the long term.

Which is better IPL or diode laser machine? ›

However, there are some key differences between the two technologies: Wavelength: IPL uses a broad spectrum of wavelengths, typically ranging from 500-1200nm. Diode laser hair removal, on the other hand, uses a single wavelength of light, typically in the range of 800-810nm.

What is the difference between IPL and laser hair removal machine? ›

IPL versus laser hair removal for the face

Laser is effective for black or dark brown hair, along with a broader range of skin tones with contrasting hair colours. IPL works best for light to medium skin types with dark hair, as well as targeting light brown hair.

What is the difference between candela and Alexandrite laser? ›

Candela brand of Alexandrite has a larger spot size of 18mm as opposed to Cynosure brand of Alexandrite with their 15 mm spot size. The 69% larger spot size means for large areas, it is much faster.

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